There's something inherently terrifying about the juxtaposition of the sacred and the profane, and horror films have long exploited this tension with movies centered around nuns. These films delve into the dark side of faith, exploring themes of possession, demonic forces, and the supernatural. Here's our handpicked selection of the top 10 horror movies about nuns, each offering a unique blend of terror, suspense, and sometimes even a touch of the grotesque. Whether you're a fan of psychological horror or jump scares, this list has something for every horror aficionado.

The Nun's Story (1959)
Description: While not a horror film, this classic drama about a nun's life has elements of psychological tension and the struggle between faith and personal desires, making it an interesting inclusion.
Fact: The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, showcasing its critical acclaim.


The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
Description: Although not solely about nuns, this film includes a nun who performs an exorcism, and the legal aftermath provides a chilling backdrop to the horror of possession.
Fact: The film is loosely based on the real-life case of Anneliese Michel, whose exorcism and subsequent death caused a legal stir in Germany.


The Nun II (2023)
Description: Continuing the story from the first film, "The Nun II" delves deeper into the origins of Valak, offering more terrifying encounters and expanding the lore of the Conjuring Universe.
Fact: The film was originally planned to be released in 2020 but was delayed due to the global health crisis.


The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia (2013)
Description: While not directly about nuns, it features a family moving into a house with a dark past, including a nun who was part of a tragic event, making it a fitting addition to this list.
Fact: The film was originally titled "The Haunting in Georgia" but was changed to connect it with the first film.


The Vatican Tapes (2015)
Description: This film explores the possession of a young woman, with the Vatican sending in their top exorcist, a nun, to combat the demonic forces at play.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life accounts of exorcisms, adding a layer of authenticity to its horror.


The Devil Inside (2012)
Description: While not exclusively about nuns, this film features a nun who becomes possessed, leading to a series of exorcisms and a descent into madness. Its unique ending left audiences talking for weeks.
Fact: The film's ending was so controversial that it led to a website being created to explain the conclusion.


The Possession of Hannah Grace (2018)
Description: While not centered on nuns, it involves a morgue worker who encounters the body of a young woman who was killed during an exorcism, with demonic forces still lingering.
Fact: The film was initially titled "The Heretic" but was renamed to avoid confusion with another film.


The Nun (2018)
Description: This film is a direct spin-off from "The Conjuring 2" and focuses on the demonic nun Valak, who terrorizes a monastery in Romania. It's a chilling exploration of faith, fear, and the unknown, making it a standout in the horror genre.
Fact: The Nun was the highest-grossing film in the Conjuring Universe until "The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It" surpassed it in


The Convent (2000)
Description: This film follows a group of college students who accidentally unleash a demon in an abandoned convent, leading to a night of terror and survival.
Fact: The film was shot in an actual abandoned convent, adding to its eerie atmosphere.


The Nun's Curse (2018)
Description: This low-budget horror film follows a group of friends who awaken an evil spirit in an abandoned church, leading to a battle against a demonic nun.
Fact: The film was released directly to video, gaining a cult following among horror fans.
