10 Movies and Shows Like Psychomania (1973)

Description: Like 'Psychomania', 'Rosemary's Baby' delves into the occult and satanic cults, with a focus on the psychological horror of discovering one's surroundings are not what they seem. Both films use slow-building tension and a sense of inevitable doom.

Fact: Directed by Roman Polanski, it's based on Ira Levin's bestselling novel. The film's portrayal of Satanism caused significant controversy upon release. Mia Farrow's performance is considered one of the greatest in horror cinema.

Description: Based on H.P. Lovecraft's story, this film shares with 'Psychomania' a theme of ancient evil resurfacing in the modern world. Both films blend psychological horror with supernatural elements, and feature cult-like groups.

Fact: Stars Sandra Dee and Dean Stockwell. The film takes liberties with Lovecraft's original story. Its psychedelic visuals were inspired by the counterculture movement of the time.

Description: This film parallels 'Psychomania' in its depiction of a satanic cult preying on unsuspecting victims. Both films use a rural setting to enhance the isolation and horror, and feature children in sinister roles.

Fact: The film's plot involves a family trapped in a town controlled by a satanic cult. It was one of the first horror films to depict children as primary antagonists. The movie's eerie atmosphere is heightened by its minimalist score.

Description: Both 'The Exorcist' and 'Psychomania' deal with demonic possession and the battle between good and evil. While 'The Exorcist' is more graphic and intense, both films share a fascination with the supernatural and its impact on ordinary people.

Fact: Based on William Peter Blatty's novel, inspired by a real exorcism. It was the first horror film to be nominated for the Best Picture Oscar. Audience reactions were so extreme that theaters provided vomit bags.

Description: Like 'Psychomania', 'The Devil's Rain' features a cult with supernatural powers and a focus on the macabre. Both films have a distinctive 70s horror aesthetic and explore themes of possession and satanic worship.

Fact: Features an early appearance by John Travolta. The melting effects were achieved with wax models. Ernest Borgnine plays the cult leader with a memorable, over-the-top performance.

Description: Similar to 'Psychomania' in its blend of horror and road movie aesthetics, 'Race with the Devil' features a group of people encountering sinister, occult forces during a road trip. Both films explore themes of paranoia and hidden evil lurking beneath seemingly normal settings.

Fact: Starring Peter Fonda and Warren Oates, the film was marketed as a high-speed chase thriller with supernatural elements. The movie's climax involves a dramatic chase scene that was highly praised for its tension and execution. It was directed by Jack Starrett, known for his work in exploitation films.

Description: This film shares with 'Psychomania' a theme of satanic influence and the antichrist, presented in a more mainstream but equally chilling manner. Both movies explore the idea of evil manifesting in unexpected places.

Fact: Gregory Peck and Lee Remick star in this classic horror. The film's score by Jerry Goldsmith won an Academy Award. Several eerie accidents occurred during production, leading to rumors of a curse.

Description: This film shares with 'Psychomania' a focus on satanic cults and the corruption of the innocent. Both films blend horror with a sense of tragic inevitability, and feature strong occult themes.

Fact: Based on a novel by Dennis Wheatley. Stars Richard Widmark and Christopher Lee. It was Hammer Films' attempt to modernize their classic horror style.

Description: Similar to 'Psychomania', 'The Sentinel' explores themes of the occult and the supernatural intruding into everyday life. Both films feature eerie, atmospheric builds to their horrifying revelations.

Fact: The film features real people with physical deformities as the 'demons', which caused controversy. It's based on Jeffrey Konvitz's novel. The movie's climax is set in a bizarre, hellish apartment.

Description: A spiritual successor to 'The Wicker Man', this film, like 'Psychomania', explores pagan rituals and the clash between modern society and ancient beliefs. Both films feature cults with sinister intentions hidden behind a facade of normalcy.

Fact: Directed by Robin Hardy, who also directed the original 'The Wicker Man'. The film is based on Hardy's own novel 'Cowboys for Christ'. It was intended to be a more accessible version of 'The Wicker Man's' themes.