If you're a fan of eerie, atmospheric horror films like 'Messiah of Evil' (1974), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 movies and shows that capture the same haunting vibes, surreal storytelling, and unsettling visuals that made 'Messiah of Evil' a cult classic. Whether you're drawn to its dreamlike dread or its unique blend of horror and art-house cinema, these recommendations will satisfy your craving for more chilling experiences.
Let's Scare Jessica to Death (1971)
Description: Like 'Messiah of Evil', this film blends psychological horror with surreal, dreamlike sequences. Both movies explore themes of isolation and paranoia, with protagonists who may or may not be losing their grip on reality. The coastal setting and slow-building dread are also similar.
Fact: Was originally titled 'The Secret Beneath the Lake' Features one of the earliest examples of a 'final girl' in horror The lead actress Zohra Lampert improvised many of her character's nervous mannerisms
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Don't Look Now (1973)
Description: Shares 'Messiah of Evil's' dreamlike quality and use of color symbolism (particularly red). Both films deal with grief and premonitions, featuring protagonists who may be experiencing visions or mental breakdowns. The Venetian setting creates a similar sense of disorientation to 'Messiah's' coastal town.
Fact: The famous sex scene was controversial for its time Used innovative editing techniques to create its haunting atmosphere Based on a story by Daphne du Maurier
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The Legend of Hell House (1973)
Description: Shares 'Messiah of Evil's' fascination with haunted spaces and unexplained phenomena. Both films feature groups of investigators confronting supernatural forces in isolated locations, with mounting psychological tension. The ambiguous nature of the haunting in both films leaves room for interpretation.
Fact: Based on a novel by Richard Matheson who also wrote the screenplay Features early work by Pamela Franklin who was a child star in 'The Innocents' Used innovative sound design to create its eerie atmosphere
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The Wicker Man (1973)
Description: Both films feature outsiders arriving in isolated communities with sinister secrets. The folk horror elements and pagan rituals in 'The Wicker Man' parallel 'Messiah of Evil's' cult aspects. Both build to shocking climaxes that reveal the true nature of the communities.
Fact: Was originally released as a B-movie double feature Christopher Lee worked for free on the film The original cut was much longer and considered lost for years
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Burnt Offerings (1976)
Description: Like 'Messiah of Evil', this is a slow-burn horror about a seemingly normal place that gradually reveals its sinister nature. Both films explore how environments can corrupt their inhabitants, with similar themes of cyclical evil and inescapable fate. The decaying mansion setting parallels 'Messiah's' abandoned town.
Fact: Based on a novel by Robert Marasco Features Bette Davis in one of her last major film roles The swimming pool scene was cited by Stephen King as particularly terrifying
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The Sentinel (1977)
Description: This film shares 'Messiah of Evil's' apocalyptic undertones and religious horror elements. Both feature protagonists uncovering dark secrets about their environments, with surreal imagery and disturbing revelations. The themes of inherited evil and gateways to hell are common to both.
Fact: Features real people with physical deformities as the 'demons' Was controversial for its portrayal of religious themes Director Michael Winner clashed with lead actress Cristina Raines during production
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The Changeling (1980)
Description: Shares 'Messiah of Evil's' emphasis on atmosphere over gore, with a similarly haunting score. Both films feature protagonists uncovering dark secrets about a location. The themes of unresolved trauma and supernatural revenge are common to both.
Fact: Based on events allegedly experienced by playwright Russell Hunter The seance scene was filmed using real paranormal techniques Considered one of the scariest ghost stories ever filmed
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The Fog (1980)
Description: Like 'Messiah of Evil', this film features a coastal community haunted by its past sins. Both use atmospheric horror and ghostly apparitions rather than graphic violence. The theme of a curse returning after 100 years parallels 'Messiah's' cyclical evil.
Fact: Was heavily reshot after test screenings Features Jamie Lee Curtis fresh from 'Halloween' John Carpenter composed the score in just two days
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City of the Living Dead (1980)
Description: Shares 'Messiah of Evil's' themes of a cursed town and impending apocalypse. Both films feature terrifying visions of the undead and a sense of inescapable doom. The atmospheric dread and emphasis on set pieces over plot are similar.
Fact: Also known as 'The Gates of Hell' Features one of the most famous 'bleeding eyes' scenes in horror The ending was famously ambiguous and debated by fans
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The Beyond (1981)
Description: Like 'Messiah of Evil', this film creates horror through surreal, almost hallucinatory imagery rather than straightforward narrative. Both feature gateways to hell and apocalyptic visions. The color palette and dream logic of both films are strikingly similar.
Fact: Was banned in the UK as a 'video nasty' Features one of the most gruesome eye trauma scenes in horror Director Lucio Fulci considered it his personal masterpiece
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