The theme of making a deal with the devil has long fascinated filmmakers and audiences alike, offering a rich tapestry of moral dilemmas, supernatural intrigue, and often, a cautionary tale. This curated list of 10 fantasy films delves into various interpretations of this timeless narrative, showcasing the allure and peril of such pacts. Whether it's for fame, fortune, or something more sinister, these movies explore the consequences of bargaining with dark forces, providing viewers with both entertainment and food for thought.

Legend (1985)
Description: While not directly about a deal with the devil, the film features a dark lord, Darkness, who embodies evil and tempts characters with power.
Fact: Ridley Scott's original cut was significantly darker than the theatrical release. The film's score was composed by Tangerine Dream.


Angel Heart (1987)
Description: A private detective is hired to find a missing singer, leading him into a web of voodoo, murder, and a deal with the devil.
Fact: The film was heavily censored in the UK due to its graphic content. Robert De Niro's character is implied to be the devil.


The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
Description: Three women inadvertently summon the devil, who grants their wishes but with a sinister twist.
Fact: Jack Nicholson's character was inspired by the devil in the novel, but the film adds a comedic and more overt supernatural element.


The Devil's Advocate (1997)
Description: A young lawyer is offered a prestigious job in New York, only to discover his boss is the devil himself, testing his morals and ambitions.
Fact: Al Pacino's portrayal of the devil was inspired by real-life figures like Donald Trump and Roy Cohn. The film's ending was changed multiple times during production.


The Ninth Gate (1999)
Description: A rare book dealer is hired to authenticate a book that supposedly contains the key to summoning the devil, leading him into a world of occult and danger.
Fact: The film was based on the novel "El Club Dumas" by Arturo Pérez-Reverte. Roman Polanski, the director, has a cameo in the film.


Bedazzled (2000)
Description: A hapless man makes a deal with a devilish woman for seven wishes, each leading to comedic and disastrous results.
Fact: The film is a remake of the 1967 British film of the same name. Elizabeth Hurley's character was originally played by Peter Cook.


The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
Description: While not a traditional deal with the devil, the Phantom's backstory involves a pact with a mysterious figure for his musical talents.
Fact: This adaptation by Joel Schumacher is known for its lavish production and Andrew Lloyd Webber's score. The Phantom's mask was designed to be both iconic and functional.


The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)
Description: A fantastical tale where a man makes a deal with the devil to gain immortality, only to find his daughter is the price.
Fact: Heath Ledger died during filming, and his role was completed by Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell, each playing different versions of his character.


The Devil Rides Out (1968)
Description: A classic Hammer horror film where a duke battles a satanic cult to save a friend from a pact with the devil.
Fact: The film is based on a novel by Dennis Wheatley, known for his occult-themed stories. It's considered one of the best Hammer horror films.


Faust (2011)
Description: A modern retelling of Goethe's classic, where a scholar makes a pact with the devil for knowledge and youth, leading to a battle for his soul.
Fact: This film won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. It's a visually stunning adaptation with a unique approach to the story.
