10 Movies & Shows Like Purgatory (2020)

Description: A classic horror film about a couple who realize their adopted son may be the Antichrist, blending supernatural terror with psychological dread. Its themes of prophecy and evil's infiltration of everyday life align with the referenced title's tone.

Fact: The film's infamous decapitation scene was achieved using a real-life stuntman and carefully timed editing. Jerry Goldsmith's score won an Oscar, one of the few horror films to achieve this honor.

Description: A neo-noir horror film that blends detective mystery with supernatural horror, exploring themes of identity, sin, and redemption. Its unsettling atmosphere and twist ending resonate with the referenced title's narrative style.

Fact: The film was initially given an X rating due to its graphic content but was later edited to secure an R rating. Mickey Rourke and Lisa Bonet's performances were highly controversial at the time of release.

Description: Explores themes of morality, temptation, and the supernatural, with a strong focus on the battle between good and evil. The narrative delves into psychological and spiritual conflicts, much like the referenced title.

Fact: The film's iconic law firm is named after Milton's 'Paradise Lost,' reflecting its themes of temptation and fall from grace. The movie was shot in New York and Florida, with the courtroom scenes filmed in a real courthouse.

Description: A dark, atmospheric thriller about a rare book dealer drawn into a supernatural mystery involving a demonic text. The film's slow-burn tension and occult themes align closely with the referenced title's tone.

Fact: Johnny Depp's character was originally written as much older, but the role was tailored for him. The film's eerie score was composed by Wojciech Kilar, known for his work on 'Bram Stoker's Dracula.'

Description: Focuses on a young woman who inexplicably bears the wounds of Christ, blending religious horror with psychological thriller elements. The film's exploration of faith and suffering echoes the referenced title's themes.

Fact: The film's script was inspired by real-life cases of stigmata, though it takes significant creative liberties. The soundtrack features music by Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins.

Description: A high-stakes action-horror film about a man chosen to prevent the apocalypse, featuring intense battles between good and evil. Its apocalyptic themes and moral dilemmas align with the referenced title's tone.

Fact: Arnold Schwarzenegger took the role to break away from his typical action-hero persona. The film's release was delayed to avoid competition with 'The Matrix.'

Description: A supernatural thriller about a priest investigating a mysterious death, uncovering dark secrets within the church. The film's exploration of faith, sin, and redemption parallels the referenced title's themes.

Fact: Heath Ledger's character was originally written as older, but the role was adjusted for him. The film's title refers to a secretive religious order with ties to ancient rituals.

Description: Centers on a cynical exorcist navigating a world where heaven and hell are at war, blending supernatural horror with noir aesthetics. The protagonist's struggle with his own morality and the afterlife mirrors the referenced title's themes.

Fact: Keanu Reeves performed many of his own stunts, including the scene where he's submerged in water. The film's depiction of hell was inspired by Renaissance paintings and Dante's 'Inferno.'

Description: A courtroom drama intertwined with supernatural horror, based on a true story of a girl's demonic possession and the subsequent trial. The film's blend of legal and spiritual conflict mirrors the referenced title's narrative depth.

Fact: The film is loosely based on the case of Anneliese Michel, a German woman who underwent exorcisms in the 1970s. Laura Linney's character was originally written as a man but was changed to diversify the cast.

Description: A psychological horror film based on true events, following a skeptical seminary student who witnesses an exorcism. Its focus on doubt, faith, and the supernatural resonates with the referenced title's themes.

Fact: The film is inspired by the book 'The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist,' which documents real-life exorcisms. Anthony Hopkins prepared for his role by studying exorcism rituals and meeting with clergy.