If you're a fan of eerie, occult-themed horror like The Witchmaker (1969), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 chilling movies and shows that capture the same dark, supernatural essence. Whether you love vintage horror or crave more witchy thrills, these picks will keep you spellbound.

Rosemary's Baby (1968)
Description: A psychological horror film centered around occult themes and paranoia, where a woman suspects her neighbors are part of a sinister conspiracy.
Fact: The film's iconic apartment building, The Dakota, is a real location in New York City. The movie's success helped cement the 'Satanic panic' trope in horror cinema.


The Dunwich Horror (1970)
Description: Based on H.P. Lovecraft's work, this film explores cosmic horror and forbidden rituals, with a protagonist uncovering dark family secrets tied to ancient evils.
Fact: The movie was one of the first to adapt Lovecraft's stories for the big screen. It features psychedelic visuals that were trendy in late 60s and early 70s horror.


The Brotherhood of Satan (1971)
Description: A horror film about a family trapped in a small town controlled by a Satanic cult that performs ritualistic sacrifices, blending rural horror with occult themes.
Fact: The film's eerie atmosphere was enhanced by its desert locations. It features one of the earliest uses of children as central figures in a Satanic cult narrative.


The Mephisto Waltz (1971)
Description: A supernatural thriller focusing on soul transference and occult practices, where a musician becomes entangled in a web of dark magic and deception.
Fact: The title refers to a fictional piano piece that plays a key role in the plot. The film explores themes of artistic obsession intertwined with the occult.


The Legend of Hell House (1973)
Description: A haunted house story with strong paranormal investigation elements, featuring a team attempting to uncover the truth behind a notoriously evil location.
Fact: Based on Richard Matheson's novel, the film uses scientific explanations for supernatural phenomena. It features one of the first uses of electronic music in a horror soundtrack.


The Wicker Man (1973)
Description: A folk horror film that delves into pagan rituals and rural cults, featuring an outsider investigating mysterious events in an isolated community.
Fact: The film was heavily edited upon its original release, with some scenes only being restored decades later. It was initially marketed as a straightforward horror film, misleading audiences about its true nature.


Race with the Devil (1975)
Description: A action-horror hybrid where vacationers witness a Satanic ritual and find themselves pursued by a mysterious cult through rural America.
Fact: The film blends car chase sequences with occult horror, creating a unique genre mix. It was inspired by real-life reports of Satanic cult activity in the 1970s.


The Omen (1976)
Description: A supernatural horror film about the Antichrist growing up in a prominent family, featuring prophetic warnings and gruesome 'accidental' deaths.
Fact: The film's release was accompanied by strange occurrences that fueled publicity, including lightning striking the plane carrying the producer. It spawned multiple sequels and a remake.


To the Devil a Daughter (1976)
Description: A British horror film about a young woman being prepared as a vessel for demonic possession, featuring elaborate ritual sequences and Satanic panic themes.
Fact: This was Hammer Films' attempt to modernize their horror style. The controversial ending was altered from the original novel to be more shocking.


The Sentinel (1977)
Description: A psychological horror film about a woman who moves into a Brooklyn apartment building that serves as a gateway to Hell, featuring disturbing imagery and religious themes.
Fact: The film used actual people with physical deformities to portray the damned souls, causing controversy. It features one of Burgess Meredith's most unusual horror roles.
