10 Mystical Films About Occult Societies

Description: A police sergeant investigates the disappearance of a young girl on a remote Scottish island, only to find himself ensnared in pagan rituals and an occult society. This film is a classic in the genre for its portrayal of folk horror and secret societies.

Fact: The film's ending was so shocking that it was changed for its initial release, but the original cut has since been restored.

Description: Al Pacino plays the Devil in this legal thriller where a young lawyer discovers his new law firm is a front for a much darker agenda. The film's portrayal of a secret society of lawyers with demonic affiliations is both chilling and thought-provoking.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be a much darker horror movie, but was toned down to appeal to a broader audience.

Description: Johnny Depp stars as a rare book dealer hired to authenticate a book that supposedly holds the key to summoning the Devil. The film's journey through occult societies and demonic rituals is both thrilling and visually captivating.

Fact: The film is based on the novel "The Club Dumas" by Arturo Pérez-Reverte, and the director Roman Polanski was known for his interest in the occult.

Description: A young priest investigates the mysterious death of his mentor, uncovering a secret sect within the Catholic Church. This film delves into the hidden aspects of religious societies and their occult practices.

Fact: Heath Ledger, who plays the lead, was known for his interest in exploring complex characters with a touch of the supernatural.

Description: Set in the Louisiana bayou, this film follows a hospice nurse who discovers a dark secret involving hoodoo and an old plantation house. The film's exploration of occult practices and secret societies within the African American community adds a unique twist to the genre.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Louisiana, enhancing its eerie atmosphere with authentic settings.

Description: A college student takes a babysitting job that leads her into a night of terror involving a satanic cult. This film captures the essence of '80s occult horror with its slow-building tension and eerie atmosphere.

Fact: The film was shot on 16mm film to give it an authentic '80s feel, and it uses minimal CGI to enhance its retro horror vibe.

Description: A man attends a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife, only to suspect that the gathering is a cover for something much more sinister involving a cult. The film's slow reveal of the occult society's intentions keeps viewers on edge.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life experiences of the director, who felt uncomfortable at a dinner party, leading to the film's premise.

Description: Set in 1630s New England, this film explores the isolation and paranoia of a family accused of witchcraft, delving into themes of occult practices and the dark side of Puritan society.

Fact: The film uses authentic language from the period, making the dialogue both historically accurate and unsettling.

Description: Stanley Kubrick's final film delves into the secretive world of an elite New York City society, where masked rituals and sexual intrigue abound. The film's exploration of hidden societies and their influence on individuals makes it a cornerstone in occult cinema.

Fact: The film was released posthumously after Kubrick's death, and it features a scene where Tom Cruise's character witnesses a ritual that has become iconic in discussions about secret societies.

Description: Four friends on a hiking trip in Sweden encounter an ancient evil tied to a mysterious cult. The film's blend of psychological horror and occult themes makes it a gripping addition to this list.

Fact: The film was adapted from a novel by Adam Nevill, and it uses the Swedish wilderness to enhance its eerie atmosphere.