Delving into the realm of horror through the lens of Judaism offers a unique perspective on fear, tradition, and the supernatural. This collection of films not only provides spine-tingling thrills but also explores themes of identity, faith, and cultural heritage. Whether you're a fan of horror or looking to understand Jewish culture through a different lens, these films offer a compelling mix of suspense, folklore, and cinematic storytelling.

The Exorcist (1973)
Description: Although not explicitly about Judaism, the film deals with themes of possession and exorcism, which are also present in Jewish folklore. Its inclusion in this list reflects the universal themes of spiritual conflict and the battle between good and evil.
Fact: The film was nominated for ten Academy Awards and won two, including Best Adapted Screenplay.


The Sentinel (1977)
Description: This film involves a model who moves into an apartment building with a dark secret, including a connection to Jewish mysticism and the concept of the "Sentinel" guarding the gates of Hell.
Fact: The film features a cameo by Burgess Meredith and was based on a novel by Jeffrey Konvitz.


The Ninth Gate (1999)
Description: While primarily a thriller, this film touches on themes of occultism and demonic forces, which have parallels in Jewish mysticism, particularly Kabbalah. It explores the search for a rare book that can summon the Devil.
Fact: Directed by Roman Polanski, who has a history of exploring dark themes in his films.


The Possession (2012)
Description: Based on a true story, this film follows a young girl who becomes possessed by a dybbuk, a malevolent spirit from Jewish folklore. The narrative explores themes of possession, exorcism, and the power of faith, making it a quintessential Jewish horror movie.
Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life eBay auction of a supposedly haunted box, and it features Sam Raimi as a producer, known for his work in horror.


The Possession of Hannah Grace (2018)
Description: This film explores themes of possession and demonic forces, which can be linked to Jewish folklore's concept of dybbuks, even though the film itself does not explicitly mention Judaism.
Fact: It was released as a direct-to-video film but garnered attention for its chilling premise.


The Witch in the Window (2018)
Description: While not directly about Judaism, the film's themes of haunting and supernatural forces resonate with Jewish folklore's exploration of spirits and the afterlife.
Fact: The film was shot in a real, abandoned house, adding to its eerie atmosphere.


The Golem (2018)
Description: This film reimagines the classic Jewish folktale of the Golem, a creature made of clay to protect a village from persecution. It delves into themes of creation, control, and the unintended consequences of summoning supernatural forces, making it a fitting addition to this collection.
Fact: The film was shot in Hebrew, reflecting the authenticity of the Jewish setting. It also features a unique blend of horror and historical drama.


The Unborn (2009)
Description: While not exclusively Jewish, the film incorporates elements of Jewish mysticism, including the dybbuk, to tell a story of a young woman haunted by a malevolent spirit from her family's past. It's a blend of modern horror with ancient Jewish lore.
Fact: The film was directed by David S. Goyer, known for his work on the "Blade" trilogy and "The Dark Knight" films.


The Dybbuk (1937)
Description: This Yiddish-language film is one of the earliest examples of Jewish horror cinema, focusing on the story of a young woman possessed by the spirit of her dead lover, exploring themes of love, death, and the supernatural within Jewish tradition.
Fact: It's considered a landmark in Yiddish cinema and was remade in


The Entity (1982)
Description: While not directly related to Judaism, the film's themes of possession and the supernatural have parallels in Jewish folklore, particularly in the concept of dybbuks and other malevolent spirits.
Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life case of alleged paranormal activity.
