20 Movies That Were Accused of Satanic Messaging

Cinema has long been a battleground for moral panic and religious controversy regarding the depiction of evil forces. Many filmmakers explore dark themes to challenge audiences or tell compelling horror stories. These artistic choices often draw the ire of religious groups who believe such content promotes occult practices. The following films faced significant backlash and accusations of harboring or promoting satanic messaging.

‘The Exorcist’ (1973)

William Friedkin directed this adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s novel about a young girl possessed by a demon. Religious groups condemned the film upon release for its graphic depictions of religious desecration and pure evil. Evangelists claimed the movie retained actual evil spirits that could infect the viewing audience. The production itself was rumored to be cursed due to a series of unfortunate accidents on set.

‘Rosemary’s Baby’ (1968)

Roman Polanski helmed this psychological horror film about a pregnant woman who suspects her neighbors belong to a cult. The Catholic Church condemned the movie for its dark themes and the chilling ending where evil seemingly triumphs. Conspiracy theorists later tried to link the tragic death of Sharon Tate to the satanic themes explored in the production. It remains a pivotal film in the genre of religious horror for its grounded approach.

‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ (2001)

J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world faced immediate backlash from various religious organizations upon its cinematic debut. Critics argued that the depiction of magic seduced children into occult practices and witchcraft. Several schools and libraries faced demands to ban the material to protect the youth from supposed satanic influence. The franchise continued to battle these accusations throughout its entire decade-long run.

‘The Omen’ (1976)

This film follows an American diplomat who unknowingly adopts the Antichrist after his own son dies. Religious audiences found the depiction of the biblical end times and the rise of the son of Satan deeply disturbing. The production was plagued by lightning strikes and accidents that cast and crew members attributed to a sinister curse. It fueled public paranoia about the presence of demonic forces hidden in the modern world.

‘The Golden Compass’ (2007)

The Catholic League called for a boycott of this fantasy adventure due to its perceived anti-religious agenda. They argued that the story encouraged children to question theological authority and promoted atheism. While not explicitly about the devil the film was accused of stripping divinity from the world in a way that aligned with satanic goals. The controversy significantly impacted the box office performance in the United States.

‘Fantasia’ (1940)

Disney faced criticism for the Night on Bald Mountain segment which features the demon Chernabog summoning evil spirits. Parents and religious groups felt the imagery was too frightening and demonic for a children’s audience. The sequence depicts ghosts and skeletons dancing in fire before being driven away by the sound of a church bell. It remains one of the darkest and most intense moments in the history of Disney animation.

‘Eyes Wide Shut’ (1999)

Stanley Kubrick’s final film depicts a secret society engaging in masked orgies and elaborate rituals. Conspiracy theorists have long analyzed the movie as an exposure of real elite satanic rings. The use of specific symbols and chants led many to believe Kubrick was revealing hidden truths about the Illuminati. These accusations intensified after the director died shortly before the film was released.

‘The Last Temptation of Christ’ (1988)

Martin Scorsese faced intense persecution and protests for his adaptation of the Nikos Kazantzakis novel. Fundamentalist groups labeled the film blasphemous and claimed it was the work of the devil. The depiction of Jesus imagining a life of sin caused riots at several movie theaters. It stands as one of the most controversial religious films ever made in Hollywood history.

‘Hocus Pocus’ (1993)

This cult classic comedy about three witches returning to Salem faced resistance from some Christian groups. They argued that the film trivialized witchcraft and presented the casting of spells as harmless fun. The accusations centered on the idea that the movie served as a gateway for children to explore the occult. Despite the backlash it became a Halloween staple for families around the world.

‘Angel Heart’ (1987)

Mickey Rourke stars as a private investigator searching for a missing singer in this neo-noir psychological horror. The film stirred controversy for its graphic content and the revelation involving Lucifer himself. Its depiction of voodoo rituals and the selling of souls drew ire from conservative critics. The intense nature of the sex scenes also contributed to the moral panic surrounding the release.

‘The Witch’ (2015)

Robert Eggers directed this period horror piece that was endorsed by the Satanic Temple. The story follows a Puritan family encountering forces of evil in the New England woods. Religious viewers found the sympathetic portrayal of the witch and the final liberation of the protagonist disturbing. The detailed recreation of seventeenth-century folklore brought a grounded realism to the satanic elements.

‘Labyrinth’ (1986)

David Bowie stars as the Goblin King in this fantasy musical that has generated strange conspiracy theories. Some observers claim the film contains subliminal imagery related to mind control and satanic abuse. They point to the masquerade scene and the kidnapping of the baby as allegories for dark rituals. These interpretations persist in online communities despite the whimsical nature of the movie.

‘The Devil’s Advocate’ (1997)

Keanu Reeves plays a lawyer who joins a high-end firm run by a charismatic man who turns out to be Satan. The film features heavy dialogue critiquing God and presenting the devil as a humanist. Christian groups criticized the movie for its seductive portrayal of evil and moral ambiguity. The climax features a monologue that directly challenges traditional religious concepts.

‘Mother!’ (2017)

Darren Aronofsky created a divisive allegory involving a poet and his wife whose home is invaded by strangers. The film retells biblical narratives including the creation and the apocalypse in a grotesque fashion. Audiences were shocked by the graphic violence involving a baby which many interpreted as a satanic sacrifice. The intense imagery led to walkouts and heated debates about the intent of the director.

‘Suspiria’ (1977)

Dario Argento crafted a vibrant horror film about an American ballet student uncovering a coven of witches. The intense violence and occult themes drew criticism for glamorizing evil through beautiful cinematography. It depicts a world where ancient dark forces operate openly within prestigious institutions. The overwhelming sensory experience was designed to unsettle the viewer on a primal level.

‘Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny’ (2006)

Jack Black and Kyle Gass star in this musical comedy where they seek a guitar pick made from a tooth of Satan. The film culminates in a rock contest against the devil himself which some found blasphemous. Religious critics argued that the movie made light of damnation and demonology. The humorous approach did not shield it from accusations of promoting satanic imagery.

‘Antichrist’ (2009)

Lars von Trier directed this graphic exploration of grief and nature involving a couple retreating to a cabin. The film suggests that nature is Satan’s church rather than God’s creation. Its extreme violence and sexual content led to accusations of pure evil and misogyny. The theological implications of the narrative disturbed many critics and religious viewers.

‘Jennifer’s Body’ (2009)

Megan Fox plays a high school cheerleader who becomes possessed by a demon after a failed sacrifice. The film satirizes the music industry and teenage relationships but features a graphic satanic ritual. Conservative critics took issue with the blend of sexuality and demonic possession. It has since gained a following for its feminist subtext despite the initial moral outcry.

‘Little Nicky’ (2000)

Adam Sandler plays the son of Satan who attempts to save hell from his ambitious brothers. The comedy portrays hell and demons in a casual and often sympathetic light. Some religious groups felt the movie trivialized the concept of eternal damnation. The depiction of the devil as a somewhat reasonable father figure was seen as subversive.

‘Crossroads’ (1986)

Ralph Macchio stars as a guitar student who seeks a legendary blues musician who sold his soul. The plot revolves entirely around the deal with the devil and a high-stakes guitar duel for a soul. While less graphic than horror films it validated the blues myth of satanic pacts. Religious critics noted the film glamorized the idea of trading one’s soul for worldly talent.

Please tell us in the comments which of these movies you think deserved the controversy.