10 Greatest Religious Horror Movies Of All Time
The horrors of hell are present in all of these films.
There are a plethora of ideologies in the world that lead to some great horror concepts. The dark and macabre surrounds us everywhere, and no matter how positive or influential an idea may be, there will always be a dark side to it.
Religion is something that bears a huge potential for horror. The thought of an existence beyond our own makes for some hauntingly existential images, and these have come across very well in film. Projects that lend focus to the darker aspects of this guiding belief have plenty of variety and scope to generate scares.
For many, this is a faith that builds the foundation of how they live their life and thus creating a terrifying feature from it feels truthful to them. On the other hand, those who don't subscribe to it can be horrified at the images and ideas that it presents.
Whether these films choose to depict it as fact or just influence is irrelevant, as all of them employ the belief system to create brilliant movies that rank as some of the best in the genre.
10. Stigmata
Stigmata in Christian terminology refers to corresponding marks left on Christ's body. Supposedly these making an appearance on someone of the spiritual faith is a matter of significance. The depictions presented of the suffering of Jesus and what we know about crucifixion is horrifying enough, so to see a film that utilises the iconography makes for an exciting experience.
It isn't a perfect product, but the attention towards approaching religious horror in such a unique way has to be considered fantastic and makes the film entirely worth a viewing.
The narrative follows Frankie Paige - played by Patricia Arquette - after she becomes inflicted with Stigmata, despite being a devout atheist. A priest is sent to investigate the case and discovers secrets that could have huge ramifications not just on his church but the state of religion itself.
Arquette does a great job as the leading character in this film, and the imagery is something to behold. The narrative feels a little dramatic at points. Still, it has a compelling purpose with the final revelation even implying some real-world impact which is supposedly considered to be heresy by the Catholic Church.