8 Classic Hammer Horror Films You Need To See

Christopher Lee often stated that out his entire back catalogue, this film was his favourite. It was also the one he wished had been remade with updated special effects and with him in the role as an older, more mature Duke de Richleau. Which would've been pretty awesome as The Devil Rides... is one of his best performances.

After his father dies, Simon Aron is taken under the wing of de Richleau, who has sworn to protect him but when he doesn't hear from Simon for a few months, the Duke shows up at his home to make sure that everything is alright.

Along with his companion Rex Van Ryn, de Richleau discovers that Simon is indeed well and in the middle of holding a gathering for an astrological society he has joined. Yet this seemingly innocent group hides a dark secret, a secret that The Duke will do his utmost to bring crashing down.

A strong cast and script make this film as creepy today as it was when first released. In a rare heroic role, Lee is his usual excellent self and is helped in no small part by the likes of Charles Gray, Leon Greene and a young Patrick Mower.

The subject of Satanism gives the whole thing a great sense of dread and claustrophobia that isn't lifted until the final battle where Evil is vanquished. It's just a shame it was never re-shot with modern technology.