Growing up with a Christian upbringing, demons were more than just mythical creatures—they were the stuff of nightmares. The idea of malevolent, invisible beings lurking in the shadows, waiting to possess a vulnerable soul, haunted my thoughts.
Key Points
My religious education instilled in me the fear that if I strayed from ‘God’s will,’ these demonic entities could take control of my body, turning me into one of them. These beings, according to the teachings, were once angels cast out of heaven for siding with Satan in his rebellion against God. Now, banished to Earth, their sole mission was to make humanity suffer as retribution for their fall from grace.
However, as I grew older, something remarkable happened—I stopped believing. My consciousness expanded, and reason took over. The fear of the supernatural that once kept me up at night faded away, replaced by a more rational understanding of the world.
I realized that there was no concrete evidence to support the existence of demons, and without proof, there was no point in holding onto such fears. My journey from a frightened child to a rational adult marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one where I could enjoy horror movies without the lingering fear that they might invite demonic forces into my home.
The Evolution of Horror: From Fear to Fascination
One of the first steps I took in shedding my fear of demons was to confront it head-on by diving into the world of horror movies. For years, I avoided films like The Exorcist out of fear that watching them would somehow attract demons. But as my belief in these entities waned, I began to challenge my previous fears. I bought a Ouija board and dared any spirits to communicate with me—nothing happened. I even went so far as to sign a tongue-in-cheek contract to sell my soul to the devil, and unsurprisingly, life continued as normal.
With my newfound confidence, I started binge-watching horror films, especially those centered around demonic themes. What I discovered was not the terror I had once anticipated, but rather a deep enjoyment of the genre. Horror movies, I realized, were a safe way to explore fears and anxieties in a controlled environment. They offered a thrill that was both exhilarating and oddly comforting, knowing that the terror was confined to the screen.
A Deep Dive into Demonic Cinema
Here’s a list of some of the most iconic demon-centric films that I finally got around to watching. Some are chilling, others campy, but all of them offer a unique take on the concept of demonic forces.
Night of the Demons (1988) & Night of the Demons 2 (1994)
Night of the Demons is a cult classic that combines the thrill of demonic horror with the nostalgia of 1980s teen slasher films. Set in the ominous Hull House, the story follows a group of teenagers looking to party on Halloween night. Unbeknownst to them, the house is haunted by demons, and their Ouija board antics awaken a malevolent force. The film is infamous for its outrageous special effects, including a particularly memorable scene involving a possessed character and a lipstick tube. The sequel, Night of the Demons 2, amps up the comedy and special effects, making it a fun, albeit less terrifying, follow-up. With more demonic transformations and a few laughs along the way, it’s a perfect example of how horror can blend with humor.
Demons (1985) & Demons 2 (1986)
Directed by Lamberto Bava and produced by Dario Argento, Demons is a gruesome Italian horror film set inside a cursed movie theater. When an audience member dons a mysterious mask, it triggers a demonic outbreak, turning viewers into bloodthirsty monsters. The film is a gorefest, complete with over-the-top special effects and a rock-infused soundtrack featuring Billy Idol and Mötley Crüe. Demons 2 shifts the setting to a high-rise apartment complex, where a young girl is possessed by a demon emerging from her television screen. The film plays on themes of contagion and isolation, as the demonic plague spreads through the building. Both films are quintessential 1980s horror, blending grotesque imagery with a touch of absurdity.
Night of the Demon (1957)
A classic from the 1950s, Night of the Demon (also known as Curse of the Demon) is a psychological horror film that delves into the world of satanic cults and supernatural forces. The story follows a skeptical professor investigating a series of mysterious deaths linked to a malevolent parchment. The film’s atmosphere and intelligent dialogue make it a standout in the genre, influencing future films like Sam Raimi’s Drag Me to Hell.
Drag Me to Hell (2009)
Directed by Sam Raimi, Drag Me to Hell is a modern horror film that revisits the theme of demonic curses. The story revolves around a young bank employee who denies a loan to an old gypsy woman, only to find herself cursed by a demon known as The Lamia. The film is a blend of horror and dark humor, with Raimi’s signature style evident throughout. While not as terrifying as The Evil Dead, it offers a fun, spooky experience.
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
This film blurs the line between horror and courtroom drama, exploring the real-life case of Anneliese Michel, a German Catholic girl who underwent an exorcism that lasted ten months and ultimately led to her death. The Exorcism of Emily Rose presents the events in flashbacks during a court trial, questioning whether the girl’s death was due to demonic possession or a result of untreated psychological and physical conditions. The ambiguity of the film adds to its eerie atmosphere, leaving audiences questioning what is real and what is not.
Paranormal Activity (2009)
A found-footage horror film, Paranormal Activity became a cultural phenomenon with its realistic portrayal of a couple haunted by demonic forces. The film’s low-budget, documentary-style approach made it all the more terrifying, as it played on the viewer’s fear of the unknown. While the film loses its impact upon repeated viewings, its initial release sparked a renewed interest in supernatural horror, drawing comparisons to classics like The Amityville Horror.
Conclusion: Embracing the Darkness with a Rational Mind
My journey from fearing demons to reveling in demonic horror films has been both enlightening and entertaining. What once kept me awake at night has now become a source of fascination and enjoyment. Horror movies, particularly those involving demons, offer a way to explore deep-seated fears in a safe, controlled environment. They allow us to confront the darkness, knowing that it’s all just make-believe.
So, the next time you find yourself fearing the shadows, remember—sometimes, the best way to overcome fear is to face it head-on. And what better way to do that than by watching a good old-fashioned demon movie? Just don’t forget to turn off the lights for the full effect.
