The Best Horror Movies About Cults and Conspiracies

Ranker Film
Updated April 28, 2024 27.7K views 55 items
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As you're reading through this list of the best horror movies about cults, please don't drink the Kool-Aid. This list ranks the scariest movies about cults and conspiracies, with the help of your votes. Do you have a favorite scary movie about a cult? The most recent example of a good cult horror movie is 2016's The Invitation, which finds the main character Will at a creepy dinner party hosted by his ex-wife.

Other good horror movies about cult leaders include beloved classics like The Wicker Man and Children of the Corn. Modern scary movies about conspiracies and cults include V/H/S/2 and The Conspiracy, both of which happen to be found footage movies.

Vote up your favorite horror movies with cults below, and downvote any films you've seen but didn't really enjoy.

Most divisive: Kill List
Over 800 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Scariest Movies About Cults and Conspiracies
  • The Wicker Man
    1

    The Wicker Man

    Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee, Britt Ekland
    304 votes

    For Fans Of: Folk Horror, Mystery, Thriller
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: This chilling 1973 cult classic explores the unnerving world of pagan rituals and human sacrifice, as Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) investigates the disappearance of a young girl on a remote Scottish island. Filled with eerie imagery, unforgettable performances, and an atmosphere that steadily builds to its horrifying climax, The Wicker Man is essential viewing for those intrigued by secretive societies and their dark practices.

    In The Wicker Man, Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) is drawn to the isolated Scottish island of Summerisle. His mission? To investigate the disappearance of a young girl. Yet, he finds himself plunged into a world of strange rituals and customs, led by the enigmatic Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee). As Howie digs deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a chilling secret. The film, a classic in the horror genre, won Best Horror Film at the 1974 Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films. Its blend of suspense and shock continues to captivate audiences today.
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  • Children of the Corn
    2

    Children of the Corn

    Peter Horton, Linda Hamilton, R. G. Armstrong
    296 votes

    For Fans Of: Horror, Supernatural Horror, Thriller
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: Based on Stephen King's short story, Children of the Corn plunges viewers into a rural town overrun by a sinister child-led cult worshipping a malevolent entity known as "He Who Walks Behind the Rows." As outsiders become entangled in this dangerous web of fanaticism and violence, tensions escalate towards an explosive showdown. For fans of cults lurking beneath seemingly idyllic exteriors, this chilling tale offers a potent mix of horror, suspense, and twisted devotion.

    In the heart of rural Nebraska, Burt (Peter Horton) and Vicky (Linda Hamilton) stumble upon a desolate town, Gatlin. This eerie place is inhabited solely by children - a chilling result of a sinister pact made with a demonic entity known as He Who Walks Behind The Rows. As Burt and Vicky unravel the dark secrets that bind these children to the cornfields, they find themselves entangled in a fight for survival. 1984's Children of the Corn, based on Stephen King's short story, weaves together elements of suspense, mystery and supernatural terror.
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  • Suspiria
    3

    Suspiria

    Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini, Joan Bennett
    217 votes

    For Fans Of: Horror, Supernatural Horror, Mystery
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: Dario Argento's visually stunning masterpiece follows American ballet student Suzy Bannion (Jessica Harper) as she uncovers a terrifying conspiracy involving witchcraft at her prestigious German dance academy. With its striking use of color, haunting score by Goblin, and scenes that will linger long after the credits roll, Suspiria presents a mesmerizing exploration into hidden covens operating behind closed doors.

    Suzy (Jessica Harper) travels to Germany to attend ballet school. When she arrives, late on a stormy night, no one lets her in, and she sees Pat (Eva Axén), another student, fleeing from the school. When Pat reaches her apartment, she is murdered. The next day, Suzy is admitted to her new school, but has a difficult time settling in. She hears noises, and often feels ill. As more people die, Suzy uncovers the terrifying secret history of the place.
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  • The Evil Dead
    4

    The Evil Dead

    Bruce Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss, Betsy Baker
    261 votes

    For Fans Of: Horror, Comedy Horror, Supernatural Horror
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: Sam Raimi's iconic horror debut showcases demonic possession unleashed by ancient incantations from the mysterious Necronomicon Ex-Mortis found in an isolated cabin. Filled with gore-soaked practical effects and a relentless sense of dread, The Evil Dead is an adrenaline-fueled descent into the terrifying consequences of meddling with dark powers beyond human comprehension.

    Five college students, led by Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell), stumble upon an isolated cabin in the heart of a dense, eerie forest. Within its decaying walls, they discover an ancient book - The Necronomicon - and a tape recorder holding cryptic incantations. Recoiling in fascination and dread, they unwittingly unleash a horde of malevolent spirits. As the supernatural forces grow increasingly hostile, the group's bond is strained to breaking point. Directed by Sam Raimi, The Evil Dead is a visceral exploration of survival horror that has been celebrated as a cult classic within the genre since its release in 1981.
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  • Halloween
    5

    Halloween

    Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis, Nancy Kyes
    310 votes

    For Fans Of: Horror, Slasher, Thriller
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: Although not overtly focused on cults, John Carpenter's seminal slasher film delves into themes of urban legends, supernatural evil, and the enigmatic Michael Myers' connection to ancient rites like Samhain. With its unforgettable score and expertly crafted tension, Halloween offers a chilling look at the sinister forces lurking beneath suburban tranquility.

    In the iconic horror film Halloween, directed by John Carpenter, the tranquil town of Haddonfield, Illinois is thrown into a state of terror. The menace arrives in the form of Michael Myers (Nick Castle), an escaped mental patient with a chilling past. The film's protagonist, Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis), finds herself in Myers's crosshairs on Halloween night. As she and her friends become targets, Dr. Sam Loomis (Donald Pleasence), Myers's psychiatrist, races against time to stop his murderous rampage. Unpredictable yet relentless, Halloween weaves a tale of suspense that won't soon be forgotten.
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  • The Ninth Gate
    6

    The Ninth Gate

    Johnny Depp, Frank Langella, Lena Olin
    246 votes

    For Fans Of: Mystery, Thriller, Supernatural
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: Roman Polanski's occult thriller centers around rare book dealer Dean Corso (Johnny Depp), whose search for a legendary tome said to summon the Devil himself leads him down a perilous path of conspiracy and sinister sects. With its labyrinthine plot and atmospheric visuals, The Ninth Gate offers an enthralling journey into dangerous esoteric knowledge coveted by power-hungry zealots.

    Dean Corso (Johnny Depp) specializes in tracking down rare and exotic volumes for collectors. Boris Balkan (Frank Langella) has recently acquired a seventeenth-century satanic text called The Nine Gates- a legendary book written by Satan himself. With The Nine Gates in his possession, Corso soon finds himself at the center of strange and violent goings-on. Not only is his apartment ransacked, it appears that he is being shadowed ferociously by others determined to regain the book.
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  • Midsommar
    7

    Midsommar

    Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, William Jackson Harper
    323 votes

    For Fans Of: Folk Horror, Drama, Mystery
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: Ari Aster's visually arresting folk horror tale follows a grieving woman (Florence Pugh) who accompanies her boyfriend to an isolated Swedish village for a once-in-a-lifetime midsummer festival. Slowly unraveling the bizarre customs and rituals practiced by this seemingly idyllic community, Midsommar masterfully explores themes of collective hysteria, manipulation, and psychological trauma through its disturbing yet beautifully crafted narrative.

    A young American couple, their relationship foundering, travel to a fabled Swedish midsummer festival where a seemingly pastoral paradise transforms into a sinister, dread-soaked nightmare as the locals reveal their terrifying agenda.
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  • The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
    8

    The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

    Marilyn Burns, Gunnar Hansen, Allen Danziger
    271 votes

    For Fans Of: Horror, Slasher
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: This visceral nightmare from Tobe Hooper delves into the macabre world of Leatherface and his cannibalistic family as they prey upon unsuspecting travelers in rural Texas. Though not explicitly focused on cults, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre examines themes of isolation, perverse familial devotion, and the disturbing idea that monstrous ideologies can fester beneath seemingly ordinary facades.

    In the heart of rural Texas, a horrendous tale unfolds. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, a chilling horror film directed by Tobe Hooper, tells the story of Sally Hardesty (Marilyn Burns) and her friends, who unwittingly stumble upon a family of cannibals during their trip to an old homestead. Among them lurks Leatherface (Gunnar Hansen), a monstrous figure wielding a chainsaw, whose terrifying presence dominates the film. As their peaceful journey spirals into a nightmarish chase for survival, viewers are left on the edge of their seats. Despite its low-budget production, the movie has gained cult status and is widely regarded as one of the most influential horror films in cinema history.
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  • The Invitation
    9

    The Invitation

    Logan Marshall-Green, Michiel Huisman, Tammy Blanchard
    328 votes

    For Fans Of: Thriller, Mystery, Psychological Horror
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: Karyn Kusama's psychological thriller invites viewers into a tense dinner party where old friends reunite under increasingly unsettling circumstances. As paranoia mounts and suspicions regarding the hosts' true intentions reach fever pitch, The Invitation offers a masterclass in slow-burning suspense while exploring themes of grief-driven manipulation, indoctrination, and the seductive allure of so-called spiritual enlightenment.

    In the tension-filled thriller, The Invitation, Will (Logan Marshall-Green) finds himself attending a dinner party at his former home, hosted by his ex-wife Eden (Tammy Blanchard) and her new husband David (Michiel Huisman). The night takes a dark turn as the hosts' bizarre behavior escalates, leading Will to suspect their true intentions. Unfolding in real-time, this gripping tale of suspense is directed by Karyn Kusama, who masterfully builds the anxiety and mystery throughout. This film blurs the line between paranoia and genuine danger, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats until its shocking conclusion.
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  • The Rocky Horror Picture Show
    10

    The Rocky Horror Picture Show

    Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick
    234 votes

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Musical, Cult Classic
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: This beloved cult classic transports viewers to the bizarre world of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry) and his eccentric entourage, offering a unique blend of horror, science fiction, and campy musical numbers. Though not focused on traditional conspiracies or religious cults, The Rocky Horror Picture Show epitomizes the concept of a 'cult following,' where audiences worldwide have formed their own subculture around this singular cinematic experience.

    In the cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, newly engaged couple Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick) and Janet Weiss (Susan Sarandon) find themselves in a bizarre world after their car breaks down. At the mercy of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), an eccentric transvestite scientist, they witness outlandish events in his gothic mansion. The film, peppered with catchy rock songs and dance numbers, is a wild blend of sci-fi horror and bawdy comedy. Noteworthy for its distinctive style, it's become a staple midnight movie, winning over audiences since 1975.
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  • Evil Dead II
    11

    Evil Dead II

    Bruce Campbell, Sarah Berry, Dan Hicks
    197 votes

    For Fans Of: Horror, Comedy Horror, Supernatural Horror
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: Sam Raimi's sequel to his horror classic ramps up the darkly comedic gore while continuing to explore themes of ancient rituals and demonic possession through protagonist Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell). Combining its predecessor's relentless terror with newfound absurdity, Evil Dead II remains an entertaining thrill ride delving deeper into the arcane forces at play alongside its iconic lead character.

    Evil Dead II, a sequel that straddles the line between horror and comedy, sees Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) returning to the screen. He's marooned in a cabin in the woods, besieged by demonic forces awakened by an ancient text - the Necronomicon. Joined by Annie Knowby (Sarah Berry), daughter of the cabin's owner, they grapple with relentless undead onslaughts. Director Sam Raimi uses innovative camera work and practical effects to create a uniquely terrifying yet laugh-inducing atmosphere. The film is lauded for its blend of genres, making it a cult classic in both horror and comedy circles.
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  • The House of the Devil
    12

    The House of the Devil

    Jocelin Donahue, Tom Noonan, Mary Woronov
    159 votes

    For Fans Of: Horror, Thriller, Supernatural Horror
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: Ti West's atmospheric throwback to 1980s horror sees college student Samantha Hughes (Jocelin Donahue) drawn into a terrifying web of deceit and occult rituals while babysitting at an isolated mansion. With its slow-burning tension, expertly crafted scares, and exploration of satanic panic, The House of the Devil offers an engrossing descent into paranoia for fans of sinister cult-driven narratives.

    Desperate to make some money so she can move into a new apartment, college student Samantha Hughes (Jocelin Donahue) takes a mysterious babysitting job. When she arrives at the house, Mr. Ulman (Tom Noonan) mentions a full lunar eclipse and explains there is no child, but that Samantha will be watching his mother instead. After exploring the sinister-seeming house, Samantha soon comes to realize that her employers are hiding a horrifying secret and have plans to use her, dead or alive.
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  • V/H/S/2
    13

    V/H/S/2

    L.C. Holt, Hannah Hughes, Lawrence Michael Levine
    150 votes

    For Fans Of: Horror, Found Footage, Anthology
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: This found-footage anthology features a standout segment entitled Safe Haven, directed by Timo Tjahjanto and Gareth Evans, wherein journalists infiltrate an Indonesian death cult with horrifying consequences. Packed with visceral gore and disturbing revelations about the group's apocalyptic agenda, V/H/S/2 delivers shocking insights into fanatical devotion taken to grisly extremes.

    As they search for clues to the whereabouts of a missing student, a couple view the ghastly stories recorded on a collection of videotapes.
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  • The Blair Witch Project
    14

    The Blair Witch Project

    Heather Donahue, Michael C. Williams, Joshua Leonard
    270 votes

    For Fans Of: Horror, Found Footage, Supernatural Horror
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: This groundbreaking found-footage horror film delves into the legend surrounding the enigmatic Blair Witch as three documentary filmmakers become lost within Maryland's Black Hills Forest. As their journey spirals into disorientation and dread, The Blair Witch Project explores the chilling allure of mysterious folklore and raises questions about the true nature of the terrifying entity haunting their every step.

    The Blair Witch Project, a found footage horror film, tells the story of three student filmmakers - Heather Donahue (Heather Donahue), Michael C. Williams (Michael C. Williams), and Joshua Leonard (Joshua Leonard). As part of an academic project, they venture into the Black Hills near Burkittsville, Maryland to investigate the local legend of the Blair Witch. Equipped with cameras, they document their experiences, only to find themselves lost in the woods and increasingly terrorized by unseen entities. The low-budget movie, which cleverly blurs the line between fiction and reality, became a cultural phenomenon upon its release and pioneered a new era of horror filmmaking.
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  • The Lodge
    15

    The Lodge

    Riley Keough, Jaeden Martell, Lia McHugh
    94 votes

    For Fans Of: Drama, Horror, Psychological Thriller
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: This psychological thriller from directors Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala follows siblings Aidan (Jaeden Martell) and Mia (Lia McHugh), who become trapped in an isolated cabin with their future stepmother, Grace (Riley Keough). As paranoia and past traumas resurface, The Lodge delves into themes of religious extremism, manipulation, and repressed memories with bone-chilling intensity.

    During a family retreat to a remote winter cabin over the holidays, the father is forced to abruptly depart for work, leaving his two children in the care of his new girlfriend, Grace. Isolated and alone, a blizzard traps them inside the lodge as terrifying events summon specters from Grace's dark past.
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  • The Sacrament
    16

    The Sacrament

    Joe Swanberg, Amy Seimetz, AJ Bowen
    140 votes

    For Fans Of: Horror, Found Footage, Thriller
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: Inspired by real-life events surrounding the infamous Jonestown Massacre, this found-footage horror film directed by Ti West follows a group of journalists as they uncover dark secrets lurking within a utopian commune. Featuring exceptional performances from Amy Seimetz, AJ Bowen, and Gene Jones as the enigmatic cult leader "Father," The Sacrament is a harrowing exploration into fanaticism gone awry.

    Found footage reveals the events surrounding an investigative team's visit to a remote commune, led by a dangerous fanatic who maintains an iron grip on his followers.
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  • Helter Skelter
    17

    Helter Skelter

    Alan Oppenheimer, Jon Gries, Steve Railsback
    95 votes

    For Fans Of: Crime, Drama, True Crime
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: This gripping TV movie adaptation details the infamous Manson Family murders while delving into Charles Manson's twisted ideology that incited his followers to commit heinous acts of violence. With its chilling portrayal of the dark side of human nature and the psychological manipulation that drives cult members to extremes, Helter Skelter offers a terrifying glimpse into real-life horror.

    Helter Skelter is a 1976 TV film based on the 1974 book by prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry. In the United States, it aired over two nights. In some countries it was shown in theaters with additional footage. The movie is based upon the murders committed by the Charles Manson Family. The best-known victim was actress Sharon Tate. The title was taken from the Beatles' song of the same name. According to the theory put forward by the prosecution, Manson used the term for an anticipated race war, and "healter skelter" [sic] was scrawled in blood on the refrigerator door at the house of one of the victims. It recounts the murders Manson committed, the investigation, and the 1970-71 trial where prosecuting D.A. Bugliosi attempted to draw connections between the Manson family and his violent convictions. The 1976 film, directed by Tom Gries, stars Steve Railsback as Manson and George DiCenzo as Bugliosi. Writer JP Miller received a 1977 Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best TV Feature or MiniSeries Teleplay. In 2004, the book was adapted for a second made-for-TV movie, written and directed by John Gray and featuring Jeremy Davies as Manson.
  • The Black Cat
    18

    The Black Cat

    Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, David Manners
    93 votes

    For Fans Of: Horror, Psychological Horror, Thriller
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: This 1934 classic starring horror icons Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi features a twisted tale of murder, revenge, and satanic rituals within an evil genius's futuristic mansion. Combining noir atmosphere with elements of dark humor, The Black Cat remains an atmospheric exploration into sinister conspiracies and wicked ambitions.

    Not to be confused with the 1941 version also featuring Bela Lugosi. The Black Cat is a 1934 horror film that became Universal Pictures' biggest box office hit of the year. The picture was the first of eight movies to pair actors Béla Lugosi and Boris Karloff. Edgar G. Ulmer directed the film, which was also notable for being one of the first movies with an almost continuous music score. Lugosi also appears in a 1941 film with the same title.
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  • Night of the Demon
    19

    Night of the Demon

    Dana Andrews, Peggy Cummins, Niall MacGinnis
    101 votes

    For Fans Of: Horror, Supernatural Horror, Mystery
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: This 1957 British classic centers around skeptical psychologist John Holden (Dana Andrews) as he investigates a satanic cult led by necromancer Dr. Julian Karswell (Niall MacGinnis). With its eerie atmosphere, clever plot twists, and chilling effects sequences that were groundbreaking for its time, Night of the Demon remains a must-watch for fans seeking atmospheric tales of occult conspiracies.

    Night of the Demon is a 1957 British horror film directed by Jacques Tourneur, starring Dana Andrews, Peggy Cummins and Niall MacGinnis. An adaptation of the M. R. James story "Casting the Runes", the plot revolves around an American psychologist investigating a satanic cult suspected of more than one murder. The film's production was turbulent due to clashing ideas between producer Hal E. Chester on one side and Tourneur and writer Charles Bennett on the other. Although the original plan was not to show a literal demon, producer Chester inserted a monster over the objections of the writer, director and star Dana Andrews. To accelerate the pace, the film was trimmed down to 83 minutes in the US where it played the second half of a double feature bill with both The True Story of Lynn Stuart and The Revenge of Frankenstein.
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  • Martha Marcy May Marlene
    20

    Martha Marcy May Marlene

    Elizabeth Olsen, Sarah Paulson, John Hawkes
    102 votes

    For Fans Of: Drama, Psychological Thriller, Mystery
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: Elizabeth Olsen gives a mesmerizing performance as Martha, a young woman struggling to escape her traumatic past within an enigmatic cult led by the charismatic Patrick (John Hawkes). As her story unfolds through fragmented memories, Martha Marcy May Marlene provides a haunting examination of psychological manipulation, identity crises, and the lingering effects of indoctrination on vulnerable minds.

    After several years of living with a cult, Martha (Elizabeth Olsen) finally escapes and calls her estranged sister, Lucy (Sarah Paulson), for help. Martha finds herself at the quiet Connecticut home Lucy shares with her new husband, Ted (Hugh Dancy), but the memories of what she experienced in the cult make peace hard to find. As flashbacks continue to torment her, Martha fails to shake a terrible sense of dread, especially in regard to the cult's manipulative leader (John Hawkes).
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  • Red State
    21

    Red State

    Michael Parks, John Goodman, Melissa Leo
    114 votes

    For Fans Of: Thriller, Horror, Action
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: Kevin Smith's provocative thriller plunges viewers into a violent confrontation between ATF agents and members of a fanatical religious sect led by the ruthless Pastor Abin Cooper (Michael Parks). Tackling themes of intolerance, indoctrination, and extremism with gripping intensity, Red State offers a chilling look at the darker side of blind faith.

    Three horny teenagers -- Travis (Michael Angarano), Jarod (Kyle Gallner) and Billy-Ray (Nicholas Braun) -- can't believe their luck when they meet a woman online who says she wants to hook up with all three of them at once. But the promise of sex is a trap, and the boys find themselves in the hands of Abin Cooper (Michael Parks), a lunatic preacher who spews so much hatred that even neo-Nazis stay away. Cooper means to kill the trio for their sins, prompting a desperate bid for escape.
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  • To the Devil a Daughter
    22

    To the Devil a Daughter

    Richard Widmark, Christopher Lee, Honor Blackman
    68 votes

    For Fans Of: Horror, Supernatural Horror, Occult Horror
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: This British horror film stars Christopher Lee as the malevolent Father Michael Rayner, leader of a Satanic cult intent on using innocent Catherine (Nastassja Kinski) to bring about an apocalyptic prophecy. With its occult themes, atmospheric cinematography, and engaging performances, To the Devil a Daughter presents a chilling exploration into dark religious sects and their disturbing agendas.

    A man asks an occult novelist (Richard Widmark) to save his daughter from a priest (Christopher Lee) who has teamed up with Satan.
  • Race with the Devil
    23

    Race with the Devil

    Peter Fonda, Warren Oates, Loretta Swit
    87 votes

    For Fans Of: Horror, Action, Thriller
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: This thrilling mix of action and horror follows two couples on vacation who accidentally stumble upon a satanic ritual deep in rural Texas. As they find themselves pursued by malevolent cultists intent on keeping their discoveries secret at any cost, Race with the Devil delivers adrenaline-fueled chases paired with sinister underworld revelations.

    Roger (Peter Fonda), his friend Frank (Warren Oates), and their wives (Lara Parker, Loretta Swit) are heading from San Antonio to the wilderness of rural Texas for some off-road motocross. What they find instead is a Satanic cult sacrifice, and they are unfortunate enough to be caught observing the ritual. Naturally, this doesn't sit too well with the cult members. Now Roger and Frank are on the run from what is apparently a very sizable Texan Satanist community.
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  • Black Sunday
    24

    Black Sunday

    Barbara Steele, John Richardson, Arturo Dominici
    105 votes

    For Fans Of: Horror, Supernatural Horror, Gothic Horror
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: Mario Bava's atmospheric gothic horror masterpiece tells the story of a vengeful witch (Barbara Steele) who returns from the grave centuries after her execution, seeking retribution against her descendants. With its striking black-and-white cinematography, haunting visuals, and exploration into dark supernatural forces manipulating mortal lives, Black Sunday remains an influential work for fans of cults and conspiracies within the horror genre.

    Black Sunday is a 1960 Italian gothic horror film directed by Mario Bava, from a screenplay by Ennio de Concini, Mario Serandrei and Marcello Coscia. The film stars Barbara Steele, John Richardson, Arturo Dominici and Ivo Garrani. It was Bava's directorial debut, although he had completed several previous feature films without credit. Based very loosely on Nikolai Gogol's short story "Viy", the narrative concerns a vampire-witch who is put to an end by her own brother, only to return 200 years later to seek revenge on her descendants.
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  • The Devil Rides Out
    25

    The Devil Rides Out

    Christopher Lee, Charles Gray, Nike Arrighi
    78 votes

    For Fans Of: Horror, Supernatural Horror, Occult Horror
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: Adapted from Dennis Wheatley's novel, this Hammer horror classic features Christopher Lee as heroic Duc de Richleau battling against the forces of evil led by charismatic cult leader Mocata (Charles Gray). With its thrilling confrontations between light and darkness, The Devil Rides Out provides a captivating look at arcane sects manipulating reality for sinister ends.

    When the Duc de Richleau (Christopher Lee) and Rex Van Ryn (Leon Greene) arrive at a fashionable party thrown by de Richleau's protégé, Simon Aron (Patrick Mower), they soon realize that the party is in fact a gathering of a Satanic cult, led by the high priest Mocata (Charles Gray), that plans to initiate the beautiful Tanith (Nike Arrighi) that night. It's up to de Richleau and Van Ryn to defeat the devil-worshiping Mocata and save innocent young Tanith and the others from a terrible fate.
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  • Kill List
    26

    Kill List

    MyAnna Buring, Ben Crompton, Emma Fryer
    105 votes

    For Fans Of: Crime, Horror, Thriller
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: Ben Wheatley's genre-bending thriller follows two hitmen whose latest assignment leads them down a rabbit hole of increasingly unsettling revelations about their enigmatic targets. As they uncover ominous connections to hidden networks and nightmarish rituals, Kill List offers an unconventional take on conspiracy theories with gripping suspense and brutal intensity.

    This film is a 2011 British horror film directed by Ben Wheatley, co-written and co-edited with Amy Jump, and starring Neil Maskell, Michael Smiley, and MyAnna Buring. When a British soldier returns home from Kie, his disturbed past surfaces as he spins out of control during jobs and ominous employers raise the stakes. It was filmed in Sheffield, South Yorkshire in England.
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  • Eraserhead
    27

    Eraserhead

    Jack Nance, Charlotte Stewart, Allen Joseph
    98 votes

    For Fans Of: Experimental, Horror, Surrealism
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: David Lynch's surreal debut feature centers around Henry Spencer (Jack Nance), whose nightmarish existence becomes increasingly disturbing after the birth of his deformed child. Although not explicitly focused on cult activity or conspiracy theories, Eraserhead explores themes of isolation, paranoia, and unsettling claustrophobia that will resonate with fans intrigued by these subjects.

    Eraserhead, a surrealist body of work, explores the life of Henry Spencer (Jack Nance), an introverted man living in an industrial wasteland. He finds himself burdened with fatherhood as his girlfriend, Mary X (Charlotte Stewart), gives birth to a grotesque, constantly crying creature. The movie, directed by David Lynch, is renowned for its disturbing imagery and atmospheric sound design. It's a puzzling narrative that delves into themes of fear, responsibility, and the human condition. This cult classic has left audiences contemplating its meaning since its release in 1977.
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  • Starry Eyes
    28

    Starry Eyes

    Alex Essoe, Amanda Fuller, Noah Segan
    94 votes

    For Fans Of: Horror, Psychological Horror, Satanic Horror
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: This psychological horror film delves into the dark side of ambition as aspiring actress Sarah (Alex Essoe) becomes entangled with a mysterious group promising fame but demanding horrifying sacrifices in return. Exploring themes of exploitation, obsession, and hidden power structures lurking beneath Hollywood's glamorous façade, Starry Eyes is bound to captivate those interested in conspiratorial narratives.

    A woman's pursuit of Hollywood stardom puts her on a collision course with a satanic cult.
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  • The Devils
    29

    The Devils

    Oliver Reed, Vanessa Redgrave, Dudley Sutton
    73 votes

    For Fans Of: Drama, Historical, Horror
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: Ken Russell's controversial adaptation of Aldous Huxley's novel plunges viewers into the tumultuous events surrounding the possession of a convent in 17th-century France and the ensuing witchcraft trial. With its provocative themes, intense performances by Oliver Reed and Vanessa Redgrave, and unflinching exploration of religious fanaticism, The Devils remains a powerful exploration of hysteria, corruption, and conspiracies within historic institutions.

    In 17th-century France, Father Grandier (Oliver Reed) is a priest whose unorthodox views on sex and religion influence a passionate following of nuns, including the sexually obsessed Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave). When the power-hungry Cardinal Richelieu (Christopher Logue) realizes he must eliminate Grandier to gain control of France, Richelieu portrays Grandier as a satanist and spearheads a public outcry to destroy the once-loved priest's reputation.
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  • The Seventh Victim
    30

    The Seventh Victim

    Tom Conway, Kim Hunter, Jean Brooks
    63 votes

    For Fans Of: Horror, Noir, Psychological Horror
    Reasons to Watch if You're Interested in Cults and Conspiracies: This atmospheric noir horror film from producer Val Lewton follows young Mary Gibson (Kim Hunter) as she uncovers her sister's involvement with an enigmatic Satanic cult in New York City. With its moody atmosphere, psychological tension, and examination of dangerous sects operating in plain sight, The Seventh Victim presents a haunting journey into occult conspiracies for fans of the genre.

    After young Mary Gibson (Kim Hunter) discovers that her older sister Jacqueline (Jean Brooks) has disappeared, she leaves her boarding school and heads to New York City to track down her sibling. Arriving at Jacqueline's apartment, Mary finds ominous signs of trouble, with her sister nowhere in sight. Aided by psychiatrist Dr. Louis Judd (Tom Conway) and others, Mary gets drawn deeper into the mystery, and evidence begins to point to the involvement of a sinister cult.
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