Hi all!

Today I am sharing my five favourite possession horrors. I try to diversify my lists each time, so you won’t see The Exorcist, Annabelle, The Conjuring etc. They are all top-tier films, but I’ve discussed them already. This particular sub-genre typically explores demonic possession, either via an evil entity, or cursed object. I’ve always found these types of features very confronting, as it’s unsettling to have something/someone take over your mind and body without permission. Without further ado, let’s get into it!

1.) Oculus 

Directed by the iconic Mike Flanagan, Oculus follows two adult siblings, haunted by their parents demise from years ago. The pair believe an antique mirror from their childhood home, known as the Lasser Glass, was behind the tragedy. As they work on repairing their own fractured relationship, the cursed object seeks to infect their minds, stopping them from learning its deadly truth. This film is full of gory disturbing scenes and tension-building. I love how the flashbacks helped build the story piece by piece. It is definitely worth a watch!

2.) Mirrors 

Similar to Oculus, Mirrors follows troubled ex-cop, Ben Carson (Kiefer Sutherland), who takes a job as a night guard, at a burned down, now deserted department store. As he patrols the charred hallways, Ben begins to see horrifying images in the ornate mirrors, that still adorn the walls. After his sister is killed, he becomes convinced a supernatural force is after his family next. This film has a scene so horrifying, I remember my friend telling me left the cinema because of it. If you know, you know. The scares are very effective in this movie.

3.) The Last Exorcism 

I recently watched The Last Exorcism and really enjoyed it. It’s a found-footage film, following evangelist, Cotton Marcus, set on disproving exorcisms. When he travels (camera crew in tow) to assist a man with his supposedly possessed daughter, Cotton gets much more than he bargained for. What seems innocent at first, quickly devolves into a deathly situation. The visual contortions of the girl’s body movements were truly sickening. If you’re not sure where to start with possession stories, I would begin here.

4.) The Blackcoat’s Daughter 

The Blackcoat’s Daughter follows the lives of three young women. I don’t want to reveal too much, because this film has a pretty shocking twist. I think new viewers should go in blind. However, I will say, this possession story is very different to the rest of the movies mentioned. I recommend paying attention; being open to everything that happens along the way. Once you realise what’s going on, you’ll be on the edge of your seat.

5.) The Exorcism Of Emily Rose  

Last, but certainly not least, we have The Exorcism Of Emily Rose. I know some people refuse to watch it because it’s based on real-life events but please note, the true story is actually really sad, not scary. It follows Reverend Moore, a priest on trial for performing an exorcism on young Emily Rose (Jennifer Carpenter), who died in the process. She was actually suffering from epilepsy and D.I.D – instead of demonic possession – and should have received proper medical care. In the 1950s, schizophrenia and fits weren’t as easily diagnosed, as they would be today. Therefore, those particular symptoms would typically be attributed to satanic influences. We jump back and forth between the court case, the events of the past and the lead up to the fatal exorcism. It’s a brilliant movie.

Thank you so much for reading! What are some of your favourite possession films?

Peace & Love xoxo