Religion has long been featured in the horror genre. Horror likes to feed on the fear of the unknown, and there’s no greater unknown in the world than what happens next. Is there a peaceful afterlife or do people just cease to exist? Horror likes to explore both of these topics while offering darker alternatives involving demons, possession, and eternal damnation.
While religious horror has become a thriving subgenre of cinema, with some of the best religious horror films being The Exorcistand the omen, the genre is less represented on television. Horror is becoming more and more popular on the small screen these days, and with that religious horror has also made the transition.
“Midnight Mass” (2021)
Available to stream on Netflix.
The best of Mike FlanaganNetflix shows, Midnight Mass revolves around the inhabitants of a small island community. When a charismatic priest arrives on the island, his tales of spiritual salvation draw followers to his side, though bad omens begin to descend on the town as the townspeople become divided.
Flanagan Brings the Same Well-Written Characters and Fan Thrills Fans Have Expected of Him After The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor. Leaving behind these series’ emphasis on ghosts, Midnight Mass instead explores the concept of faith and how it can bring out the worst in people.
‘Preacher’ (2016-2019)
Available to stream on Hulu.
An adaptation of the popular DC Comics Vertigo comic book series, Preacher follows Jesse Custer (Dominique Cooperlisten), a chain-smoking outlaw who becomes a priest to fulfill a promise made to his dying father. When a force creeps into his body and grants him new powers, he embarks on a journey to find God, dealing with figures from heaven and hell along the way.
Jesse is joined by his ex-girlfriend Tulip (Ruth Nega), who tends to get in trouble, and Cassidy (Joseph Gilgun), an Irish vampire. The series was developed by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldbergand features enough gory and savage encounters to satisfy fans of the genre.
“Hell” (2021-)
Available to stream on Netflix.
A high-concept horror series from South Korea, Hell is led by Yeon Sang-ho (Train to Busan). When giant ape-like creatures appear out of nowhere and murder people they deem sinners, the country falls into a wave of religion-fueled chaos that brings out the worst in humanity.
A detective tries to make sense of the clearly supernatural murders, while a charismatic young man begins to organize a murderous cult. Hell has a lot to say about faith and religion, and how blind fanaticism can have tragic consequences. While the show’s themes are valid, its desperate nature can make it a difficult watch at times.
‘Lucifer’ (2016-2021)
Available to stream on Netflix.
A unique take on the classic procedural format of policing, Lucifer sees the King of Hell himself venture into the world of mankind. Initially focused on simply indulging in many vices, a murder and a chance meeting with a scheming detective lead Lucifer to become a consultant for the LAPD as he helps them solve cases.
Another DC Comics Vertigo character, Lucifer was created by Neil Gaiman in his The sand man series, before embarking on their own comic strip. While the detective procedural genre is well established, Lucifer stands out thanks to its charming lead role and focus on the supernatural.
‘Servant’ (2019-)
Available to stream on Apple TV.
From the mind of twist-master M.Night Shyamalan, Servant stars Laurent Ambroise and Toby Kebbell as a Philadelphia couple reeling from the death of their infant son. With their marriage fractured by an unimaginable tragedy, they enroll in transient object therapy as a means of healing.
Soon, the doll used to replace their son appears to come to life and open up their home on the other side as mysterious forces and events begin to plague the couple. Servant also stars Rupert Grint like the wife’s brother who lives with alcoholism, while Free Nell Tiger plays the doll’s nanny, a deeply religious woman with supernatural powers.
’30 Pieces’ (2020-)
Available to stream on HBO Max.
A horror series from Spain, 30 pieces follows Father Vergara, exorcist and ex-convict banished to a remote village. Hoping to lead a quiet life in her new surroundings, Vergara instead finds herself in a deadly mystery as paranormal events begin to overwhelm the townspeople.
30 Pieces’ taking on the supernatural focuses more on the spiritual side of things, as the bigger mystery seems to connect to Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. The series rises above its peers thanks to its unique and likeable protagonist, and he’s joined by an excellent supporting cast.
“The Exorcist” (2016-2018)
Available to stream on Hulu.
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While it bears the name of the legendary horror movie, The Exorcist is not a simple retelling of the events of the film. Instead, it explores the same disturbing themes as the original, while creating its own identity that helps flesh out the world of the popular film series.
The Exorcist follows Father Ortega and Father Keane, one a promising young priest and the other a jaded veteran exorcist. Together they attempt to save the soul of Casey Rance, an innocent teenager who has become possessed by something demonic. The series remains one of the best horror shows on TV and was unfortunately canceled early.
“Evil” (2019-)
Available to stream on Paramount+.
Another supernatural version of police procedure, Bad focuses on the spiritual side of horror. When forensic psychologist Kristen Bouchard is called upon by the Catholic Church to investigate cases of supernatural phenomena occurring under their watch, she is partnered with David Acosta, a priest-in-training.
As Bouchard and Acosta investigate a new case every week, it’s hard not to draw parallels with X files. Acosta is a fervent believer in the spiritual, truly believing that there are greater forces at play. Bouchard, on the other hand, is skeptical, refusing to believe in demons even though she regularly encounters them.
“Supernatural” (2005-2020)
Available to stream on Netflix.
The show that never seemed to end until it finally did, Supernatural was a television staple for nearly two decades. The series follows the Sam brothers (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) Winchester, monster hunters who travel across America helping innocent people wherever they can.
Sam and Dean have seemingly faced every type of supernatural creature during their fifteen-season run, which included several encounters with forces from heaven and hell. Religious figures were to play a major role in SupernaturalThe ever-expanding storyline, with even God himself being a central character.
“The Third Day” (2020)
Available to stream on HBO Max.
Functioning almost like a modern adaptation of The wicker man, The third day follows the journey of two strangers as they individually arrive on a mysterious island. Sat (Jude’s Law) travels to the island to mourn the murder of her son, while Helen (Naomi Harris) arrives looking for answers.
As is customary in these kinds of stories, the locals are a strange bunch. They engage in a bizarre cult that believes in ritual sacrifice, and Sam and Helen learn how far they will go to preserve their traditions. The third day will appeal to anyone who loves a good cult story.