How to Identify Occult Movies

Since the occult is so much a mystery, movies dealing with the themes and characters that are stereotypically associated with it are often thrilling and entertaining. From vampires to witches, movies about the occult tend to come mostly from the horror genre, but you should be able to identify films that are influenced by the occult in other genres, as well.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Start by studying the occult and its beliefs. Understanding what occult actually is will help you identify occult movies. A good place to start is "The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft: The Complete A-Z for the Entire Magical World" by Judika Illes, available from Amazon (see Resources below).
2. Look for dark or Gothic costuming. Even from the trailer you will be able to easily see that characters involved in occult practice, especially witchcraft, will often be dressed in dark clothing and makeup. While this may not be entirely realistic, it sets a mood for the movie.
3. Check for hidden symbols in the previews or movie logo. You can often identify occult movies by the images used in ads and on the DVD box. You may see pentagram, pyramids or infinity signs.
4. Find occult themes running through most fairy-tale movies. Most of these stories are based on folklore or superstition, which gives them the same roots as occult rituals and beliefs.
5. Look for vampires! Vampires have captured the imagination of viewers since the early silent films. Perhaps the most common occult antagonist (or protagonist, in some cases), you will find vampires in every genre from comedy to horror. Many people who openly practice forms of the occult, like Wicca, do not consider vampires to be part of their beliefs.
6. Check your local TV schedule. The occult is not limited to feature films, but can also be found on television shows and made-for-TV movies. You will find everything from high school kids practicing Wicca to witch bounty hunters.

Tips & Warnings

• The occult is widely defined as anything supernatural or dealing with the unknown. Because exploring this unknown is so intriguing to filmmakers and audiences alike, you should be able to identify several recent movies that have occult themes.
• Don't judge people who practice occult religions by the movies that are made about them. Most practitioners are nothing like the films that portray them.