The best movies similar to The First Omen are Immaculate, The Omen, Rosemary’s Baby, The Witch, Hereditary, and The Exorcist. These films explore themes of evil, faith, and the supernatural.
The horror genre often investigates societal fears, especially those tied to religion, motherhood, and the supernatural. With the release of The First Omen, a prequel to the 1976 classic The Omen, audiences will revisit these chilling themes.
The First Omen Overview
The First Omen, directed by Arkasha Stevenson, follows Margaret Daino, a young American woman who travels to Rome to become a nun. Upon arrival, she uncovers a dark conspiracy within the church aiming to bring about the birth of the Antichrist. This film dives deep into religious horror, exploring faith, bodily autonomy, and the sinister power of institutions (1).
The film has garnered attention for its connection to the original Omen franchise and its commentary on contemporary issues. Themes of unholy pregnancy and oppressive religious institutions resonate with current events, making it a timely addition to the horror genre (2).
Immaculate (2024)
Immaculate, set to release just weeks before The First Omen, features a similar narrative. It follows a young nun experiencing an unholy pregnancy. Both films delve into the psychological horror of religious oppression and the consequences of a patriarchal society on women’s bodies. The close release dates and thematic similarities have led to inevitable comparisons. Both films explore the dark side of faith and the church’s influence on personal autonomy (2).
The Omen (1976)
The original Omen film is a cornerstone of religious horror, introducing audiences to Damien, the Antichrist. The film’s exploration of evil, innocence, and the supernatural has left a lasting impact on the genre. The First Omen serves as a prequel, providing context to Damien’s origins and the events leading up to the original film. Themes of parental responsibility, the nature of evil, and the influence of religious institutions are central to both films, making the original a must-watch for fans of the prequel (3).
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Rosemary’s Baby, directed by Roman Polanski, is another seminal work in the horror genre. It explores themes of motherhood, manipulation, and the supernatural. The film follows a young woman who becomes pregnant under mysterious circumstances and suspects her husband and neighbors are part of a satanic cult. The psychological tension and exploration of bodily autonomy resonate with the themes presented in The First Omen, making it a relevant companion piece (4).
The Witch (2015)
Robert Eggers’ The Witch is a modern classic that investigates themes of religious fanaticism, isolation, and the supernatural. Set in 17th-century New England, the film follows a Puritan family encountering dark forces in the woods. The film’s exploration of faith, fear, and societal expectations mirrors the themes found in The First Omen, particularly regarding the oppressive nature of religious beliefs and their impact on women (5).
Hereditary (2018)
Ari Aster’s Hereditary examines family trauma, grief, and the influence of the supernatural. The film’s exploration of dark family secrets and inherited trauma aligns with the themes of The First Omen. Both films use horror to explore deeper psychological issues, making Hereditary a fitting recommendation for fans of The First Omen (6).
The Exorcist (1973)
The Exorcist is perhaps the most iconic religious horror film, dealing with the possession of a young girl and the battle between nice and evil. The film’s themes of faith, the supernatural, and the struggle against malevolent forces resonate with the narrative of The First Omen. Both films explore the fragility of innocence and the terrifying consequences of evil, making The Exorcist a classic that complements the themes of the prequel (1).
Summary
The First Omen stands alongside a rich tapestry of films exploring themes of evil, faith, and the complicatedities of womanhood. The close release of Immaculate adds an intriguing layer to the conversation, as both films tackle societal fears through horror. By examining these films, audiences can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and psychological implications of religious horror. These themes reflect broader societal issues, particularly regarding women’s rights and the influence of religious institutions. As horror evolves, films like The First Omen and its contemporaries will shape modern cinema.
