# 8 Essential Movies for Fans of Ken Russell's The Devils Explore cinematic masterpieces that mirror the provocative themes and stylistic intensity of The Devils. - **Source:** [Collider](https://collider.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [entertainment](https://brifing.si/c/entertainment) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/65f6efc4-47f3-400a-9f43-a07156881cc5 ## The Devils Legacy Ken Russell’s 1971 film The Devils remains a landmark study of mass hysteria and political execution. Based on the Loudun possessions of 17th-century France, the movie faced heavy censorship for its graphic content. Today, it is recognized as a masterpiece, with a recent 4K restoration highlighting its enduring cultural and artistic significance. ## Viridiana's Anti-Clerical Critique Luis Buñuel’s 1961 classic Viridiana serves as a brilliant companion piece for those who appreciate the philosophical exploration of the profane. The film follows a novice nun who abandons her vows, offering an unforgiving critique of religious dogma. Silvia Pinal’s performance anchors this surrealist masterpiece, which remains a cornerstone of anti-clerical cinema history. ## Häxan's Historical Influence The 1922 Swedish film Häxan is a foundational horror essay that blends scholarly research with phantasmagoric imagery. It charts the history of witchcraft and Satanism from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. As a clear ancestor to Russell’s work, it pioneered the cinematic exploration of institutional persecution and state-controlled religious hysteria. ## Folk Horror Dynamics Robin Hardy’s The Wicker Man is a definitive folk horror film that mirrors The Devils in its exploration of sexual repression. Following a Christian cop on a remote Scottish island, the narrative forces a clash between the sacred and the profane. It illustrates how dogmatic self-righteousness can become a dangerous, self-destructive trap. ## Altered States Experimentation After The Devils, Ken Russell directed the hard sci-fi film Altered States in 1980. Based on Paddy Chayefsky’s novel, it follows a psychophysiologist using sensory deprivation to explore consciousness. The film replaces religious politics with scientific hubris, utilizing grotesque imagery and an avant-garde score to examine repressed biological impulses through an experimental lens. ## The Holy Mountain's Surrealism Alejandro Jodorowsky’s The Holy Mountain is a seminal work of avant-garde cinema, produced with support from John Lennon and Yoko Ono. The film follows seven individuals led by an alchemist in search of immortality. It shares the provocative blasphemy and hyper-stylized aesthetic found in Russell’s work while rejecting institutional corruption and authority. ## Women in Love Connection Women in Love, also starring Oliver Reed, established Ken Russell as a major force in world cinema. This 1920s period drama earned four Academy Award nominations, including a win for Glenda Jackson. Its commercial success provided the financial confidence for Warner to grant Russell the creative freedom required to produce The Devils. ## Salò's Political Allegory Pier Paolo Pasolini’s Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom, is one of the most controversial films in history. Loosely adapted from the Marquis de Sade, it depicts fascists subjecting victims to systemic torture. Like The Devils, it serves as an unrelenting political allegory, treating inflammatory subject matter with high-art, non-exploitative care. ## Mother Joan of the Angels Jerzy Kawalerowicz’s 1961 film Mother Joan of the Angels offers a direct look at the Loudun possessions. Winner of the Special Jury Prize at Cannes, it provides a black-and-white contrast to Russell’s vibrant masterpiece. It remains an essential, intellectually deep horror film that captures the existential dread of demonic possession narratives. ## Thematic Continuity in Cinema These films collectively demonstrate how directors use the screen to challenge institutional power and explore human repression. Whether through the surrealism of Jodorowsky or the folk horror of Hardy, these works share a DNA with The Devils. They prioritize provocative imagery and philosophical inquiry over traditional storytelling, pushing the boundaries of the medium. ## Why These Films Matter Watching these eight films provides a comprehensive understanding of the cinematic landscape that shaped and followed The Devils. They highlight the evolution of horror, surrealism, and political allegory across the 20th century. For viewers interested in the intersection of religion, power, and art, these selections offer a profound, multifaceted viewing experience. ## Sources covering this story - https://collider.com/movies-like-the-devils-ken-russell/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._