In no certain order, these are the best Hell Horror Movies that attempt to resurrect the concept of hell in mortally bloodcurdling ways.
The darkly twisted notion of hell - an abominably accursed domain of perpetual doom in which trapped souls stay tortured for all eternity - is a nightmarish concept to conceive - let alone concede.
Indeed, no idea throughout human history holds such a horrifically soul-shattering premise. That being the ominous existence of a doom-infested apocalypse plagued by insufferable anguish. Where eternal torment, unburdened brutality, and existential dread rule supreme.
But as you'll soon discover, the best hell horror movies share their own twisted take on the frightening formula, whether presented physically or psychologically.
Best Hell Horror Movies | Hellraiser II: Hellbound (1988)
Every Hellraiser film drags you through an apocalyptic vision of hell to some degree. Yet, the bone-chilling extent to which the sequel envisions this satanic premise takes a particularly dark twist.
Here, viewers are thrust into an abominable abyss and shown the lair of the cenobites, a grim dimension governed by the "Leviathan." A terrifyingly demonic presence who instructs Pinhead to inflict mortal pain and suffering upon the world.
Sure enough, Hellraiser II gave us a soul-shaking window into the satanic world of the cenobites, delivering some wonderfully twisted imagery along the way.
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Event Horizon (1997)
Event Horizon is perhaps one of the most underrated and disturbingly satanic science fiction horror films ever made. Having received a mysterious distress call from the Event Horizon starship, a rescue crew feels compelled to investigate, only to unearth horrific evidence of a savage massacre upon entering.
To their terror, the crew harrowingly discovers that the ship has, upon entering uncharted territory, opened the gateway to a hellish dimension. As an evil sentient presence assumes control, it begins slaughtering crew members one by one via the most grotesquely bloodcurdling means plausible.
In summary, expect gruesome vivisections, grizzly death by self-inflicted eye-gouging, demonic possession, and horrifically violent hallucinations.
In my mind, Event Horizon is one of the best hell horror movies of all time.
The Best Hell Horror Movies | As Above, So Below
In her quest to seek out the philosopher's stone, one of archeology's most enduring artifacts, Scarlett Marlowe ventures deep into the Parisian catacombs, only to descend upon the wicked bowels of hell.
With its darkly hellish depictions, sinister demons, gothically evil architecture, and true-to-life references to Dante's Inferno, As Above, So Below recreates the essence of hell in a series of frighteningly faithful ways sure to deliver a chill or two.
Best Hell Horror Movies | Jacob's Ladder
Sometimes, the scariest representations of Hell are those that haunt the psyche. These cerebrally scarring scares can conjure traumatic chills long after the credits cease. Jacob's Ladder is one such case - taking us on a horrific descent into psychological insanity.
Within, we experience a surreal realm where the line separating fiction from reality merges to concoct a chillingly incoherent dream state full of shocking scares, nightmarish terrors, despairing visions, and a sickening sense of paranoia that plagues the psyche.
Wonderfully surreal, powerfully poignant, and existentially dread-inducing, this terrifying take on hell remains a harrowing window into the prolonged effects of post-war PTSD.
L inferno (1911)
This satanically inspired silent era classic of Italian filmmaking chillingly adopts concurring themes present throughout the "Divine Comedy," resulting in a devilishly dark tale guaranteed to scare you senseless.
Often acting in reference to "Dantes Inferno," this boldly ambitious, black-and-white feature deploys incredible special effects that conjure richly demonic depictions of satan while offering plenty of hideously hellish eye candy sure to leave you grinning with evil delight.
On one final note, expect the last chapter of a triple-headed satan reaping souls to stir your blood cold.
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Best Hell Horror Movies | Drag Me to Hell
Drag Me To Hell utilizes its eternal damnation premise as a frightening plot device to drive home its hellish curse on the soul. Much like the Evil Dead, Sam Rami's Drag Me to Hell delivers effectively campy frights, unsightly extremes of gore, and endless references to hell.
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Best Hell Horror Movies | Silent Hill (2006)
The Silent Hill franchise never infers an explicit connection to hell. Still, its darkly envisioned underworld, crawling with nightmarish monsters and ominous entities, offers a demonically grim depiction of reality.
In Silent Hill, a dismally forboding void known as the "Otherworld" exists as a distorted reflection of the town. In other words, a plane of existence cursed by abominable monsters, malevolent spirits, and creepily detached characters.
But whether Silent hill presents a real-world alternate dimension or is simply the warped psychological construct of a tormented mind is up for debate. Either way, its darkly sinister imagery certainly appears wickedly symbolic of hell itself.
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What Dreams May Come (1998)
This fascinating fantasy romance drama led by Robin Williams artfully explores the possibility of an afterlife using richly imaginative set design, high-end production values, and strangely surreal imagery to evoke a creepy otherworldly aesthetic.
When Robin William's wife commits suicide, he embarks on a frightening journey into hell itself to summon her back. Inside, he must traverse a freakishly abstract and desolate world, which unlike typical hellscape scenarios often dozed in flames, offers a more barren and bleak interpretation of the concept.
Both chillingly executed and creatively inspired, What Dreams May Come offers an eerily inventive version of hell unlike any other on this list.
Check our other entries for the best hell horror movies below.
Best Hell Horror Movies | Baskin (2015)
Baskin takes us to the depths of hell itself, revealing a satanic underground dungeon of inherent malevolence hiding in plain sight. Ruled by a sadistically deranged cult leader, it's a devil's play pit of equal part depravity and debauchery - full of feral flesh-eating, gruesomely sickening gore and creepily demonic creatures.
Again, Baskin exists in that lucid realm between a conscious nightmare and a physical manifestation of hell. But through certain scenes and character interactions, hell is almost certainly implied.
Best Hell Horror Movies | The Cell (2000)
Even if The Cell fails to deliver an effective story structure at times, its sinisterly visceral insights into the demented mind of a serial killer present in themselves a starkly satanic evil. Rather than take us directly into hell, however, the concept is explored in a psychological sense via wickedly malevolent imagery, wonderfully extravagant set design, and hellish Boshe-like illustrations.
Through this lens, hell resembles a corrupted state of mind, plagued by unimaginable darkness and deep-rooted torment. Wonderfully envisioned and brimming with gothically hellish themes, The Cell presents a must-watch for discerning horror fans.
Let us know in the comments which are your favorite from this list of the best hell horror movies.
That concludes our list of the best hell horror movies exploring the concept of hell. Be sure to send us your chilling top picks in the comments below.
In the meantime, why not check out our top ten best scariest horror movies ever
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