Between The Nun II, Sister Death, Consecration, the upcoming The First Omen, and the newly released Immaculate, starring Sydney Sweeney, it’s safe to say that nuns are having a moment in horror. So often, fear thrives in the unlit nooks of the unknown, and for many of us, that includes those who dedicate themselves to religious orders. Shrouded in intrigue and literal fabric, the combo of unwavering religious devotion and rejection of various worldly pleasures makes nuns ripe for genre exploration. While nuns are certainly trending, this is by no means the first time horror has blessed us with terrifying tales featuring such religious women.
In Häxan (1922), possessed nuns mingle with witches as director Benjamin Christensen explores the connection between mental health and mass hysteria. With movies like Alucarda (1975), Ms. 45 (1981), and St. Agatha (2018), the subgenre of nunsploitation comes into play to further explore themes of religious and sexual oppression. This cyclical popularity of dark nun-centric stories speaks to our enduring fascination and fear of what unfolds behind convent walls. That, and just how eternally creepy nuns can be when lurking amongst the shadows.
Although the genre has certainly given us plenty to choose from, here are some of my picks for the most unnerving, scariest, and rosary-clutching-inducing nuns that horror offers before you head out to see Immaculate.
Sister Gertrude – Killer Nun (1979)
After undergoing major surgery to remove a brain tumor, Sister Gertrude (Anita Ekberg) returns to her work as a nurse in a Catholic hospital. Before long, Gertrude begins to suffer new symptoms that she is convinced mean that her tumor has returned. Ignored and brushed off by her doctors and Mother Superior, Gertrude turns to morphine and heroin to soothe her anxieties and pain. As Sister Gertrude’s bad habit begins to spiral into erratic behavior, patient abuse, paranoia and blackouts, an alarming increase in murders on hospital grounds also occurs. A wild and trippy tale until the very end, Sister Gertrude’s descent into drug-induced madness will undoubtedly stick with you.
Valak – The Conjuring 2 (2016), The Nun (2018), The Nun II (2023)
With three films now under her belt, it’s easy to forget that when James Wan first introduced Valak the Demon Nun to the world in The Conjuring 2, she began as a mere supporting character. That, and the fact that The Nun was only one initial presentation of the demon itself (the other being The Crooked Man). However, thanks to Bonnie Aarons’ performance and some classic Wan jump scares, Valak the Nun quickly evolved into something much larger than a one-off antagonist.
What makes Valak actually scary is less about the narratives surrounding her and more about how effectively the films she’s involved with make the absolute most out of her appearance. Featuring the traditional black and white high-contrast wardrobe, Valak is most effective when slowly materializing from the shadows or apparating unexpectedly from unlikely places. Cheap scares? Perhaps. But effective nonetheless. Further, coupled with her habit-attired physical shape, piercing eyes, and dramatically stark face, Valek becomes a haunting force that could never possibly be mistaken for innocuous.
Sister Jeanne – The Devils (1971)
Director Ken Russell’s bold and unrestrained adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s non-fiction book, The Devils of Loudun, is one of the most iconic (if not the most iconic) nunsploitation films ever. Starring Vanessa Redgrave as Sister Jeanne, The Devils recounts the dramatic semi-true 17th-century story of her incendiary accusations of witchcraft against the local priest, Urbain Grandier (Oliver Reed).
Initially fueled by sexual frustration, repression, and jealousy, Sister Jeanne’s actions kick-start a chain reaction that quickly spirals into violent and politically tinged mass hysteria. Fully aware of the power she wields, what makes Sister Jeanne genuinely scary is her lack of compassion and the pleasure she derives from Grandier’s very public downfall. Amplified by Russell’s striking visuals and the cast’s intentionally melodramatic performances, Sister Jeanne is a chilling example of how truly evil people can be.
The Nun – The Exorcist III (1990)
If one were to poll folks familiar with William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist III and ask them what the most iconic moment in the film is, the moment with the nun would likely reign supreme. Despite existing on screen for mere seconds, the giant shear-wielding nun popping up behind the ill-fated nurse makes an indelible impression. As one of the greatest jump scares in horror history, this brief but potent moment proves there are, in fact, no small parts.
Mother Superior – Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
When young Billy Chapman arrives at Mother Superior’s orphanage, it’s safe to say that his little brother Ricky is not the only baggage he walks through the door with. On top of his sick grandfather ruining Santa for him, Billy also witnessed the brutal murder of his parents by a guy dressed as Santa not long after.
While most human beings would be appalled by this series of events and attempt to have some sympathy for Billy come Christmas time, Mother Superior (Lilyan Chauvin) responds to Billy’s bad behavior with corporal punishment. Stacking trauma on top of more trauma, Mother Superior’s physical abuse compounds the serious issues percolating inside Billy’s young mind and, ultimately, sets him firmly on a path that leads to a bloody and truly punishing end.
Mother Vincenza – The Other Hell (1981)
A recurring narrative in many nun-horror and nunsploitation films involves nuns abandoning their faith and falling under Satan’s spell. Although this familiar story is indeed present in Bruno Mattei and Claudio Fragasso’s Italian nun classic, some shocking narrative choices and the incredibly theatrical performances place it in a category all its own. Even though there are many naughty nuns to choose from in the film, Mother Vincenza (Franca Stoppi) is undoubtedly the baddest of them all.
A mother in more than just title, years ago, Mother Vincenza renounced her faith and became pregnant with Satan’s child. After surviving a horrific murder attempt by another nun involving a pot of boiling water, the child is kept a secret by Mother Vincenza. Blessed with supernatural telekinetic powers, Mother Vincenza exploits her child and uses her powers to murder anyone who digs too deep into her secrets. Over the years, Mother Vincenza never regrets her decision to switch sides, and the results are deadly.
The Entire Island Full of Nuns – Dark Waters (1993)
Haunted by gaps in her memory and her late father’s financial support of a mysterious island-set convent, Elizabeth (Louise Salter) sets out to get some answers. After arriving on the island, Elizabeth quickly discovers that the nuns are less than forthcoming with information. Worse yet, they are straight-up lying to her and make it impossible for Elizabeth to leave the island. Continuing to pull at what she knows are dangerous threads, Elizabeth uncovers the terrifying truth the nuns have been protecting deep in the excessively candlelit caves beneath the convent. Despite operating more as a unit than individuals, the nuns of Dark Waters have no problem crawling under the skin…and staying there.
Seeking more Blessed Baddies? Here are a few more nunsploitation movies featuring nuns behaving badly:
● The Convent (2000)
● Demonia (1990)
● Agnes (2021)
● Benedetta (2021)
● Alucarda (1977)
● The Demons (1973)
Witness unholy horror. IMMACULATE starring Sydney Sweeney is now in theaters. Get tickets.
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