Visions of Hell in the Movies

Archaeologists explore the catacombs beneath Paris in 'As Above, So Below,' and discover something rather... hellish. They're not the first. These movies will also take you to Hell and back – or at the very least, they'll walk you to the door.

Constantine (2005)

Exorcist John Constantine (Keanu Reeves) can see dead people – or, more accurately, angels and demons. And thanks to his own visit to Hell as a suicidal teen, he's also got a standing appointment with Lucifer.

Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey (1991)

Keanu's first trip to Hell is documented in this sequel to 'Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure' – in fact, its original title was 'Bill & Ted Go to Hell.' The devil has a cameo, but a Swedish-accented Grim Reaper (William Sadler) steals the show.

South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)

'South Park' creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone pull no punches, as usual, with their biting (and hilarious) satire on censorship. In their version of Hell, Satan has a boyfriend – and it's Saddam Hussein.

The Gate (1987)

A young Stephen Dorff finds an intriguing hole in his backyard; as he and his friends dig at it, they learn too late that they've opened up an evil portal. This PG-13 chiller is renowned for its wild special effects.

Drag Me to Hell (2009)

Hell is glimpsed only briefly here, but the curse of being dragged to it hangs over poor Alison Lohman's head after she turns down a gypsy woman's request for a bank loan. Director Sam Raimi delivers a record number of jump scares.

The Ninth Gate (1999)

Johnny Depp is a book dealer tasked by a Satan worshipper to track down tomes that will supposedly summon the devil. While Roman Polanski's film ultimately lampoons the occult, that ninth gate to Hell does make an appearance.

What Dreams May Come (1998)

Robin Williams dies and winds up in Heaven, but when his heartbroken wife (Annabella Sciorra) commits suicide and is sent to Hell, he decides to go after her. Mawkish but visionary, the film won an Oscar for its special effects.

Little Nicky (2000)

Though many Adam Sandler movies have been described by critics as hellish to sit through, this one literally features Sandler as the son of Satan. Pictured is Kevin Nealon as Hell's hapless gatekeeper.

Don't Tempt Me (2001)

This Spanish comedy stars Penélope Cruz as a demonic waitress fighting over a boxer's (Demián Bichir) soul with angelic Victoria Abril, while her boss -- charming devil Gael García Bernal -- turns down his employees' requests for air conditioning.

Deconstructing Harry (1997)

Woody Allen, as the misogynistic Harry, sends himself to Hell in order to rescue his ex-girlfriend from Satan himself, who is played by Billy Crystal! No wonder Allen avoids Oscar ceremonies.

Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988)

The first 'Hellraiser' movie doesn't actually go to Hell. The sequel does, although "Hell" is merely the name of a labyrinthine realm inhabited by Pinhead (Doug Bradley) and his fellow S&M-loving Cenobites.

Legend (1985)

Does the decidedly devilish Darkness (Tim Curry) really live in Hell? That's up to interpretation, as this Tom Cruise-starring fantasy mostly adheres to its own mythology, unicorns notwithstanding.

The Beyond (1981)

The original title of this cult horror film is 'Seven Doors of Death,' referring to Louisiana's run-down Seven Doors Hotel. When a New York woman starts renovating the place, she inadvertently opens up the portal to Hell. Whoops!