We’re imagining the 1976 release of The Omen was the reason why many parents at the time (and in the years since) decided against calling their newborn sons Damien! We imagine the movie was also the reason why many people began to take seriously the very real possibility of the existence of the Devil!
The first movie in the franchise, which told the story of the American Ambassador and his wife and their adoption of the Antichrist, was a big hit and a critical success. A sequel followed a couple of years later, this one featuring the teenage Damien who causes all manner of chaos at a military school. This movie was almost as terrifying as the first, something that can’t be said of the third movie in the franchise, an almost scare-free effort about the now-adult Damien rising up the ranks at the White House.
A TV movie followed as well as a remake of the first film, but neither is particularly memorable. A prequel to The Omen is set for release at the end of 2023 but whether or not this is a pointless cash-in or a worthy entry in the franchise still remains to be seen.
Below we list all of The Omen movies in order of release. Which one is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below.
The Omen
US Release Date: June 25, 1976
Worldwide Box Office: $60.9 million
Director: Richard Donner
Metascore: 62
Main Cast:
Harvey Stephens (Damien Thorn), Gregory Peck (Robert Thorn), Lee Remick (Katherine Thorn), David Warner (Keith Jennings), Billie Whitelaw (Mrs. Baylock), Patrick Troughton (Father Brennan)
Synopsis (from IMDB):
Mysterious deaths surround an American ambassador. Could the child that he is raising actually be the Antichrist? The Devil’s own son?
Most memorable death scene:
Journalist Keith Jennings is decapitated by a sheet of glass.
Damien: Omen II
US Release Date: June 9, 1978
Worldwide Box Office: $26.5 million
Directors: Don Taylor, Mike Hodges
Metascore: 45
Main Cast:
Jonathan Scott-Taylor (Damien Thorn), William Holden (Richard Thorn), Lee Grant (Ann Thorn), Robert Foxworth (Paul Buher), Lance Henricksen (Sergeant Neff)
Synopsis (from IMDB):
Damien the Antichrist, now about to turn thirteen years old, finally learns of his destiny under the guidance of an unholy disciple of Satan. Meanwhile, dark forces begin to eliminate all those who suspect the child’s true identity.
Most memorable death scene:
Joan Hart’s eyes are pecked out by Damien’s crows. She is then hit by a truck.
Omen III: The Final Conflict
US Release Date: March 20, 1981
Worldwide Box Office: $20.47 million
Director: Graham Baker
Metascore: 34
Main Cast:
Sam Neill (Damien Thorn), Lisa Harrow (Kate Reynolds), Rossano Brazzi (De Carlo), Don Gordon (Dean), Mason Adams (President)
Synopsis (from IMDB):
The now adult Antichrist plots to eliminate his future divine opponent while a cabal of monks plot to stop him.
Most memorable death scene:
Brother Simeon is mauled to death by a pack of dogs that are being commanded by Damien.
Omen IV: The Awakening
US Release Date: May 20, 1991
Worldwide Box Office: N/A
Directors: Jorge Montesi, Dominique Othenin-Girard
Metascore: N/A
Main Cast:
Faye Grant (Karen York), Michael Woods (Gene York), Michael Lerner (Earl), Ann Hearn (Jo Thueson), Asia Vieira (Delia)
Synopsis (from IMDB):
Two attorneys adopt a mysterious orphan girl as their daughter, unaware she is the new Antichrist, next in line from Damien Thorn.
Most memorable death scene:
Morris Creighton is decapitated after accidentally driving into a loading dock.
The Omen
US Release Date: June 6, 2006
Worldwide Box Office: $120 million
Director: John Moore
Metascore: 43
Main Cast:
Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick (Damien Thorn), Liev Schreiber (Robert Thorn), Julia Stiles (Katherine Thorn), David Thewlis (Keith Jennings), Pete Postlethwaite (Father Brennan)
Synopsis (from IMDB):
An American official realizes that his young son may literally be the Devil incarnate.
Most memorable death scene:
Father Brennan is impaled by a metal rod.
(not the official poster)
The First Omen
US Release Date: Expected late 2023
Worldwide Box Office: N/A
Director: Arkasha Stevenson
Metascore: N/A
Main Cast:
Bill Nighy (Lawrence), Ralph Ineson (Father Brennan), Sonia Braga (Silvia), Tawfeek Barhom (Gabriel)
Synopsis (from Letterboxd):
In this prequel to THE OMEN, a young American woman travels to the Vatican to work at an orphanage, hoping to find her true calling within the church. When she takes a troubled young girl under her wing, the woman encounters a darkness lurking within the child that makes her question her own faith — and suspect a conspiracy that may run to the heart of the Catholic Church itself.
Most memorable death scene:
To be confirmed.
Let us know your favourite movie in the Omen franchise below.