Hack or Slash

Demons Episodes

Possession, pacts, and infernal evil make up one of horror’s most persistent themes. This category includes films where demonic forces enter the human world with devastating consequences. Curated for our 31 Days of Horror challenge.
Sept. 4, 2025

408: The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025)

This week we’re witnessing the end of an era with The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025). We unpack how the film handles the Warrens’ swan song, reflect on its balance between family drama and supernatural dread, and dig into wheth...

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Aug. 21, 2025

406: The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)

This week we’re exploring the paranormal intrigue of The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021). We analyze the true crime elements it introduces, assess how it stands apart from its predecessors, and critique the film's d...

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July 31, 2025

403: Sinister 2 (2015)

This week we're revisiting our boy Bughuul in Sinister 2 (2015). We explore the film's shift from its predecessor, analyze its character development, and evaluate the effectiveness of its home movies. This episode contains sp...

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Oct. 22, 2024

358: Smile 2 (2024)

This week we’re back in theaters to check out Smile 2 (2024). We examine the evolution of its entity, critique the effectiveness of its jump scares, and analyze the performances of its central characters. In this episode's b-side, we think back to...

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Oct. 4, 2024

352: When Evil Lurks (2023)

This week we’re venturing into the intense world of When Evil Lurks (2023). We examine the visceral intensity of its narrative, confront the film's shocking brutality, and explore the complexities of its protagonist's choices. In this episode's...

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Aug. 2, 2024

342: The Omen (1976 vs 2006)

This week we pit The Omen (1976) against its 2006 remake. We compare the impact of each film's score, evaluate the differences in their casting choices, and debate the effectiveness of their respective endings. This episode contains spoilers,...

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July 19, 2024

340: The First Omen (2024)

This week we’re traveling back to the 70’s with The First Omen (2024). We explore its unsettling atmosphere, dissect its narrative commentary on bodily autonomy, and break down the strength of its character arcs. This episode contains spoilers,...

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July 12, 2024

339: Longlegs (2024)

This week we’re back in theaters to check out Longlegs (2024). We dissect its depiction of serial killers, unpack the nuance of its cinematography, and assess the quality of its leading actors. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 28:21. ...

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March 1, 2024

320: Paranormal Activity (2007)

This week we’re rolling back the tapes of Paranormal Activity (2007). We analyze its impact on the horror genre, explore how it maximized its shoestring budget, and debate the polarizing effect retroscripting had on its characters. This episode...

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Oct. 24, 2023

298: Hereditary (2023)

This week we’ve gathered three generations of hosts to unpack the highly-requested Hereditary (2018). We delve into its jaw-dropping story beats, unravel its depiction of strained family relationships, and dig deep into its nuanced take on mourning....

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Oct. 10, 2023

294: The Exorcist: Believer (2023)

This week we’re back in the theater to check out The Exorcist: Believer (2023). We evaluate how convincing the possession scenes are, delve into how it broadens the lore of the Exorcist franchise, and dispute how effectively it tackles themes of...

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Sept. 15, 2023

289: The Nun 2 (2023)

This week back in the cinema seats for the newly released film, The Nun 2 (2023). We dissect the artistry of its cinematography, break down how it meshes into the larger Conjuring tapestry, and analyze the impact of Valak's presence. In this episode's...

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Sept. 8, 2023

288: The Conjuring 2 (2016)

This week we’re diving back into the supernatural world with a look at The Conjuring 2 (2016). We scrutinize the film's visual storytelling, weigh it against the original Conjuring, and argue over the effectiveness of its finale. In this episode’s...

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Aug. 18, 2023

285: The Nun (2018)

This week we're diving into the depths of religious horror with The Nun (2018). We dissect the power of Valak’s presence, scrutinize the execution of its gore, and delve into its ties within the wider Conjuring cinematic universe. This episode...

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July 28, 2023

282: Talk to Me (2023)

This week we’re journeying back to the cinema to break down the freshly premiered Talk to Me (2023). We announce our annual Spooky Preseason challenge, explore the inventiveness in its storytelling, gauge the caliber of its chills, and debate the...

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June 2, 2023

274: Amityville II: The Possession (1982)

This week we’re exploring the discomfort of Amityville II: The Possession (1982). We delve into its stark contrast with the original film, unpack the dynamics of its central family, and assess the effectiveness of its special effects. This episode...

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May 26, 2023

273: The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014)

This week we're confronting the harrowing narrative of The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014). We dive into its gut-wrenching portrayal of Alzheimer's, share personal connections to the film's themes, and dissect its masterful use of found footage horror....

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April 21, 2023

268: Evil Dead Rise (2023)

This week we’re heading back to the theater to check out Evil Dead Rise (2023). We climb back inside the world of deadites, reflect on the film’s depiction of brutality, and explore the franchise’s transition from the malevolent woods into the...

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April 7, 2023

266: Army of Darkness (1992)

This week we’re continuing the Evil Dead franchise by checking out Army of Darkness (1992). We discuss the evolution of Ash, break down its approach to visual effects, and assess the quality of its sword fights. This episode contains spoilers,...

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March 31, 2023

265: Smile (2022)

This week we face our trauma by checking out Smile (2022). We dissect its similarities with past psychological horror films, unpack the nuance of its cinematography, and debate the quality of its ending. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at...

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March 3, 2023

261: Evil Dead 2 (1987)

This week we prepare for an upcoming theatrical release by checking out Evil Dead 2 (1987). We debate the necessity of its opening, assess the quality of Bruce Campbell’s performance, and examine the franchise’s tonal shift. This episode contains...

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Oct. 1, 2021

174: The Conjuring (2013)

This week we kick off the 2021 Spooky Season by digging into The Conjuring (2013).

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Aug. 27, 2021

169: The Evil Dead (1981 vs 2013)

This week the Hack or Slash team compares the iconic film The Evil Dead (1981) to its reboot, Evil Dead (2013).

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Feb. 26, 2021

143: Insidious (2010)

This week the Hack or Slash team travels in to the Further to unpack Insidious (2010).

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