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The Omen

Play trailer 2:16 Poster for The Omen R Released Jun 25, 1976 1h 51m Horror Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
85% Tomatometer 53 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
American diplomat Robert (Gregory Peck) adopts Damien (Harvey Stephens) when his wife, Katherine (Lee Remick), delivers a stillborn child. After Damien's first nanny hangs herself, Father Brennan (Patrick Troughton) warns Robert that Damien will kill Katherine's unborn child. Shortly thereafter, Brennan dies and Katherine miscarries when Damien pushes her off a balcony. As more people around Damien die, Robert investigates Damien's background and realizes his adopted son may be the Antichrist.
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The Omen

The Omen

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Critics Consensus

The Omen eschews an excess of gore in favor of ramping up the suspense -- and creates an enduring, dread-soaked horror classic along the way.

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Critics Reviews

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Chris Stuckmann ChrisStuckmann.com Gregory Peck takes everything pitch-perfect seriously. This is one of his best performances. Rated: A- Oct 21, 2019 Full Review Anna Baddeley Daily Telegraph (UK) The Omen contains some of the most memorable untimely deaths in cinema history. Rated: 5/5 Dec 29, 2014 Full Review Dave Kehr Chicago Reader Richard Donner directs more for speed than mood, but there are a few good shocks. Oct 9, 2012 Full Review Stephanie Archer Film Inquiry There is a sense of dominance, the silhouetted child remaining above the cross, the film’s refusal to move from this image delivering a devastating sense of foreshadowing – evil always wins. Jun 8, 2024 Full Review Joe Lipsett Horror Queers Podcast Richard Donner's feature directorial debut goes hard (so does Jerry Goldsmith's Oscar winning score), with a number of truly amazing set pieces. This holds up better than you may remember! Rated: 3.5/5 Apr 5, 2024 Full Review Steve Warren The Barb (Atlanta) Director Richard Donner hasn't the subtlety of a Hitchcock or even a Friedkin, but if you believe that the ends justify the means, you have to give him credit. May 9, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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James B A slow paced but it has affective scares and is still a timeless classic. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 12/08/24 Full Review Korra N Haunting, disturbing and impeccably staged, The Omen is easily one of the best religious horror films ever made thanks to Richard Donner's direction, a bunch of compelling performances and some truly chilling moments. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/26/24 Full Review Suggs O The real horror of this film isn't even the death scenes, unforgettable though they are. It's the sense of inexorable doom that pervades very aspect of the story. This feeling of impending doom is made palpable by the brilliant and understated acting and descends like a dark shadow that lingers well after the credts have rolled. Incredibly chilling. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/14/24 Full Review Rami A There’s something special about "The Omen," directed by Richard Donner, who is also known for "Superman" and "Lethal Weapon." The film explores themes related to Christianity, such as The Father, The Son, The Holy Ghost, The Devil, The Son, and The False Prophet, along with concepts like exorcism and devil children. While films with similar themes can often feel alike, each one approaches these ideas in unique ways. Donner masterfully builds tension by gradually revealing the story, allowing the audience to piece together the narrative over time. The performances in "The Omen" are also noteworthy, particularly that of Gregory Peck, who brings depth to his character as he grapples with the unsettling events surrounding his adopted son, Damien. The supporting cast, including Lee Remick and David Warner, adds layers of intrigue and emotional weight to the film. Visually, Donner creates a haunting atmosphere, employing cinematographic techniques that enhance the sense of dread throughout the movie. The use of shadow and light, along with an evocative score, amplifies the suspense and leaves a lasting impression on viewers. Moreover, "The Omen" addresses the nature of good and evil and the struggle between faith and doubt, challenging the audience to consider their own beliefs. Its combination of horror, psychological tension, and philosophical questions contributes to why it remains a classic in the genre, resonating with audiences long after its release. The film serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and its ability to provoke thought and evoke strong emotions. Let's also not forget the wonderful and dramatic acting by the great Gregory Peck. Any role he's in, he nails it. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/08/24 Full Review Audience M This film taps into our deepest fears along with a haunting blend of psychological tension and terror. From the eerie to the clever cinematography, the film immerses viewers in a sense of dread that never lets up after the credits. The Omen has stood the test of time because it doesn’t really rely on sudden jump-scares or gore but intern, it creates an atmosphere that creates this well-known film. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 11/08/24 Full Review Griffith J A slow burn that drags. Yet there is tense anticipation that works well. An investigative mystery baked into the religious horror theme that’s surprising. A great score with fascinating plot details. Yet the sound & lighting are very dated. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 10/27/24 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis American diplomat Robert (Gregory Peck) adopts Damien (Harvey Stephens) when his wife, Katherine (Lee Remick), delivers a stillborn child. After Damien's first nanny hangs herself, Father Brennan (Patrick Troughton) warns Robert that Damien will kill Katherine's unborn child. Shortly thereafter, Brennan dies and Katherine miscarries when Damien pushes her off a balcony. As more people around Damien die, Robert investigates Damien's background and realizes his adopted son may be the Antichrist.
Director
Richard Donner
Producer
Harvey Bernhard
Screenwriter
David Seltzer
Distributor
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, 20th Century Fox, CBS/Fox, Fox
Production Co
20th Century Fox
Rating
R
Genre
Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 25, 1976, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 1, 2017
Runtime
1h 51m
Sound Mix
Mono
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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