The Baphomet Seance: The scariest film in horror from 1983

Released in 1983, “The Baphomet Seance” is a film that became synonymous with the sensationalized panic surrounding the occult during the early 1980s. At a time when fears about Satanism and the occult were at their peak, this film was both condemned for its bold, unsettling subject matter. Although it was banned shortly after its release, the film’s legacy has endured, stirring up intrigue and debate, especially in the context of the Satanic Panic that gripped America at the time.

The 1980s marked a period of moral panic in the United States, particularly surrounding the idea of Satanic influence infiltrating society. Advertised as an instructional video on how to hold a séance and open a portal to communicate with the deceased, “The Baphomet Seance” included detailed steps, rituals, and practices to summon spirits. Yet, this innocent-seeming premise quickly became controversial. Some viewers, including critics and members of religious groups, claimed that the film’s instructions went far beyond just contacting the dead. According to these critics, the rituals in the film inadvertently opened a gateway to something far darker: Satan himself.

The film’s graphic depictions of ritualistic ceremonies, including the invocation of spirits, drew direct parallels to Satanic rituals that were commonly associated with the media’s portrayal of occult activity during this time. For many, the use of the Baphomet symbol—a goat-headed deity often linked to occult and esoteric traditions—was seen as an invitation for evil forces to enter.

Viewers who followed the film’s instructions reported disturbing occurrences in their own lives—strange sounds, inexplicable events, and a feeling of being watched—which only added fuel to the fire of its ominous reputation.

In the wake of its release, “The Baphomet Seance” was banned in several countries due to its perceived promotion of occultism and its potential for inciting fear and chaos among vulnerable viewers. The Satanic Panic had created a climate where films, books, and other media that dealt with the occult were under intense scrutiny, and “The Baphomet Seance” became a prime target. Many believed that the film’s explicit depiction of rituals could lead to dangerous outcomes, particularly for young, impressionable audiences.

Despite—or perhaps because of—the controversy, “The Baphomet Seance” gained a cult following. Underground screenings and bootleg copies circulated, and the film became a topic of fascination for horror enthusiasts and those curious about the occult. Over the years, its status as a banned film only added to its mystique, with fans and scholars debating whether the film was a work of fiction or a real occult manual with dire consequences.

Due to its graphic and chilling content many have considered “The Baphomet Seance” to be the “scariest horror film ever made.”  Some film critics and fans agreeing that this film pushes the horror envelope even further than films like The Exorcist or  Rosemary’s Baby. (Also with themes from the occult)

“The Baphomet Seance” remains one of the most intriguing and polarizing films of the 1980s, particularly in the context of the Satanic Panic. Its daring exploration of the occult, paired with its supposed connection to real-world occult practices, made it a target for censorship. Whether or not the film’s portrayal of rituals was truly dangerous is a question that still sparks debate. However, its place in film history is undeniable, offering a chilling glimpse into the fears and paranoia of an era gripped by the specter of Satanic influence.