‘The Damned movie’ can refer to several different films, creating confusion for searchers. The most critically acclaimed is Luchino Visconti’s 1969 historical drama about a wealthy German family during the rise of the Nazi party. However, there are also notable horror films with the same title from 1963 and 2014, as well as an anticipated new film.
Have you ever searched a streaming service for a specific movie, only to find several different films with the exact same title? It’s a common problem for movie fans, and few titles cause as much confusion as The Damned. A simple search for a historical drama can easily lead you to a chilling supernatural thriller or even a classic Hammer horror film. It’s enough to make any enthusiast feel, well, damned!
Here on the IWatchMovies Blog, we’re dedicated to solving this exact kind of mystery. In this comprehensive guide, we will untangle the different films titled The Damned. We’ll cover everything from Luchino Visconti’s iconic 1969 historical epic to the suspenseful 2014 supernatural horror, and even the upcoming 2025 release. By exploring their distinct plots, genres, and critical receptions, we’ll help you pinpoint exactly which film you want to watch.
So, let’s end the confusion. Join us as we break down each film and answer the crucial question: Which version of The Damned are you truly looking for?
Which ‘The Damned’ Movie Are You Looking For?
Navigating the cinematic landscape for a film titled “The Damned” can be tricky, as this title has been used for multiple, vastly different movies over the decades. If you’ve ever felt confused, you’re not alone!
To help you find the right movie, this guide will introduce the main contenders for the title. Each film offers a unique vision, spanning diverse genres and eras.
Here are the primary films known as “The Damned”:
- Luchino Visconti’s The Damned (1969): A sprawling and powerful historical drama that delves into the rise of Nazism.
- Joseph Losey’s The Damned (1963): This cult classic from Hammer Films blends science fiction with chilling horror. It is also known as These Are the Damned [1].
- Victor Garcia’s The Damned (2014): A contemporary supernatural thriller that brings modern scares to the title. Also known as Gallows Hill, its story centers on a haunted hotel.
- An Upcoming The Damned Project: Whispers of a new adaptation are circulating, but details are still emerging about this potential new version from director Roberto De Feo.
To help distinguish them quickly, refer to this handy comparison table:
| Movie Title | Release Year | Director | Primary Genre | Key Distinguishing Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Damned | 1969 | Luchino Visconti | Historical Drama, War | Epic saga of a wealthy German industrialist family during Nazi Germany’s rise [2]. |
| The Damned (These Are the Damned) | 1963 | Joseph Losey | Sci-Fi, Horror, Thriller | British nuclear paranoia film featuring delinquent youths and radiation-immune children [1]. |
| The Damned (Gallows Hill) | 2014 | Victor Garcia | Supernatural Horror, Thriller | American film about a family trapped in a haunted Colombian inn [3]. |
| The Damned | (Upcoming) | Roberto De Feo (announced) | TBD (Likely Historical Drama) | A new adaptation, details pending, potentially a new take on Visconti’s theme or another historical narrative [4]. |
Although they share a name, each of these movies provides a vastly different viewing experience. We will explore each of these fascinating films in more detail to help you choose which “The Damned” to watch next.
What is the film The Damned about?
Luchino Visconti’s 1969 Historical Epic
Directed by the acclaimed Italian filmmaker Luchino Visconti, this sprawling historical drama from 1969 is often known as The Damned (*La caduta degli dei* in Italian) [5].
The film plunges into the dark heart of Nazi Germany, focusing on the powerful Essenbeck family, a clan of German industrialists modeled after the real-life Krupp dynasty. Set against the backdrop of Hitler’s rise to power, the story begins with the 1933 Reichstag fire.
The plot explores the family’s moral decay and internal power struggles as they eagerly align themselves with the burgeoning Nazi regime. While this alliance secures their wealth and influence, it comes at a terrible human cost.
Visconti’s The Damned (1969) masterfully weaves together several powerful themes. These include:
- Political corruption
- Moral compromise
- Sexual deviance
- The destruction of traditional values
With intense performances and visually stunning direction, the film is a profound examination of evil’s seductive nature, showcasing how it consumes individuals and families. The result feels like a grand opera translated to cinema [6].
The 1963 Hammer Horror Classic
Directed by Joseph Losey, this 1963 British sci-fi horror classic from Hammer Film Productions is also known as The Damned, though it was sometimes titled These Are the Damned in the US [7].
The plot follows Simon, a rebellious American tourist visiting a quiet English seaside town. After an encounter with a gang of Teddy Boys led by the enigmatic King, Simon becomes involved with King’s sister, Joan, a relationship that leads him to a shocking discovery.
Beneath the cliffs, Simon finds a hidden colony of unusual children being kept isolated in a secret government bunker. These children possess strange, chilling abilities and appear to be immune to radiation, the subject of secret experiments.
The Damned (1963) is a tense psychological thriller that explores Cold War anxieties. It delves into themes of nuclear fallout, government conspiracy, youth rebellion, and social control, offering a chilling vision of a post-apocalyptic future. The film remains a fascinating entry in the Hammer canon.
The 2014 Supernatural Thriller
Directed by Victor Garcia, this 2014 supernatural thriller stars Peter Facinelli and Sophia Myles. It is also known as Gallows Hill in some markets [8].
The story follows American widower David Reynolds, who travels to Colombia with his new fiancée, Lauren, and reluctant daughter, Jill. Their purpose is to retrieve Jill’s estranged sister, Gina, from Bogotá.
After a car accident strands them, the family seeks refuge in a remote, decaying inn run by a reclusive woman named Maria. When strange occurrences begin, they discover she is holding a young girl captive in the basement.
Their attempt to rescue the girl unleashes a terrifying ancient entity that curses the house and begins to possess the inhabitants. The Damned (2014) combines several horror elements, including:
- Paranormal horror
- Psychological suspense
- Supernatural possession
Focusing on a family’s struggle to survive an unimaginable evil, the film offers a modern take on classic horror tropes. The tension is significantly heightened by the isolated setting.
Is The Damned a good film?
Critical Acclaim for Visconti’s Masterpiece
Luchino Visconti’s The Damned (1969) is a monumental work, widely considered a masterpiece by critics worldwide. It vividly portrays the moral decay of a powerful German industrialist family against the terrifying backdrop of Nazism’s ascent. The film is ambitious in its sweeping historical scope, with a lavish production design that adds to its grandeur.
Visconti masterfully crafts a disturbing and opulent epic that explores profound themes of corruption, decadence, and complicity. The performances are incredibly intense, with Dirk Bogarde delivering a particularly haunting portrayal. Its uncompromising artistic vision and intricate, operatic narrative garnered widespread praise from critics.
The Damned (1969) received significant international recognition, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay in 1970 [9]. The film also competed for the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, which helped cement its legacy in cinematic history. It remains a crucial piece of Italian cinema and is considered essential viewing for serious cinephiles.
Cult Following of the Hammer Film
Directed by the acclaimed Joseph Losey, the 1963 British Hammer film also titled The Damned boasts a very different legacy. The production initially struggled, facing considerable distribution challenges and divided critics upon its release. However, its distinctive blend of science fiction and psychological horror gradually found its audience.
Over time, The Damned (1963) developed a devoted cult following, with fans drawn to its dark and unsettling atmosphere. The film’s biting social commentary on nuclear anxieties, youth rebellion, and Cold War paranoia also resonated deeply with viewers. Its eerie premise, involving children exposed to radiation, serves as a chilling allegory.
Many now view it as a remarkably bold Hammer film that bravely deviates from the studio’s traditional Gothic horror with its thought-provoking narrative. Offering a fascinating insight into 1960s societal fears, the film continues to be discovered by fans who appreciate its unique vision and lasting impact.
Audience Reviews of the 2014 Movie
The 2014 supernatural thriller The Damned, often known internationally as Gallows Hill, features Peter Facinelli and Sophia Myles. Targeting a contemporary horror audience, this version relies more on conventional tropes like jump scares and a mysterious setup, unlike the earlier films.
Audience reviews for the 2014 movie are generally mixed. While the premise of a stranded American family in a remote Colombian inn is intriguing, opinions frequently diverge on the film’s execution. Some viewers found the plot convoluted, while others criticized the predictability of its scares.
Common feedback points include:
- Some appreciated the film’s atmospheric setting.
- Others felt the pacing was too slow in certain parts.
- The acting performances often received varied reactions.
- Many noted the use of familiar horror clichés throughout the story.
Overall, The Damned (2014) is an acceptable watch for casual horror enthusiasts, though it may not leave a profound impact. It offers some moments of tension, but its Rotten Tomatoes audience score of around 35% highlights a polarized reception [10].
Is The Damned actually scary?
The Psychological Dread of the 1963 Film
The scariness of The Damned (1963), also known as These Are the Damned, lies in its unique approach to horror. Rather than a typical monster flick, director Joseph Losey crafts a slow-burn experience.
The film delves deep into psychological horror. Instead of jump scares, it builds an overwhelming sense of dread, with unease growing from its unsettling atmosphere and thought-provoking themes.
With this release, Hammer Films—typically known for gothic horror—branched out into social commentary and sci-fi. The Damned (1963) explores Cold War paranoia through its chilling story of radioactive, emotionless children hidden from the world, presenting a grim vision for humanity’s future.
The film generates fear through several key elements:
- Creepy Atmosphere: The isolated, cold, and desolate setting creates a significant sense of hopelessness.
- Unsettling Characters: The children are profoundly disturbing because they lack normal human emotions, and their very existence raises unsettling questions.
- Implied Threats: The danger is more impactful because it is often implied rather than seen, felt through the threats of nuclear fallout and societal decay.
- Social Commentary: The critique of modern society, which touches on themes of alienation and control, adds a layer of intellectual fear.
Ultimately, this film’s power lies in its ability to haunt your thoughts long after the credits roll, creating a pervasive sense of despair. This approach marked a distinct deviation from Hammer’s classic Gothic horror offerings [11].
Jump Scares in the 2014 Version
In stark contrast, The Damned (2014), also released as Gallows Hill, embraces modern horror tropes. This supernatural thriller aims for immediate, visceral scares by relying heavily on a familiar technique: the jump scare.
The film uses a classic setup: a family becomes stranded at an isolated, creepy hotel where mysterious events quickly unfold. As supernatural forces begin to torment them, the scares come fast and frequently.
Common elements you’ll encounter include:
- Sudden Noises: Loud bangs, crashes, and shrieks punctuate quiet scenes, designed to make the audience jump.
- Quick Appearances: Figures and ghostly apparitions suddenly materialize, often appearing in reflections or at the edge of the frame.
- Unexpected Movements: Tense moments are created by objects moving on their own or doors slamming shut without warning.
- Close-Up Reveals: The camera will often focus on a character’s terrified face before revealing something horrifying directly behind them.
While effective for a quick jolt, jump scares can be divisive. This version of The Damned movie clearly aims for a more direct, fright-inducing experience, leaning heavily into the “haunted house” subgenre. Therefore, while some viewers may find the technique cheap, those who appreciate the immediate adrenaline rush of being startled will find this film delivers. It prioritizes supernatural scares over the deep psychological impact of its 1963 namesake.
How Can You Watch ‘The Damned’?
Streaming and Rental Options
Searching for “The Damned” can be confusing, as three different films share this title. Your viewing options will depend on which movie you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown of where to find each version.
Luchino Visconti’s 1969 Historical Epic
Luchino Visconti’s The Damned (La Caduta degli Dei) is a masterpiece of historical cinema, but its availability can vary.
- Streaming Subscriptions: This epic is often available on niche streaming platforms. Services like Criterion Channel frequently feature it [12]. Mubi is another platform known for showcasing arthouse cinema.
- Digital Rentals/Purchases: For renting or buying, check major digital storefronts such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play, where availability is generally consistent.
- Physical Media: For collectors, the Criterion Collection offers a stunning Blu-ray and DVD edition that includes bonus features.
The 1963 Hammer Horror Classic
For fans of classic British horror, this 1963 film—also known as These Are the Damned—is a must-see. Thanks to its cult status, the movie appears on several platforms.
- Streaming (Free with Ads): Keep an eye on services like Tubi and The Roku Channel, which often include this film in their free libraries. Since its availability rotates, you may need to check back regularly.
- Streaming Subscriptions: Horror-centric platforms provide a more consistent home. For example, Shudder occasionally streams this Hammer gem [13].
- Digital Rentals/Purchases: The film is also available to rent or purchase on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
- Physical Media: Specialist labels like Indicator/Powerhouse Films in the UK have released celebrated Blu-ray editions.
The 2014 Supernatural Thriller
If you’re looking for a more contemporary fright, the 2014 supernatural thriller, sometimes called Gallows Hill, is easier to access.
- Streaming (Free with Ads): This version is common on ad-supported streaming services. You can almost always find it on Tubi [14], The Roku Channel, and Pluto TV.
- Digital Rentals/Purchases: It’s widely available to rent for a one-time viewing or to purchase for your collection on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu.
- Physical Media: DVD and Blu-ray copies are generally easy to find at major retailers.
Is it available on Netflix?
A common question is whether any of these films are on Netflix. The answer is generally no, as they are not part of the platform’s regular library. Here’s a quick summary:
- Luchino Visconti’s 1969 Film: This historical drama rarely appears on Netflix, typically streaming on more specialized services like the Criterion Channel.
- The 1963 Hammer Horror Film: The Hammer horror classic is not a regular Netflix feature and is more likely to be found on horror-specific or free ad-supported platforms.
- The 2014 Supernatural Thriller: Though more widely available than the others, this thriller also isn’t consistently on Netflix. Any appearance would likely be temporary.
Because Netflix’s library prioritizes newer releases and original content, you’ll have better luck finding these three films on the platforms listed above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the end of The Damned movie?
The ending of The Damned depends on which version you watch. Each film concludes with a starkly different, yet equally impactful, resolution. Here is a breakdown of the most notable ones:
- Luchino Visconti’s The Damned (1969): This historical epic ends in utter desolation and moral decay. Martin von Essenbeck, now a corrupted SS officer, forces his mother, Sophie, and his stepfather, Friedrich Bruckmann, to commit suicide by taking poison. This final, horrifying act of power leaves him standing alone amidst the ruins of his family and Germany’s soul, symbolizing the complete destruction brought by Nazism [15].
- The Damned (2014, also known as Gallows Hill): This supernatural thriller delivers a chilling conclusion. Although David Reynolds saves his daughter, Jill, from the house’s vengeful spirits, the film’s ending is ambiguous. It suggests that Jill may be possessed or permanently marked by the events, leaving the audience with the sense that the evil wasn’t entirely defeated.
- The Damned (1963, Hammer Film, also known as These Are The Damned): This unique sci-fi horror from Hammer Films ends on a deeply pessimistic note. The main characters, including a group of radioactive children, are ultimately doomed. Fearing the children’s condition, the authorities prevent their escape and leave them to a grim fate, highlighting themes of Cold War paranoia and humanity’s self-destructive tendencies.
What is the release date for the upcoming The Damned movie?
Good news for horror fans—an upcoming film titled The Damned is anticipated for release in 2025. The new project comes from acclaimed director Eli Roth, known for films like Hostel and Cabin Fever.
The film, which had the working title Gringos, features a compelling cast that includes Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) and Jack Black. Its storyline reportedly follows a family whose vacation in Colombia takes a terrifying turn. Production began in early 2024, but a precise 2025 release date has not yet been locked in [16]. Keep an eye on movie news outlets for the official announcement.
Which ‘The Damned’ movie is on Wikipedia?
Because the title is so common, several films named The Damned have their own Wikipedia pages. This can cause confusion, but here is how to find the specific film you are looking for:
- Luchino Visconti’s The Damned (1969): This Italian-German historical drama has a comprehensive page. To find it, search for “The Damned (1969 film)” or its German title, “Götterdämmerung (film)”. This is often considered the most famous film with this title [17].
- The Damned (2014): This supernatural horror has its own entry, which is sometimes listed under the alternate title “Gallows Hill.” Searching for “The Damned (2014 film)” will lead you to the correct page [18].
- The Damned (1963): This science fiction horror from Hammer Productions also has a distinct page. To differentiate it from the others, Wikipedia often lists it as “These Are The Damned” [19].
- Upcoming Eli Roth Film (2025): The upcoming Eli Roth film does not yet have a dedicated page. One will likely be created once more information becomes available. In the meantime, you may find details by searching for its working title, “Gringos,” or “The Damned (upcoming film).”
To help users, Wikipedia often uses a disambiguation page for popular titles. If you search for “The Damned,” you will likely land on a page that lists all the works with that name, allowing you to navigate to the exact one you want.
Sources
- https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056565/
- https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063794/
- https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3003024/
- https://deadline.com/2023/05/the-damned-film-new-production-company-announcement-1235384213/
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Luchino-Visconti
- https://www.criterion.com/films/27648-the-damned
- https://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6b06886e
- https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2552818/
- https://awardsdatabase.oscars.org/
- https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/gallows_hill
- https://www.bfi.org.uk/features/hammer-horror-beyond-gothic
- https://www.criterionchannel.com/the-damned
- https://www.shudder.com/movies/watch/the-damned/5e9c065f4d1e25e9
- https://tubitv.com/movies/586047/the-damned
- https://mubi.com/films/the-damned-1969/reviews
- https://deadline.com/2024/03/peter-dinklage-jack-black-eli-roth-the-damned-gringos-film-relaunch-cast-1235843485/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Damned_(1969_film)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallows_Hill_(film)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/These_Are_the_Damned
