A Guide to The Omen Film Series Franchise
With the release of The First Omen, I thought it'd be a great time to look at all of the films in the iconic The Omen Film Series. Did you know that The Omen film series is based upon a 1976 novel by David Seltzer titled, fittingly enough, The Omen? Now you do! And know that you know where it all started, let's dive right in to this classic supernatural film saga.
The Omen Film Series: A Supernatural Saga
1. The Omen (1976)
- Director: Richard Donner
- Writer: David Seltzer
- Producer: Harvey Bernhard
- Runtime: 111 minutes
- Plot Summary:
The original film introduces us to Robert Thorn, the American Ambassador in Italy. He adopts a newborn named Damien to replace his own stillborn child. As Damien grows, strange events unfold while Father Brennan, a Catholic priest present at Damien’s birth, warns Robert that the child is the Antichrist.
2. Damien: Omen II (1978)
- Director: Don Taylor
- Writers: Stanley Mann and Mike Hodges
- Runtime: 107 minutes
- Plot Summary:
- Damien is now a teenager who attends a military academy who discovers his true identity as the Antichrist and begins to embrace his dark destiny. Damien: Omen II explores his growing powers and malevolent influence.
3. Omen III: The Final Conflict (1981)
- Director: Graham Baker
- Writer: Andrew Birkin
- Producers: Harvey Bernhard and Richard Donner
- Runtime: 108 minutes
- Plot Summary:
- Damien Thorn, now an adult, seeks to gain control of the Thorn business and ascend to the presidency. The film follows his ruthless pursuit of power and the ultimate showdown between good and evil.
4. Omen IV: The Awakening (1991)
- Directors: Jorge Montesi and Dominique Othenin-Girard
- Producers: Harvey Bernhard and Mace Neufeld
- Runtime: 97 minutes
- Plot Summary:
- This TV movie introduces a new generation of the Thorn family. The Antichrist’s legacy continues as a young girl named Delia exhibits ominous abilities.
5. The Omen (2006)
- Director: John Moore
- Writer: David Seltzer
- Producers: Glen Williamson and John Moore
- Runtime: 107 minutes
- Plot Summary:
- A modern remake of the original film.
- Robert Thorn, played by Liev Schreiber, grapples with the terrifying truth about his adopted son Damien.
6. The First Omen (2024)
- Director: Arkasha Stevenson
- Writers: Tim Smith and Arkasha Stevenson
- Producers: David S. Goyer and Keith Levine
- Runtime: 119 minutes
- Plot Summary:
- A woman starts to question her own faith when she uncovers a terrifying conspiracy to bring about the birth of evil incarnate in Rome.
Watch my interview with The First Omen star Nell Tiger Free!
Buy The Omen Collection (Blu-Ray) on Amazon here to get the entire film saga (except, of course, for The First Omen) with a ton of special features and in-depth looks at the making of the franchise.
Conclusion
The Omen franchise weaves a chilling narrative of supernatural forces, ancient prophecies, and the battle between good and evil. Whether you’re a horror aficionado or a curious viewer, these films promise spine-tingling suspense and devilish intrigue.
