Horror movie “Devil’s Due,” out Thursday, terrified New Yorkers this week with a prank involving a satanic infant in a self-propelled stroller.
The film’s story of a woman pregnant with the spawn of Satan is just the latest in a proud cinematic tradition of terrifyingly evil children.
“Devil’s Due”
An unexpected pregnancy for a newly married couple soon leads to bizarre symptoms that go way beyond normal morning sickness.
“Hell Baby”
This spawn-of-Satan satire sees a young married couple dealing with a strange pregnancy and a visit from a couple of unorthodox exorcists.
“Rosemary’s Baby”
Still the standard-bearer of scary-baby films, this 1968 classic sees Mia Farrow’s Rosemary trying to figure out who’s the real baby-daddy (hint: Satan is his father!)
“Orphan”
A couple adopts a young girl named Esther who turns out to be, shall we say, a handful.
“Joshua”
In Vera Farmiga’s other evil-kid movie, there’s something not quite right about her titular son.
“Children of the Corn”
This Stephen King adaptation takes place in a seemingly idyllic small town . . . where a cult of children kills everyone over the age of 18.
“The Bad Seed”
Popularizing a common term for problem kids, this 1956 movie features Rhoda Penmark, the cutest little 8-year-old murderer you ever saw.
“The Omen”
Forever tainting the name Damien, this 1976 film (remade in 2006) introduced a little boy who turns out to be the Antichrist.
“The Exorcist”
Linda Blair rose to early fame for her role as Regan, a young girl possessed by the devil who hurls obscenities — and copious vomit — at the priest who takes on her case.
“The Ring”
This 2002 remake of a Japanese horror film concerns a demonic, hairstyle-challenged child named Samara who kills you if you watch her video.