Gone are the days when theLuciferrole is reserved for a two-dimensional evil-doer, as fans often find themselves relating to, admiring, or even sympathizing with the supposedly antagonistic character. The Devil has subsequently transformed from one of the most hated entities in existence to one that now claims center stage in a goofy, thought-provoking, or spine-chilling manner.
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While there have been numerous versions of the King of Hell over the years, this discussion will focus primarily on the fantasy genre and will not include themany Satanic anime characters. This list also seeks out the Lucifers that bring a different entertainment factor than the stereotypical horror film renditions; those who aim to intrigue viewers and not simply scare them witless. This text will also be sticking strictly to the Lucifer/Satan moniker and avoiding loopholesthat Death, the Grim Reaper,Hades, or other Big Bads create.
8Elizabeth Hurley In Bedazzled
While an appealing Lucifer may be quite commonplace today, the trope was virtually unheard ofback in the 2000swhenBedazzledwas released but, after seeing Elizabeth Hurley strut her stuff, not many could complain. Satan’s whole M.O. is to essentially inspire sin and arouse desires, regardless of the situation, and in this case, Elliot Richards doesn’t stand a chance!
The awkward IT guy attempts to win over the girl of his dreams by selling his soul for seven wishes, making an unlikely friend during his endeavors. This romantic comedy perfectly sums up the life lesson of “be careful what you wish for” (particularly when dealing with the Devil) in a lighthearted and sensual way.
7Peter Stormare In Constantine
One of the first on-screen portrayals of Neil Gaiman’s Lucifer Morningstar is delivered by the esteemed Peter Stormare, who makes a rather brief, yet thoroughly impressionable appearance in thestar-studded feature film,Constantine.
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His slow-motion entrance scene is powerful enough to spread goosebumps across viewers' bodies before shock and admiration take over as Satan saves Ellie from Gabrielle’s attack before putting the rogue angel in its place. Lucifer then also goes on to allow his adversary to live on cancer-free (although whether this gesture is meant to reward Constantine or extend his torture is debatable).
6Jack Nicholson In The Witches Of Eastwick
There is not much that Jack Nicholson can touch without transforming it into a masterpiece, andthis 1980s fantasy taleis no exception. Daryl Van Horne is the ultimate ladies' man and picks off the women of Eastwick one by one, freeing their inhibitions while remaining completely unconcerned by the consequences that subsequently befall them.
A run-in with three oblivious witches complicates matters for D, as their interactions with the Devil-in disguise cause their magic to emerge from dormancy. What is essentially a supernatural battle of the sexes has also become a cult classic that definitely deserves a rewatch from dark-comedy fans.
5Luke Cook In TheChilling Adventures Of Sabrina
This 90s reboot does not steer very far from the stereotypically evil portrayal of Lucifer, however, Luke Cook delivers a provoking performance as Sabrina’s power-hungry father and the source of all depravity. This Dark Lord has many loyal worshipers and can transform between the appealing angelic humanoid form and a nightmarish goat-like beast, fueled by the desire to corrupt humanity and overwhelm their realm with evil.
Lucifer showedno paternal interest in Sabrinauntil she became old enough to be useful, and pressures her to assume the throne and marry Caliban for the sake of status, not love. He manipulates his most loyal supporter, Lilith, as if she were an emotionless pawn, which backfires significantly when everyone starts to see through his alluring deception.
4Gwendoline ChristieIn The Sandman
Not all of Neil Gaiman’s fans were thrilled with the gender-bender Lucifer inThe Sandman(who is essentially the initial inspiration behindDC’sLucifer Morningstar.) Regardless, only true haters can say thattheGame of ThronesstarGwendoline Christie did the role any disservice with her intimidatingly regal depiction of the most beautiful and manipulative angel.
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This androgynous, gender-fluid portrayal fits neatly within the source material, as the emphasis in the comic books never references a specific gender (on purpose!) Christie delivers a more sinister and vengeful Lucifer than Tom Ellis, adding her own spin to theDClegend, and will likely lead the charge against Dream in the second installment ofThe Sandman.
3Al Pacino In The Devil’s Advocate
Mary Ann could sense something was off with the enchanting John Milton, but unfortunately, Kevin Lomax (Keanu Reeves) had already fallen deeply under his spell. It is evident that, as a lawyer, Kevin plays fast and loose with morality to get his client off, and the Devil takes full advantage of this flawed characteristic, turningthe relatively “good guy"into a deplorable power-driven intimidator who is virtually unrecognizable in the end.
John Milton shows how easily it can be to be seduced into the dark side with promises of success and manipulative strokes of the ego. Satan will work his magic on the smallest imperfections until they become the focal point of his victim’s entire existence, and innocent bystanders can do little to stop the path of destruction.
2Mark Pellegrino In Supernatural
Unlike the demonic Crowley (who was also at one point, the King of Hell), Lucifer cannot be trusted in the slightest, and yet, he still manages to be somewhat likable (and even adored by many viewers.) His quick wit and dry humor regularly get a good laugh out of theSupernaturalfandom (which other vexing antagonists such as Dick Roman or Metatron, could rarely accomplish.)
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While the soul of the Devil inhabited several different bodiesduring theSupernaturalstoryline, Mark Pellegrino’s role gives the greatest impact, as viewers find themselves secretly wishing that Sam and Dean’s arch-nemesis will make another appearance, even if he ends up ruining the day!
1Tom Ellis In Lucifer
Nobody doesLuciferquite like Tom Ellis, who steals the show with his perfect personification of the term “sex appeal” (in his human form, that is!) When the King of Hell needs a vacation, the obvious choice is the City of Angels, where the devilishly desirably charmer learns about the intricacies of humankind by consulting with the local police force (of course!)
DC’sLucifer Morningstar isfar from the typical protagonist, which arguably makes his character even more relatable as he struggles to balance desire with virtue, empathy, and expectations. He readjusts his moral compass with the help of his sexy shrink, Linda Martin, and is constantly reminded of his dark past thanks to Mazikeen and Amenedial, all while becoming hopelessly infatuated with the seductive Detective Chloe Decker. Lucifer extends his time with humans more and more each day as their optimistic influences slowly take effect.
