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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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The Omen

The Omen is a 1976 supernatural horror film directed by Richard Donner and written by David Seltzer.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Omen is a 1976 supernatural horror film directed by Richard Donner and written by David Seltzer. It stars Gregory Peck, Lee Remick, and Harvey Stephens, and follows a couple who unknowingly raise a child believed to be the Antichrist. The film became the first entry in The Omen franchise.

Plot

The story follows Robert and Katherine Thorn after their biological child dies at birth and Robert secretly replaces him with another newborn. As Damien grows, a series of strange events and deaths leads the family to suspect he is the Antichrist.

Production

The Omen was made as a British-American supernatural horror film and was directed by Richard Donner from a screenplay by David Seltzer.

Franchise

The 1976 film became the first entry in a broader franchise that includes sequels and a 2006 remake.

Reception and legacy

The film has been widely recognised as a classic horror title and remains notable for its religious horror themes and the character of Damien Thorn.

Key facts

  • The Omen was released in 1976 as a British-American co-production.
  • The story centres on Damien Thorn, a child raised by a diplomat and his wife who is revealed to be the Antichrist.
  • Richard Donner directed the film, and David Seltzer wrote the screenplay.
  • Gregory Peck and Lee Remick play the adoptive parents, Robert and Katherine Thorn.
  • The film launched The Omen franchise, including sequels, a remake, and related works.
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Canadian context

The Omen has been distributed and discussed in Canada as part of the broader English-language horror-film canon, but no Canada-specific production or story connection is indicated in the supplied sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Omen?
The Omen is a 1976 supernatural horror film about a child believed to be the Antichrist.
Who directed The Omen?
The film was directed by Richard Donner.
Who wrote The Omen?
The screenplay was written by David Seltzer.
Who stars in The Omen?
The cast includes Gregory Peck, Lee Remick, David Warner, Harvey Stephens, Billie Whitelaw, Patrick Troughton, Martin Benson, and Leo McKern.
What is The Omen about?
It follows a couple who raise an adopted child, Damien, while unsettling events suggest he may be the Antichrist.
Is The Omen part of a franchise?
Yes. It is the first film in The Omen franchise.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Omen
    Supports: 1976 supernatural horror film; director, writer, cast, plot, UK/US co-production.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Omen_(franchise)
    Supports: The Omen as the first film in the franchise and overview of the series.
  3. Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q836298
    Supports: Identifies The Omen as a 1976 film directed by Richard Donner.
  4. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/the-omen-1976
    Supports: Basic plot summary and character names.
  5. The Hollywood Reporter — https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/the-omen-movies-ranked/
    Supports: Describes the film’s cultural impact and franchise legacy.