Important historical events have been grist to Hollywood’s mill for literally thousands of years. But the same old boring battles and speeches by kings are used as plot-fodder time and again. Here are some suggestions for amazing films based on less heralded moments in history.

A pentagon scrawled in still-warm blood drips on the wall of an abandoned cathedral; demonic prayers are heard as chilling whispers in the night as the Dark Lord is praised. What we feared has come to pass: The Satan Buddies have returned. Oh, wait a mo…