The Omen is a 1976 American-British supernatural horror-drama film directed by Richard Donner and written by David Seltzer. The first installment in The Omen series, the film concerns a young child adopted at birth by American Ambassador Robert Thorn unbeknownst to his wife, after their own son is stillborn. They are surrounded by mysterious and ominous deaths, unaware that the child is the Antichrist.
Released theatrically by 20th Century Fox in June 1976, The Omen received acclaim from critics and was a commercial success, grossing over $60 million at the box office and becoming one of the highest grossing films of 1976. The film earned two Academy Award nominations, and won for Best Original Score for Jerry Goldsmith, his only Oscar win. A scene from the film appeared at #16 on Bravo's The 100 Scariest Movie Moments. The film spawned a franchise, starting with Damien: Omen II, released two years later.
Damien (TV Series) was conceived as a direct sequel to the first film, without taking into account the various sequels and remakes.