God Told Me To is a 1976 horror film directed by Larry Cohen. The film follows NYPD detective Peter Nicholas (Tony Lo Bianco) as he investigates a string of murders committed by seemingly random New Yorkers who all claim that God told them to do it. As Nicholas delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a bizarre and disturbing conspiracy involving alien visitation, religious fanaticism, and government cover-ups.
The film features an ensemble cast of veteran character actors, including Sandy Dennis as a psychic who becomes involved in the case, Richard Lynch as a troubled killer who may hold the key to the mystery, and Sylvia Sidney as Nicholas's mother, who reveals a shocking secret about his own bizarre birth.
As the investigation heats up, Nicholas finds himself drawn into a surreal and nightmarish world where religious fervor and extraterrestrial forces collide. The film's climax features a shocking twist that leaves the audience questioning everything they thought they knew about the nature of evil and the existence of God.
Despite its cult status, God Told Me To was initially controversial due to its provocative subject matter and graphic violence. However, in retrospect, it is often cited as a pioneering work in the genre of psychological horror, and a precursor to films like The X-Files and Twin Peaks.