The Exorcist (1973) movie poster

The Exorcist

1973 ·2h 2m · ★ 7.7 (8,538)

When a mysterious entity possesses a young girl, her mother seeks the help of two Catholic priests to save her life.

Why it matters

The Exorcist delivers a slow-burning, atmospheric terror that redefined supernatural horror and still lingers in the shadow of every possession tale since.

  • A landmark in practical effects and makeup that still shock — from Regan’s pea soup to her unnerving head spin.
  • Captures a chilling clash between faith and the unknown, grounding cosmic dread in intimate family drama.
  • The 4K restoration sharpens its moody visuals, enriching every haunted corner of Regan’s bedroom and the priests’ grim crusade.
  • More unsettling than jump-scare reliant, it’s a measured descent into horror’s darkest spiritual anxieties — not for those expecting nonstop shocks.
4 horror films in catalog

Horror DNA

Gore
43
Slow Burn
50
Psychological
57
Supernatural
80
Creature
0
Disturbing
100
Fun Factor
33
Cerebral
85
Survival
17
Possession

Tone

Suspenseful

Content Warnings

Child in DangerTaboo ContentBody HorrorEye TraumaDehumanization

Phobia triggers

Religious ImageryEyesVomit

TMDB Keywords

actressaudaciousboldcrisis of faithdemondemonic possessiondisturbed childdramaticexorcismfrightenedholy waterhorrifiedmacabremetrocolorouija boardparanormal phenomenapossessed childpriestprovocativepsychoticreligion and supernaturalreligious horrorroman catholic churchsatansfxstrong languagesupernatural dramasupernatural horrorvomitwashington dc, usa

Pairs Well With