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The Exorcist
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Hoya Productions
Warner Bros. Pictures Warner Bros. Pictures
The Exorcist Collection The Exorcist Collection

The Exorcist

Something almost beyond comprehension is happening to a girl on this street, in this house…And a man has been sent for as a last resort. This man is The Exorcist.

1973 122 min ★ 7.8 (8,867) Released
Drama Horror

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

Original title
The Exorcist
Language
EN
Country
US
Budget
$11,000,000
Revenue
$430,872,776
Reviews & Ratings 3
R

RalphRahal

Feb 13, 2025 · via TMDB

★ 9.0

The Exorcist (1973) is one of those horror films that sticks with you long after the credits roll. It sets itself apart with an eerie, slow-building tension rather than relying on cheap scares. The story follows a young girl who begins exhibiting disturbing behavior, leading her mother to seek help from both medical professionals and, eventually, the church. The plot is simple but highly effective, creating an unsettling atmosphere that feels grounded in reality. It doesn’t waste time on unnecessary subplots, keeping the focus tight and the tension high. William Friedkin’s direction is masterful, balancing realism with the supernatural in a way that makes everything feel disturbingly possible. The opening in the desert is a great example, setting up the film’s themes with a quiet unease before shifting to the main story. The cinematography reinforces the horror without feeling over-stylized, using dim lighting, tight framing, and cold color tones to build dread. The way the camera lingers just long enough on certain shots makes you feel like you’re watching something you shouldn’t be. The acting is phenomenal across the board, but the standout performance is from Linda Blair as the possessed girl. She delivers a chilling performance that makes the supernatural feel shockingly real. Ellen Burstyn and Max von Sydow bring depth to their roles, adding weight to the film’s emotional core. The dialogue feels natural, which makes the disturbing moments hit even harder. The script is smartly written, giving just enough exposition without over-explaining, letting the horror unfold naturally. The sound design and score elevate the entire experience. The use of silence is just as effective as the unsettling sounds that creep in at the right moments. The film’s signature theme, Tubular Bells, is simple yet haunting, perfectly setting the tone for the film. The shock scenes are well-timed and never feel excessive, keeping the horror grounded rather than over-the-top. The Exorcist still holds up today as one of the most well-crafted horror films ever made, blending strong storytelling, unsettling direction, and incredible performances into something unforgettable.

griggs79

griggs79

Oct 15, 2024 · via TMDB

★ 10.0

The 4K restoration of The Exorcist is absolutely stunning. Every frame has been enhanced to reveal richer textures, making the eerie details of Regan's demonic possession even more unsettling. The colours in key scenes are now more vivid, adding depth to the already tense atmosphere. Iconic moments, such as Father Merrin's arrival under the streetlight and Regan's head spin, have been revitalized, making them feel even more intense. The film's haunting interiors, from Regan's dimly lit bedroom to the unsettling atmosphere of Father Karras's moments of doubt, now have a newfound clarity that enhances the immersive terror.

P

Potential Kermode

Feb 16, 2017 · via TMDB

★ 6.0

**Shocking rather than frightening.** Friedkin's The Exorcist is a film that shocks rather than scares. A well made film that achieved notoriety via pea soup. A slow and intelligent film with strong performances - yet also a mostly disappointing one for those who dare to go beyond the hype and actually _experience_ it for the first time. For a film that _does_ succeed in frightening the audience and with none of the hype - I recommend The Changeling starring George C Scott. Now **THAT** is a scary movie.

User reviews courtesy of TMDB.

Keywords 20
based on novel or book bold crisis of faith demon demonic possession exorcism halloween macabre paranormal phenomena possessed child possession priest religion and supernatural religious horror roman catholic church satan sinister supernatural horror suspenseful washington dc, usa
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Cast 25
Ellen Burstyn

Ellen Burstyn

Chris MacNeil

Linda Blair

Linda Blair

Regan MacNeil

Jason Miller

Jason Miller

Father Damien Karras

Max von Sydow

Max von Sydow

Father Lankester Merrin

Lee J. Cobb

Lee J. Cobb

Lt. Bill Kinderman

William O'Malley

William O'Malley

Father Joseph Kevin Dyer

Kitty Winn

Kitty Winn

Sharon Spencer

Barton Heyman

Barton Heyman

Dr. Klein

Peter Masterson

Peter Masterson

Dr. Barringer

Jack MacGowran

Jack MacGowran

Burke Dennings

Rudolf Schündler

Rudolf Schündler

Karl

Robert Symonds

Robert Symonds

Dr. Taney

Vasiliki Maliaros

Vasiliki Maliaros

Mary Karras

Titos Vandis

Titos Vandis

Uncle John

John Mahon

John Mahon

Language Lab Director

Wallace Rooney

Wallace Rooney

Bishop Michael

Ron Faber

Ron Faber

Chuck / Demon (voice)

Donna Mitchell

Donna Mitchell

Mary Jo Perrin

Roy Cooper

Roy Cooper

Jesuit Dean

Robert Gerringer

Robert Gerringer

Senator at Party

Mercedes McCambridge

Mercedes McCambridge

Demon (voice)

William Peter Blatty

William Peter Blatty

The Producer (uncredited)

Mary Boylan

Mary Boylan

First Mental Patient (uncredited)

Eileen Dietz

Eileen Dietz

Demon / Regan Double (uncredited)

Rita Sakellariou

Rita Sakellariou

(her voice on the radio)

Crew 11
Dan Perri

Dan Perri

Title Designer

Owen Roizman

Owen Roizman

Director of Photography

Dick Smith

Dick Smith

Makeup Artist

Rick Baker

Rick Baker

Special Effects Assistant

William Friedkin

William Friedkin

Director

Juliet Taylor

Juliet Taylor

Casting

Noel Marshall

Noel Marshall

Executive Producer

William Peter Blatty

William Peter Blatty

Producer

Jack Nitzsche

Jack Nitzsche

Original Music Composer

William Peter Blatty

William Peter Blatty

Novel

William Peter Blatty

William Peter Blatty

Screenplay

Gallery 392
Videos 32
Similar Movies 551
US Release Dates 7

Dec 26, 1973

R Theatrical

Apr 11, 1979

Re-release

R Theatrical

Mar 17, 2000

Re-release

Theatrical (Limited)

Sep 22, 2000

Restored Version

R Theatrical

Dec 6, 2000

R Physical

Oct 17, 2002

Screamfest Horror Film Festival (Extended Version)

Premiere

Sep 30, 2010

Re-release

Theatrical (Limited)

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Evil Dead II

1987 · 14 wins

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1978 · 13 wins

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Final Destination

2000 · 12 wins

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Halloween II

1981 · 11 wins

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Movie Trivia

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What movie experience do you prefer?

Movie theater — theater popcorn with Icee/soda & maybe nachos 67%
At home — relaxed on your favorite couch or chair with whatever drinks & snacks are in the kitchen 33%
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What is your favorite movie genre?

Action 33%
Adventure 0%
Animation 0%
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Documentary 0%
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