Get the MovieNight app
Add it to your home screen — faster & full screen
Warner Bros. Pictures
The Exorcist Collection
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.
When a mysterious entity possesses a young girl, her mother seeks the help of two Catholic priests to save her life.
RalphRahal
Feb 13, 2025 · via TMDB
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
Oct 15, 2024 · via TMDB
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.
Potential Kermode
Feb 16, 2017 · via TMDB
**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.
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
Fandango At Home
Philo
YouTube TV
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home
Plex
Ellen Burstyn
Chris MacNeil
Linda Blair
Regan MacNeil
Jason Miller
Father Damien Karras
Max von Sydow
Father Lankester Merrin
Lee J. Cobb
Lt. Bill Kinderman
William O'Malley
Father Joseph Kevin Dyer
Kitty Winn
Sharon Spencer
Barton Heyman
Dr. Klein
Peter Masterson
Dr. Barringer
Jack MacGowran
Burke Dennings
Rudolf Schündler
Karl
Robert Symonds
Dr. Taney
Vasiliki Maliaros
Mary Karras
Titos Vandis
Uncle John
John Mahon
Language Lab Director
Wallace Rooney
Bishop Michael
Ron Faber
Chuck / Demon (voice)
Donna Mitchell
Mary Jo Perrin
Roy Cooper
Jesuit Dean
Robert Gerringer
Senator at Party
Mercedes McCambridge
Demon (voice)
William Peter Blatty
The Producer (uncredited)
Mary Boylan
First Mental Patient (uncredited)
Eileen Dietz
Demon / Regan Double (uncredited)
Rita Sakellariou
(her voice on the radio)
Dan Perri
Title Designer
Owen Roizman
Director of Photography
Dick Smith
Makeup Artist
Rick Baker
Special Effects Assistant
William Friedkin
Director
Juliet Taylor
Casting
Noel Marshall
Executive Producer
William Peter Blatty
Producer
Jack Nitzsche
Original Music Composer
William Peter Blatty
Novel
William Peter Blatty
Screenplay
Dec 26, 1973
Apr 11, 1979
Re-release
Mar 17, 2000
Re-release
Sep 22, 2000
Restored Version
Dec 6, 2000
Oct 17, 2002
Screamfest Horror Film Festival (Extended Version)
Sep 30, 2010
Re-release
© 2025-2026 MovieNight. All rights reserved.
Versus
Sign in to play →
Under the Same Pink Sky
2020
Roadrunner United: The Documentary
2005
Sign in to vote
Battle your watched movies head-to-head
Community Top Movies
Evil Dead II
1987 · 14 wins
The Dark Knight
2008 · 14 wins
Halloween
1978 · 13 wins
Final Destination
2000 · 12 wins
Halloween II
1981 · 11 wins
Trivia
Leaderboard →Playing as a guest — sign in to save your score and rank on the leaderboard.
Movie Trivia
Guess the movie from a clue — tagline, plot, cast and more. Pick from four posters.
What movie experience do you prefer?
What is your favorite movie genre?
Versus
Sign in to play →
Under the Same Pink Sky
2020
Roadrunner United: The Documentary
2005
Sign in to vote
Battle your watched movies head-to-head
Community Top Movies
Evil Dead II
1987 · 14 wins
The Dark Knight
2008 · 14 wins
Halloween
1978 · 13 wins
Final Destination
2000 · 12 wins
Halloween II
1981 · 11 wins
Trivia
Leaderboard →Playing as a guest — sign in to save your score and rank on the leaderboard.
Movie Trivia
Guess the movie from a clue — tagline, plot, cast and more. Pick from four posters.
What movie experience do you prefer?
What is your favorite movie genre?
We use essential cookies to run MovieNight, plus analytics (Google Analytics) and advertising (Google AdSense) cookies. By continuing to browse, you agree to this — or click No and we won't. See our Terms & Privacy Policy to learn more.