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The Exorcist

1973 2h 2m
Horror
MOVIEVIBE Rating
7.7/10
8,863 reviews
Your Rating
The Exorcist

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

"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."

Top Billed Cast

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

Detailed Critic & Audience Reviews

P Potential Kermode Verified TMDB Critic
2017-02-16

**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....

G griggs79 Verified TMDB Critic
2024-10-15

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 en...

R RalphRahal Verified TMDB Critic
2025-02-13

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 ...