As a lifelong horror aficionado who’s been chasing the chill since I first stumbled upon a VHS copy of “The Exorcist” hidden in my grandma’s closet, I can confidently say that this franchise is as iconic as it gets. Each film has left an indelible mark on my soul, from the original’s bone-chilling possession scenes to the prequels’ exploration of the dark history behind those terrifying events.
Picture a chilling horror movie so terrifying it sent theatergoers fleeing, vomiting, or even collapsing in the aisles. The intensity of viewer responses to “The Exorcist,” released in 1973, was such that it paved the way for the Satanic Panic that swept through the ’80s alongside films like “The Omen” and “Rosemary’s Baby.
As a devoted movie enthusiast, I can confidently say that “The Exorcist,” a remarkably well-performed and cinematically chilling horror film from its time, has earned its reputation as one of the greatest horror movies ever made. This Academy Award-winning masterpiece not only set the stage for a timeless franchise in the horror genre but is often hailed as the best of its kind. A gripping narrative of supernatural and religious dread, “The Exorcist” explores a world haunted by demonic possession, often using questionable archaeological discoveries as a means to delve deeper into its theological lore.
Despite no film in the franchise reaching the same chilling impact as the original “The Exorcist,” the ongoing popularity of six movies, another one upcoming, and a television series indicates that audiences are always eager for more “Exorcism” experiences. The challenge lies in deciding the optimal viewing order.
How many Exorcist movies (and spin-offs) are there?
To date, there are six movies in the “The Exorcist” series. The initial film, simply titled “The Exorcist,” tells the harrowing story of Chris MacNeil (played by Ellen Burstyn), a single mom and actress, and her daughter Regan (Linda Blair), who is 12 at the time. The family’s peaceful life in their Georgetown rental home is disrupted when Regan becomes possessed by a demon named Pazuzu. In an attempt to free Regan from the demon’s grip, they summon two priests, Fathers Lankester Merrin (Max von Sydow) and Damien Karras (Jason Miller). Despite the exorcism in the first film leading to Regan seemingly recovering, the 1977 sequel “Exorcist II: The Heretic” delves into the Catholic Church’s questionable decision to re-investigate the case, sending Father Lamont (Richard Burton) on a perilous mission involving Regan and another of Pazuzu’s former victims.
15 years after my initial encounter with the chilling events portrayed in the first movie, I found myself delving into “The Exorcist III” in 1990, where I reconnected with Lieutenant William F. Kinderman, a detective from the original film, as he unraveled a series of murders linked to Regan’s long-ago possession. In 2004, I stumbled upon “Exorcist: The Beginning,” a prequel that delved into Father Lankester Merrin’s harrowing experience on an archaeological expedition following World War II, where he unwittingly unearthed more than just artifacts. “Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist,” released in 2005, offered a gripping and ominous twist on this haunting tale.
The best way to watch the Exorcist movies in order: Chronological vs release date
Watching the “Exorcist” series based on the release date of each film isn’t usually a poor decision. However, if you want to complete your viewing experience with the TV show, “The Exorcist” – a two-season horror series that premiered in 2016 – is a must-watch. You can integrate this series into your movie schedule by watching it either before or after “The Believer,” depending on your comfort level with blending television and films. Watching the franchise in chronological order can help answer many lingering questions from the original “Exorcist” film.
If your goal is to view the entire “Exorcist” franchise, series included, in chronological order:
“Dominion: Prequel to The Exorcist” starts in the year 1947, featuring flashbacks set in the year 1944.
2. “Exorcist: The Beginning” — roughly the same story, but begins in 1949
3. “The Exorcist” — set when it was released in 1973
4. “Exorcist II: The Heretic” — set in 1977
“The Exorcist III,” a story that unfolds approximately fifteen years following the conclusion of the initial movie, placing its setting in either 1988 or 1989.
6. “The Exorcist” series — set from 2016-2018
7. “The Exorcist: Believer” — set in 2023
And no matter what order you choose to watch it in, don’t forget the pea soup!
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2024-10-31 20:59