Possessed by Fear: The Most Terrifying Exorcism Movies Ever Made

With a long and spooky history, the exorcism subgenre of horror plays on our worst anxieties about the unknown and the potential for losing control to evil forces that are beyond our comprehension. These movies explore the conflict between good and evil, dive into the spiritual world, and frequently make us wonder where religion and truth meet.

Here are a few of the scariest exorcism films that have terrified viewers, ranging from avant-garde masterpieces to contemporary masterpieces:

1. The Exorcist (1973)

Without mentioning the movie that started it all, no list of exorcism films would be complete. With its groundbreaking special effects and Linda Blair’s iconic portrayal of Regan, a young girl enslaved by a demonic force, William Friedkin’s The Exorcist—which was adapted from William Peter Blatty’s novel—set the standard for the genre. The film’s unvarnished portrayal of possession, together with its examination of faith and hopelessness, had a lasting impression on viewers and cemented its place as a horror classic.

2. The Conjuring (2013)

A new generation was introduced to the exorcism genre decades later by James Wan’s The Conjuring. The film skillfully combines real-life horrors with a profoundly unnerving atmosphere, drawing inspiration from the real-life investigations of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga). The Conjuring not only terrified audiences but also spawned a successful franchise, solidifying its place in horror history.

3. The Witch (2015)

The Witch by Robert Eggers approaches the exorcism story differently, emphasizing psychological terror and the breakup of a Puritan family in New England in the 17th century. The film is a very frightening and thought-provoking experience because of its oppressive atmosphere, eerie images, and examination of religious fundamentalism. The Witch deftly examines issues of possession, paranoia, and the shadowy side of faith, despite not being a conventional exorcism movie.

4. The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)

The Exorcism of Emily Rose combines supernatural terror with judicial drama, drawing inspiration from Anneliese Michel’s genuine narrative. The reality of demonic forces, mental illness, and the nature of faith are among the issues that are brought up in the movie. In her portrayal of Emily Rose, a young woman troubled by unsettling incidents that defy explanation, Jennifer Carpenter gives a terrifying performance.

5. The Last Exorcism (2010)

The Last Exorcism is a found-footage film that follows a dejected preacher (Patrick Fabian) as he conducts what he thinks is his last exorcism. By taking a documentary-style approach, the movie blurs the boundaries between fact and fiction and gives it a realistic feel. A horrific and unnerving finale results from the preacher’s encounter with actual evil during the exorcism.

Honorable Mentions:

Sinister (2012): A true-crime writer’s investigation into a series of disturbing home videos leads to a terrifying encounter with a malevolent supernatural entity.
Deliver Us from Evil (2014): A New York police officer teams up with a priest to investigate a series of disturbing crimes with supernatural origins.
The Pope’s Exorcist (2023): Inspired by the actual files of Father Gabriele Amorth, Chief Exorcist of the Vatican, Russell Crowe stars in this chilling tale of demonic possession.

The Development of Exorcism in Motion Pictures

The exorcism genre has changed over time, embracing new filmmaking methods and delving into a variety of subjects. Modern interpretations of the film explore psychological trauma, societal fears, and the power of religion, whereas early versions concentrated on religious rituals and demonic possession. This development offers viewers psychological and supernatural fear, reflecting a wider investigation of the unknown.

The Persistent Allure of Horror Exorcism

The capacity of exorcism films to appeal to our innate fears is what gives them their ongoing appeal. The fear of losing control, the conflict between good and evil, and the unknown are all explored. These films remind us that some things may exist beyond our understanding, leaving us with a lingering sense of unease and a fascination with the darkness that lurks within the human psyche and the world around us.