The Exorcist

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The Exorcist

R

Released Dec 26, 1973

2h 2m

Horror

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

78%

Tomatometer

177 Reviews

87%

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250,000+ Ratings

One of the most profitable horror movies ever made, this tale of an exorcism is based loosely on actual events. When young Regan (Linda Blair) starts acting odd -- levitating, speaking in tongues -- her worried mother (Ellen Burstyn) seeks medical help, only to hit a dead end. A local priest (Jason Miller), however, thinks the girl may be seized by the devil. The priest makes a request to perform an exorcism, and the church sends in an expert (Max von Sydow) to help with the difficult job.

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Critics Consensus

The Exorcist rides its supernatural theme to magical effect, with remarkable special effects and an eerie atmosphere, resulting in one of the scariest films of all time.

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Tom Huddleston

Time Out

It remains genuinely unnerving to this day -- ridiculous in places, faintly despicable in others, but gorgeous to look at and possessed with a sense of absolute, ruthless gravity.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 12, 2024

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Adam Nayman

The Ringer

Perhaps the most influential American horror movie ever made, The Exorcist was a Rorschach test when it came out. Fifty years later, it still sticks with us.

Oct 6, 2023

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Richard Roeper

Chicago Sun-Times

The scariest movie ever made...

Sep 30, 2023

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Alan Jones

Radio Times

The macabre, obscene demonstrations of manifest evil still retain their power to startle and nauseate, particularly Linda Blair's "head-turning" antics as the possessed child.

Rated: 5/5

Jul 9, 2024

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James Baldwin

The Devil Finds Work

The mindless and hysterical banality of the evil presented in The Exorcist is the most terrifying thing about the film. The Americans should certainly know more about evil than that; if they pretend otherwise, they are lying.

May 1, 2024

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Dennis Harvey

48 Hills

The Exorcist more conspicuously pushed into the mainstream a hitherto disreputable genre.

Jan 2, 2024

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Steven M

Still freaks you out decades later.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/31/24

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Bryan D

The Exorcist is a timeless horror film that still captivates and scares today after 50 years , recommend highly.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/31/24

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Gabriel W

Best Horror movie of all time!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/27/24

Full Review

Spencer Nielsen

“There are no experts.”

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/22/24

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Dione R

Theatre didn't have the correct movie downloaded, never got to actually see the movie!!

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

10/23/23

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Matheus P

The Exorcist cannot, under any circumstances, receive a rating lower than the maximum. This film is not merely a cinematic work; it is a true revolution in the world of cinema, particularly within the horror genre. Recognized as the most terrifying horror film of all time, The Exorcist has established itself as an undeniable classic. Its cultural impact was both profound and decisive, shaping not only the category of exorcism films but the horror genre as a whole. The narrative is exceptionally well-structured, carried by an engaging, dense, and mysterious storyline. A highlight that cannot go unmentioned is the remarkable performance of Linda Blair, who, in her portrayal of Regan, delivered one of the most iconic performances in the history of cinema. The legacy of The Exorcist transcends generations, remaining relevant and continuing to leave a lasting impression on audiences even today. The film masterfully delivers fear, dread, and unease, while simultaneously excelling in production, script, performances, and technical quality. In summary, The Exorcist is both an absolute classic of cinema and an intensely frightening masterpiece. Watching it is, without a doubt, a unique experience that I strongly recommend.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/16/25

Full Review

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William Friedkin

Director

Ellen Burstyn

Chris MacNeil

Linda Blair

Regan Teresa MacNeil

Max von Sydow

Father Lankester Merrin

Lee J. Cobb

Lieutenant William Kinderman

Kitty Winn

Sharon Spencer

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10%

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Synopsis

One of the most profitable horror movies ever made, this tale of an exorcism is based loosely on actual events. When young Regan (Linda Blair) starts acting odd -- levitating, speaking in tongues -- her worried mother (Ellen Burstyn) seeks medical help, only to hit a dead end. A local priest (Jason Miller), however, thinks the girl may be seized by the devil. The priest makes a request to perform an exorcism, and the church sends in an expert (Max von Sydow) to help with the difficult job.

Director: William Friedkin
Producer: William Peter Blatty
Screenwriter: William Peter Blatty
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: Warner Brothers, Hoya Productions
Rating: R
Genre: Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 26, 1973, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 24, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $441.4M
Runtime: 2h 2m
Sound Mix: Surround
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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