The Exorcist - Watch Order: Essential Films
This watch order focuses on the two best films in the franchise, skipping the poorly received sequels and prequels. These films represent the core Exorcist experience without the franchise's continuity complications.
The Exorcist III serves as a direct sequel to the original film, ignoring the events of Exorcist II: The Heretic entirely. Written and directed by William Peter Blatty, the original novel's author, it maintains the philosophical and theological depth that made the first film so impactful.

The Exorcist
When a charming 12-year-old girl takes on the characteristics and voices of others, doctors say there is nothing they can do. As people begin to die, the girl's mother realizes her daughter has been possessed by the Devil. Her daughter's only possible hope lies with two priests and the ancient rite of demonic exorcism.

The Exorcist III
On the fifteenth anniversary of the exorcism that claimed Father Damien Karras' life, Police Lieutenant Kinderman's world is once again shattered when a boy is found decapitated and savagely crucified.
Other Film Series
Alien
Humanity's terrifying encounters with a perfect killing organism across centuries of space exploration.
Halloween
The iconic slasher franchise following masked killer Michael Myers across multiple timelines and reboots spanning over four decades.
Jaws
Steven Spielberg's shark thriller spawned three sequels of diminishing quality, with increasingly loose continuity connecting the Brody family saga.
The Amityville Horror
A sprawling horror franchise centered on a haunted house and the cursed objects that spread its evil influence.
Underworld
A gothic action series following the centuries-old war between vampires and Lycans (werewolves), centered on vampire Death Dealer Selene.
X Horror Series
Ti West's acclaimed horror trilogy following the intertwined fates of Maxine and Pearl across generations, blending slasher thrills with character-driven storytelling and period-specific atmosphere.