The Exorcist - Watch Order: Essential Films

1973 - 19902 Films3h 52m4 Average

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.

1
The Exorcist poster

The Exorcist

19732h 2m4.6
Director: William Friedkin
Cast: Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Jason Miller, Max von Sydow, Lee J. Cobb

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.

Horror
2
The Exorcist III poster

The Exorcist III

19901h 50m3.4
Director: William Peter Blatty
Cast: George C. Scott, Ed Flanders, Brad Dourif, Jason Miller, Nicol Williamson

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.

Horror