The Exorcist Movies: 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.
There are 4 other watch orders available - see the links up above.
List not ranked (sorted by Release Date)
The Exorcist
When a 12-year-old girl begins exhibiting disturbing supernatural behavior, her desperate mother turns to two priests who must perform an ancient exorcism to save her daughter's soul.
The Exorcist III
Fifteen years after the events of the original exorcism, Police Lieutenant Kinderman investigates a series of brutal murders that bear an unsettling resemblance to the methods of a supposedly dead serial killer.
Other Film Series
Cloverfield
Science fiction anthology series where each standalone film explores mysterious threats and cosmic horror within the shared Cloververse.
Hannibal Lecter
A psychological thriller franchise following the brilliant and cannibalistic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter, adapted from Thomas Harris's novels across multiple timelines and interpretations.
I Know What You Did Last Summer
Teen slasher franchise following groups of friends stalked by a hook-wielding killer after covering up deadly accidents.
Phantasm
A surreal horror franchise following young Mike Pearson and ice cream vendor Reggie in their ongoing battle against the interdimensional Tall Man and his deadly silver spheres.
Romero's Living Dead
George A. Romero's groundbreaking zombie saga, featuring classic horror films and several reboots.
Underworld
A gothic action series following the centuries-old war between vampires and Lycans (werewolves), centered on vampire Death Dealer Selene.