The Exorcist Movies: Release Order
The Exorcist franchise began with William Friedkin's 1973 masterpiece, a film that redefined horror cinema and became a cultural phenomenon. The series discusses faith, evil, and the battle between good and supernatural forces through stories of demonic possession.
This release order watch list includes all six theatrical films, but be aware that the franchise is known for inconsistent quality and continuity issues. The series features two different prequel films that tell essentially the same story with different approaches, and several sequels that ignore previous entries in the timeline. Check out the other Watch Orders up top for more details.
There are 4 other watch orders available - see the links up above.
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.
Exorcist II: The Heretic
Four years after her demonic possession, Regan MacNeil is plagued by disturbing nightmares, prompting a Vatican investigator and research specialist to determine if the evil has returned.
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.
Exorcist: The Beginning
A prequel exploring Father Merrin's first encounter with the demon Pazuzu in East Africa, years before the events of the original Exorcist film.
Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist
Father Merrin takes a sabbatical from the Church to pursue archaeology while struggling with his faith, leading him to encounter ancient evil forces that will test his beliefs.
The Exorcist: Believer
When two young girls return from a mysterious three-day disappearance with no memory of what happened, they begin exhibiting terrifying supernatural behavior that echoes a famous demonic possession from decades earlier.
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.