The Exorcist

1973

122 mins

Directed by William Friedkin
78%
87%
Horror
Thriller
Award Winner

William Friedkin's masterful horror, considered by many as one of the scariest films of all time. Winner of two Oscars... More

William Friedkin's masterful horror, considered by many as one of the scariest films of all time. Winner of two Oscars and four Golden Globes in 1973.

When teenager Regan (Linda Blair) is possessed by a mysterious entity, her mother (Ellen Burstyn) seeks the help of two priests (Max von Sydow, Jason Miller) to save her daughter.

There have been several re-releases and Director's Cut versions, notably including the infamous spider-walk scene in which Regan scurries down stairs on all fours, arched over backwards, and vomits blood.

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Where to watch The Exorcist

The Exorcist is available to stream in the United Kingdom... More now on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store and Google TV and BBC iPlayer and Now and BFI Player Rentals and YouTube and Curzon and Sky Go and Microsoft.

There is no screening information for this title.

The Exorcist | Ratings & Reviews

78_%176 reviews
Rotten Tomatoes® rating
87_%421,812 reviews
Audience score rating

"Just as some of the footage deepens what is already there, additions in final reel, though closer to Blatty’s wishes, restate the obvious or add a feel-good patina which pushes the film closer to our own audience-pleasing period than the more daring early ’70s. [2000 re-release]"

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TV Guide

"But his very lack of subtlety is both the strength and weakness of The Exorcist in the 21st century. [2000 re-release]"

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New York Post

"Fans should see it again, first-timers should believe the hype. Non-believers should suffer eternal damnation. [2000 re-release]"

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Empire Magazine

"The well cast film makes credible in powerful laymen's terms the rare phenomenon of diabolic possession."

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Variety

"This film's banned because it's too convincing."

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Total Film

"There's something elemental about The Exorcist, even with the new hopeful ending that betrays the bleak original."

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Rolling Stone

"Rarely do movies affect us so deeply."

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RogerEbert.com

The Exorcist | Details

Directed by

Cast

Award winner: Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound at the Academy Awards, 1973. Best Film (Drama), Director, Supporting Actress, Screenplay at the Golden Globes, 1973.
Runtime: 122
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Country of origin: USA