The BEST Horror Movie of All Time: The Exorcist

By Dan Salem

Posted on July 29, 2025

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The enduring POWER of The Exorcist is unrivaled. It stands as the definitive BEST horror movie of all time. Now you know, so tell your friends.

 

Defining the “best” horror movie of all time is a notoriously subjective and fiercely debated topic among cinephiles. The genre is vast and varied, encompassing everything from psychological thrillers and supernatural tales to slasher films and creature features. Yet, if one film consistently rises to the top of critical lists, sparks fervent discussion, and continues to genuinely terrify audiences decades after its release, it is arguably William Friedkin’s 1973 masterpiece, The Exorcist. More than just a film about demonic possession, The Exorcist is a profound and unsettling exploration of faith, doubt, innocence corrupted, and the primal fear of the unknown, cementing its legacy as a cinematic landmark.

Watch the Movie: Click For ‘The Exorcist: Director’s Cut’ on Blu-ray $17.99

Based on William Peter Blatty’s novel, The Exorcist tells the harrowing story of Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair), a sweet 12-year-old girl who begins to exhibit increasingly disturbing and violent behavior. Her mother, Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn), a famous actress, initially seeks medical and psychiatric help, but as Regan’s condition deteriorates into grotesque and blasphemous manifestations, she is forced to confront the horrifying possibility that her daughter is possessed by a demonic entity. Desperate, Chris turns to the Catholic Church, leading to the involvement of Father Damien Karras (Jason Miller), a troubled priest grappling with a crisis of faith, and ultimately, the veteran exorcist Father Lankester Merrin (Max von Sydow).

What sets The Exorcist apart from so many other horror films is its unwavering commitment to realism and its methodical build-up of dread. Friedkin deliberately grounds the supernatural horror in a believable, everyday setting. The early scenes focus on Chris’s mundane life, her struggles as a working mother, and Regan’s typical pre-teen routines. This normalcy makes the gradual descent into terror all the more shocking and impactful. The film doesn’t rush into jump scares or overt supernatural displays; instead, it slowly peels back layers of sanity, allowing the horror to seep in through subtle, unsettling details before escalating into full-blown demonic chaos.

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The film’s power lies not just in its shocking visuals and disturbing sound design, but in its exploration of profound theological and psychological themes. The Exorcist grapples with the nature of evil, the limits of science, and the desperate search for meaning in the face of inexplicable suffering. Father Karras’s internal struggle with his faith, his guilt over his mother’s death, and his intellectual skepticism provide a powerful human anchor to the supernatural events. The film asks difficult questions about the existence of God and the Devil, forcing viewers to confront their own beliefs and fears.

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The performances in The Exorcist are nothing short of extraordinary. Ellen Burstyn delivers a raw, emotionally devastating portrayal of a mother witnessing her child’s unimaginable torment. Her desperation, fear, and unwavering love are palpable, making her the audience’s primary emotional conduit. Jason Miller, in his film debut, is equally compelling as Father Karras, conveying the character’s intellectual doubt, spiritual anguish, and underlying compassion. And Linda Blair, at just 14 years old, delivers a truly iconic and terrifying performance as Regan, transforming from an innocent child into a vessel of pure malevolence. Her physical and vocal transformations, achieved through a combination of makeup, effects, and voice work (notably by Mercedes McCambridge), are legendary and remain deeply unsettling. Max von Sydow brings a quiet authority and weary wisdom to Father Merrin, a man who has faced evil before and understands its true nature.

 

 

Friedkin’s direction is masterful. He employs a documentary-like style, using natural lighting and gritty realism to enhance the film’s unsettling atmosphere. The sound design is particularly chilling, from the subtle creaks and whispers to the guttural growls and demonic taunts emanating from Regan. The iconic score, particularly Mike Oldfield’s “Tubular Bells,” is used sparingly but effectively, creating an unforgettable sense of dread. The film’s infamous moments – the head-spinning, the projectile vomiting, the crucifix scene – are not merely shock tactics; they are manifestations of a profound evil, designed to assault not just the senses, but the very soul.

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Upon its release, The Exorcist provoked widespread controversy, leading to fainting spells, walkouts, and even calls for its banning. Its graphic nature and blasphemous content pushed boundaries, forcing audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about faith, morality, and the presence of evil in the world. This visceral reaction is a testament to the film’s immense power and its ability to tap into deep-seated anxieties.

Decades later, The Exorcist continues to hold its terrifying grip. Its themes remain relevant, its characters resonate, and its horror is timeless. Unlike many horror films that rely on fleeting jump scares or dated special effects, The Exorcist‘s terror stems from its psychological depth, its unflinching portrayal of suffering, and its unsettling exploration of spiritual warfare. It doesn’t just scare you; it gets under your skin and stays there, forcing you to question the boundaries of reality and the nature of good and evil.

Watch the Movie: Click For ‘The Exorcist: Director’s Cut’ on Blu-ray $17.99

Ultimately the best horror movie of all time is The Exorcist, which stands as a monumental achievement in horror cinema. It is a film that transcends its genre, offering a chilling and profound examination of faith, doubt, and the terrifying power of the demonic. The film’s masterful direction, unforgettable performances, and unwavering commitment to realism create an experience that is both deeply unsettling and intellectually stimulating. It is a movie that continues to challenge, disturb, and fascinate, solidifying its place not just as a classic horror movie, but as one of the greatest and most impactful films ever made.

If you have yet to see this film, then use this handy link to purchase it.

 

 

Photo Credits: Warner Brothers Pictures

Other great reviews on BuzzChomp:

Horror Movies – Halloween; The Shining; Scream; The Blair Witch Project; Saw; I Know What You Did Last Summer; I Still Know What You Did Last Summer; Jaws; Jaws 2; Jaws 3-D
Christmas Movies – Home Alone; Christmas Vacation; A Christmas Story; Elf; The Santa Clause; The Grinch; Bad Santa; Its A Wonderful Life
Classic Movies – When Harry Met Sally; Jurassic Park; Back To The Future; Back To The Future Part 2; Back To The Future Part 3; Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Star Wars Movies – Star Wars Episode 1; Star Wars Episode 2; Star Wars Episode 3; Star Wars Episode 4; Star Wars Episode 5; Star Wars Episode 6; Star Wars Episode 7; Star Wars Episode 8; Star Wars Episode 9

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The BEST Horror Movie of All Time: The Exorcist