The Exorcist Movie Series Ranked: From the Least to the Most Impressive
Few horror films have left as deep a mark on audiences as the original The Exorcist. For me, it stands unparalleled as the greatest horror movie ever made. While others might champion titles like Rosemary’s Baby, The Shining, or Night of the Living Dead, nothing has unsettled me quite like William Friedkin’s groundbreaking 1973 classic. But here’s where it gets controversial—despite its phenomenal success, Hollywood’s usual instinct was to turn this hit into a franchise. Friedkin himself was never one for sequels, famously declining French Connection II. Yet the studios pressed on, producing sequels that, except for one rare standout, fell flat and even flopped. So, without further delay, here’s my ranked rundown of all the Exorcist movies, from worst to best.
Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977)
Calling this the “worst” is a relative term because almost all Exorcist follow-ups miss the mark. However, Exorcist II: The Heretic takes the downward spiral to a whole new level. What’s baffling is that it was directed by John Boorman, a filmmaker known for gems like Excalibur and Deliverance—yet here he gave us a baffling mess. This film is notorious for absurd overacting, with Richard Burton sweating profusely as Father Lamont, grappling with a crisis of faith while investigating Father Merrin’s mysterious death. Meanwhile, teenage Regan MacNeil (played again by Linda Blair) fares better but finds herself involved in some puzzling nonsense—think ESP, a costume-clad James Earl Jones, bizarre Italo-disco music by Ennio Morricone, and—yes—two inexplicable tap dance scenes featuring Blair. Burton’s visibly desperate demeanor, combined with the film’s surreal elements, make it unintentionally hilarious. Boorman even had to physically cut already-released film prints to try to improve pacing. Despite its disastrous reputation, the film’s cinematography by William A. Fraker is genuinely impressive. And, oddly enough, no one pronounces Pazuzu quite like Richard Burton. This is a disaster that’s so bad, it’s almost entertaining.
The Exorcist: Believer (2023)
Jumping ahead decades, The Exorcist: Believer directed by David Gordon Green, attempts to revive the franchise but ends up as one of the dullest horror movies you’ll find—despite relying heavily on jump scares. After Universal spent a staggering $400 million securing the franchise rights, the disappointing reception must have stung. The film brings back Ellen Burstyn as Chris MacNeil, fifty years after the original, but sadly fails to do justice to her character or the story. It’s plagued by uninspired storytelling and lacks the gripping tension fans expect, making it feel more like a lazy reboot than a worthy continuation.
Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist (2005)
Paul Schrader’s attempt at an Exorcist prequel was so poorly received that the studio decided to shelve it and commission an entirely new version. While some critics have oddly championed Schrader’s version as a masterpiece, the reality is it’s slow and uninspiring, despite occasional intriguing moments. Schrader would later find acclaim with a faith-focused classic in First Reformed, but this isn’t it. Still, it’s satisfying to see the movie eventually released since I believe even flawed films deserve a chance to be seen rather than hidden away.
The Exorcist: The Beginning (2004)
Renny Harlin’s take on the Exorcist prequel veers into the “so bad it’s enjoyable” zone. Turning the story into more of an action-driven film, Harlin casts Stellan Skarsgård as a notably tougher Father Merrin, who even pulls off a holy head-butt in the climax. It’s far from good, but Skarsgård’s energetic performance brings some entertainment, especially when contrasted with his quieter role in Dominion. Fans of campy horror might find this film oddly fun.
The Exorcist III (1990)
Here’s the exception—the only good sequel in the entire Exorcist series. Written and directed by William Peter Blatty, who crafted the original novel, Exorcist III began as a more subtle police thriller inspired by his book Legion. However, the studio forced reshoots to include a more conventional horror exorcism ending, which was a bit of a disservice to Blatty’s vision. Despite this compromise, the movie remains a gripping, atmospheric thriller with George C. Scott delivering a standout performance as Lieutenant Kinderman (a role recast since the original actor had passed away). The film’s unusual touches include a cameo by Fabio as an angel, adding a quirky flair. Some also argue that Blatty’s The Ninth Configuration might qualify as a spiritual sequel, given it follows a minor character from The Exorcist in a very different genre—but if so, it deserves a high spot on the list.
The Exorcist (1973)
And finally, the crown jewel—the original Exorcist—simply the finest horror film ever crafted. If you’re planning a ranked list of Exorcist movies and don’t place this one first, what is even the point? Friedkin wisely avoided sequels to preserve its unmatched legacy. That said, I’d steer clear of the 2000 “Director’s Cut” known as The Version You Never Saw, which Friedkin made to please Blatty, who disliked the original’s ambiguous ending. Personally, I prefer the darker, original cut without the added scenes like the infamous Spider-Walk, which feels unnecessary. As a side note, Friedkin’s 1980 thriller Cruising—a disturbing, loosely true crime story about a serial killer radiologist who actually played himself in The Exorcist—is a fascinating watch for fans wanting to explore his other work.
So, how do you personally rank the Exorcist movies? Are there any surprises or favorites on your list? And if you've seen the 20th Century Fox TV series, where would you slot it in? Let us know your thoughts and ignite the debate in the comments below—because with a legendary franchise this complicated, opinions are bound to clash!
