Keep Telling Yourself It’s Only A Movie: Horror’s Most Controversial Films

5. The Exorcist (1973)

Any film about the devil possessing a 12-year-old girl is bound to ruffle some feathers. Regan MacNeil is possessed by a demon named Pazuzu but is known to her as Captain Howdy. Two priests must battle demonic forces head on while trying to save this poor girls soul.

Unnamed sources have stated that fainting was a common occurrence during showings. The crucifix scene also caused a lot of controversy, and if you don’t know what I am talking about, Google it. The profanity and sacrilegious phrases also shocked audiences due to a child saying it. Linda Blair has said that she received death threats from people who thought she was really possessed.