The Exorcist has become synonymous to the horror genre. It sometimes feels impossible that a movie released back in 1973 could keep its name under the greatest horror releases to this day. But that's The Exorcist for you, one of the boldest and creepiest films of its time. So much so that most horror films of modern times could not match its wildness.
After watching The Exorcist, one thing is certain, this movie won't get out of your head that easy. And second, most horror films won't deliver the same level of thrills. But does that mean, no other movie can match its craziness? Well, there are a few horror gems out there that don't shy away from honing in on your fears. Here are the seven best movies like The Exorcist fans of the genre should watch straight away.
The Conjuring (2013)
The Conjuring is probably the closest match to The Exorcist in terms of theme and tone. It tells the story of Ed and Lorraine Warren, real-life paranormal investigators, who help a family dealing with a dark presence in their farmhouse. The creepy vibes start right from the beginning and just get worse.
What makes The Conjuring special is its atmosphere and the way it uses silence and shadows to scare you. It doesn’t rely too much on CGI, which is great. Plus, Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson do a great job as the Warrens. If you liked the religious angle in The Exorcist, you’ll definitely enjoy this.
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
This movie is based on a real exorcism case, just like The Exorcist. But what makes this one different is that it mixes horror with courtroom drama. It shows the battle between faith and science as a priest stands trial for the death of a possessed girl named Emily.
Adding the jurisdiction angle to the movie does not bring down the horror side. The exorcism scenes are really intense, and Jennifer Carpenter, who plays Emily, gives a haunting performance. One scene where she bends backwards and screams in Latin will run the chills down your spine.
The Pope’s Exorcist (2023)
This is a newer movie, but it definitely earned its place on this list. Starring Russell Crowe as Father Gabriele Amorth, it’s inspired by real Vatican files. The story focuses on one of the Church’s top exorcists dealing with a case that leads to even darker secrets.
The film is packed with scary moments and deep religious themes, just like The Exorcist. Crowe brings a strong presence to the role, and the movie does a good job of building fear slowly. If you're into the whole church vs. evil thing, this is a good pick.
Hereditary (2018)
Hereditary doesn’t follow a classic exorcism story, but it delivers horror that cuts just as deep; maybe even more. The movie starts with the death of a grandmother, and from there, things spiral into a terrifying family nightmare. It’s directed by Ari Aster, who made his debut with this film and instantly got recognized as one of the strongest new voices in horror.
Toni Collette gives one of the most intense performances ever seen in a horror movie, and critics praised her acting to the skies. Hereditary was nominated for several awards and is often mentioned alongside The Exorcist when talking about the scariest modern horror films.
Deliver Us from Evil (2014)
This one mixes crime and horror in a pretty cool way. It follows a New York cop who gets pulled into a case that turns out to be supernatural. At first, Deliver Us from Evil feels like a detective movie, but then the horror really kicks in.
The exorcism scene in this movie is one of the most powerful parts, and they are seriously terrifying. Eric Bana plays the cop, and Edgar Ramirez plays the priest, and their chemistry adds to the story. All in all, it's one of the best horror movies like The Exorcist fans shouldn't miss.
The Wailing (2016)
Next, we have a Korean masterpiece for you. The Wailing starts off with mysterious deaths in a small village, and before you know it, things get darker, weirder, and way more disturbing. There’s possession, shamans, rituals, and stuff that’ll seriously mess with your head. You will witness a kind of atmosphere that you won't find in a typical horror movie.
Directed by Na Hong-jin, who also made The Chaser, this movie blends Korean folklore with religious fear in a way that feels totally fresh. It’s beautifully shot and keeps you second-guessing everything. Is it a demon? A spirit? A human? You never really know until the very end.
The Rite (2011)
The Rite is another film that’s inspired by true events, following a skeptical seminary student who gets sent to Rome to learn about exorcism. At first, he doesn’t believe in it, but then he does. Better to say, he has to, after the horrors he sees himself.
Anthony Hopkins plays a veteran exorcist who becomes his mentor. The movie does a great job of showing the mental struggle of dealing with possession. It might not be as terrifying as The Exorcist, but it does a great job of showing the psychological side of exorcism.