The Exorcist franchise, a cornerstone of horror cinema, spans decades with prequels, sequels, and alternative storylines, making the optimal viewing order a subject of debate. While chronological order mirrors the on-screen narrative, watching by release date offers a richer understanding of the evolving filmmaking techniques and audience reception that shaped this iconic series.
The Definitive Viewing Order: A Two-Pronged Approach
Choosing the “best” viewing order for The Exorcist movies boils down to personal preference. Do you prioritize narrative coherence or a historical perspective? Here’s a breakdown:
1. Chronological Order (In-Universe Timeline):
This order aligns with the events as they unfold within the fictional world of The Exorcist.
- Exorcist: The Beginning (2004)
- Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist (2005) (This can be swapped with The Beginning depending on which prequel resonates more with you.)
- The Exorcist (1973)
- Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977)
- The Exorcist III (1990)
- The Exorcist: Believer (2023)
- The Exorcist: Deceiver (TBA)
2. Release Order (Historical Perspective):
Experiencing the films as audiences did over the years provides a fascinating insight into the evolution of horror filmmaking and audience expectations.
- The Exorcist (1973)
- Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977)
- The Exorcist III (1990)
- Exorcist: The Beginning (2004)
- Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist (2005)
- The Exorcist: Believer (2023)
- The Exorcist: Deceiver (TBA)
Delving Deeper: A Movie-by-Movie Breakdown
Understanding the context of each film can help you make an informed decision about your viewing order.
The Exorcist (1973): The Groundbreaking Original
Directed by William Friedkin, The Exorcist is a landmark achievement in horror cinema. It tells the story of 12-year-old Regan MacNeil’s possession by a demonic entity and the desperate efforts of two priests to save her. Its groundbreaking special effects, shocking imagery, and exploration of faith versus evil cemented its place in cinematic history.
Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977): A Divisive Sequel
Directed by John Boorman, Exorcist II: The Heretic is a controversial sequel that deviates significantly from the tone and style of the original. It follows Regan, now in her teenage years, as she undergoes therapy and confronts the lingering presence of Pazuzu. Widely considered a disappointment by many fans and critics, it nevertheless offers a unique and psychedelic take on the Exorcist mythology.
The Exorcist III (1990): A Return to Form
Written and directed by William Peter Blatty, the author of the original Exorcist novel, The Exorcist III attempts to recapture the suspense and psychological horror of the first film. It centers on Lieutenant William F. Kinderman, who investigates a series of bizarre murders that bear a striking resemblance to those committed by a deceased serial killer. Many consider this a worthy successor to the original, despite its delayed release and studio interference.
Exorcist: The Beginning (2004) & Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist (2005): The Prequel Saga
These two films explore the origins of Father Lankester Merrin’s confrontation with Pazuzu in Africa years before the events of the original Exorcist. Exorcist: The Beginning, directed by Renny Harlin, is a more action-oriented horror film. Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist, directed by Paul Schrader, is a more psychological and character-driven exploration of faith and evil. The latter was filmed first, but deemed unmarketable by the studio, leading to The Beginning being filmed later.
The Exorcist: Believer (2023): A Legacy Sequel
Directed by David Gordon Green, The Exorcist: Believer serves as a direct sequel to the original film, ignoring the events of the subsequent sequels. It centers on two young girls who become possessed simultaneously, forcing their families to seek help and confront the same evil that plagued Regan MacNeil decades earlier. Ellen Burstyn reprises her role as Chris MacNeil.
The Exorcist: Deceiver (TBA): Continuing the Story
The Exorcist: Deceiver, also directed by David Gordon Green, is planned as the second installment in a trilogy of sequels following Believer. Details about the plot are currently scarce, but it will continue the narrative established in Believer and explore the lasting impact of demonic possession.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Which Exorcist movie should I skip if I’m short on time?
Generally, Exorcist II: The Heretic is often considered the least essential viewing experience. While it offers a unique perspective, its departure from the original’s tone and its questionable plot elements might not appeal to all viewers.
FAQ 2: Is The Exorcist TV series canon?
No, The Exorcist TV series, which ran for two seasons, is generally considered to be a separate continuity. While it acknowledges the events of the original film, it tells its own story and does not directly impact the film franchise’s narrative.
FAQ 3: Why are there two different prequels to The Exorcist?
Exorcist: The Beginning was filmed after the original prequel, Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist, was deemed too slow-paced and intellectual by the studio, Morgan Creek Productions. Renny Harlin was brought in to direct a more action-oriented and conventionally scary version.
FAQ 4: Which Exorcist movie is the scariest?
Most fans agree that the original Exorcist remains the scariest. Its groundbreaking special effects, realistic performances, and exploration of profound themes continue to unsettle audiences even today.
FAQ 5: What is the significance of Pazuzu in the Exorcist movies?
Pazuzu is an ancient Assyrian and Babylonian demon, often depicted with a human body, the head of a lion or dog, eagle-like claws, and two pairs of wings. In The Exorcist franchise, Pazuzu represents the ultimate evil, the demonic entity responsible for possessing Regan MacNeil and, in some continuities, others.
FAQ 6: Does Chris MacNeil appear in all The Exorcist movies?
No, Ellen Burstyn only appears as Chris MacNeil in The Exorcist (1973) and The Exorcist: Believer (2023). Linda Blair appears in the first two films.
FAQ 7: Are the special effects in The Exorcist dated?
While the special effects in the original Exorcist may not be as visually seamless as those in modern films, they are still incredibly effective due to their practical nature and the disturbing realism they achieve. The film’s scares rely more on atmosphere and psychological tension than on elaborate CGI.
FAQ 8: Which Exorcist movie is the most faithful to the original novel?
The Exorcist III is generally considered the most faithful adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s own novel, Legion. Blatty wrote and directed the film, ensuring a closer alignment with his original vision.
FAQ 9: Are there any extended or director’s cuts of The Exorcist movies?
Yes, there is a Director’s Cut of the original Exorcist released in 2000, featuring approximately 11 minutes of additional footage, including an infamous “spider walk” scene.
FAQ 10: Will The Exorcist: Deceiver be the last movie in the franchise?
Currently, The Exorcist: Deceiver is planned as the second film in a trilogy, suggesting there will be at least one more installment. However, the future of the franchise beyond that will likely depend on the critical and commercial success of these upcoming films.
FAQ 11: What themes are explored in The Exorcist movies?
The Exorcist franchise explores a range of profound themes, including faith vs. reason, the nature of good and evil, the power of belief, the vulnerability of innocence, and the psychological impact of trauma.
FAQ 12: Is it necessary to watch all the Exorcist movies to understand The Exorcist: Believer?
While watching the previous films isn’t strictly necessary to understand the basic plot of The Exorcist: Believer, having familiarity with the original Exorcist enhances the viewing experience by providing context for Chris MacNeil’s character and the nature of demonic possession within the franchise’s mythology. The sequel is built on the foundation of the original film, and recognizing those connections adds depth and resonance to the story.