Despite the scares and scares, the horror genre is extremely popular among the general public. These films are the ones that draw the most viewers to theaters and are often one of the best choices when searching for a film on streaming platforms.
Without a doubt, one of the most terrifying subgenres of the horror universe are films that deal with the theme of exorcism. Narratives involving possessions and the presence of demonic entities are particularly impactful and simultaneously arouse fear and fascination in the audience.
If you are interested in watching a film from this subgenre, we have compiled a list of 8 films that deal with the theme of exorcism.
Film about exorcism streaming
The Ritual (2011)
Available to HBO Max subscribers.
“The Ritual” is loosely based on the non-fiction book “The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist” by Matt Baglio.
The film tells the story of a young seminarian (Colin O’Donoghue) who is sent to the Vatican to study the practice of exorcism. Skeptical, he is assigned to work with expert exorcist Father Lucas Trevant, played by Anthony Hopkins.
Deliver Us from Evil (2014)
Available to Netflix subscribers.
Director Scott Derrickson (“The Entity,” “Doctor Strange”) writes the screenplay (along with Paul Harris Boardman) and directs this supernatural horror-thriller film starring Eric Bana, Édgar Ramírez, Sean Harris, Olivia Munn and Joel McHale.
In the plot, a police officer (Bana) begins to investigate a series of unexplained and disturbing crimes that occurred in New York. When he discovers the presence of demonic forces, he teams up with a Jesuit priest (Ramírez) to face this evil that threatens his city and his family.
The Exorcist (1973)
Available to HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video subscribers.
The great reference when thinking of a film about exorcism and possession is this horror classic. Considered by critics and audiences to be one of the most terrifying films of all time. Master William Friedkin directs “The Exorcist”, while the screenplay is written by William Peter Blatty, and is based on his novel of the same name.
In the film, the girl Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair) is possessed by a demonic entity. Her mother (Ellen Burstyn) enlists the help of priests Damien Karras (Jason Miller) and Lankester Merrin (Max von Sydow) to perform an exorcism.
Vatican Exorcists (2015)
Available to HBO Max subscribers.
Directed by Mark Neveldine, “Vatican Exorcists” maintains the frenetic style of this director known for his shocking action films such as “Adrenaline”, “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” (which he directed together with Brian Taylor).
In the plot, young Angela (Olivia Taylor Dudley) begins to exhibit strange and violent behavior after suffering a hand injury. When inexplicable supernatural events begin to occur around her, Father Oscar Lozano (Michael Peña) is called to investigate, and begins to suspect that the girl is possessed by her.
The Last Exorcism (2010)
Available to Amazon Prime Video subscribers.
“The Last Exorcism” is a found footage horror film (in the style of films like “The Blair Witch Project,” “Paranormal Activity” and “Rec”).The film follows Cotton Marcus (Patrick Fabian), a reverend who has lost his faith and spent his life performing fake exorcisms.
Not believing in demonic possession, Marcus decides to participate in a documentary to film his latest exorcism, with the aim of unmasking these rituals. However, what Marcus initially thought was just another case of false possession turns out to be something that will profoundly test his faith.
Daughter of Evil (2012)
Available to watch it for free on Pluto TV.
“Daughters of Evil” is a low-budget film in the “found footage” subgenre with a documentary style. It tells the story of Isabella Rossi (Fernanda Andrade), a woman who ventures into exploring the universe of exorcisms.
In the plot, Isabella travels to Italy with the aim of investigating the case of her mother, who was arrested after committing a murder involving three clerics during her own exorcism session. Determined to discover the truth behind what happened, Isabella, accompanied by a team of documentary filmmakers, searches for an exorcist priest and enters the world of possessions.
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
Available to HBO Max subscribers.
Another film directed by Scott Derrickson, “The Exorcism of Emily Rose” is a fictional version of real events based on the case of Anneliese Michel.
Anneliese was a young German woman who underwent several exorcism rites. During sessions that lasted several months, she refused to eat or drink. She died a year later, in 1976, from malnutrition and dehydration. Her parents and the priests responsible for her rites were convicted of the crime of manslaughter.
The film revolves around a lawyer (Laura Linney) who agrees to defend a priest (Tom Wilkinson) involved in a manslaughter case. The accusation is linked to the exorcism rites that led to the death of the young Emily Rose (Jennifer Carpenter).
The Pope’s Exorcist (2023)
Available to HBO Max subscribers.
“The Pope’s Exorcist” portrays Father Gabriele Amorth, a real-life figure who claims to have performed more than 60,000 exorcisms. The film is based on his writings and fictitiously portrays his achievements.
Amorth stars Russell Crowe and follows him through the 1980s as he investigates child possession and stumbles upon a conspiracy hidden by the Vatican.
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Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
