8.1
Where can I stream The Exorcist legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Exorcist
1973·Movie
The Exorcist fingerprint
Relentless energy, stunning style, no humor.
Energy
Nerve-racking and terrifying
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension10
- Scare10
- Violence7
Heart
Moving
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics9
- Pathos8
- Melancholy5
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Dark Humor1
- Situational Comedy0
World
Faith and meaning, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability8
- Novelty8
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Direction10
- Acting10
- Narrative Structure9
Style
Standout sound design, cinematography, and score
- Sound Centrality10
- Cinematography9
- Music Composition9
Energy
Very highNerve-racking and terrifying
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Exorcist is nerve-racking, terrifying, and violent. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension10Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare10Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Uncanny9Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Grotesque8Macabre, distorted imagery.
Heart
LowMoving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Romance0Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Spiritual10Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
HighFaith and meaning, family, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around faith and meaning, family, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Spiritual10Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction10Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
Very highStandout sound design, cinematography, and score
Look and sound: the sound design, cinematography, and score stand out.
All style traits
- Sound Centrality10Sound design as core element.
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality9The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Grotesque8Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You need an uplifting moodYou want fast pacingGraphic violence bothers youYou scare easily
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Something almost beyond comprehension is happening to a girl on this street, in this house…And a man has been sent for as a last resort. This man is The Exorcist.
When a mysterious entity possesses a young girl, her mother seeks the help of two Catholic priests to save her life.
Definitive Supernatural HorrorReligious DreadPsychological TerrorVisceral Sound DesignMother-Daughter BondExorcism RitualCinematic MasterpieceUnsettling RealismExistential Crisis
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
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Questions about The Exorcist
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Exorcist worth watching?
81
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 81/100 (IMDb 8.1, Rotten Tomatoes 78%, and Metacritic 83). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Exorcist rated?
RViolenceNuditySexual contentStrong languageDisturbing imagery
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, nudity, sexual content, strong language, and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Exorcist?
2 h 2 min
The Exorcist runs 2 h 2 min.
Is The Exorcist based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Exorcist?
Critics81
Audiences83
Yes. Critics average 81 and audiences 83 out of 100, so both groups see The Exorcist much the same way.
Was The Exorcist a box office hit?
Budget$11 million
Box office$431 million
Yes, a big one. It cost about $11 million to make and earned $431 million worldwide, 39.2 times its budget.
What language is The Exorcist in?
EnglishGermanFrenchLatinArabicGreek
It was made in English, with some German, French, Latin, Arabic, Greek. Produced in United States, Iraq.
In how many countries can I watch The Exorcist?
100
+86
+86GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Exorcist in 100 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Exorcist use?
Ghostly ChillForeshadowingMind Your StepBig BadHollywood ExorcismMentor Occupational HazardCountry MattersBittersweet EndingKill the Host BodyAvant-Garde MusicGeorge Lucas Altered VersionYour Momand 98 more
TV Tropes lists 110 storytelling tropes for The Exorcist, including Ghostly Chill, Foreshadowing, Mind Your Step.