Where to start withThe Exorcist
4 versions · originally a book, 1971
Themes: Good vs. Evil, Demonic Possession, Loss of Innocence, Faith, The Power of Belief.
Start with The Exorcist (William Friedkin, 1973) — the film. The Exorcist exists in 4 versions across media, beginning as a book in 1971; each is ranked below by what it does best.
The Exorcist explores the harrowing intersection of maternal desperation, faith, and the visceral terror of inexplicable demonic possession.
✦ Most fans start here
The Exorcist (1973)
The original novel
The Exorcist
William Peter Blatty · Book · 1971
The Exorcist (1971) serves as the chilling literary foundation, offering an intimate, detailed exploration of the psychological and theological struggles inherent in the battle for a young girl's soul.
1973 film
✦ Start hereThe Exorcist
William Friedkin · Film · 1973
The Exorcist (1973) is a cinematic masterpiece that defines the horror genre, utilizing visceral imagery and masterful pacing to elevate the source material into a haunting, unforgettable cultural phenomenon.
2016 series
The Exorcist
Jeremy Slater · Series · 2016
The Exorcist (2016) reimagines the classic premise for television, expanding the scope of the original conflict into an episodic narrative that examines the modern implications of faith and demonic influence.
2023 film
The Exorcist: Believer
David Gordon Green · Film · 2023
The Exorcist: Believer (2023) functions as a modern sequel that attempts to bridge the legacy of the original possession with a new generation, focusing on the trauma of parental loss.
Common questions
What order should I watch The Exorcist movies in?
You should begin with the 1973 film adaptation of The Exorcist. Following the original movie, you can view the 2016 television series or the 2023 film The Exorcist: Believer. These entries build upon the legacy established by the 1971 book and the inaugural cinematic release.
Is The Exorcist book different from the 1973 movie?
The Exorcist book, published in 1971, serves as the primary source material for the 1973 film. While both share the same core narrative, the book provides deeper internal monologues and background details that are condensed or visually represented in the 1973 movie adaptation.
Does The Exorcist: Believer follow the original 1973 movie?
Yes, The Exorcist: Believer, released in 2023, functions as a direct sequel to the 1973 film. It continues the thematic legacy of the franchise while introducing new characters and events that occur decades after the original incidents depicted in the first movie and the 1971 book.
Should I read The Exorcist book before watching the 2016 TV series?
Reading The Exorcist book is not required to understand the 2016 television series. The show functions as a separate expansion of the franchise lore. However, reading the 1971 source material provides additional context regarding the nature of the demonic entities featured throughout the various adaptations.