10 Best Movies Like The Exorcist That Will Terrify Horror Fans
- Saloni Gupta
- August 7, 2026
- Entertainment
- 0 Comments
10 Movies Like The Exorcist (For That Same Skin-Crawling Dread) We’ve all been there – we see The Exorcist (1973), walk away a psychological mess… but still crave that same soul-shredding experience. Fifty-some years on, the film that defined demonic possession horror has not lost its bite and the influence it had on the genre and modern filmmaking at large is still being felt today by writers and directors alike. Friedkin’s tale has it all: bone-chilling dread, phenomenal acting, the stuff of nightmares.
Fortunately, for those of us perpetually looking for another taste of possession terror, there is no shortage of outstanding films that mirror its religious fanaticism, sheer supernatural horror and unsettling psychological terror, though not always in the same, classic context.
Some are similar exorcism movies, some are demonic horror, other demonic possession movies are told with found footage, while some tap into our ancient occult beliefs, but there’s something here for every horror and demonic possession fan.
Best Movies Like The Exorcist (Quick Checklist)
| Movie | Year | IMDb | Why You’ll Love It |
| The Exorcism of Emily Rose | 2005 | 6.7 | Based on a real-life possession case with courtroom drama |
| The Conjuring | 2013 | 7.5 | Modern haunted-house classic with terrifying exorcism scenes |
| The Rite | 2011 | 6.0 | Vatican-inspired exorcism thriller starring Anthony Hopkins |
| Talk to Me | 2022 | 7.1 | Fresh take on spirit possession with emotional depth |
| The Last Exorcism | 2010 | 5.7 | Found-footage horror that blurs reality and faith |
| The Pope’s Exorcist | 2023 | 6.1 | Inspired by Father Gabriele Amorth’s real case files |
| The Taking of Deborah Logan | 2014 | 6.0 | Slow-burn possession horror with an unforgettable finale |
| Evil Dead Rise | 2023 | 6.5 | Brutal demonic horror packed with relentless scares |
| Hereditary | 2018 | 7.3 | Psychological and occult horror masterpiece |
| Deliver Us from Evil | 2014 | 6.2 | Crime thriller mixed with terrifying demonic possession |
Detailed List of 10 Best Movies Like The Exorcist
1. The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
Source: IMDb
IMDb: 6.7/10
This is by far the closest spiritual successor The Exorcist has had. Based on the real-life story of Anneliese Michel, the film cleverly intersperses elements of supernatural horror with a courtroom thriller as a priest faces a trial following a botched exorcism. It takes a different approach; much of the tension is derived from the question of whether Emily’s ailment is medical or demonic.
Jennifer Carpenter offers one of the most chilling portrayals of possession modern cinema has seen.
Most admired by horror fans because viewers enjoy its down-to-earth nature and its chillingly realistic presentation. It often comes up in ‘best exorcism film’ lists on Reddit, and critics have also commended the film for its blend of faith, science, and the spectral.
2. The Conjuring (2013)
Source: IMDb
IMDb: 7.5/10
James Wan’s The Conjuring really brought supernatural horror back for the modern era of scares, and this truly fits the mold of a movie like The Exorcist without being explicitly a religious exorcism film. Based on the real experiences of demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren, it recounts their work with a family seemingly tormented by an ancient, evil force. The possession aspect ramps up, the atmosphere is potent, and the film’s ending is truly terrifying.
Audience opinion: “A stone cold classic, often stated to be up there with The Exorcist by so many. A masterpiece in practical FX, performances, suspense, and atmosphere.”
Note: Check out our guide on The Conjuring Movies in Order for the complete watch sequence.
3. The Rite (2011)
Source: IMDb
IMDb: 6.0/10
Inspired by a nonfiction article and book by reporter Matt Baglio about learning how to do exorcisms, The Rite centers around an elderly expert exorcist (Anthony Hopkins) who trains a doubting seminary student. Instead of the usual cheap jump scares, this movie follows one of the themes of The Exorcist by sticking to the battle between disbelief and belief.
What audiences think: While film critics weren’t the film’s biggest fan, fans seemed to love Anthony Hopkins performance and the Catholic-based practice and rituals of the movie.
4. Talk to Me (2022)
Source: IMDb
IMDb: 7.1/10
The greatest horror films of the decade may turn out to be Talk to Me, as the film gives a younger generation a new take on possession horror films with a creepy, embalmed hand that can commune with a spirit.
It begins as a thrill of playing around with death and becomes as terrifying as can be imagined as the effects grow. It was the most original, most hyped horror in years, as critics have given good reviews for being such a fresh concept, while audiences and horror film fanatics fell into it due to its frightening scares and touching narrative, and it rapidly turned out to be one of A24’s highest-ranking horror films.
5. The Last Exorcism (2010)
Source: IMDb
IMDb: 5.7/10
This found-footage horror film centres on a preacher who grants filmmakers permission to observe and record what he expects to be yet another phony exorcism but instead they come across something much more sinister.
The documentary-style method gives the film its realism, making each disturbing event feel very convincing.
Fan verdict: Horror communities typically label this one of the more effective found-footage possession movies because of its unsettling build-up and chilling finale.
6. The Pope’s Exorcist (2023)
Source: IMDb
IMDb: 6.1/10
Russell Crowe delivers a fantastic and charming performance in The Pope’s Exorcist as the chief exorcist of the Vatican, Father Gabriele Amorth. Based on Amorth’s published diaries, the film effectively balances historical relevance with bombastic horror blockbuster filmmaking.
While it definitely takes liberties with the subject matter, it does well to introduce audiences to one of the Catholic Church’s most renowned exorcists.
Audience verdict: The fan base of The Pope’s Exorcist lauded Crowe’s lead performance and the film’s entertaining nature, and it quickly made it one of the most widely viewed recent possession horror movies.
7. The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014)
Source: IMDb
IMDb: 6.0/10
This hidden horror gem seems to be a doc about Alzheimer’s disease at first, but it develops into so much more. With minimal special effects, the movie slowly builds tension and suspense until reaching one of the most chilling conclusions of all time. It’s one of those films you always see on Reddit or Letterboxd as an “underrated possession film.”
Why horror fans enjoy it: constantly recommended by Reddit users and Letterboxd members as an “underrated possession movie.”
8. Evil Dead Rise (2023)
Source: IMDb
IMDb: 6.5/10
While possession in the Evil Dead franchise is handled differently from the way The Exorcist does it, Evil Dead Rise carries the same relentless style of supernatural horror that made its predecessors great. The demonic forces here are unleashed in the confines of an apartment building, leading to a bloody torrent of pure horror without traditional exorcisms. It’s easily one of the most intense thrill rides to hit horror lately, and critics have lauded the movie’s inventive scares as well as its relentless pursuit.
Critical response: universally praised by critics for practical effects, scares, and pace.
9. Hereditary (2018)
Source: IMDb
IMDb: 7.3/10
Ari Aster’s debut feature has already gained classic status among horror devotees. While it’s more an occult thriller than straightforward exorcism fare, its preoccupations with demonic infestation, grief and family trauma contribute an equal measure of unshakeable gloom. The work done here by Toni Collette has long been hailed as one of the best of all time for the genre.
Critical & Audience Sentiment: Consistently appears on ‘scariest movie of the 21st-century’ lists, beloved by film lovers and a good few horror critics too.
10. Deliver Us from Evil (2014)
Source: IMDb
IMDb: 6.2/10
Based on the life work and research of a retired New York Police Department officer called Ralph Sarchie (Played here by Eric Bana), this somewhat underrated thriller pits this detective against a set of disturbing crimes all apparently influenced by supernatural and/or demonic forces. It manages the mix of detective procedurals and overt religious horror admirably and makes you feel a pervasive sense of unease all the way through.
Enjoy it if: You like your ghost stories based on true (or, er, allegedly true) events and blended with a detective narrative.
Where to Watch More Horror?
If you’re building the ultimate horror watchlist, don’t miss these guides on DTurban:
- The Conjuring Movies in Order
- Best Psychological Thriller Movies Ever Made
- Best Horror Movies on Netflix
- Best Suspense Movies of All Time
These collections feature more supernatural, psychological, and cult-classic horror films worth adding to your list.
Final Thoughts!
Feeling thirsty for another slice of demonic possession, faithful fight, and supernatural scares? The Exorcist is one of the greats in horror history – and if that wasn’t enough for you, then read on below for movies like The Exorcist. The Exorcism of Emily Rose right through to Talk to Me and Hereditary (just two examples of modern gems within the realm of what works in the field of possessed humans), these films all carry the torch of what The Exorcist pioneered in some unique way.
