Best Movies Like The Pope’s Exorcist

• Saloni Gupta
• August 9, 2026
• Entertainment
• Movies Like The Pope's Exorcist
• 0 Comments

The Pope’s Exorcist was definitely an interesting entry into the lore of possession and priests. If it left you hungry for more films dealing with exorcisms, demonic possession, religion, and mystery, don’t worry; there is no shortage of supernatural horror to go around.

Russell Crowe takes the lead in the possession film, which blends traditional horror and possession with conspiracy and more action-packed sequences throughout the Vatican and beyond. While nothing is precisely the same as The Exorcist, many films get surprisingly close.

Here are 12 of the best Movies Like The Pope’s Exorcist you can watch right now.

12 Movies like The Pope’s Exorcist

Movies like The Pope’s Exorcist Explanation

1. The Exorcist (1973) 

Director: William Friedkin 

If you haven’t seen The Exorcist, this is clearly where to begin. It’s the story of two priests who set out to save a girl who seems to be possessed by a demon. Its solemn take on faith, possession, and exorcism makes it arguably the most important horror film to have ever been made, and an obvious watch if you liked The Pope’s Exorcist. It’s rated as one of the best horror movies of all time and hands down, it gives you that vibe only. 

2. The Rite (2011) 

Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Colin O’Donoghue. It’s perhaps one of the more obvious comparisons with The Pope’s Exorcist. A skeptical American seminarian journeys to Rome to find a faith and, along the way, is apprenticed to Father Lucas, an Italian priest played by Anthony Hopkins. The setting, the themes, and a demon and priest locked in conflict make it an easy recommendation.

3. The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) 

Director: Scott Derrickson 

A young woman dies during an exorcism performed by a priest, who is then subsequently charged with negligent homicide. Through a blend of courtroom drama and supernatural horror, you’re left questioning whether Emily was possessed or ill. It’s a good choice if you enjoy mystery and suspense in your exorcism films.

4. Deliver Us from Evil (2014) 

Director: Scott Derrickson 

A police officer in New York finds himself investigating a series of brutal and disturbing crimes. When a series of occurrences seems to suggest the presence of demons, priests must become involved in putting things right. The crime, the conspiracy, and the exorcism make it very similar to Pope’s Exorcist. Check out our full roundup of films like Deliver Us from Evil.

5. The Conjuring (2013) 

Director: James Wan 

Paranormal Investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren assist a family being terrorized in Rhode Island by a supernatural force; however, it seems to focus heavily on a terrifying demon and takes a turn towards an exorcism. Not entirely about exorcism, but having so much religion and demons still makes it a film to definitely check out. It has more emphasis on scares and atmosphere than just pure gore. We also have The Conjuring Movies in Order if that interests you.

6. Prey for the Devil (2022) 

Director: Daniel Stamm 

A young nun enters a training program that teaches students to perform exorcisms. A perilous case means she must travel to Rome with her priest, as it turns out to be her own personal mission, and she gets drawn into the demon’s conflict. Its themes and the sheer amount of exorcism make this a very strong recommendation if you enjoyed The Pope’s Exorcist.

7. The Possession (2012) 

Starring: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Natasha Calis 

A young girl finds and then becomes mysteriously obsessed with a box, which turns out to be possessed by a demon. As things take a turn for the worse and her behaviour becomes increasingly unsettling, religious help is called in to try to get rid of the entity. It’s an interesting take on exorcism by using Jewish demonology, rather than the standard Catholic view.

Also Read: Best Horror Movies Based on True Events

8. The Last Exorcism (2010) 

Director: Daniel Stamm 

A deeply troubled minister agreed to perform what would probably be his last ever exorcism. Taken partly in a documentary style, initial skepticism soon gives way to a deeply unnerving exorcism film that isn’t afraid to be unsettling. It’s a great choice for found footage lovers and those who like psychological tension in their religious horror.

9. The Devil Inside (2012) 

A woman seeks out and discovers her mother, whose involvement has come into question with a series of exorcisms. Her investigation inevitably leads her to some Catholic priests who are performing unlicensed exorcisms, and she is soon drawn into their work. It’s religion, its Catholicism (and the involvement of Italy) that makes it very similar to The Pope’s Exorcist.

10. The Nun (2018) 

Director: Corin Hardy 

A priest and a young nun were sent to Romania by the Vatican to investigate the mysterious death of a nun at an abbey, where they discovered there was a demonic presence within the walls of the structure. It’s in the same universe as The Conjuring, with heaps of Catholic iconography and religious context.

11. The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014) 

As a documentary crew starts filming a woman’s last days, they are struck by her escalating bizarre and disturbing behavior that suggests an evil presence is dwelling inside her. There is a lot of ambiguity in this possession horror, and if you’re after something unsettling and unconventional, then give it a watch.

12. Stigmata (1999) 

Starring: Patricia Arquette, Gabriel Byrne 

A young woman has strange visions and unexplainable phenomena that seem to relate to the wounds Jesus Christ suffered on the cross. She teams up with a priest from the Vatican who investigates, discovering something much larger and more religious. It’s not quite an exorcism film, but it has plenty of religious conspiracy and the intrigue you’d expect.

Which Movie Like The Pope’s Exorcist Should You Watch First?

If you’re looking for the closest overall experience, start with:

• The Rite — best for priests, Vatican settings, and exorcism.
• The Exorcism of Emily Rose — best for psychological tension and religious mystery.
• Deliver Us from Evil — best for investigation mixed with demonic horror.
• Prey for the Devil — best for modern Catholic exorcism horror.
• The Exorcist — best for the genre-defining classic.

For something more atmospheric, The Conjuring and The Taking of Deborah Logan are excellent alternatives.

If you want more supernatural horror recommendations, explore DTUrban’s Movies Like The Exorcist.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Saloni Gupta

Saloni Gupta is an entertainment writer covering movies, horror franchises, streaming releases and popular culture. She focuses on creating well-researched and informative content that helps readers discover and understand movies and franchises.

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