Exorcism is a long, drawn-out trope in the film genre. Although it’s a prominent fixture in the horror genre, some writers and directors also start integrating the trope in a comedic or fantastical way.
With these 13 Best Exorcism Movies, we will introduce you to different films we are sure you will like. Even though the genres are different, there is one thing for sure, getting rid of a demon or evil spirit is on the way. By tracking the various reviews and critical claims on the film, we list down the top-rated movie in the genre.
Curated from different film genres and countries, this list offers a diverse selection. So, whatever type of film you are looking for, there is an exorcism film here for anyone.
1. The Exorcist (1973)
English, Latin, Greek, French, German, Arabic, Kurdish 2h 2m IMDb
William Friedkin
Stars: Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair
When it comes to Exorcism films, The Exorcist might be the first to come to mind. Not only is it one of the best films in the subgenre, but the movie also encompasses the horror genre. It’s a certified commercial success, cementing itself in the pop culture sphere until this day.
The story follows a case of demonic possession of a young girl Regan. With the demon possessing and damaging her body, the girl’s bewildered mother seeks help from two priests in their local area. Together, they must join forces to eliminate the evil within Regan and free her.
2. The Conjuring (2013)
English, Latin 1h 52m IMDb
James Wan
Stars: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Ron Livingston
Based on a real-life case, The Conjuring showcases the dramatic and horrifying case of demonic possession. With the Warrens’ retelling, this movie is the gateway to one of horror’s most well-beloved franchises.
A new house and environment can bring a good amount of stress. However, the Perron family got more than they were asking for. When strange paranormal happening start to arise in their new home, they must find a way to solve it once and for all. Through the help of supernatural investigators, they set their way into fighting demons.
3. Beetlejuice (1988)
English 1h 32m IMDb
Tim Burton
Stars: Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Michael Keaton
Beetlejuice is a certified cult classic in the horror genre. Mixing the different elements of comedy, adventure, and horror, the fantastical film also serves a good dose of artistic absurdity through its costume and props. Although it received mixed reviews during its release, the movie remains in pop culture.
The story follows Lydia; a grieving girl forced to leave her old life and move to a new house. What awaits her is two married ghosts with a mission to keep them out. Through the help of Beetlejuice, a demon with malicious intentions, Lydia finds herself facing supernatural entities.
4. Constantine (2005)
English, Filipino, Tagalog 2h 1m IMDb
Francis Lawrence
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Rachel Weisz, Djimon Hounsou
Keanu Reeves as a demon hunter and exorcist? What’s more to like about the 2005 hit horror action Constantine? You are in for another flavor of exorcism film with excellent visuals and cast.
The film follows the titular character as he tries to stop the powers of evil from taking over the world by bringing them back to hell. With a young woman asking for his help, they work together to prove that her sister didn’t take her own life. With the mystery unfolding, Constantine finds himself at odds with Satan himself.
5. Pee Mak (2013)
Thai 1h 55m IMDb
Banjong Pisanthanakun
Stars: Mario Maurer, Davika Hoorne, Nattapong Chartpong
Get ready to laugh, cry, and get terrified about Pee Mak. The Thai film retells one of their most famous urban legends. With an excellent mix of horror, comedy, and drama, the film is an excellent pick, especially if you love a good Asian exorcism film.
The story centers around Mak, a soldier returning to his village after the war. With his three new friends and his wife and child waiting for him, it seems like a fresh start in his life. However, everything changes when a secret is revealed.
6. The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
English, Syriac, German, Greek, Hebrew, Latin, Aramaic 1h 59m IMDb
Scott Derrickson
Stars: Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson, Shohreh Aghdashloo
The Exorcism of Emily Rose showcases a horror with a real-life basis. With its element taken from the case of Anneliese Michel, you can ensure that this film is tragic and terrifying. Although the movie has mixed critical reviews, it’s a certified commercial success.
The movie follows the death of the titular character, Emily Rose, who is believed to be possessed by demons. With the blame being put on Father Richard, the priest that exorcises her before her death, a case is on the way to prosecute him. Throughout the film, Atty. Erin Bruner works with him to prove his innocence.
7. Deliver Us from Evil (2014)
English, Spanish, Latin, Italian 1h 58m IMDb
Scott Derrickson
Stars: Eric Bana, Edgar Ramírez, Olivia Munn
Eric Bana and Edgar Ramirez star as unlikely partners in this supernatural film. Deliver Us from Evil features a city plagued by the doings of a demonic entity. With it, a police officer and a priest must work together to fight off the evil forces.
The exorcism film is based on a book by Ralph Sarchie detailing the real-life cases he handled throughout his life. With a healthy dose of dramatization, you are in for a bone-chilling ride with this film. As the duo investigates the demonic cases, get ready to get spooked yet intrigued.
8. The Priests (2015)
Korean, Italian 1h 43m IMDb
Jae-hyun Jang
Stars: Kim Yoon-seok, Dong-won Gang, Kim Byeong-Ok
Although most exorcism film has a lot of Western touches, this film from Korea combines Asian sensibilities and beliefs. A film inspired by countless exorcism movies such as The Exorcist, this film is a must if you want something old yet new from the horror genre.
The film follows the journey of the priest, Father Kim, as he tries to get rid of the demon possessing a girl. With all his efforts failing, most of his assistants can’t stand the pressure of working on an exorcism. With the eleventh one, something new comes to light that might answer them.
9. The Medium (2021)
Thai 2h 10m IMDb
Banjong Pisanthanakun
Stars: Narilya Gulmongkolpech, Sawanee Utoomma, Sirani Yankittikan
hailand, this film explores a part of the shamanism culture in the area. With the exorcism and possession not coming from the traditional Catholic influences, this film can provide an interesting new twist to the genre.
The Medium tells the story of Nim, a healer and part of the shaman family tucked in the rural area of Thailand. With her niece, Mink, starting to exhibit divine possession, the local area thinks she’s the new conduit for the deity Ba Yan. However, as Mink starts showing malevolent signs, it’s clear that is not what they are looking for.
10. The Rite (2011)
English, Welsh, Italian, Latin, Russian, Hungarian, Greek 1h 54m IMDb
Mikael Håfström
Stars: Colin O’Donoghue, Anthony Hopkins, Ciarán Hinds
The Rite showcases a strong influence from the Christian faith and demonology. It follows Michael, a seminarist looking for a way to strengthen his faith. As he travels to Italy, he starts to see the truth through the possession and exorcism he witnessed.
The movie offers a bone-chilling look at the world of priests and exorcism. With a basis on the life of the real-life exorcist Father Gary Thomas, the film will make you grip your seat’s edge. If you are interested in the opposite sides of the demons, watching this film is an excellent choice.
11. The Conjuring 2 (2016)
English 2h 14m IMDb
James Wan
Stars: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Madison Wolfe
The Conjuring 2 is another installment to the ever-growing Conjuring franchise. Continuing the story from the perspective of Warrens, the supernatural forces continue to hunt another family. Like the first films, this sequel received excellent reviews from critics.
The film follows Peggy, a single mother with a big demonic problem. When her daughter shows signs of possession, she contacts the Warrens to get rid of the demon. However, the supernatural investigators soon find themselves at the crux of the devil themselves.
12. The Real Exorcist (2020)
Japanese 1h 48m IMDb
Shokyo Oda
Stars: Fumika Shimizu, Mirai Irako, Rin Kijima
Exorcism is not just an awesome trope for horror; The Real Exorcist also showcases a fantasy twist to the genre. The Japanese film offers a mix of spiritual and fantastical elements rather than a horror one. So, if you want a lighter look at the genre, this is an excellent option.
The film follows Sayuri, a young woman with a supernatural and spiritual connection. She helps those plagued by supernatural and spiritual entities through her powers. With malevolent entities on her way, she must do everything to fight the evil forces on her path.
13. Annabelle: Creation (2017)
English, Spanish 1h 49m IMDb
David F. Sandberg
Stars: Anthony LaPaglia, Samara Lee, Miranda Otto
Annabelle is a prequel to the well-known franchise. Surprisingly, this film is much better received than the first one. Telling the story of how the first victims of the haunted doll come to life is an excellent way to get into the genre.
The story revolves around the house of the Mullins as they welcome a nun and orphaned little girls. With a mysterious death in their past and a haunted doll in their present, getting rid of the evil forces is their top priority. When Janice, a young girl, manages to unleash the demonic entity, they must work together to exorcise the doll.
In Summary
Although this list of 13 Best Exorcism Films deals with many horrors, it also showcases a good mix of comedy and fantasy flicks. Whether you love the good old Christian twist to the possession or a blend of Asian influences, there is a film for you to try out.