The Exorcist universe in order The Exorcist Marathon
Page Last Modified:
27 December 2025
Most Recent Release:
The Exorcist: Believer - 2023
Total Runtime:
1561 Minutes
Total Items:
7
Average User Score:
(6)The Exorcist universe in order
Get ready for the ultimate Exorcist universe binge-watch with our carefully curated viewing order, spanning from the earliest prequels to the latest installment, Believer. This lineup is sure to be a blast, perfect for a movie night with a little something extra.
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1
Dominion: Prequel to The Exorcist Movie 116 min. 2005Father Merrin takes a sabbatical from the Church to devote himself to history and archaeology as he struggles with his shattered faith.USER SCORE 5 -
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Exorcist: The Beginning Movie 114 min. 2004Years before Father Merrin helped save Regan MacNeil’s soul, he first encounters the demon Pazuzu in East Africa.USER SCORE 5 -
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The Exorcist Movie 122 min. 1973When a mysterious entity possesses a young girl, her mother seeks the help of two Catholic priests to save her life.USER SCORE 8 -
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Exorcist II: The Heretic Movie 118 min. 1977Bizarre nightmares plague Regan MacNeil four years after her possession and exorcism. Has the demon returned? And if so, can the combined faith and knowledge of a Vatican investigator and a research specialist free her from its grasp?USER SCORE 5 -
5
The Exorcist III Movie 110 min. 1990On the fifteenth anniversary of the exorcism that claimed Father Damien Karras' life, Police Lieutenant Kinderman's world is once again shattered when a boy is found decapitated and savagely crucified.USER SCORE 6 -
6
The Exorcist Tv Show 870 min. 2017Follow the lives of two very different priests tackling one family’s case of terrifying demonic possession.USER SCORE 7.3 -
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The Exorcist: Believer Movie 111 min. 2023Since his wife's death, Victor has raised his daughter Angela alone. After she and her friend return from a three-day disappearance with missing memories, they begin displaying frightening behavior reminiscent of the MacNeil possession fifty years prior.USER SCORE 6
The Exorcist Movies in Chronological Order
If you're a horror movie fan, you know how important it is to watch movies in the right order. And when it comes to a franchise as intense and iconic as The Exorcist, you don't want to miss a beat or misplace a film. This series is about a lot more than just a possessed girl and a troubled priest. It's a huge universe packed with demonic showdowns, theological horror, forbidden archaeology, and the eternal battle between good and evil. So grab your popcorn, get comfy, and check out the perfect viewing order for an Exorcist universe marathon. We've got you covered, from obscure prequels to the latest Legacy sequel. The Exorcist universe is a mix of cinematic classics, controversial sequels, forgotten gems, and a surprisingly strong TV series. It's got famous directors like William Friedkin, William Peter Blatty, Renny Harlin, Paul Schrader, and David Gordon Green, and production companies like Blumhouse, Universal Pictures, and Morgan Creek Productions. This franchise has a long and rich history of horror. Hey, no matter if you're checking out the Georgetown steps for the first time or getting reacquainted with the Lamashtu lore, here's your go-to guide to watching The Exorcist films in the right order.
Dominion: Prequel to The Exorcist
Our story starts way back when. Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist, directed by Paul Schrader, explores the early life of Father Merrin, portrayed by the legendary Max von Sydow. The movie looks at the beginnings of the evil that Merrin will face later in a philosophical way. Picture deserts, digs, and the first signs of Pazuzu. Though it came out after Exorcist: The Beginning, Dominion is set earlier, so it's your official starting point. If you're into the "forbidden archaeology" vibe and a slow build-up of suspense, this is a must-watch.
Exorcist: The Beginning
Renny Harlin's take on the same prequel storyline has a higher budget and a more visually dynamic approach. The story is similar to Dominion, but the tone is more action-oriented with more jump scares and less introspection. It's a really interesting example of "two directors, one script, two completely different films." If you're a completionist, this film is a must for your marathon, just to see the differences. You'll learn more about the role of Pazuzu and see Merrin's first real confrontation with demonic forces.
The Exorcist (1973)
Next up is the masterpiece. William Friedkin's The Exorcist is the main attraction of this marathon, and it's a classic of horror cinema. Everything is executed flawlessly: the atmosphere, the slow build-up, the iconic tubular bells, and the performances of Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, and Jason Miller. This is where the famous Regan spider-walk scene comes from. It's where Merrin and Karras face their fears, both literally and figuratively. This film is the perfect addition to your marathon, with its scenes of the Washington D.C. exorcism, the Georgetown staircase, and the creeping fear. And yes, turn up the volume when those bells start ringing.
Exorcist II: The Heretic
The mood changes big time here. Exorcist II: The Heretic is wild, experimental, and... well, different. Director John Boorman presents a psychedelic take on exorcism, telepathy, and Regan's inner world. Louise Fletcher, Richard Burton, and Kitty Winn star in this film, which, despite its reputation as one of the strangest sequels, has achieved cult status. For the true die-hards and lore collectors out there, it's a fascinating chapter. Picture Lamashtu lore, spiritual journeys, and a peek into life after the exorcism events.
The Exorcist III: Legion
Now, we're back to basics. Exorcist III, based on William Peter Blatty's book "Legion," is a dark, psychological thriller with horror elements that'll keep you on edge. George C. Scott plays Lt. Kinderman, and Brad Dourif is on board as Patient X. This film takes the trauma of the first film to the next level and brings in the creepy Gemini Killer storyline. It's got less demon cursing, more existential horror, and one of the best jump scares in horror history. You've got to watch this one!
The Exorcist (TV Series)
Here's a surprising twist: the 2016 TV series isn't a reboot but a clever sequel to the original story. With Ben Daniels, Alfonso Herrera, and Ann Dowd, the series slowly reveals a huge lore that fans of the original film will love. It connects to the MacNeils, introduces new forms of possession, and offers a broader look at Catholic exorcism practices. It's a must-watch addition to the franchise, with plenty of hidden details for anyone who pays close attention.
The Exorcist: Believer
The newest addition, directed by David Gordon Green, is a legacy sequel that revisits Regan's legacy. We follow Leslie Odom Jr. as Victor Fielding, whose daughter Angela and her friend Katherine become possessed. Ellen Burstyn returns as Chris MacNeil, and her performance anchors this film to the original. Believer looks at classic themes of loss, faith, and facing evil in a modern setting. There are some hints of more sequels, so it's an essential conclusion to your marathon.
Are you ready for your Exorcist Universe Marathon?
Whether you're watching for the first time or refreshing your memory for Believer, this order ensures you experience all layers of the Exorcist story. From archaeological discoveries in Iraq to demonic confrontations in American suburbs, this is horror with depth. Put your phone on silent, turn down the lights, and let those tubular bells do their thing. The demons are waiting for you.