The Exorcist universe in order The Exorcist Marathon
Page Last Modified:
9 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
Prepare for the ultimate Exorcist universe marathon with our carefully curated viewing order, spanning from the earliest prequels to the latest installment, Believer. This lineup promises a devilishly good time, perfect for a spine-chilling movie night.
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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 -
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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 -
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The Exorcist - Seasons 1-2 TvShow 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
Chronological Order of The Exorcist Movies
Every horror marathon enthusiast knows that order is crucial. 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 more than just a tale of a possessed girl and a troubled priest. It's a vast universe filled with demonic confrontations, theological horror, forbidden archaeology, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. So grab your popcorn, snuggle under a blanket, and dive into the perfect viewing order for an Exorcist universe marathon. From obscure prequels to the latest legacy sequel, we've got you covered.
The Exorcist universe is a blend of cinematic classics, controversial sequels, forgotten gems, and a surprisingly strong TV series. With renowned directors like William Friedkin, William Peter Blatty, Renny Harlin, Paul Schrader, and David Gordon Green, and production powerhouses such as Blumhouse, Universal Pictures, and Morgan Creek Productions, this franchise boasts a rich horror heritage. Whether you're descending the Georgetown steps for the first time or revisiting the Lamashtu lore, here's your guide to watching The Exorcist films in the right order.
Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist
Our journey begins in the distant past. Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist, directed by Paul Schrader, explores the early life of Father Merrin, portrayed by the legendary Max von Sydow. This film takes a philosophical approach to the origins of the evil Merrin will later face. Picture deserts, excavations, and the first signs of Pazuzu. Though released after Exorcist: The Beginning, Dominion is set earlier, making it your official starting point. If you enjoy 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 offers a higher budget and a more visually dynamic approach. While the story mirrors Dominion, the tone shifts to more action and jump scares, with less introspection. It's a fascinating case of "two directors, one script, two completely different films." For completionists, this film is essential to your marathon, if only to compare the differences. You'll delve deeper into the role of Pazuzu and witness Merrin's first real confrontation with demonic forces.
The Exorcist (1973)
Next up is the masterpiece. William Friedkin's The Exorcist is not only the centerpiece of this marathon but also a cornerstone 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 infamous Regan spider-walk scene originates. It's where Merrin and Karras confront their demons both literally and figuratively. The Washington D.C. exorcism, the Georgetown staircase, the creeping fear this film defines your marathon. And yes, crank up the volume when those bells begin.
Exorcist II: The Heretic
The atmosphere shifts dramatically 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 true die-hards and lore collectors, it's a fascinating chapter. Think Lamashtu lore, spiritual journeys, and a glimpse into life after the exorcism events.
The Exorcist III: Legion
Now, we return to basics. Exorcist III, based on William Peter Blatty's book "Legion," is a dark, psychological thriller with horror elements that keep you on edge. George C. Scott stars as Lt. Kinderman, with Brad Dourif delivering a chilling performance as Patient X. This film builds on the trauma of the first film and introduces the eerie Gemini Killer storyline. Less demon cursing, more existential horror, and one of the best jump scares in horror history. You can't skip 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 gradually reveals a massive lore that fans of the original film will appreciate. It connects to the MacNeils, introduces new forms of possession, and offers a broader look at Catholic exorcism practices. It's a binge-worthy addition to the franchise with plenty of Easter eggs for attentive viewers.
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, emotionally anchoring this film to the original. Believer revisits classic themes of loss, faith, and confronting evil in a modern setting. With hints of more sequels, it's an essential conclusion to your marathon.
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. Silence your phone, dim the lights, and let those tubular bells play. The demons await.