Based on William Peter Blatty’s novel and directed by William Friedkin, The Exorcist instantly became a classic. Its raw realism and shocking imagery led to censorship across much of Europe — but that only fueled its legend. Even fifty years later, its razor-sharp script and groundbreaking technical work remain a touchstone for modern horror. Some might argue the acting and dialogue show their age, yet IMDb users insist this masterpiece is still as gripping and disturbing as it was in 1973.
[embedded content]
What do audiences think of The Exorcist in 2025?
“I recently rewatched this movie on Blu-ray after about 45 years,” wrote one fan of the film, which earned 10 Oscar nominations and won for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound. “It’s still one of my favorite horror movies — one of my top ten overall — and an absolute masterpiece.”
“When you mix horror with religion on such a large scale, things can get heated — and very ugly,” another viewer explained. Many commenters expressed admiration for how “ahead of its time” the film was: “In an era when filmmaking was still young, religion was practiced on a much larger scale than today, and such violent, graphic scenes were considered impossible to show, it’s no wonder the movie was banned for so many years.”
“I recently watched it again (at night, right before bed), and it really left me wondering how such horrifying scenes could be portrayed so effectively,” wrote another user. Starring Linda Blair, Max von Sydow, and Ellen Burstyn, The Exorcist is currently available to rent on Prime Video and Apple TV.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
