There’s something about possession and exorcism movies that really grabs us – whether it’s the scare factor, a strange curiosity, or a sense of the supernatural. If you’re a horror fan wanting to explore a truly terrifying side of the genre, and you’ve had enough of typical monsters like serial killers and vampires, we’ve compiled a list of the best films about possession and exorcism.
What are the best possession and exorcism horror movies as of 2025?
Ever since the release of The Exorcist in 1973, movies about demonic possession have always walked a line between being shocking and entertaining. Some people even believe making these films can attract negative energy. Whether it’s simply superstition or connected to our beliefs, stories about exorcism and possession are uniquely frightening, setting them apart from other horror movies. This list features some of the best, but there are many more out there to scare you!
The Exorcist (1973)
While it’s a popular choice, The Exorcist remains one of the greatest horror films ever made. Directed by William Friedkin and adapted from William Peter Blatty’s novel, the movie follows a young girl’s terrifying possession and the frantic efforts to save her. The film is known for its innovative special effects and genuinely frightening atmosphere. In fact, the filmmakers went to extreme lengths – like chilling a set to -20°F – to realistically depict the characters’ breath in the cold, showcasing the incredible dedication to detail.
The film quickly became a major cultural event, even making history as the first horror movie to be nominated for the Best Picture Oscar. In his review, Roger Ebert explained he judged films based on how well they fulfilled their genre, and he declared “The Exorcist” one of the very best horror movies ever made. This was high praise from Ebert, known for being a discerning and often critical reviewer.
The Exorcist is famous not just for being a groundbreaking film, but also for the stories of strange and unfortunate events that happened during its making – a supposed “curse.” Whether these stories were exaggerated for publicity or simply odd coincidences, they definitely added to the movie’s eerie appeal. Even after almost fifty years, The Exorcist is still considered a classic horror film and an important piece of movie history. It’s often shown in theaters around Halloween, and it’s a truly worthwhile experience.
The Wailing (2016)
Na Hong-jin’s South Korean film, The Wailing, is a standout possession movie, though it doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves. The story begins with the arrival of a Japanese man in a quiet South Korean village. Soon after, a bizarre illness spreads, causing villagers to commit terrible acts of violence, even against their own families. When a local police officer’s young daughter falls ill, he’s thrown into the middle of the unfolding nightmare and learns from a woman that the Japanese man may be a demonic force.
If you’re feeling a bit burned out on typical American horror movies – and many agree things had gotten predictable by 2016, though recent films are improving that – The Wailing feels truly special. Director Na Hong-jin expertly combines South Korean folklore, spiritual beliefs, and traditional rituals with elements of epidemic horror, demonic possession, and even zombie-like creatures. The film is beautifully shot and acted, creating a genuinely unsettling experience. If you’re new to Korean films, especially Korean horror, this is an excellent place to begin.
Hereditary (2018)
Ari Aster’s debut film, Hereditary, is a divisive movie – people either strongly love it or dislike it. However, it’s become a favorite among horror fans. The story begins with the funeral of the family’s grandmother, Ellen. Her daughter, Annie (played by Toni Collette), is shocked by how many people attend, considering how private Ellen was. Soon after, the family experiences increasingly unsettling events, but it’s not your typical jump-scare horror. The film builds to a bizarre and deeply disturbing climax, and it quickly becomes apparent that something demonic is influencing the family, though not in a predictable way.
Hereditary first appeared at the Sundance Film Festival in 2018 and became a financial success, earning $82.8 million globally on a $10 million budget. While reviews were initially varied, critics tended to appreciate the film more than general viewers, likely because it goes beyond typical horror to explore psychological and dreamlike themes. Since then, Hereditary has frequently been ranked among the best horror movies of the 21st century, and it’s easy to see why.
The Conjuring (2013)
In 1971, the Perron family—Roger, Carolyn, their five daughters, and their dog Sadie—moved to a remote farmhouse in Rhode Island. Soon after, the family began experiencing frightening and unexplainable events, leading them to seek help from paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The Warrens, known for investigating famous cases like the Annabelle doll, find themselves facing a particularly challenging and terrifying situation.
James Wan, the director behind films like Saw and Insidious, delivers a truly frightening experience with The Conjuring. Like the older film The Amityville Horror, it features a haunted house and a family falling apart under a sinister influence, but Wan executes the formula flawlessly. It’s a brilliant example of how building suspense slowly can be far more effective than relying on special effects. Definitely add this to your list for Halloween!
Get Out (2018)
While most films on this list feature traditional demons, Jordan Peele’s Get Out definitely fits the theme of possession with its unsettling story of people taking over others’ bodies. It’s a must-include! The film centers on Chris, a young Black photographer who travels to meet his white girlfriend Rose’s parents for the first time. He playfully worries about how they’ll react to him being Black, and Rose assures him they’re liberal and supportive. Her father even confirms this upon their arrival. However, what starts as a humorous and awkward introduction quickly becomes sinister as Chris begins to realize the family’s disturbing secrets.
As a film fan, I was completely blown away by Get Out. It was Jordan Peele’s first feature film after building a career in comedy, and what a debut! Made for just $4.5 million, it became a huge hit, earning over $255 million globally. Even more importantly, it won Peele an Academy Award for the screenplay – a historic moment as he became the first Black screenwriter to ever win that award. It really felt like something special was happening with that film.
How we picked the best possession and exorcism horror movies
We chose these movies by looking at the best in the genre, but also including films that explore different ideas of what “possession” really means. While some movies focus on classic, dramatic possessions and exorcisms, being controlled by a dark force can happen in many ways. Here are some of our top picks.
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2025-10-29 05:58