The Exorcist (1973) is one of the most famous films ever made and depicts a Catholic priest performing an exorcism on a demon-possessed girl. Some Christians have found it spiritually affirming. Others find it deeply disturbing and dangerous. What does the Godly Score say?
The Exorcist's Unique Status Among Horror Films
The Exorcist (1973) occupies a unique position in the Christian discussion of horror films. Unlike most horror content, The Exorcist is explicitly Christian in its theological framework — it portrays demonic possession as real, the Catholic Church's exorcism rite as spiritually powerful, and the battle against demonic forces as requiring genuine faith and sacrifice. It is, in many ways, the most theologically serious mainstream horror film ever made.
William Peter Blatty, who wrote both the novel and screenplay, was a devout Catholic who intended the story as an affirmation of spiritual reality against secular materialism. Father Karras's journey from doubt to sacrificial faith is the moral core of the film, and it ends with an act of genuine Christian heroism.
The Case Against Christians Watching The Exorcist
Despite its theological framework, The Exorcist presents serious content concerns that cannot be dismissed. The film contains scenes of a child in a possessed state performing acts of sexual self-harm and speaking blasphemy that are among the most disturbing content ever filmed. The possession sequences were designed to be psychologically overwhelming, and the film has caused documented psychological harm to some viewers.
Philippians 4:8 calls believers to fill their minds with what is pure and admirable. Whatever the theological framing, the specific imagery in The Exorcist — a child in sexual self-harm, extreme blasphemy, the visual representation of demonic possession — exceeds what this standard permits for most Christian viewers.
The Case for Christians Watching With Discernment
The opposing argument has genuine force: The Exorcist takes spiritual reality seriously in ways that almost no mainstream film does. It presents demonic possession as real, prayer as powerful, and faith as the only adequate response to genuine evil. Father Merrin and Father Karras are portrayed as genuine heroes of faith. The film's conclusion affirms the power of sacrificial love and the reality of spiritual warfare.
Ephesians 6:12 says "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against...spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." The Exorcist treats this reality seriously when most culture dismisses it. There is a genuine argument that mature Christian adults, particularly those in ministry or pastoral care, can benefit from engaging with the film's theological seriousness.
Our Verdict
The Exorcist scores 38/100. It is theologically more serious than almost any horror film and its affirmation of spiritual reality is genuinely valuable. However, the extremely graphic and disturbing content of the possession sequences exceeds what Philippians 4:8 permits for most Christian viewers. It is not appropriate for teenagers. Mature adult Christians in ministry contexts may engage with it, but should do so deliberately rather than for entertainment.