Watching The Exorcist movies and shows in order reveals the evolution of one of horror cinema’s most influential franchises. Based on William Peter Blatty’s novel, The Exorcist (1973) introduced audiences to Regan MacNeil, a young girl whose terrifying possession leads her mother to seek help from two Catholic priests. The film established a supernatural mythology centered on demonic evil, religious faith, and the struggle between humanity and forces beyond comprehension. Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977) revisits Regan’s experiences, while The Exorcist III (1990) follows a disturbing murder investigation connected to the original events. Two later prequels, Exorcist: The Beginning (2004) and Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist (2005), explore competing interpretations of Father Merrin’s earlier confrontation with demonic forces. The recommended watch order is release order, which preserves the intended introductions, mysteries, and revelations while keeping the franchise’s alternate continuities understandable.
The Exorcist also expanded beyond theatrical films with its 2016–2017 television series, following priests Tomas Ortega and Marcus Keane as they investigate dangerous possessions. Although initially presented as a new story, the series establishes a direct connection to the original film and develops its own continuation across two seasons. The Exorcist: Believer (2023) offers another legacy sequel involving Chris MacNeil, establishing a separate modern direction. The upcoming The Exorcist: Martyrs (2027), directed by Mike Flanagan, introduces a further interpretation of the franchise. These productions do not all share one seamless continuity, particularly where the prequels and later sequels offer competing storylines. Following the releases chronologically by publication allows viewers to appreciate the changing filmmaking styles, recurring religious themes, and shifting approaches to supernatural horror without confusing separate narrative branches.
Release Order
Release order is the recommended way to experience The Exorcist franchise because it preserves the impact of the original film before introducing its sequels, prequels, and television continuation. Beginning with The Exorcist (1973), viewers can follow Regan MacNeil’s story, the mysteries explored in The Exorcist III, and the competing interpretations of Father Merrin’s past. The television series later expands the original mythology, while The Exorcist: Believer introduces an alternate legacy continuation. Watching in release order also makes the franchise’s creative changes easier to understand, providing newcomers with the clearest introduction to its supernatural themes and recurring characters.
Chronological Order
Chronological order differs significantly from release order because Exorcist: The Beginning and Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist both explore Father Merrin’s experiences before the original film. These competing prequels occupy roughly the same historical period and should be understood as alternate interpretations rather than consecutive adventures. After the 1973 original, the earlier sequels continue the mythology, while the television series and The Exorcist: Believer represent separate later continuations. The Exorcist: Martyrs introduces another independent storyline. Timeline order offers an interesting alternative for returning viewers, but release order remains preferable for newcomers because it preserves the original film’s revelations and avoids introducing conflicting prequel stories first.
