The Best Movies About Demonic Possession & Exorcisms

Loosely based on real events, The Exorcist follows the story of Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair) as she starts levitating and speaking and tongues. Her mother (Ellen Burstyn) seeks the help of a local priest who confirms the child is possessed by a demon. The church sends an expert (Max von Sydow) to handle the dangerous task of perforing  an exorcism. The film has become iconic for its intense scenes and use of special effects as well as its deep psychological themes, earning it an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.

The Conjuring recounts the true story of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson & Vera Farmia) who investigate the haunting of a secluded family farmhouse in Rhode Island. The Perrons (Ron Livingston & Lili Taylor) and their five daughters are plagued by a supernatural force, leading to jump scares, creepy visuals, and an overall disturbing atmosphere. With increasing intensity, the haunting escalates in a spectacular and horrifying way.

The Exorcism of Emily Rose tells the story of a young girl (Jennifer Carpenter) who begins to suffer from strange and unexplainable occurrences, which leads her family to believe she may be possessed by an evil spirit. The film follows the court case in which Reverend Moore (Tom Wilkinson) is prosecuted for her wrongful death after he performed an exorcism. While the film show's the girl's battle with this demonic force, a prosecuting attorney (Campbell Scott) argues that she was suffering from schizophrenia and should have been treated with medication.

Insidious tells the story of a family (Patrick Wilson & Rose Byrne) who move into an old house only to discover it's haunted by dark forces. As they attempt to grapple with these malicious spirits and their comatose son's possession, they call in the help of experts (Lin Shaye, Leigh Whannell). With intense jump scares and ntriguing cinematography, the film presents a compelling story about love conquering fear.

In The Conjuring 2: The Enfield Poltergeist, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson & Vera Farmiga) traveled to Enfield, a borough in North London, to investigate a demonic possession. Peggy Hodgson is a single mother of four convinced of evil in her home as her youngest daughter shows signs that she is possessed by a demon. While the Warrens try to help, they become the target of the malicious and sinister spirit.

To help combat writer's block,  true-crime writer Ellison Oswalt (Ethan Hawke) moves his family to a new house. After discovering some disturbing snuff films in the attic, he finds himself confronting an ancient evil force that takes over the house and wreaks havoc on his life. Sinister has become one of the most iconic horror films to date, scaring viewers with its intense atmosphere and thrilling storyline.