The Exorcist: 5 exorcism films that are actually good - including Russell Crowe as Father Gabriele Amorth

On it release in 1974, The Exorcist changed the course of horror films forever, however, sadly it also spawned a number of poor imitations. Want to watch an film about demon, possessions and exorcisms that are really good? Here's 5 films we recommend to watch this Halloween.

The Pope's Exorcist starring Russell Crowe as Father Gabriele Amorth hit UK cinemas last Friday - and has received glowing reviews. Cr: Sony Pictures.

Veronica

There's been many exorcism films that have been heralded as 'the scariest movie ever' on release but few have lived up to the billing - Spanish film Veronica though definitely does.

The film follows a young team as she is overtaken by an evil force after playing with a ouija board. Predictable at points, Veronica was a film that added a strong feeling of dread to jump scares that kept viewers on the edge of their seat.

The sequel to this film, titled Sister Death, is landing on Netflix on Halloween too. Watch it - if you dare.

The Pope's Exorcist

Released earlier this year, Russell Crowe's portrayal of Father Amorth - a real life Catholic priest and former exorcist for the Diocese of Rome - is a treat our eyes didn't know we needed. Teaming up with Spanish priest Father Esquibel, Crowe battle's possession, Satan and other nasty wee demons, all while riding on a Vespa.

Its funny, entertaining and like a Exorcist version of Lethal Weapon. We loved it.

This Is The End

Did we really need an end of the world movie starring Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen and Jay Baruchel that sees Hill get possessed by Lucifer himself? Yes - of course we did!

This is definitely a possession film that is more seeped in comedy than horror but Baruchel's attempt at an exorcism citing words straight for The Exorcist will have you bent over with laughter. Simply hilarious.

The Medium

Deciding to focus its attention away from the bog-standard jump scare, this Thai/South Korean film begins in the Isan region of Thailand and follows a shaman as he discovers his nephew has been possessed. Released in 2021, this documentary style film comes highly rated by critics and viewers alike.

The Witch

One of the creepiest and most highly rated horrors of recent years, The Witch (or the The VVitch) begins by introducing us to a family that are isolated on English farm land after their expulsion from Puritan society.

As witchcraft, sorcery and horror overtakes them, the family battle to save themselves. Includes one of the best possession scenes ever when Caleb, the family's youngest child, is seen arching his back, throwing up an apple and dying violently as his siblings watch on in shock.