How to watch

The Exorcist (1973) remains one of the most influential horror films ever made, and the franchise that followed took some unusual turns. Beyond direct sequels, the series includes two different versions of a prequel story, each with distinct directors and tones, plus a modern continuation decades later. That makes this franchise trickier than it looks for newcomers. Release order shows how audiences encountered every chapter as it arrived, while chronological order rearranges the mythology to begin with the origin-era events. If you're trying to decide between historical impact and timeline clarity, this guide gives both paths and explains which order works best for first-time and returning viewers.

🕐 Release Order

Release order is the preferred route for first-time viewers because it preserves the legacy and escalating mythology exactly as it unfolded over decades.

1. The Exorcist (1973)
2. Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977)
3. The Exorcist III (1990)
4. Exorcist: The Beginning (2004)
5. Dominion: Prequel to The Exorcist (2005)
6. The Exorcist: Believer (2023)

If you prefer a timeline-first approach, you can start with the prequel era before moving into the core Regan storyline and late legacy continuation.

📖 Story Chronology

Chronological order places Father Merrin's earlier exorcism first, then follows the major possession cases that define the franchise's modern history.

1. Dominion: Prequel to The Exorcist (2005)
2. Exorcist: The Beginning (2004)
3. The Exorcist (1973)
4. Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977)
5. The Exorcist III (1990)
6. The Exorcist: Believer (2023)

Which Order Should You Choose?

Go with release order if this is your first trip through The Exorcist franchise. Starting with the 1973 classic is essential for understanding why the series became a horror landmark. After that, continue in release order and treat the two prequels as alternate interpretations of similar backstory material. Chronological order is best for franchise completists who are already familiar with the original and want to explore the mythos from its earliest in-universe events. Either way, The Exorcist and The Exorcist III are key anchors of the series.

🔗 Related Guides

• The Conjuring Watch OrderGuide
• Insidious Watch OrderGuide
• Halloween Watch OrderGuide

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!