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Should Christians Watch The Exorcist?

Name: GodlyScore Review: Should Christians Watch The Exorcist?
Item: The Exorcist (1973)
Rating: 1.9
Author: GodlyScore

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?

GODLY

The Exorcist (1973)

Caution

★★☆☆☆1.9/5 · GodlyScore 38/100

Christian framework present but extremely graphic demonic content. For spiritually mature adults only.

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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.

Content Breakdown for Christian Viewers

GodlyScore evaluates every show across nine signal categories grounded in Scripture: profanity (Ephesians 4:29), sexual content (1 Corinthians 6:18-20), violence (Psalm 11:5), LGBT normalization (Romans 1:24-27), spiritual darkness (Ephesians 5:11), glorification of sin (Romans 1:32), deception mechanics (Proverbs 12:22), virtue strength (Philippians 4:8), and redemption arc. The score reflects not just whether content is present but how it's framed — depicted critically, neutrally, or as aspirational. The Exorcist scores see full guide.

How to Find Alternatives

See our Christian TV Reviews hub for comparisons. For episode-level content breakdowns, Plugged In and Common Sense Media complement GodlyScore's biblical framework. Age recommendation: older teenagers and adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Exorcist appropriate for Christians to watch?

The Exorcist has a genuinely Christian theological framework — it affirms spiritual warfare, priestly faith, and sacrificial love. However, the possession sequences contain extremely disturbing content including a child in sexual self-harm that exceeds Philippians 4:8 standards for most viewers. Not appropriate for teenagers.

Is The Exorcist based on a true story?

Yes — William Peter Blatty based the novel on a 1949 reported exorcism case involving a boy referred to in reports as 'Roland Doe.' Blatty was a Catholic who intended the story as an affirmation of spiritual reality and the Christian exorcism tradition.

Does The Exorcist portray Christianity positively?

Yes, unusually for horror cinema. The priests are heroes of faith, Catholic exorcism rites are portrayed as spiritually powerful, and the film's resolution requires genuine Christian self-sacrifice. Father Karras's arc from doubt to sacrificial faith is a genuinely moving portrait of Christian heroism.

Is it spiritually dangerous to watch The Exorcist?

The Exorcist depicts demonic activity in graphic detail. While this is framed negatively (demons are clearly evil, opposed by faith), some viewers find the imagery psychologically disturbing in ways that affect their spiritual peace. Christians who are sensitive to spiritual warfare content or who struggle with fear should avoid it.