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For a first watch, see the six released Exorcist films in release order: The Exorcist (1973), Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977), The Exorcist III (1990), Exorcist: The Beginning (2004), Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist (2005), and The Exorcist: Believer (2023). The two prequels tell rival versions of Father Merrin’s origin, so they are not consecutive chapters. JustWatch’s order guide, published March 21, 2024 and updated October 22, 2024, supports this sequence.
What order should you watch the Exorcist movies in?
Choose release order for a first viewing. It starts with the 1973 original and follows the films as audiences encountered them; it also avoids treating the two competing Merrin prequels as one continuous story. This is a viewing recommendation, not an official studio-mandated order.
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- The Exorcist (1973)
- Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977)
- The Exorcist III (1990)
- Exorcist: The Beginning (2004)
- Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist (2005)
- The Exorcist: Believer (2023)
How the films connect
The Exorcist (1973)
Begin here: the original is the reference point for the later sequels and prequels.
Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977)
This is the direct film sequel to the original.
The Exorcist III (1990)
The story follows Detective Kinderman, a supporting character from the first film.
#1 Best Overall
Exorcist: The Beginning (2004) and Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist (2005)
Both films portray Father Lankester Merrin’s first encounter with Pazuzu, but as rival versions of his origin story. Dominion is not a second chapter after The Beginning. The available chronology guide describes their relationship this way; it does not establish a definitive canon hierarchy.
The Exorcist: Believer (2023)
Believer is set 50 years after the original, according to JustWatch’s 2024 guide, and brings back Chris MacNeil. NBCUniversal framed the 2023 film as starting an all-new chapter in a planned trilogy in its 2023 announcement.
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- Friday the 13th - 8 Movie Collection - Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 3D / The Final Chapter / A New Begin
Is chronological order different?
Yes, but it is only approximate because The Beginning and Dominion are alternative tellings, not consecutive events. For a rewatch focused on story chronology, place one of the Merrin prequels before the original, then follow the later stories. JustWatch’s broader screen-franchise chronology places the television series after The Exorcist III and before Believer; it does not make the two prequels a two-part arc.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you need to watch the Exorcist TV series?
No, not for this film-only order. The Exorcist television series ran from 2016 to 2017 and is an optional part of the broader screen franchise, rather than one of the six feature films listed above.
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- Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
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