The Exorcist

As a cult classic, The Exorcist may not have been one of the best horror films I've ever seen, but it still deserves recognition and attention. The truly frightening scenes could be counted on one hand, but the transformation of Regan and the special effects were terrifying in their own right. The beginning was a bit drawn out, incomprehensible to me at times, but later the plot began to build up to the very finale. In short, one of those films that over time has found its rightful place among the must-see films of a lifetime. (08/20/2014)

Well, the filmmaking is undoubtedly excellent and the atmosphere is quite unpleasant in some moments, but given that this is considered the scariest film of all time, I was not extremely tense while watching it. It moves pretty slowly and the director seems to be unhurriedly strumming on the viewer's nerves. Things get a lot more intense as time goes on, Linda Blair's face becomes less and less likeable and her horrific actions move the story along at lightning speed. Unfortunately, after the premature climax, when Linda runs down the stairs in an absolutely insane position, the film couldn't surprise me anymore and all the tension vanished after the door to Satan's room was opened, just as user Tosim writes. The strongest and most suspenseful horror film for me remains Kubrick's The Shining. 75% (11/05/2011)

The Exorcist is a horror masterpiece that pushed its genre into dimensions that are entirely different than the current standards. The psychology of the characters and the power of the story make this film a full-fledged, nerve-racking drama that compares favourably to the best of Hitchcock’s work. (11/23/2004)

Superb film, flawless horror. There’s no need to praise the details, the rating speaks for itself (I actually don’t know what I would reproach). This film didn’t feel as old as it really is – time has left a deeper mark in much younger films – The Exorcist could meet even the stricter standards of today. (05/21/2008)

This film is incredibly bold, atmospheric, and intense for its time. What couldn't be achieved with visual effects is resolved with brilliant camera work and the constant feeling of escalating tension, culminating in the literally heart-stopping exorcism sequence. It is an exceptional thing, but very difficult to watch. (11/28/2004)