Over half a century later, the chilling fear induced by what are often dubbed ‘the scariest horror films of all time’ still lingers with viewers.
The Exorcist, with its terrifying narrative and “brilliant” performances, tops the list on both IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes as the most frightening film ever made.
Written by William Peter Blatty and brought to life by director William Friedkin, this 1973 classic features Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow and Lee J. Cobb in leading roles.
For those who have managed to avoid it for the past five decades, the plot revolves around a young girl possessed by an enigmatic entity.
The film has bagged 18 awards and received 21 nominations, continuing to be hailed as a “masterpiece” by awestruck audiences.
One fan shared their thoughts on IMDb, stating: “I recently revisited this film on Blu-ray after some 45 years. It still rates as one of my favourite horror films, one of my top ten films and a masterpiece of film making.
“Beautiful photography, great locations, sets, special effects and acting. It still stands up as a great film today.”
Another viewer commented: “For those who watched this film on the big screen when it was re-released and thought it was ‘comical, funny, not disturbing nor scary’ are just do not understand the complexity that surrounds this movie.
“Back in ’73, no one was expecting a film of this kind, and I know it has been said many times but it was way ahead of its time.
“A time when cinema was in its infancy, religion was practised on a larger scale than today and showing such violent, graphic and disturbing scenes was not thought of as being possible, one can understand why it has been banned for so many years.
“I recently watched this movie (at night, before bedtime) and it really left me thinking of how such horrifying scenes could be shown and portrayed in such a way.
“There were many scenes that would not get out of my head (for those who have seen the movie will know what scenes they are).
“I could not sleep that night and that hasn’t happened since I saw Nightmare On Elm Street Part 1 when I was 6!”.
“What makes things worse is that there are well known cases where people have been possessed by the devil or a supernatural being, which leads them to doing evil deeds.
“When you mix a horror movie with religion on such a large magnitude, things can heat up and become very unpleasant.”
After tumbling down the overall IMDb rankings as fresh films arrive in cinemas, a third viewer remarked: “I’m not sure why this film isn’t on IMBb’s Top 250 anymore but it deserves to be in at least the top 50 on the list.
“Maybe it’s because millennials rate such beautiful classics lower since they’re not getting the jump scares of the modern era of horror… Not sure.
“Either way, this movie is the horror film, the Godfather of its genre! Absolute perfection! And it needs to be recognised as such!”.