The Exorcist. Poster of the 1973 movie and cover of the 1971 book
VS3
The Exorcist
William Peter Blatty, 1971
movie vs book
William Friedkin, 1973

Lankester Merrin, a veteran Catholic priest who performed an exorcism in the 1950s, is on an archaeological dig in the ancient city of Hatra in Iraq . After playing with a Ouija board and contacting a supposedly imaginary friend whom she calls Captain Howdy , Regan begins acting strangely , using obscene language , and exhibiting abnormal strength ; additionally , there is poltergeist-like activity in the home at night .


The Exorcist. Poster of the 2016 TV series and cover of the 1971 book
VS3
The Exorcist
William Peter Blatty, 1971
TV series vs book
Jeremy Slater, 2016-2018

Angela, is plagued by increasingly frightening nightmares, her husband is slowly losing his mind, her older daughter spends her time locked in her room and her younger daughter hears strange noises from inside the walls. Two priests are brought together, as all their fates become entangled in a battle against an ancient force of evil.


The Exorcist III: Legion. Poster of the 1990 movie and cover of the 1983 book, Legion
VS3
Legion
William Peter Blatty, 1983
movie vs book
William Peter Blatty, 1990

Director’s cut of The Exorcist III, which was thought to be lost. For over fifteen years, Police Lieutenant Kinderman has been haunted by the memory of his friend Father Damien Karras’s death. However, on the 15th anniversary of the exorcism that claimed the priest’s life, Kinderman’s world is once again shattered as a boy is discovered decapitated and brutally crucified. This gruesome discovery marks the start of a nightmarish series of bizarre religious murders.


The Ninth Configuration. Poster of the 1980 movie and cover of the 1966 book
VS3
The Ninth Configuration
William Peter Blatty, 1966
movie vs book
William Peter Blatty, 1980

Army psychiatrist Col. Kane, teetering on the brink of sanity himself, attempts to provide therapy to the patients in a military mental hospital. Unfortunately, the hospital’s ominous location in an old castle does little to promote speedy recoveries. Additionally, a mid-film barroom brawl suggests that Kane’s unconventional approach to mental health may not be the most effective.


The Exorcist III. Poster of the 1990 movie and cover of the 1983 book, Legion
VS3
Legion
William Peter Blatty, 1983
movie vs book
William Peter Blatty, 1990

For over fifteen years, Police Lieutenant Kinderman has been haunted by the memory of his friend Father Damien Karras’s death. However, on the 15th anniversary of the exorcism that claimed the priest’s life, Kinderman’s world is once again shattered as a boy is discovered decapitated and brutally crucified. This gruesome discovery marks the start of a nightmarish series of bizarre religious murders.


Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist. Poster of the 2005 movie and cover of the 1971 book, The Exorcist
VS3
The Exorcist
William Peter Blatty, 1971
movie vs book
Paul Schrader, 2005

Long before Father Lankester Merrin played a role in saving Regan MacNeil’s soul, his first encounter with the demon Pazuzu took place in East Africa. This initial battle with Pazuzu ultimately led to Merrin rediscovering his faith.


Exorcist: The Beginning. Poster of the 2004 movie and cover of the 1971 book, The Exorcist
VS3
The Exorcist
William Peter Blatty, 1971
movie vs book
Renny Harlin, 2004

Many years prior to Father Lankester Merrin’s involvement in saving Regan MacNeil’s soul, he faces the demon Pazuzu in East Africa. This narrative recounts Father Merrin’s initial confrontation with Pazuzu and his journey of rediscovering his faith.


The Exorcist. Poster of the 2023 movie and cover of the 1971 book
VS3
The Exorcist
William Peter Blatty, 1971
movie vs book
David Gordon Green, 2023

Continuing the story from the 1973 film, this sequel delves deeper into the harrowing tale of a 12-year-old girl possessed by a mysterious and malevolent demonic entity. Her desperate mother once again seeks the assistance of two priests in a relentless battle to save her daughter’s soul.


Exorcist II: the Heretic. Poster of the 1977 movie and cover of the 1971 book, The Exorcist
VS3
The Exorcist
William Peter Blatty, 1971
movie vs book
John Boorman, 1977

Regan MacNeil is tormented by strange and unsettling nightmares four years after her possession and exorcism. The question arises: has the malevolent demon returned to haunt her once again? To confront this sinister presence, a Vatican investigator and a research specialist join forces, combining their faith and knowledge in a desperate attempt to free Regan from the demon’s relentless grip.