Possession & Exorcism

Possession horror taps into something primal — the fear of losing control of your own body and mind to something malevolent. The best possession films build unbearable tension from the slow takeover: a change in voice, an impossible contortion, a look in someone's eyes that tells you they're not in there anymore. Whether rooted in Catholic ritual or folk belief, these films make evil feel physical and personal.

18 films — with streaming info

The Exorcist (1973)

The Exorcist(1973)

Fits this vibe: possession · exorcism · supernatural

Horror · 122 min · Dir. William Friedkin

Streamable2+ hoursAcclaimed
possessionsupernaturalpsychologicalcrisis-of-faith

A visiting actress in Washington, D.C., notices dramatic and dangerous changes in the behavior and physical make-up of her 12-year-old daughter. Meanwhile, a young priest at nearby Georgetown Universi

The Conjuring (2013)

The Conjuring(2013)

Fits this vibe: possession · exorcism · haunted-house dread

Horror, Mystery · 112 min · Dir. James Wan

Acclaimed
haunted-housepossessiondemonologyparanormal-investigation

In 1971, Carolyn and Roger Perron move their family into a dilapidated Rhode Island farm house and soon strange things start happening around it with escalating nightmarish terror. In desperation, Car

The Conjuring 2 (2016)

The Conjuring 2(2016)

Fits this vibe: possession · demon · ghostly atmosphere

Horror, Mystery · 134 min · Dir. James Wan

Streamable2+ hoursWell reviewed
possessionsupernaturalparanormal-investigationouija-board

In 1977, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren travel to London, England, where single mother Peggy Hodgson believes that something evil is in her home. When Peggy's youngest daughter starts

The Rite (2011)

The Rite(2011)

Fits this vibe: exorcism · faith · demon

Drama, Horror · 114 min · Dir. Mikael Håfström

possessionfaithskepticismpsychological

Michael Kovak (Colin O'Donaghue), the son of a funeral director grows indifferent to his father and joins a Seminary. On his way to the course completion, he is overwhelmed by a strong lack of faith.

Paranormal Activity (2007)

Paranormal Activity(2007)

Fits this vibe: demonic possession · haunting · found footage

Horror, Mystery · 86 min · Dir. Oren Peli

Under 90 min
supernaturaldemonic-possessionfound-footagepsychic

After a young, middle class couple moves into a suburban 'starter' tract house, they become increasingly disturbed by a presence that may or may not be somehow demonic but is certainly most active in

The Nun (2018)

The Nun(2018)

Fits this vibe: exorcism · possession · supernatural

Horror, Mystery · 96 min · Dir. Corin Hardy

Streamable
supernaturalpossessionnunancient-evil

When a young nun at a cloistered abbey in Romania takes her own life, a priest with a haunted past and a novitiate on the threshold of her final vows are sent by the Vatican to investigate. Together t

Evil Dead (2013)

Evil Dead(2013)

Fits this vibe: possession · demon · survival

Horror · 91 min · Dir. Fede Alvarez

StreamableWell reviewed
possessionnecronomicongorycabin-in-the-woods

Five twenty-something friends become holed up in a remote cabin. When they discover a Book of the Dead, they unwittingly summon up dormant demons living in the nearby woods, which possess the youngste

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It(2021)

Fits this vibe: exorcism · demonic possession · supernatural

Horror, Mystery · 112 min · Dir. Michael Chaves

Streamable
supernaturalpossessiondemonic-possessioncourtroom-drama

A chilling story of terror, murder and unknown evil that shocked even experienced real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. One of the most sensational cases from their files, it star

The Evil Dead (1981)

The Evil Dead(1981)

Fits this vibe: demonic possession · occult threat · zombie

Horror · 85 min · Dir. Sam Raimi

Under 90 minWell reviewed
demonic-possessionoccultzombienecronomicon

Five college students take time off to spend a peaceful vacation in a remote cabin. A book and audio tape is discovered, and its evil is found to be powerful once the incantations are read out loud. T

Evil Dead Rise (2023)

Evil Dead Rise(2023)

Fits this vibe: possession · demon · body horror

Horror · 96 min · Dir. Lee Cronin

StreamableWell reviewed
possessionbody-horrorgorymotherhood

A twisted tale of two estranged sisters whose reunion is cut short by the rise of flesh-possessing demons, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of

The Ritual (2025)

The Ritual(2025)

Drama, Horror · 98 min · Dir. David Midell

Streamable
possession

Two priests, one in crisis with his faith and the other confronting a turbulent past, must overcome their differences to perform a risky exorcism.

Deliver Us from Evil (2014)

Deliver Us from Evil(2014)

Fits this vibe: demonic possession · exorcism · iraq war

Crime, Horror · 118 min · Dir. Scott Derrickson

demonic-possessionpossessioniraq-warpolice-investigation

In DELIVER US FROM EVIL, New York police officer Ralph Sarchie (Eric Bana), struggling with his own personal issues, begins investigating a series of disturbing and inexplicable crimes. He joins force

Annabelle (2014)

Annabelle(2014)

Fits this vibe: demonic possession · evil doll · haunting

Horror, Mystery · 99 min · Dir. John R. Leonetti

Streamable
demonic-possessionevil-dollsupernaturalcult

John Form has found the perfect gift for his expectant wife, Mia - a beautiful, rare vintage doll in a pure white wedding dress. But Mia's delight with Annabelle doesn't last long. On one horrific nig

The Exorcist III (1990)

The Exorcist III(1990)

Fits this vibe: possession · exorcism · supernatural

Drama, Horror · 110 min · Dir. William Peter Blatty

StreamableHidden gem
possessionsupernaturalpsychologicaldemonic

A seemingly endless series of grisly killings that bear the trademark of the mass murderer, the Gemini Killer, terrorise the district of Georgetown. To further complicate matters, even though it's bee

The Devil's Candy (2015)

The Devil's Candy(2015)

Fits this vibe: possession · child murder · satanic

Drama, Horror · 79 min · Dir. Sean Byrne

StreamableUnder 90 min
possessionchild-murderoccultheavy-metal

Metal music, paint, and family are the passions of struggling painter, Jesse, who lives a happy life with his wife, and daughter. Things look brighter when Jesse finds a huge old house, in rural Texas

The Nun II (2023)

The Nun II(2023)

Fits this vibe: possession · demon · gothic horror

Horror, Mystery · 110 min · Dir. Michael Chaves

Streamable
possessiongothic-horrorsupernaturalconvent

1956 in France, a priest is horribly murdered. An evil is spreading. Once again, Sister Irene comes face-to-face with Valak, the demon nun.

The Exorcist: Believer (2023)

The Exorcist: Believer(2023)

Fits this vibe: exorcism · possession · faith

Horror · 111 min · Dir. David Gordon Green

faithpossessiongriefsupernatural

When two girls disappear into the woods and return three days later with no memory of what happened to them, the father of one girl seeks out Chris MacNeil, who's been forever altered by what happened

The Seventh Day (2021)

The Seventh Day(2021)

Horror, Mystery · 87 min · Dir. Justin P. Lange

StreamableUnder 90 min
possession

A renowned exorcist teams up with a rookie priest for his first day of training. As they plunge deeper into hell on earth, the lines between good and evil blur, and their own demons emerge.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best possession horror films?

The Exorcist (1973), The Conjuring (2013), Hereditary (2018), The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005), and [REC] (2007) are among the most acclaimed possession horror films.

What is the difference between possession and exorcism horror?

Possession horror focuses on the takeover — someone losing control to a demon or spirit. Exorcism horror focuses on the fight to drive it out, often involving religious ritual, faith, and sacrifice.

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Possession & Exorcism — 18 Horror Films to Watch | Horrorsight