HBO Max Just Added a Classic Horror Movie (But It’s Sequels Are Missing)

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Certain horror movies have truly stood the test of time, either by being genuinely terrifying or by shaping the genre itself. Films like *Psycho* and *Halloween* remain classics decades later, frequently appearing in Halloween movie traditions and being rewatched over and over. Recently, HBO Max added a significant number of horror titles to its streaming service, including one of the most iconic horror films ever made – but there’s a catch for fans.

The classic horror film *The Exorcist*, directed by William Friedkin in 1973, is now available to stream on HBO Max. This terrifying and critically acclaimed movie tells the story of a 12-year-old girl possessed by a demon and the two priests who try to save her with an exorcism. As one of the most successful horror films of all time, it’s a perfect spooky watch for Halloween. Unfortunately, none of its five sequels are currently offered on the platform.

Why You Should Watch The Exorcist

For any horror enthusiast, *The Exorcist* is a must-see and widely considered a landmark film in the genre. It’s brilliantly crafted to build tension and create a terrifying atmosphere, with unforgettable performances from Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Jason Miller, and a particularly chilling portrayal of possession by Linda Blair. While it’s undeniably one of the scariest movies ever made, *The Exorcist*’s enduring power comes from its surprisingly human story. At its core, it’s a mother’s desperate fight to save her daughter from an evil she can’t understand – a story that continues to deeply affect viewers over 50 years after its release.

William Friedkin’s 1973 film became much more than just a horror movie – it had a real impact on popular culture. Highly rated by both critics (78% on Rotten Tomatoes) and audiences (87%), it made history as the first horror film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. It received ten nominations in total and won awards for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound.

Where to Stream The Exorcist Franchise

If you want to watch all the *Exorcist* movies, you’ll need to use multiple streaming services. HBO Max only has the original 1973 film. Currently, *Exorcist II: The Heretic* (1977) is on Tubi, and *Exorcist III* (1990) is available on Peacock, Prime Video, Tubi, and Pluto TV. You can find *Exorcist: The Beginning* (2004) on Peacock, while *Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist* (2005) is on Prime Video, Tubi, and Pluto TV. The newest movie, *The Exorcist: Believer* (2023), isn’t available for streaming and can only be rented or purchased.

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2025-10-14 00:40