MovieChat Forums > The Exorcist (1973) Discussion > Favorite Film of all Time.

Favorite Film of all Time.

posted 7 years ago by afrodome
7 replies | jump to latest

Hello fans of The Exorcist.

I was curious if any of you find The Exorcist to be your favorite film of all time. I realized that this was my favorite film because I've rewatched it more than any other film and it still doesn't let up in its' effectiveness. The acting, shots, dialogue, directing, practical effects left a permanent impression on me ever since I first saw it when I was 11 and I've been obsessed with this work of art ever since. I've seen other 'classics' like Jaws and The Shining but they just don't really light a spark like The Exorcist does. The Babadook imo is the scariest film since The Exorcist but I've only watched it 3 times..after that I think I had my fill. However, I can watch The Exorcist for 200th time and discover something new..it's an incredibly multilayered film that has stood the test of time.

So: I wanted to know, is The Exorcist your favorite film of all time? And if it is, what are some of your other favorite movies?

Mine are:

1. The Exorcist

2. Casino

3. Goodfellas

4. Whiplash

5. American Beauty

6. City of God

7. I Saw the Devil

8. A Clockwork Orange

9. Pulp Fiction

10. The Rear Window

[–] ramsplp 7 years ago

My top ten:

1. The Exorcist

2. The Producers

3. Inherit The Wind

4. Planet of the Apes

5. A Clockwork Orange

6. My Man Godfrey

7. King Kong

8. Harvey

9. Rocky

10. Santa Claus Conquers the Martians

(all right...just kidding)

10. Play it Again, Sam

10. (tie) Monty Python and The Holy Grail

[–] Edward_de_Vere 7 years ago

It's not necessarily my favorite film of all time because it's hard to compare movies across genres, but it's certainly my favorite film in the supernatural horror genre. I can't think of another supernatural horror film that is in the same league in terms of good writing, acting, and cinematography.

A lot of people name Rosemary's Baby as a runner-up, but I found that film to be a lot less interesting and compelling. If I had to pick a second-favorite supernatural horror film, it would probably be Kubrick's The Shining.

[–] dolores_claiborne 7 years ago

I often say The Exorcist is my favorite film, but like Edward_de_Vere, it's hard to say when you compare genres. The Exorcist is my favorite supernatural horror/psychological thriller film ever. Like the original poster, I have watched it so many times over the years, I could almost recite the script.

The actors couldn't have been better-cast, and Dick Smith was unmatched (and still is, IMO) with his talent. He was truly behind so much of the success of the film, with his make-up and special effects productions.

Other favorites of mine that run the gamut (and are not necessarily horror films or even supernatural) include:

1. Dolores Claiborne
2. The Silence of the Lambs
3. Copycat
4. Aliens
5. Limitless
6. The Invitation
7. Brokeback Mountain
8. Pretty Woman
9. Terms of Endearment
10. Bates Motel (a TV show, but ranks with favorites)
11. Airplane!
12. Nell

[–] Miscella 7 years ago

10. Bates Motel (a TV show, but ranks with favorites)

This should be higher on your list, IMO. Brilliant show. I'm getting really anxious for next and final season, considering how the last one ended.

[–] somesunnyday 7 years ago

Yes, I've pretty much come to the conclusion after all these years that The Exorcist is my favourite, regardless of genre. It's the one I go back to re-watch that never loses it's impact for me. The writing, acting, camera work, editing and sound is faultless in my option.

[–] AFriendOfMrWhite 7 years ago

Yup, favourite movie, hands down.

1. The Exorcist
2. The Shawshank Redemption
3. Reservoir Dogs
4. Memento
5. The French Connection (another Friedkin, yay!)
6. Monty Python and the Holy Grail
7. Paul Verhoeven's Robocop
8. In the loop
9. Dr. Strangelove
10. Crimson Tide

[–] bradster67 7 years ago

The original release of The Exorcist is my second favorite film of all time, behind 1976's "Carrie".

While "Carrie" as been my favorite film since I saw it in the spring of 1977 at a drive-in, I didn't see The Exorcist until 1984 or 1985. I certainly understood why it had the impact it did. As user somesunnyday said: "The writing, acting, camera work, editing and sound is faultless in my option." To take that comment a step further, in my opinion, the 1973 release was nothing short of a masterpiece.

Both films were successful in their own rite...and this is odd for me to admit, but I think we all know which is the better film of the two. Friedkin believed in the material so much and made the film with such realism that it shocked, stunned and horrified people around the world. That is amazing to me.

I've said it before and will say it again: There will not ever be another horror film that will have the worldwide cultural, theological and emotional impact that was The Exorcist.