10 Great Horror Movies Turning 20 In 2025

1973’s The Exorcist forever set the template for how to do an exorcism film, so it’s no wonder why there have been dozens of shamelessly derivative imitators since it premiered. Thankfully, The Exorcism of Emily Rose doesn’t emulate William Friedkin and William Peter Blatty’s masterpiece.

Instead, it adapts the real-life case of 23-year-old Anneliese Michel (who died from malnutrition following a failed exorcism in 1976) into a fascinating and moving courtroom drama. There are successfully scary moments scattered throughout, but the movie prioritizes engaging conflicts and thought-provoking psychological/medical/theological ambiguities above all else.

Led by top-tier actors Laura Linney, Jennifer Carpenter, and Tom Wilkinson, the film contrasts the spiritual-based defense of Father Moore against the scientific reasoning of the prosecution. Regardless of how accurate their arguments are, both stances are detailed and logical enough to keep audiences invested in what happens (and unsure of if Moore should be held responsible for Rose’s death).

Admittedly, some of the CGI scares exude 2000s cheesiness; however, that’s forgivable because viewers still get a deep sense of the mental and physical torture Rose endured. 

It’s her ordeal – alongside the philosophical and medical uncertainties the film examines – that makes The Exorcism of Emily Rose so frightening.