10 Horror Movie Characters Who Had To Die To Win

Yet another classic whose reception at the time of its release was mixed, The Exorcist is a stunning and truly terrifying cinematic effort from ace director William Friedkin. Filled to the brim with an unsettling tone, grimy atmosphere, and chilling performances (especially from Linda Blair as possessed child Regan MacNeill). 

The Exorcist also features one of the most intense self-sacrifices in the horror genre, with Jason Miller's Father Damien Karras letting the evil Pazuzu take over his body in order to both spare Regan from endless torment and to vanquish the vile spirit.

This act was driven by Fr. Karras's rage at the sight of his deceased colleague Fr. Merrin (Max von Sydow), as well as the realisation that Pazuzu would not relent under normal circumstances. Once the spectral being takes over the Jesuit psychiatrist, the latter jumps through a window and takes a brutal stumble down a nearby flight of stairs, ending his life and Pazuzu's as well.

This sacrifice served as a fitting end to Fr. Karras's arc, who before his demise questioned the validity of faith and had it restored throughout the movie's chilling events.