10 Saddest Horror Movie Moments

The Exorcist 3 - the only entry in the Exorcist franchise (besides the shockingly good tv series) worthy of standing next to the legendary original - has some of the best, most haunting atmosphere you will find in a movie. No other film looks, moves or breathes like this William Peter Blatty-directed effort, and while it can sometimes be too bizarre for its own good, it proves devastating in the moments where it counts. 

The film follows police lieutenant Kinderman, a minor character from the first film upgraded to the role of central protagonist. In the years following the events of the original Exorcist, Kinderman had formed a close friendship with Father Dyer, their bond proving to be a necessary buoy to each other as they navigate a sometimes cold and unceasing world. So naturally the film kills Dyer off quickly and brutally. 

The reveal begins with Kinderman having a surreal dream where he enters what is implied to be purgatory - a gigantic train station where the dead are patched up by angels while waiting for their last train ride. In it, he meets Dyer, and remarks that they could both be having the same dream. Only for Dyer to inform him that, no, Kinderman is the only one dreaming here. Kinderman wakes up to a phone call. Father Dyer has been murdered. His blood pulled from his body and emptied into cups. 

While at first confusing and surreal, the longer one lets this scene sit with them, the more heartbreaking it becomes.