10 Split-Second Movie Shots You Will NEVER Forget

It's safe to assume there is no horror film that created as many iconic shots as The Exorcist. The spider-walk. The crucifix scene. The 360-degree head turn. The projectile vomit sequence. The light from Regan's window shining down on Father Merrin. The statue appearing in the bedroom. And of course, the exorcism ritual itself.

But one of The Exorcist's most memorable moments is when we get our first glimpse of our antagonist, Pazuzu. Shortly after meeting Regan, Father Karras has a dream where he spots his deceased mother on the street. While running towards her, a single frame of Pazuzu's demonic face flashes on the screen.

Surprisingly, this shot isn't presented like a jumpscare. Unlike most jump-scares, it's not accompanied by a blaring noise. Also, the image appears so quickly, you barely have time to register it. Even though you know you saw... something, you'd struggle to describe Pazuzu's appearance. While this shot doesn't scare you out of your wits, it leaves you unnerved.

Although Pazuzu reveals his true form briefly during the exorcism later on, his first appearance is scarier, since we were completely unready for it.