The First Horror Movie We Have Ever Watched

Reflecting on the very first horror movie I watched feels like opening the door to a memory vault lined with equal parts nostalgia and unease. Many horror fans vividly remember their first encounter with the genre, as it often leaves an indelible mark that shapes the way we view fear, thrill, and excitement. For me, my introduction to horror was with The Exorcist (1973), a film that didn’t just scratch the surface of fear but delved deep into themes of evil, innocence lost, and the supernatural. This particular movie didn't just frighten me—it profoundly shaped my perception of horror and remains one of the most impactful cinematic experiences I’ve ever had.

Setting the Scene: Discovering The Exorcist

Growing up, horror films were a genre that I always heard about but wasn’t allowed to watch. I remember friends whispering about The Exorcist in hushed tones, as if discussing it alone would summon some dark force. There was an allure, a fascination with the forbidden nature of the film. The rumors about people fainting in theaters, running out mid-movie, and even a supposed “curse” surrounding the cast and crew made it seem otherworldly. My curiosity only grew with each mention, and when I finally managed to watch it, I quickly understood why it had the reputation it did.

The Plot: An Innocent Girl and an Unimaginable Evil

The story follows Regan MacNeil, a sweet, twelve-year-old girl who begins experiencing disturbing, inexplicable changes in behavior and physicality. Her mother, Chris, is desperate to understand what’s happening, consulting doctors and specialists who can’t find a logical explanation. Eventually, as Regan’s condition worsens and supernatural phenomena escalate, a priest named Father Merrin is called upon to perform an exorcism, setting the stage for a battle between good and evil that’s both terrifying and deeply unsettling.

The Exorcist taps into universal fears about the unknown, particularly when it comes to children. The idea of a young girl’s innocence being corrupted by malevolent forces strikes a nerve, especially in the context of family—a space that we usually associate with safety and protection.

The Horror of the Unknown

One of the scariest aspects of The Exorcist is the film’s refusal to shy away from horror’s darkest themes, specifically the idea of an unknowable evil. From the opening scenes in Iraq, where Father Merrin senses an impending malevolent presence, to the unsettling glimpses of demonic faces and shadows, the film creates an atmosphere of dread that permeates every scene. Unlike contemporary horror films that might rely on jump scares, The Exorcist builds tension slowly, allowing the horror to creep up gradually. Watching Regan’s transformation was like watching an innocent flower wither under a dark, oppressive cloud, and that sense of inexorable doom struck a chord in my young mind.

For someone experiencing horror for the first time, this was unsettling in a way I wasn’t prepared for. The terror didn’t come from fleeting scares but from an overwhelming sense that evil was omnipresent, capable of invading even the most sacred spaces of home and family.

Psychological and Physical Transformation

Linda Blair’s portrayal of Regan, especially her transformation, is central to the horror of The Exorcist. Seeing her physical changes—from her voice deepening to her face becoming contorted and marked with wounds—was like witnessing the destruction of innocence. As a child myself, this transformation felt especially horrific; I hadn’t realized before that one’s body and mind could be so entirely overtaken by forces outside of one’s control.

The infamous scenes of levitation, head-spinning, and disturbing language were unlike anything I’d seen. It was as if the film were breaking all the rules of what was acceptable and permissible, pushing the boundaries of horror. These images are unforgettable, burning into my mind and becoming reference points for horror itself. Even today, the sight of Regan’s possessed face or the eerie, contorted way she moved remains one of the most chilling things I’ve ever seen.

The Impact of Religious Themes

The Exorcist stands out because it delves into religious and existential questions, adding layers of meaning beyond mere scares. As a young viewer, the religious aspect was especially perplexing and impactful. The struggle between good and evil, as embodied by the priests’ battle against the demon, felt profound, almost biblical. It posed questions about faith, innocence, and the existence of evil that lingered long after the movie ended.

The characters of Father Merrin and Father Karras, who wrestle with their faith and humanity, added an unexpected layer of complexity. Their vulnerability and doubt made the horror feel more authentic, as if they, too, were just humans grappling with forces beyond their understanding. The psychological weight of their mission left an impression on me that extended far beyond simple fear. It was as if the film was suggesting that evil could be incomprehensible, making the struggle to fight it all the more terrifying.

The Lingering Effect: Horror That Stays With You

Watching The Exorcist for the first time was an experience that didn’t end when the film did. It followed me, seeping into my thoughts and coloring the way I looked at the world around me. After that first viewing, I found myself seeing shadows in corners, hearing unsettling creaks at night, and feeling a lingering dread that stayed with me for days. The experience taught me that horror, at its best, doesn’t simply scare—it unsettles, disturbs, and challenges our deepest beliefs.

Since that first encounter, I’ve watched countless horror films, but none have quite captured the terrifying depth of The Exorcist. The movie introduced me to the genre with a powerful, unforgettable experience that was far more than just a scare; it was a psychological, emotional, and existential journey. It’s a horror masterpiece that stands the test of time and remains a symbol of how horror can explore the darkest corners of our fears, making The Exorcist not just my first horror movie but also one of the most impactful films I’ve ever seen.