The Exorcist opens across the U.S. in 1973. A pop culture sensation in both novel and film form at the time of its release, it is the first horror film to be nominated for Best Picture, and is often considered the greatest horror film in history. The film, starring Linda Blair, Ellen Burstyn and Max von Sydow, was added to the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry in 2010.
This Day in Halloween: Horror classic and '70s pop culture sensation "The Exorcist" opens across the U.S. in 1973. / Illustration by Julian Turonis