The Exorcist opens across the U.S. in 1973. A pop culture sensation in both William Peter Blatty’s novel and film form — starring Linda Blair, Ellen Burstyn, and Max von Sydow — 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 was added to the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry in 2010.
This Day in Halloween: Horror classic "The Exorcist -- starring Linda Blair -- opens across the U.S. in 1973. / Illustration by Remmick Wadsworth
