Fans Slam ‘Exorcist II: The Heretic’ as Worst Film Ever Made

As the Halloween season approaches, horror enthusiasts often seek chilling films to enjoy at home. Despite the vast selection available on streaming platforms, some horror movies have gained notoriety for all the wrong reasons. One such film, Exorcist II: The Heretic, has been branded as “one of the worst films” of all time, despite featuring notable Hollywood talent.

Released on March 15, 1977, Exorcist II: The Heretic serves as a sequel to the acclaimed The Exorcist, which is regarded as one of the greatest horror films in cinematic history. Unfortunately, the follow-up failed to capture the same magic, receiving a dismal score of only 10% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film’s synopsis details Father Lamont, portrayed by Richard Burton, who is assigned by his superiors to investigate the death of Father Merrin, played by Max von Sydow. Lamont’s journey leads him to Regan MacNeil, portrayed by Linda Blair, now under the care of Dr. Tuskin, played by Louise Fletcher.

The film’s reception was harsh, with an IMDb rating of just 3.8 out of 10. Critics have consistently described it as disjointed and incoherent. One particularly scathing review referred to it as “a movie for morons,” while another bluntly stated it was “the stupidest major movie ever made.” The original film’s director, William Friedkin, did not hold back in his criticism, labeling the sequel a “horrible picture.”

Box Office Performance and Legacy

Despite the negative reviews, Exorcist II: The Heretic broke box office records during its opening weekend, as audiences were eager to see what transpired after the original film. British critic Mark Kermode famously declared it “clearly the worst film ever made by anyone ever.” Following this critical backlash, director John Boorman reflected on his choices, stating, “I considered my choices. The first was to commit suicide. The second was to defect to Russia.” Eventually, the film became a massive flop, leading Boorman to disown it publicly.

The negative reception did not deter the franchise entirely. A third installment, The Exorcist III: Legion, was released in 1990 and has since garnered a significant cult following, demonstrating that while Exorcist II may have missed the mark, the franchise itself still holds value for audiences.

As fans prepare for another spooky season, the legacy of Exorcist II: The Heretic serves as a reminder of how even films featuring Hollywood royalty can struggle to find their footing. While horror films often aim to frighten, this sequel has instead become a source of ridicule, securing its place in cinematic history for all the wrong reasons.