It’s October, so it’s fitting that we’d have a rise in horror films. But we’re kick-starting the month with a good one—The Exorcist: Believer opens in theaters. It’s a sequel to the original film that started it all. So, in honor of the new release, this week I look at some of my favorite films surrounding exorcisms. Films appear in chronological order.

The Exorcist (1973)
About: It’s been 50 years since its release, but it’s still the standard. It should also be something of required viewing for this new film since this one returns Ellen Burstyn in her role from the original film. It’s certainly worth checking out and is usually a staple of film options during spooky season.

The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
About: Based on a true story, this is half an exorcism film and half a courtroom drama. Laura Linney and Tom Wilkinson star in the film, but it’s Jennifer Carpenter’s haunting performance as the titular Emily Rose that will stick with you. I love the religious exploration in this film, too. Director Scott Derrickson does a beautiful job of telling this story that will leave you thinking about it after it’s over.

The Last Exorcism (2010)
About: This one came as a surprise. It features Patrick Fabian as something of a charlatan. It’s also a found-footage style film and for most of the run time I was skeptical. But when you hit the third act, and Fabian’s preacher Cotton Marcus is forced to find some real faith. The film hits a new level and, in some ways, blew me away. It was certainly not what I expected.

The Conjuring (2013)
About: This franchise—and its spin-offs—are still going strong. They’re not all equally compelling, but I’ll highlight the first one. I enjoy Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson in these roles, and I thought the first film hit the right spooky notes. It was another film that was better than I originally expected!

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.