'Masterpiece' horror film that was banned in UK is now available to stream for Halloween

A film that reportedly caused fainting episodes, vomiting and even heart attacks among cinema-goers is now available to stream, despite it previously being banned in the UK.

Widely considered one of the greatest horror films ever made, The Exorcist tells the story of a mother (Ellen Burstyn) who reaches her wits' end after her daughter Regan's (Linda Blair) strange behaviour escalates. It emerges that rather than suffering from a medical issue, her child is actually possessed by a demon, with two Catholic priests (Max von Sydow and Jason Miller) brought in to help save her before it's too late.

The Exorcist was directed by William Friedkin and based on the novel of the same name by William Blatty. Its exorcism scenes are famous for pushing practical effects - and gore - to the max, leaving a generation of viewers scarred for life. The iconic head-spinning scene has even been voted one of the all-time scariest moments in a horror film, according to research from Sky Cinema and NOW.

While the film is now considered a classic, it was highly controversial upon its release. During its run in US cinemas in 1973, audiences reportedly suffered varying health complaints during screenings. A security guard at Midtown East cinema told the New York Times in 1974 that there had been multiple heart attacks and even a miscarriage at the venue.

Over in the UK, The Exorcist was also shown in cinemas, but it was its release to VHS that caused the most trouble. The film was released to home video in 1981, but these were pulled from shelves and banned in 1988 amid concerns over its impact on impressionable audiences at home.

The home video ban remained in place for 11 years - although cinema screenings continued - until it was deemed at the end of 1998 that it was now less likely to disturb viewers, especially given the development in film special effects during that time.

Over 50 years on from its initial release, it is still terrifying viewers. For horror fans looking for something especially thrilling to watch over Halloween, the film is currently available to watch on Sky Cinema and stream on NOW. 

One recent watcher wrote: "I recently watched this again for the first time in a long time, and needless to say, it was every bit as terrifying, but I also realized why that is: it's an emotional rollercoaster, a seamless blend of both horror and tragedy that amplifies the film's impact. THE EXORCIST has much more to offer than simply being a 'scary movie'."

Another fan gushed: "The Exorcist is simply a masterpiece. Great Cinematography darkens the atmosphere and a superb screenplay enhances the dialogue." A third said: "Best Movie Ever! It blows all of these other so-called modern horror films out of the water in every possible [way]."

The Exorcist is now available to watch on Sky Cinema and NOW