The Exorcist vs The Conjuring 2: Which Is Scary?

The scariness of a horror film can be quite subjective, often depending on personal preferences and what each viewer finds frightening. Two films that have captured the imagination of audiences worldwide are The Exorcist (1973) and The Conjuring 2 (2016). Both films have their unique qualities that make them spine-chilling, but which one is truly scarier?

The Exorcist: A Timeless Masterpiece

The Exorcist is often regarded as one of the scariest films of all time, thanks to its intense themes, disturbing imagery, and psychological horror. Released in 1973, the film delves into deep themes of faith, evil, and the supernatural, building a slow and relentless tension that culminates in shocking moments that have left a lasting impression on viewers.

The Exorcist is a masterclass in psychological horror. It takes its time, drip-feeding fear and dread, and culminates in an intense climax. The film's slow build and deep themes make it a film that is not just scary, but hauntingly impactful. The psychological depth of the film, coupled with its raw acting and unsettling visuals, make it a true classic of the genre.

The Conjuring 2: A Modern Take on Horror

The Conjuring 2 (2016) is another film that has gained a substantial following in the horror community. It continues the supernatural investigation saga of The Conjuring, featuring jumpscares, a more action-oriented approach, and a modern horror style. While The Conjuring 2 is certainly terrifying and fast-paced, it lacks the psychological depth and slow-burning tension of The Exorcist.

Despite being less reliant on psychological suspense, The Conjuring 2 offers a thrilling experience with its suspenseful scenes and frequent scares. Its jump scares and action-oriented approach make for a more pulse-pounding experience that appeals to those who enjoy a fast and thrilling horror movie.

Personal Opinions and Comparisons

While some viewers find The Conjuring 2 scarier due to its effects and fast-paced action, my personal experience as a horror film enthusiast reveals that both films have their strengths and weaknesses. I personally found The Exorcist to be more disturbing and impactful, though the novel version was even better. While the movie was well done, it lacked the shocking scenes that The Exorcist provided.

Disturbing Scenes: For example, there were several scenes in The Exorcist that were particularly shocking, including a scene where the main character, Regan, engages in self-masturbation in front of two men and another scene where Regan is performing a blasphemous act in front of her mother. These scenes are far more disturbing than anything in The Conjuring 2.

Time and Context

It's also important to consider the time and context in which each film was made. The Exorcist was groundbreaking for its time, introducing a style of horror that relied more on psychological terror rather than special effects. If these films were released closer together, The Exorcist might have held an even more prominent position in the horror genre.

In conclusion, while The Conjuring 2 offers a modern and thrilling horror experience, I believe The Exorcist is scarier due to its deeper psychological complexity, raw emotions, and shocking moments. However, this opinion is subjective, and many viewers prefer the sharper and more frequent scares of The Conjuring 2.

Final Thoughts

The choice between The Exorcist and The Conjuring 2 comes down to personal preference. If you're after a film that explores the depths of human fear through psychological suspense, The Exorcist is the way to go. If you're looking for a thrilling and fast-paced horror experience, The Conjuring 2 might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the horror experience is a deeply personal journey, and both films offer unique experiences that are worth watching.