Halloween (1978) vs The Exorcist (1973)

Halloween (1978) leads with 71% of votes

See full Halloween Movie rankings →

Pick Your Favorite

HALLOWEEN (1978)

VS

THE EXORCIST (1973)
0%

Your GOAT List

The Real Debate

While 'The Exorcist' plunges into the depths of demonic possession, 'Halloween' carves its terror through a relentless slasher stalk. This battlefield is not just about which film can claim the crown of the ultimate Halloween movie, it's a clash between supernatural horror and brutal physicality. Fans are torn between the psychological dread and head-spinning shocks of 'The Exorcist' and the cold, calculating menace of Michael Myers in 'Halloween.' Each movie has carved out its legendary status in the horror genre, but only one can dominate the night of frights. Whose side are you on in this epic showdown of horror titans?

Halloween (1978) vs. The Exorcist (1973)

🔥 Fan Takes

lol why even compare? Michael Myers is like the LeBron of horror.
Yo, The Exorcist had me not sleepin' for weeks. That movie lives rent free in my head!
Halloween is just iconic, no cap 🎃 It defined spooky season vibes!

How Fans Are Voting

In this battle:

Fans currently prefer Halloween (1978) over The Exorcist (1973) when it comes to the greatest Halloween Movies of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick Halloween (1978) 71.0% of the time over The Exorcist (1973).

Across all battles:

Halloween (1978) win rate: 63.4%

The Exorcist (1973) win rate: 39.5%

Fan FAQs

Who's the #1 contender on GoatWars in this league?

Right now, 'It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)' is sitting pretty at the top of the Greatest Halloween Movies league. You can check out the full GOAT List to see how all the classics stack up!

Why do fans love The Exorcist (1973)?

Fans are absolutely drawn to the raw emotional intensity and the groundbreaking special effects of The Exorcist. It’s the kind of film that redefined horror with its deep narrative and shocking visuals, making it a must-watch every Halloween season.

Why is Halloween (1978) beating The Exorcist (1973) by a wide margin in the Greatest Halloween Movies league?

It seems fans simply can't get enough of the chilling, small-town vibe of Halloween (1978), which resonates more with their spooky seasonal spirit. The iconic status of Michael Myers as a horror symbol also plays a big role, overshadowing the demonic terror of The Exorcist for many.