The Exorcist (1973) – Filming Locations
Horror / Drama · Directed by William Friedkin · Starring Jason Miller, Ellen Burstyn
When a mysterious entity possesses a young girl, her mother seeks the help of two Catholic priests to save her life.
Where was The Exorcist filmed?
- Georgetown, Washington, D.C., United States, Washington, D.C. – Father Damien Karras walks through Georgetown streets; opening sequences establishing the film's setting. The iconic neighborhood serves as the primary setting for the film, establishing the atmospheric Washington, D.C. location where the possession occurs
- Georgetown, Washington, D.C., United States, Washington, D.C. – The front exterior of Regan MacNeil's house where much of the demonic possession storyline unfolds. This brownstone mansion became the most iconic location in horror cinema, serving as the home where the supernatural events escalate
- Rome, Italy, Rome – Father Merrin's opening sequence discovering demonic artifacts during excavations in Iraq and Rome. Friedkin filmed the haunting prologue in Rome and Iraq to establish Father Merrin's past and the ancient evil that follows him
- Iraq, Mosul – Father Merrin's archaeological dig where he encounters demonic statuary and evil forces. The prologue was shot on location in Iraq to create an authentic sense of ancient demonic presence and establish the film's supernatural threat
- New York City, United States, New York – Father Damien Karras' arrival and various city scenes establishing his character before traveling to Washington. Additional location filming in New York to establish Father Karras's life before the main narrative in Georgetown