If you ask someone about their favorite horror movies, there’s a good chance that The Exorcist will come up. William Friedkin’s classic film has often been credited with changing horror movies forever and inspiring a generation of filmmakers to pick up the genre.
Based on a bestseller book, The Exorcist has long since eclipsed the influence and popularity of its source material. However, that doesn’t mean that horror literature isn’t good enough. There are several books you should read if you love The Exorcist. Here are five of them:
The Omen by David Seltzer
The Omen is one of those rare books that have been written based on a book. Written by screenwriter David Seltzer, The Omen was based on the 1976 horror classic. It’s the chilling story of the antichrist reincarnating on Earth in the form of a young boy.
While the film has waned in popularity over the years, the book has only become more of a cult hit. It’s seen by many to be superior to the film, and features some of the most memorable horror writing you’ll come across.
The Shining by Stephen King
It’s impossible to make a list of horror books and not include Stephen King. The legend makes his way onto this list with The Shining, one of his most popular novels.
Down on his luck, Jack Torrance takes his family to The Overlook, a legendary hotel in Colorado, where they are tasked with maintaining the establishment during the winters. The family soon discovers that the hotel is haunted by the spirits of former guests and seems to have a conscience of its own.
The Shining is thrilling and terrifying, and it will keep you flicking through its pages without pause.
The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson
The Amityville Horror continues to be a widely read and discussed novel because it is based on the experiences of a real family. While it has spawned a massive film franchise, audiences still turn toward Jay Anson’s books for a paranormal experience that may very well have been true.
While the historical accuracy of the book has been disputed, the controversy doesn’t stop it from being a unique and terrifying book. You might have trouble sleeping for a while after you read The Amityville Horror.
Rosemary’s Baby by Ira Levin
Rosemary’s Baby is a horror classic in both book and movie form. While the movie has over the years become well-known for its style, the source material continues to be seen as one of the most important horror books ever written.
Rosemary’s Baby sold more than 4 million copies soon after release, making it one of the highest-selling horror books of the 20th century. More importantly, it raised interest in Satanic cults and was responsible for an unprecedented horror boom.
It might be more than fifty years old, but it’s still one of the most terrifying novels out there.
The Good Demon by Jimmy Cajoleas
The Good Demon by Jimmy Cajoleas is an unconventional and eerie book that will leave you questioning any preconceptions about demons you might have. It’s the story of Clare, who is best friends with the demon inside her. However, she finds herself in a dilemma when her parents hire an exorcist to remove the demon from Clare’s body.
The Good Demon is heartfelt, strange, and terrifying to boot. It’s the unconventional experience that you might be looking for.
Vincent Salera
Founder @ World's Best Story™ amplifier of creativity & fun!
