This curated list of action films showcases the unique and often underrepresented role of Catholic priests in cinema. These movies blend high-octane action with themes of faith, redemption, and moral dilemmas, providing viewers with an intriguing mix of spirituality and adrenaline-pumping sequences. Whether it's battling supernatural forces or engaging in covert operations, these films offer a fresh perspective on the action genre through the lens of religious figures.

The Exorcist (1973)
Description: This iconic horror film features a Catholic priest who performs an exorcism on a possessed young girl, blending psychological terror with religious themes.
Fact: The film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, winning two. It was also the first horror film ever to be nominated for Best Picture.


Priest (1994)
Description: A Catholic priest in Liverpool becomes embroiled in a violent conflict between rival gangs, using his faith and street smarts to navigate the chaos.
Fact: The film was directed by Antonia Bird, known for her work on gritty, socially conscious dramas.


The Exorcist: The Beginning (2004)
Description: A prequel to the original "Exorcist," this film follows Father Merrin's early encounters with evil in post-World War II Africa.
Fact: The movie was initially directed by Paul Schrader, but his version was rejected, and Renny Harlin was brought in to reshoot much of the film.


The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
Description: This film explores the legal and spiritual battle following the death of a young woman during an exorcism, with a priest on trial for negligence.
Fact: The movie is inspired by the real-life case of Anneliese Michel, whose exorcism and subsequent death led to a legal trial in Germany.


The Rite (2011)
Description: A skeptical seminary student travels to Italy to study exorcism, only to find himself involved in a real case, testing his faith and courage.
Fact: The film is loosely based on the book "The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist" by Matt Baglio.


The Last Exorcism (2010)
Description: A disillusioned evangelical minister agrees to let a documentary crew film his final exorcism, only to encounter a real case of demonic possession.
Fact: The film uses a found footage style, adding to its realism and intensity.


The Vatican Tapes (2015)
Description: A young woman becomes possessed by a demon, leading to a Vatican-sanctioned exorcism by a team of priests to save her soul.
Fact: The film was originally titled "The Vatican" during production.


The Devil Inside (2012)
Description: A woman investigates her mother's involvement in an exorcism, leading her to confront demonic forces with the help of two rogue priests.
Fact: The movie ends with a controversial cliffhanger, directing viewers to a website for more information, which was a unique marketing strategy at the time.


Deliver Us from Evil (2014)
Description: A New York police officer teams up with an unconventional priest to investigate a series of disturbing crimes linked to demonic forces.
Fact: The movie is loosely based on the book "Beware the Night" by Ralph Sarchie, a real-life NYPD sergeant and demonologist.


The Exorcist III (1990)
Description: Detective Kinderman investigates a series of murders linked to the late Father Karras, involving a priest who might be possessed by a demon.
Fact: William Peter Blatty, the author of the original novel, wrote and directed this sequel, focusing more on psychological horror.
