The Ritual (2025)
A supernatural horror thriller about two conflicted priests who must unite their faith to confront a terrifying demonic possession.
The Ritual - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Ritual
- Release Year: 2025
- Directed by: David Midell
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror, Drama, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 18, 2025 (United Arab Emirates), June 6, 2025 (United States - NR), May 30, 2025 (United Kingdom - 15), August 20, 2025 (France), June 13, 2025 (India - A), June 5, 2025 (New Zealand), June 5, 2025 (Australia - MA 15+), July 31, 2025 (Brazil - 14), July 31, 2025 (Mexico), May 29, 2025 (Italy - 14+), June 6, 2025 (Spain - 16)
- Alternative Titles: A végső rítus (HU), Quỷ Tha Ma Bắt (VN), The Ritual - L'Exorcisme d'Emma Schmidt (FR), 儀弒 (TW), Rytuał (PL), Exorcismo: El ritual (AR), 仪式 (CN), Ритуал (RU)
- Production Companies: Cinemachineshop, Redbird Entertainment, Andrew Stevens Entertainment, MetaFilms, Baweja Studios, BondIt Media Capital, Isro Productions, IFeelYouFilms, LB Entertainment, Jeff Rice Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Ritual - Plot
Two priests, one in crisis with his faith and the other confronting a turbulent past, must overcome their differences to perform a risky exorcism.
The Ritual - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the terrifying confrontation unfold:
You must have faith.
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The Ritual - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- David Midell
Main Cast
- Dan Stevens
- Abigail Cowen
- Al Pacino
- Patricia Heaton
- Ashley Greene
- Patrick Fabian
- María Camila Giraldo
- Meadow Williams
- Enrico Natale
- Ritchie Montgomery
Writers
- David Midell
- Enrico Natale
Producers
- Mitchell Welch
- Enrico Natale
- Andrew Stevens
- Ross Kagan Marks
The Ritual - FAQs
Is The Ritual based on a true story?
Yes, The Ritual (2025) draws from the documented real-life exorcism of Anna Ecklund, conducted by Father Theophilus Riesinger during the 1920s. Considered one of the most extensively recorded cases in Catholic history, the events inspired the film's central conflict and its portrayal of possession, faith, and spiritual warfare.
Where can you stream or watch The Ritual?
The Ritual (2025) is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Plex. Visit JustWatch to compare all current rental and purchase options available in your region across every major platform.
Who are the main actors in The Ritual?
The Ritual features Al Pacino as Father Theophilus Riesinger, Dan Stevens as Father Joseph Steiger, and Abigail Cowen as the possessed Emma Schmidt. The ensemble also includes Patricia Heaton as Mother Superior, Ashley Greene as Sister Rose, and Patrick Fabian as Bishop Edwards.
What is The Ritual (2025) about?
The Ritual centers on two Catholic priests — one enduring a profound crisis of faith, the other burdened by a troubled past — who must put aside their conflict to carry out a dangerous exorcism. The film weaves supernatural horror with themes of doubt, redemption, and the cost of unwavering belief.
Who directed The Ritual (2025)?
The Ritual (2025) was directed by David Midell, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Enrico Natale. Midell shapes the film as a slow-burn supernatural drama, grounding its horror in the psychological and spiritual friction between its two lead priests rather than relying solely on visceral shocks.
What is the age rating for The Ritual?
The Ritual carries an NR (Not Rated) designation in the United States. Internationally, it is rated 15 in the United Kingdom, MA 15+ in Australia, 16 in Spain, A in India, and 14 in both Brazil and Italy — reflecting its mature religious horror content and intense thematic material.
How long is The Ritual (2025)?
The Ritual runs for 98 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 38 minutes. Its focused runtime keeps the narrative taut, allowing the film to build atmospheric dread steadily without overstaying its welcome before arriving at its climactic exorcism confrontation.
What are movies similar to The Ritual?
Fans of The Ritual may appreciate The Ninth Gate (1999) for its occult-driven suspense, or Eraserhead (1977) for its oppressive, nightmarish atmosphere. Those drawn to faith-versus-evil narratives will also find resonance in classic possession films and psychological religious thrillers exploring doubt and spiritual crisis.
More About The Ritual
Explore further details, cast information, and official database entries for The Ritual.