William Friedkin Dies At 87; A Look At His Filmography That Sent Chills Down The Spine Of Audiences

William Friedkin Death: The world of cinema mourns the passing of the visionary filmmaker William Friedkin, known was known for his mastery of horror. The iconic Oscar-winning filmmaker was 87 and he breathed his last on Monday in Los Angeles.

William Friedkin's son Cedric Friedkin revealed to AP that he died due to prolonged illness. Friedkin's contribution to the horror genre was unparalleled, and his films continue to haunt and terrify audiences worldwide.

Friedkin who was known for his bold and daring approach to storytelling, crafted some of the most unforgettable and terrifying movies in the genre's history.

As we bid farewell to this cinematic legend, let's take a moment to remember him through five of his most spine-chilling and unforgettable works.

The Exorcist (1970): Often hailed as one of the scariest movies, The Exorcist remains an iconic film in the horror genre. The film which followed the demonic possession of a young girl, Regan (played by Linda Blair), was nominated for ten Academy Awards.

The French Connection (1971): The French Connection was not traditionally a horror film but managed to instill fear and tension in viewers through its gritty realism and relentless pursuit of crime. The film won five Academy Awards, including best director for Friedkin, best picture, and best actor for Gene Hackman. The film's iconic car chase scene and its portrayal of a relentless quest for justice elevated this crime thriller to a level of suspense similar to a horror movie.

Sorcerer (1977): Another non-traditional horror entry on this list, Sorcerer stood out as a nerve-wracking suspense film that tells the story of four desperate men tasked with transporting volatile nitroglycerin across a dangerous Latin American jungle. The tension and suspense built throughout the film keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

The Guardian (1990): In this underrated gem, Friedkin delved into the world of ancient witchcraft, where an unsuspecting family hires a seemingly perfect nanny who has dark secrets. The film is based on the novel The Nanny.

Bug (2006): In Bug, Friedkin delved into the depths of psychological terror. The film, based on Tracy Letts' play, explores the paranoia and madness that consumes two isolated individuals convinced they are infested with insects. With its claustrophobic setting and intense performances, the film proved Friedkin's prowess in crafting psychological nightmares.