Have you ever wondered why the horror films that you watched with admiration and bated breath were successful and incredibly popular? Could it be because they were based on real stories? This seems to be the case. There are some of the most gripping and scariest movies that are based on true stories. We have selected the worst of them especially for you.
"Children's Game" (1988)
The main character of the film, Chucky, is taken from a real toy story (Robert the Doll). In the early 1900s, a child from Florida received Robert as a present and soon learned that he was a real voodoo doll. But, unlike Chucky, he was not possessed by the spirit of a serial killer. Now Robert is sitting in a glass case, but if you suddenly bother him, then get ready for the worst, because he will pour out all his anger on you.
Silence of the Lambs (1991)
In 2013, it was revealed that the image of Hannibal Lecter was copied from the real doctor Alfred Bally Trevino, a surgeon from Mexico who killed and maimed his friend, his beloved and, quite possibly, several passengers who hitchhiked with him.
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The City That Was Afraid of the Sunset (1976)
This macabre film is clearly based on a series of murders that happened in Texarkana. Many residents were affected in this small Texas town between February 22 and May 3, 1946. "Phantom killer" victims were young couples in love in car parks. The murders remain unsolved.
Zodiac (2007)
In the 1960s and 1970s, serial killer Zodiac killed seven people and then sent his horrific letters to the authorities just to mock them. The case is still pending, and this film is about a reporter trying to figure out who the killer is.
"A Nightmare on Elm Street" (1984)
Wes Craven said he took the idea for the monster that kills people in their sleep from the news about Laos, where people were literally dying of fear, they were afraid to go to bed. Just creepy.
The Hills Have Eyes (1977)
A fantastic film about cannibals who live in the hills of Nevada, based on the history of the Sani Bean clan. It is believed to be a group of cannibals who lived in a cave in Scotland in the 16th century. They robbed and ate the villagers, in total they killed over a thousand people.
"Wolf's Pit" (2005)
Wolf's Pit is based on the murders of backpackers by Ivan Milat and Bradley John Murdoch between 1989 and 1993. in Australia. The bodies of seven hikers have been discovered in the local Belanglo forest, and in the film, a group of hikers come face to face with a deranged killer.
"The Witch" (2016)
Although the plot is based on the story of witches who were burned during the Puritan times, the filmmaker did extensive research to make this masterpiece more believable and immersive, so that it fits with all the events that took place during those times. This is what makes the film so interesting.
"Box of Damnation" (2012)
So, this film is about a box with a dibbook, that is, about a box in which an evil spirit lives. That's clearer? Fine. Apparently, in real life, some little girl opened this box, and all hell burst out, all the demons became attached to it. So don't buy all sorts of creepy boxes from antique shops.
"Jaws" (1975)
In the summer of 1916, a giant white shark targeted five people as victims off the coast of Jersey. These attacks are said to have been an inspiration to the creator of the most terrifying and gruesome film of all time.
Mothman's Prophecies (2002)
In 1966-1967, residents of Point Pleasant, West Virginia, claimed to have seen repeatedly a giant winged creature with glowing red eyes. Then, when a local bridge collapsed, killing 46 people, Mothman never showed up. Coincidence? Who knows.
The Amityville Horror (1979)
The Lutz family moved to their favorite home in Amityville, New York in December 1975, where several people were killed just a year ago. Now the story of this family will shock the audience. Of course, people are skeptical about coincidences with real life, but in any case, it's a fascinating story.
"The Conjuring" (2013)
The film is based on the story of the real Perron family in Rhode Island in the 1970s, which were persecuted by demons. And the oldest daughter says her family has actually been suffering from ghosts for nine years now.
Ghosts in Connecticut (2009)
Real life in Connecticut is very faithfully reflected in the film. A woman named Carmen Reed moved to a former funeral home for a while to be closer to the center where her son was being treated for cancer. While they lived there, the evil forces intimidated, attacked and threatened them.
The Exorcist (1973)
An exile of St. Louis imps, a boy named Roland Doe, inspired the director for this film, which is now one of the ten most watched films of all time. Still - he was nominated not for one, but for ten Oscars!
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
The villain of the film Leatherface is copied from a real person - serial killer Ed Heine. He killed two women and dismembered them, even made furniture from body parts he took from a local cemetery. It's just awful.
"Strangers" (2008)
This is a couple who are bullied by three strangers in masks all night in the forest. This chillingly realistic film is allegedly based on the 1981 murders, four unsolved murders that took place in the forests of California.
You should definitely watch these shocking films, not just out of interest and incredible love of horror, but at least for the reason that they are based on real horror stories that took place in the past and scared people to death. Enjoy your viewing!
Victoria Ivashura