56 Horror Films Inspired by True Events
55 titles
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From HellMovie · 2001 · 122m · Horror, Mystery, ThrillerIn this adaptation of a graphic novel by the Hughes brothers, Scotland Yard inspector Frederick Abberline, a man struggling with opium addiction, becomes involved with one of Jack the Ripper's victims. The story explores the possibility of the Ripper's true identity.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.7 - 2
Annabelle: CreationMovie · 2017 · 110m · HorrorYears after the death of their daughter, a doll maker and his wife open their home to a visiting nun and several girls from a closed orphanage. They soon become haunted by the doll maker’s creation: Annabelle.IMDb 6.5TMDB 6.6 - 3
The BlobMovie · 1958 · 82m · Horror, Science FictionA nostalgic sci-fi thriller about teenagers Steve and Jane who discover a strange, shapeless alien that consumes everything. The creature grows larger as it feeds, threatening their peaceful town. When authorities dismiss their warnings, Steve and Jane must quickly gather proof and unite their community to fight back against the growing danger. It's a suspenseful story about courage, friendship, and community spirit when facing an unbelievable threat.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.2 - 4
An American HauntingMovie · 2005 · 83m · Horror, Thriller, MysteryA ghostly presence terrorizes a 19th-century family, forcing long-buried secrets to the surface. This story is based on the sole documented instance in U.S. history where a spirit was proven to have caused a man's death.IMDb 5.0TMDB 5.5 - 5
Haunting: A Haunting In ConnecticutMovie · 2002 · 94mThis documentary follows an ordinary Connecticut family whose lives are upended after they move into a new house. They soon find themselves tormented by a malevolent ghost residing within the home.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.2 - 6
Deliver Us from EvilMovie · 2014 · 118m · Thriller, Crime, HorrorA disturbing surge of violence grips New York City, baffling troubled NYPD officer Sarchie. He struggles to find a logical explanation for the horrific crimes. But his perspective shifts when a rogue Jesuit priest, Mendoza, suggests demonic possession might be the cause. Sarchie and Mendoza then team up for a desperate fight against a terrifying supernatural evil threatening to overwhelm the city.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.2 - 7
PsychoMovie · 1960 · 109m · Horror, Thriller, MysteryMarion Crane, a real estate clerk who has stolen money and is trying to escape her past, arrives at the Bates Motel. The motel is run by Norman Bates, who is responsible for his mother's care while she is confined to the house.IMDb 8.5TMDB 8.4 - 8
ZodiacMovie · 2007 · 157m · Crime, Mystery, ThrillerFor ten years, editors at the San Francisco Chronicle become consumed by the Zodiac Killer case. As the years pass, however, professional interest fades. The Killer ceases his public communication. But convinced he holds the key to the remaining mysteries, an amateur cartoonist from the early sightings races against time to stop what he believes will be another killing.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.5 - 9
Wolf CreekMovie · 2005 · 99m · Horror, ThrillerTwo backpackers find themselves stranded in the Australian outback. When a local man offers to repair their vehicle, they accept help, only to be taken captive by him. He turns out to be a dangerous killer.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.2 - 10
The Texas Chain Saw MassacreMovie · 1974 · 83m · HorrorFive friends travel to Texas to honor their grandfather at his grave. They discover a deserted house and enter, unaware they are not alone. A terrifying, bloodthirsty entity is unleashed, forcing them to fight for survival. As they struggle against this deadly force, their friendship is tested and buried secrets are revealed in a horrifying story of betrayal.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3 - 11
The EntityMovie · 1982 · 125m · Horror, Mystery, ThrillerCarla Moran, a single mother, is tormented by violent attacks and rape by an unseen force. Seeking answers, she consults Dr. Phil Sneiderman, a psychiatrist who believes her trauma stems from past experiences. As Dr. Sneiderman explores her mind, Carla grows convinced of a sinister, inexplicable presence. They must confront this terrifying mystery together, navigating fear and doubt to uncover the truth about something beyond understanding.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.7 - 12
DerangedMovie · 1974 · 83m · Crime, Horror, ThrillerIn rural Wisconsin, a solitary man dedicates his life to caring for his controlling, bedridden mother. She harbors a twisted view of women, which affects his interactions with them. After her death, grief leads him to unearth her body and bring it home.
Trying to hold onto her memory, he learns taxidermy and begins grave robbing for supplies. His actions evolve from preserving his mother's remains to seeking more recent ones. Based on the true story of Ed Gein, this film explores the unsettling psychological descent of a man struggling with loss, isolation, and a profound distrust of women.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.8 - 13
Grimm LoveMovie · 2006 · 87m · Drama, Horror, CrimeIn Germany, graduate student Katie Armstrong is researching cannibal killer Oliver Hagen for her thesis. As she delves deeper into the case, she becomes increasingly obsessed with him, eventually adopting a lifestyle mirroring Hagen's and those of countless others.IMDb 5.1TMDB 4.8 - 14
The BlobMovie · 1988 · 95m · Horror, Science FictionIn the town of Arborville, California, a dangerous alien invasion unfolds, challenging the courage of its teenage residents. A shapeless, gelatinous entity arrives on Earth, spreading rapidly and threatening to consume everything. Three high school students band together to defend their town and families from this terrifying threat. Their journey is fraught with fear, discovery, and teamwork as they fight the alien and confront their own inner anxieties. This story of bravery and survival shows Arborville's teens that unity and determination can overcome even the greatest unknowns.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.8 - 15
The StrangersMovie · 2008 · 86m · Horror, ThrillerA couple, Kristen McKay and James Hoyt, are awakened in the middle of the night by a violent knock and unsettling voices at their isolated vacation home. Their getaway transforms into a terrifying ordeal when three masked strangers break in. To survive, they must confront their deepest fears and push their limits.IMDb 6.1TMDB 6.1 - 16
Zodiac KillerMovie · 2005 · 83mA young man working at a nursing home begins targeting those who mistreat their elderly parents. He meticulously recreates the methods of the infamous Zodiac killer in his acts of revenge.IMDb 2.1TMDB 2.4 - 17
AnnabelleMovie · 2014 · 99m · HorrorShortly after a couple's home is invaded by satanic cultists, they are plagued by increasingly frightening supernatural events connected to a vintage doll.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.8 - 18
The Legend of Boggy CreekMovie · 1972 · 87m · Adventure, Mystery, HorrorThis investigative documentary explores the unsettling story of the Fouke Monster, a creature said to inhabit the forests and towns of Arkansas. Through firsthand accounts from witnesses, law enforcement, and locals, the film portrays a community struggling with unexplained encounters with this legendary beast. A sense of suspense builds as the audience becomes drawn into the decades-long mystery. The documentary focuses on presenting the facts, leaving viewers to decide for themselves whether the creature truly exists, hidden within the trees.IMDb 5.3TMDB 5.0 - 19
The ShiningMovie · 1980 · 144m · Horror, ThrillerJack Torrance, portrayed by Jack Nicholson, takes a job as caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel, hoping for a fresh start. He and his wife Wendy, along with their young son Danny, spend the winter months in the historic building, seemingly looking forward to a change of pace.
But as a snowstorm cuts them off from the outside world, the Overlook Hotel reveals a dark side. The hotel's history manifests in terrifying ways, driving Jack towards madness and endangering his family.
Director Stanley Kubrick creates a suspenseful thriller exploring isolation, madness, and obsession. Nicholson delivers a memorable performance as Jack, and "The Shining" is a chilling story about the hidden dangers within even the most beautiful places.IMDb 8.4TMDB 8.2 - 20
The Amityville HorrorMovie · 1979 · 118m · HorrorIn Amityville, Long Island, the Lutz family – George, Kathy, and their three children – find an unexpectedly cheap, beautiful Victorian house. Soon, they discover the house has a dark past that lingers.
The family experiences a growing nightmare of frightening, inexplicable events: strange shadows, unsettling whispers. Each family member is individually tormented by disturbing visions that become increasingly violent. The house, meant to be a fresh start, transforms into a menacing presence threatening their sanity.
This suspenseful story explores the psychological terror of a family struggling to build a new life while battling unseen forces determined to make their worst fears real.IMDb 6.2TMDB 6.3 - 21
The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of GeorgiaMovie · 2013 · 101m · Horror, Drama, ThrillerA young family relocates to a historic home in Georgia and discovers they share their space with something else. They soon encounter a hidden force emerging from beneath the house, posing a danger to everyone nearby.IMDb 5.3TMDB 5.8 - 22
The PossessionMovie · 2012 · 92m · Horror, ThrillerA young girl purchases an antique box at a yard sale, unknowingly unleashing a malevolent ancient spirit within. Her father and his ex-wife then join forces to discover how to break the curse affecting their daughter.IMDb 5.9TMDB 6.0 - 23
PrimevalMovie · 2007 · 93m · Adventure, Horror, ActionA news crew travels to Burundi on assignment: to find and capture a legendary 25-foot crocodile. Their assignment becomes perilous when a warlord puts them in the crosshairs.IMDb 4.8TMDB 6.1 - 24
JawsMovie · 1975 · 124m · Horror, Thriller, AdventureNumb3rs explores how an FBI agent and his mathematician brother team up to solve crimes in Los Angeles. Inspired by real cases, the series uses advanced mathematics to approach investigations in a new way. The agent relies on his brother's unique skills to find solutions to difficult crimes. By blending police work with mathematical analysis, Numb3rs shows how numbers can reveal crucial details and breakthroughs in even the toughest cases.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.7 - 25
The Exorcism of Emily RoseMovie · 2005 · 122m · Crime, Drama, HorrorFollowing the death of a young girl named Emily Rose, suspicion immediately falls on Father Moore, the priest who performed an exorcism on her. He is arrested and charged with murder. The trial begins with lawyer Erin Bruner defending Moore, but she faces a difficult task: convincing a jury to believe his account of events.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.6 - 26
Henry: Portrait of a Serial KillerMovie · 1986 · 83m · Crime, Horror, ThrillerThis darkly funny thriller centers on Henry, a man with a disturbing passion for killing people in inventive ways. He lives with Otis, his roommate, who is unaware of Henry's deadly secret. Their quiet life is disrupted when Otis' sister comes to stay, unknowingly entering the dangerous world between the two men. The film explores the contrasting sides of Henry – as a normal neighbor and as a relentless serial killer – prompting viewers to consider how well we really know the people in our lives and what hidden darkness might exist beneath the surface of everyday existence.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7 - 27
The Town That Dreaded SundownMovie · 1976 · 86m · Horror, Mystery, ThrillerA series of violent attacks terrorize the quiet town of Texarkana. When two young lovers are victims of a calculated killer, the local police are overwhelmed, searching for the elusive "Phantom Killer." Fear spreads through the community as suspicion falls on everyone. The police struggle to find clues and understand the motives of this ruthless attacker, as the body count rises. This suspenseful story explores the depths of cruelty and the fight for justice against a terrifying evil.IMDb 6.0TMDB 5.8 - 28
The Mothman PropheciesMovie · 2002 · 119m · Drama, Horror, MysteryJournalist John Klein investigates a quiet West Virginia town where the locals are haunted by a massive winged creature. The being visits the townspeople, filling their minds with terrifying nightmares and vivid hallucinations, plunging the community into chaos.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.2 - 29
ThemMovie · 2006 · 77m · Horror, ThrillerLucas and Clementine enjoy a quiet life in their secluded country home. One night, unsettling noises awaken them, revealing they are not alone. A group of hooded attackers then terrorize them throughout the night.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.1 - 30
The ZodiacMovie · 2005 · 92m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerIn the late 1960s, the San Francisco Bay Area is gripped by fear as the mysterious Zodiac killer stalks the city. Detectives race against time to identify and capture him before he strikes again. Inspired by true events.IMDb 5.3TMDB 5.5 - 31
The ExorcistMovie · 1973 · 122m · HorrorA curious 12-year-old girl unexpectedly develops the ability to perfectly imitate voices and personalities. Doctors are puzzled as her condition worsens, and unexplained deaths begin to occur. Her mother, fearing something supernatural, seeks help from two experienced exorcist priests. They propose a dangerous ritual, their only chance to save her. The priests must confront their own doubts while battling a demonic presence within the child. This suspenseful film examines faith, family, and hidden forces that can dramatically change lives, as hope and desperation intensify.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.7 - 32
Open WaterMovie · 2004 · 80m · Horror, ThrillerTwo divers find themselves adrift in the open ocean, with no way back to shore. Surrounded by endless water, their only hope lies in what lies beneath the surface.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.5 - 33
The Legacy of Boggy CreekMovie · 2010 · 61mSince 1972, he has roamed the countryside, watching and waiting. Sightings of him have been reported over the last few decades. This new docudrama chronicles the events following the original attacks in Fouke, Arkansas. It is a direct sequel to "The Legend of Boggy Creek."IMDb 2.6TMDB 2.0 - 34
Child's PlayMovie · 1988 · 87m · HorrorThis suspenseful thriller centers on a seemingly harmless doll that becomes a conduit for a supernatural horror. The doll secretly contains the malevolent spirit of a serial killer who never died. As the spirit manipulates the doll, influencing those around its owner, the distinction between reality and illusion dissolves into fear.
The film examines possession and the disturbing possibility of evil taking unexpected forms. It builds suspense as the main character struggles to uncover the truth before the entity causes more harm. The doll's increasingly sinister actions reveal it’s not just a toy, but a vessel for a killer determined to remain active. This unsettling horror story explores how an inanimate object can become a channel for evil, delivering a chilling experience that keeps audiences captivated.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.8 - 35
The Ghost and the DarknessMovie · 1996 · 109m · Adventure, Thriller, HistorySet in Africa during a railway construction project, the film follows Sir Robert Beaumont and John Henry Patterson. Their work is disrupted by a series of mysterious lion attacks that result in crew fatalities. To stop the growing panic, hunter Charles Remington is brought in. The story becomes a suspenseful struggle between humans and the powerful lions, testing their skills against nature. The film examines human resilience, survival, and our connection to the wild.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.8 - 36
The ConjuringMovie · 2013 · 112m · Horror, ThrillerParanormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren are called to a family's farmhouse, which is being tormented by a malevolent force. They must face a formidable entity, leading the Warrens into what becomes their most frightening investigation yet.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.5 - 37
The Haunting in ConnecticutMovie · 2009 · 102m · Thriller, HorrorThe Campbell family relocates to a picturesque Victorian house in upstate Connecticut, unaware of its dark past. The house was once a funeral parlor where terrible things happened. Its owner’s son, Jonah, possessed the ability to see the future and acted as a conduit for demonic forces, opening a doorway for spirits to enter our world.IMDb 5.9TMDB 6.2 - 38
Bram Stoker's DraculaMovie · 1992 · 128m · Romance, HorrorIn Victorian England, the film follows Count Dracula's arrival in London. He meets Mina Harker, a captivating young woman who reminds him strongly of a past love. Drawn to the resemblance, he becomes obsessed with the connection between Mina and the woman he lost. The story blends romance, suspense, and horror as it explores Dracula's inner turmoil, revealing a tragic tale of love, loss, and a possible chance for healing within the city.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.4 - 39
RavenousMovie · 1999 · 101m · Adventure, Western, HorrorIn the rugged Western frontier, Captain John Boyd is called to investigate the strange disappearances at Fort Spencer. Arriving with his regiment, he meets a wounded frontiersman who recounts a disturbing massacre in the wilderness – the guide for the missing was a notorious U.S. Army colonel. Concerned for the missing, Boyd and his soldiers venture into the wild to uncover the truth and face the darkness within those who are supposed to keep them safe.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.9 - 40
The Hills Have EyesMovie · 1977 · 90m · Horror, ThrillerThe Carter family travels across America hoping for a better life in California. Their journey becomes dangerous when they take a wrong turn. Stranded in the desert after their RV breaks down, they discover they are being hunted by monstrous cannibals hiding in the hills. As darkness falls and hunger grows, the family must fight to survive against these predators.
The film is a suspenseful story about survival and family, exploring how far people will go to protect each other when facing impossible danger. Set in the desolate American Southwest, it’s an unforgettable tale of resilience.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.2 - 41
Audrey RoseMovie · 1977 · 113m · Drama, Horror, ThrillerA father grieving the loss of his daughter finds a flicker of hope when he believes a young girl is her reincarnation. His daughter, Audrey Rose, died in a car accident just before her birth. Nine years later, an unusual connection with this girl makes him wonder if fate offers a second chance at love. As their bond grows, he experiences a mix of happiness and sadness, confronting his past and considering a miraculous reunion. This emotional story explores themes of loss, acceptance, and the possibility of something beyond life, prompting questions about love's power to overcome time.IMDb 5.8TMDB 5.6 - 42
The Town that Dreaded SundownMovie · 2014 · 85m · Thriller, HorrorA masked maniac begins terrorizing a small town haunted by the legacy of the Phantom Killer, a murderer who struck decades ago.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.8 - 43
The Conjuring 2Movie · 2016 · 134m · HorrorLorraine and Ed Warren journey to north London to assist a mother of four who is struggling to protect her home from malevolent entities.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.3 - 44
BorderlandMovie · 2007 · 105m · Crime, Horror, ThrillerThree college students, Phil, Ed, and Henry, embark on a week-long road trip to Mexico for drinking and leisure. However, their carefree vacation takes a dark turn when Phil is captured by a group of Mexican drug smugglers who practice Satanism. The smugglers, known for killing tourists, are searching for new victims to prepare for a sacrifice.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.4 - 45
Romasanta: The Werewolf HuntMovie · 2004 · 90m · Action, HorrorA terrifying threat grips the country as people vanish without a trace, their bodies found with brutal gashes and precise surgical incisions. The legend of the 'Werewolf of Allariz' spreads rapidly. When Barbara (Elsa Pataky) falls for a traveling vendor named Manuel Romasanta, her initial infatuation turns to suspicion. Her sister disappeared after Romasanta escorted her to the city, and Barbara is desperate to uncover what happened to her.IMDb 5.2TMDB 5.0 - 46
The Serpent and the RainbowMovie · 1988 · 98m · Horror, ThrillerA Harvard anthropologist journeys to Haiti to investigate a legendary powder rumored to resurrect the dead. Initially skeptical, he explores Haiti's hidden cultural world, discovering ancient curses, blood rituals, and the phenomenon of walking zombies. As he navigates this dangerous environment, he confronts supernatural forces and challenges his own views on life, death, and tradition. Inspired by real events, this film presents a stark and honest look at black magic's influence in Haitian society, offering a captivating blend of truth and storytelling.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.4 - 47
GothicMovie · 1987 · 88m · HorrorAt Lord Byron's Lake Geneva estate, Byron, Percy Shelley, and Mary Shelley, along with Claire Clairmont, gather for a night of storytelling. They consume substances that blur the line between imagination and reality as they share eerie tales. The stories lead them to question if the frightening events they experience are products of their minds or something more sinister. This story explores the connection between literary brilliance and gothic suspense, examining how the human mind conjures its own nightmares.IMDb 5.7TMDB 5.7 - 48
Eaten Alive!Movie · 1980 · 93m · Adventure, HorrorA woman journeys into the remote wilderness of Papua New Guinea to find her missing sister. She teams up with an experienced guide who carries secrets of his own. Together, they face deadly dangers as they venture into tribal lands controlled by a cult leader and his fiercely devoted followers. The story is a gripping exploration of survival, loyalty, and the darker aspects of human nature, set against the backdrop of civilization versus primal instincts.IMDb 5.1TMDB 5.2 - 49
Eaten AliveMovie · 1976 · 91m · Horror, ThrillerDeep in the Louisiana bayou, a disturbed man lives in a decaying hotel. He has a disturbing habit of feeding anyone who angers him to a giant crocodile in the swamp. The gruesome ritual unfolds as victims are devoured, creating a horrifying connection between humanity and the animal world in this story of revenge and cruelty.IMDb 5.5TMDB 5.5 - 50
The Silent HouseMovie · 2010 · 79m · Drama, Horror, MysteryLaura and her father, Wilson, travel to a remote cottage to prepare it for sale. They plan to spend the night before starting repairs. Initially peaceful, their stay takes a turn when Laura hears escalating noises from the upper floor. Wilson investigates, while Laura waits below. Based on a true story from 1940s Uruguay, *La casa muda* meticulously chronicles the final seventy-eight minutes as Laura attempts to escape the house unharmed and uncover its hidden secret.IMDb 5.3TMDB 5.4 - 51
The Legend of Lizzie BordenMovie · 1975 · 96mThis film recounts the 1893 trial in Massachusetts of a woman accused of killing her father and stepmother with an ax.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.8 - 52
A Nightmare on Elm StreetMovie · 1984 · 91m · HorrorIn Springwood, a disturbing wave of deaths strikes the town's youth. Young people are dying in their sleep, each appearing to be victims of intense terror. As fear spreads, Nancy Thompson, a resourceful high school student and police officer's daughter, begins to uncover the horrifying truth behind these deaths. It's revealed that Fred Krueger, a child molester killed by a mob years ago, is seeking revenge. He's haunting the dreams of his victims' children, tormenting them and causing their deaths. Nancy and her boyfriend Glen enter the dream world to confront Krueger and find a way to defeat him, hoping to force him back into reality. Their fight against this invisible enemy will test their courage in this frightening story of vengeance and finding peace.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3 - 53
The Girl Next DoorMovie · 2007 · 91m · Thriller, Crime, DramaIn the summer of 1958, two sisters who have lost their parents are sent to live with their Aunt Ruth in a peaceful suburban town. However, Ruth's extreme and disturbing methods of control escalate into horrific abuse and torture targeting her own children, the local kids, and one 12-year-old boy whose life is irrevocably altered.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.6 - 54
DahmerMovie · 2002 · 101m · Crime, Drama, ThrillerIn February 1992, Jeffrey Dahmer, a notorious serial killer, was found guilty of 15 murders and sentenced to 937 years in prison. This film depicts events from his life.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.3 - 55
The House of the DevilMovie · 2009 · 95m · Horror, MysteryTo make ends meet, a college student takes a babysitting job that turns out to be deeply unsettling, happening during a lunar eclipse. As she cares for the children, she begins to suspect their guardians are hiding something terrifying, and she finds herself in grave danger.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.3
