Scary movies have always had a way of captivating audiences for decades. Appealing to the part of our minds that wants to feel a rush of adrenaline at the next jump scare. What could make horror movies even scarier? If they were based on real life. Here is a list of scary movies based on true stories to watch this Halloween for all the adrenaline junkies out there. 

1. The Conjuring (2013)

   “The Conjuring” and its sequels are loosely based on the paranormal investigations and recordings of Ed and Lorraine Warren, two prolific paranormal investigators who began their careers in the early 1950s. The first movie follows the Perron family, who call for help from the Warrens after several paranormal occurrences take place in the family home in Harrisville, Rhode Island, in the 1970s. Unfortunately, there is little evidence to conclude the character Bathsheba Sherman is based on–the haunting spirit from the movie–actually exists.

    

2. The Exorcist (1973)

   Considered a horror genre classic, “The Exorcist” is based on William Peeter Blatty’s 1971 novel which was originally based on an exorcism from 1949. In March 1949, 14-year-old a boy named “Robbie” or “Roland Doe” (to protect his identity) was reported to be possessed by a sinister spirit. Many of the dramatized  events that take place in the movie are actual events the family experienced.

    

3. The Haunting in Connecticut (2009)

   “The Haunting in Connecticut” is another movie involving Ed and Lorraine Warren’s paranormal investigation services. The Snedeker family rentened an old home in Southington, Connecticut. Soon, the whole family began experiencing paranormal activity including apparitions and visions by the oldest son. Many are skeptical of the truthfulness of this movie as no previous tenants had experienced any paranormal activity.

    

4. The Possession (2012)

   While this movie isn’t directly based on a true story, it is based on a true, haunted object: the Dybbuk box. “The Possession” centers around teh Dybbuk Box, arguably one of the most dangerous haunted objects to exist. In Jewish mythology, a Dybbuk is an evil spirit that can follow and possess people. As the box was passed on from owner to owner, many began reporting strange occurrences and health-related phenomenons such as strokes or coughing up blood.

    

5. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

   “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” is one of money horror movies inspired by serial killers Ed Gein and Elmer Wayne Henley. While the plot and Leatherface are fictional, real events are the muse for some parts of the movie. From a cannibalistic family to Leatherface wearing women’s clothing, there are many parallels between him and Gein. The biggest similarity, however, is Leatherface’s act of wearing the skin of victims to emulate Gein’s crimes. 

Horror movies are scary enough without an element of reality in the mix. Sure, some civil liberities were taken with many of these movies, but the haunting reminder of back story still remains. Our deepest fears are brought to light when confronted with the disturbing reality of the paranormal and evil in humanity.  So, the next time you watch a scary movie, remember that the true horror may not be confined to the screen but may have unfolded in the lives of real people.