Horror movies have a knack for sending chills down our spines, but what if the terror transcends the screen and seeps into reality? A handful of horror films have been shrouded in eerie tales of unexplained phenomena, tragic events, and even deaths during their production, earning them the reputation of being cursed.
This article delves into the chilling tales behind seven such horror movies, including Rosemary’s Baby, The Exorcist, Poltergeist, and more. Are these merely coincidences, or could the supernatural themes have attracted negative energy? Let’s unravel these spine-tingling stories.
Rosemary’s Baby
Rosemary’s Baby, a classic horror film, was marred by tragedy post-production. Composer Krzysztof Komeda met a tragic end after falling off a cliff, leading to a coma he never woke up from. The most chilling incident, however, was the brutal murder of director Roman Polanski‘s wife, Sharon Tate, by the Manson family.
These unfortunate events cast a dark shadow over the film, making it a prime candidate for the cursed list. The film’s producer, William Castle also suffered from severe health issues following the film’s release, further fueling the curse rumors.
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The Exorcist
The Exorcist is synonymous with horror, but the real-life horrors associated with its production are equally terrifying. The film is linked to nine deaths, including that of actors Vasiliki Maliaros and Jack MacGowran. Actress Ellen Burstyn also suffered permanent spine damage due to a faulty harness accident. And a mysterious fire razed the first set during filming.
These strange occurrences have led many to believe that the film was indeed cursed. The film’s release was also met with hysteria, with reports of fainting, vomiting, and even heart attacks among the audience.
Poltergeist
Poltergeist is another film that’s been dogged by tales of a death curse. Actress Dominique Dunne was strangled to death by her former boyfriend the year the film was released. Child actress Heather O’Rourke died at just 12 years old from undiagnosed Crohn’s disease. The use of real human skeletons in the film added another layer of creepiness to the alleged curse. The film’s set was also rumored to be built on a burial ground, further fueling the curse theories.
The Omen
The Omen is steeped in tales of accidents and strange occurrences. Actor Gregory Peck and screenwriter David Seltzer’s planes were both struck by lightning on separate flights. Director Richard Donner‘s hotel was bombed by the IRA, and a special effects crew member was involved in a fatal car crash. These incidents have led many to believe that the film was under a sinister influence. The film’s animal handler was also attacked by a lion shortly after the film’s completion.
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The Conjuring
The Conjuring, based on the cases of renowned demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren, was not without its share of strange occurrences. Actress Joey King found herself covered in mysterious bruises, and Vera Farmiga woke up with three scratch marks on her thigh. These eerie incidents have added to the film’s reputation as being cursed. The real-life Perron family, who inspired the film, also reported a series of unexplained occurrences during the film’s premiere.
The Exorcism of Emily Rose
The Exorcism of Emily Rose is a film with a disturbing true backstory. During production, actress Jennifer Carpenter reported being awakened by her radio turning itself on multiple times. This, coupled with the tragic real-life story of Anneliese Michel, has led many to believe that the film might have been cursed. The film’s director, Scott Derrickson, also reported strange occurrences, including his hotel room’s fire alarm going off at 3 am, the same time as the demonic occurrences in the film.
The Crow
The Crow is often associated with the tragic death of its lead actor, Brandon Lee, who was killed on set due to an improperly loaded prop gun. The set was also plagued with accidents, including a crew member being severely electrocuted and a hurricane ripping through the set, leading to the term The Curse of The Crow. The film’s production was also marred by a series of mishaps, including a carpenter suffering severe burns and a truck catching fire.
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The tales of curses surrounding these horror films add an extra layer of eeriness to their narratives. Whether these incidents are mere coincidences or the result of the films’ supernatural themes attracting negative energy remains a topic of debate. One thing is certain, though – these chilling stories continue to haunt the annals of Hollywood, making these films as horrifying off-screen as they are on-screen.
