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For fans of goosebumps and spine-chilling stories, there is nothing more thrilling than knowing that a breathtaking scene was inspired by real events. It is an indescribable feeling to think that the terrifying situations seen on screen really happened, at some point, somewhere in this world.
And 2023 didn't let us down: we're going to talk about movies you can watch this year that promise to keep you glued to the couch, peeking through your fingers and jumping at every unexpected noise.
If you, like us, are passionate about scary stories with that touch of truth, get ready! We brought you a list for you to binge-watch and of course, get goosebumps! Get the popcorn ready and turn off the lights… if you dare.
Why are we fascinated by movies based on real events?
Have you ever found yourself watching a movie, feeling butterflies in your stomach, and then someone says, “That really happened!”? Suddenly, the movie, which was already interesting, takes on even more weight. But why does this happen? Why do you know that a story is real makes us so much more involved and, often, more scared?
When we hear the phrase “based on true events”, our mind immediately goes into more credit to history. It's no longer just fiction, it's something that actually happened.
And this makes you unconsciously, let's put ourselves in the characters' shoes. We think: “What if it were me?” or “What if this happened in my city?”. Reality has the power to make everything closer and more tangible.
Even though many of us have never experienced extreme or frightening situations, we all have one natural curiosity about the unknown. Films based on real events give us a glimpse into this unknown world without having to experience it directly. It’s a way to experience danger and adventure from the comfort of our couch.
When a story is real, we know that behind it are authentic human emotions, decisions and experiences. This creates a deeper connection with the characters. We care more about them because, in some way, they represent real people who lived through those situations.
Classics that inspired the genre
Classic films kickstarted and shaped the genre as we know it today. They broke away from the “same old fashioned” and brought innovation to the big screen.
Who doesn't remember the girl Regan and her headbutts in bed? Exorcist was inspired by the real-life exorcism of a young boy in the 1940s. The idea that such events could actually happen kept many people up at night.
It's not exactly a ghost or demon movie, but who said a great white shark can't be scary? "Shark" was loosely based on shark attacks that occurred in 1916 off the coast of New Jersey.
A family moves into a house where a horrific murder took place. Soon, strange things begin to happen. The most chilling part? The story was said to be true, based on the experiences of the Lutz family. Watch – Amityville Horror
Even though it is more recent, The Strangers became a classic for its portrayal of the sheer terror of home invasions. It was inspired by real events and the disturbing idea that sometimes people do terrible things for no apparent reason.
Stories That Scared the World: 10 Horror Movies Based on Real Events to Watch in 2023
Hey, you! Check out this list! If you enjoy a good scare and also love knowing that the story has a hint of truth to it, then you've come to the right place. Let's talk about the top 10 horror movies that not only give you goosebumps, but also have that "real" touch that gives you that extra chill.
A possessed little girl and a priest trying to save her. The cool thing is that this was inspired by a real exorcism back in the 1940s. Tense! That's the Exorcist, which we talked about in the chapter above, but deserves to be repeated as it is a true classic when it comes to horror films based on real events.
Amityville Horror – Family moves into house where a murder took place. Noises, voices… and people say it’s based on the life of the Lutz family. Fear sets in.
O Silence of the Lambs – Okay, it’s not exactly a ghost movie, but it has a serial killer who was inspired by real criminals. Quite suspenseful!
Based on the life of a mother who struggles to prove that the boy who returned from a kidnapping is not her son, The Exchange it is true and distressing.
A couple of paranormal investigators face a haunted house. They say it's inspired by real-life cases from the Warrens' lives. Watch The Conjuring and get goosebumps for sure!
O Texas Chainsaw Massacre – A crazy guy with a chainsaw in his hand? Yes, and the worst part is that it was inspired by the crimes of the real Ed Gein.
Based on the real-life manhunt for a killer that sent San Francisco into a panic in the 1960s and 1970s, see Zodiac and keep your heart in your hand the whole time!
You Strangers tells the story of a home invasion taken to the extreme. And the craziest part? Inspired by real events. Who has the courage?
A Girl on the Train It's not pure horror, but it has plenty of suspense and drama, and it's inspired by real events that will leave you speechless.
O Ritual – A journalist goes to Europe and discovers bizarre rituals. Based on the book by a guy who claims to have experienced all of this.
So, are you ready to binge-watch? The cool (and scary) thing about these movies is that they have a real background. So, turn off the lights, grab some popcorn and… good luck sleeping afterward!
