The only thing scarier than a horror movie? A horror movie inspired by true crimes.
I’ve always loved horror movies. The jump scares, the creepy music, the thrill of “just one more scene” — it’s my favorite way to spend a night. But you know what’s even better (and way scarier)? Horror movies that are based on real stories.
Every year, I host a mini horror movie marathon for my friends, and this year’s theme is simple: movies inspired by true events. Because honestly, when you know it actually happened, that fear hits different.
Below are 40 of the best horror movies inspired by real-life events, crimes, and legends. Some are loosely inspired by true crime, while others borrow from real hauntings or urban myths that turned out to be chillingly true.
So, grab your popcorn… and maybe keep the lights on.
1. The Conjuring (2013)
This one’s a classic. Based on real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring delivers pure terror without relying on cheap jump scares. Every scene keeps you glued to the screen.
2. Insidious (2010)
If creepy kids and haunted astral planes are your thing, Insidious will make you double-check every shadow in your room. The eerie soundtrack alone is nightmare fuel.
3. Hereditary (2018)
Hereditary isn’t just scary—it’s disturbing on a psychological level. The movie’s slow build and shocking twists will leave you speechless long after the credits roll.
4. The Exorcist (1973)
Often called the scariest movie ever made, The Exorcist set the standard for demonic possession films. Even after decades, it still manages to terrify new audiences.
5. Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele’s modern masterpiece mixes horror and social commentary perfectly. It’s creepy, smart, and keeps you thinking long after it ends.
6. A Quiet Place (2018)
Silence has never been scarier. Every sound in A Quiet Place could mean death, making it one of the tensest horror experiences in recent years.
7. The Nun (2018)
If haunted monasteries and demonic nuns don’t freak you out, nothing will. The Nun ties into The Conjuring universe and gives you plenty of reasons to sleep with the lights on.
8. IT (2017)
Pennywise is back and creepier than ever. The killer clown haunts a group of kids in Derry, Maine, blending fear, nostalgia, and great performances.
9. Annabelle: Creation (2017)
This prequel explains the origins of the cursed doll that haunted the Warrens. Annabelle: Creation is packed with classic scares and a genuinely chilling story.
10. The Babadook (2014)
This Australian gem explores grief, motherhood, and mental health in the most haunting way possible. Once you let the Babadook in… there’s no way out.
11. Sinister (2012)
Ethan Hawke stars in this dark, unsettling story about a writer who discovers disturbing home videos. It’s one of those horror films that gets under your skin and stays there.
12. The Ring (2002)
Watch the tape, and you die in seven days. Simple, effective, and downright eerie—The Ring redefined supernatural horror for a new generation.
13. Midsommar (2019)
Not your typical dark horror. Midsommar takes place almost entirely in daylight but still manages to be terrifying. It’s weird, beautiful, and deeply disturbing.
14. The Others (2001)
Nicole Kidman delivers an unforgettable performance in this ghostly thriller full of twists. It’s one of those films that make you question everything by the end.
15. Smile (2022)
A haunting smile becomes a death sentence in this new-age psychological horror. Smile plays with trauma, paranoia, and tension in all the right ways.
16. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
Think you know how horror movies work? Think again. The Cabin in the Woods flips every cliché on its head while still managing to scare you silly.
17. Barbarian (2022)
What starts as a simple Airbnb mix-up turns into one of the wildest and most unexpected horror experiences in years. Barbarian is unpredictable in the best way possible.
18. The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Two coroners discover that their latest case isn’t just a corpse—it’s something much darker. The slow build and eerie atmosphere make it a hidden gem.
19. Train to Busan (2016)
This Korean zombie thriller has it all—heart, chaos, and tears. Train to Busan proves that horror can be emotional and action-packed at the same time.
20. The Witch (2015)
Set in 1600s New England, The Witch slowly crawls under your skin with its eerie tone and haunting performances. It’s more unsettling than outright scary, but it lingers long after.
🎬 Wrapping Up
That’s it for Part 1 of our ultimate horror movie marathon! Whether you love ghost stories, psychological thrillers, or creature features, these 20 films are a perfect place to start.
Part 2 will dive into even more spine-chilling horror films you have to add to your watchlist—so stay tuned and keep your popcorn ready!
