The Best 5 Horror Movies Based on True Events

If you want to watch a horror movie based on scary real events, then you should read our list of the best horror movies based on true events.

We hope you enjoy the following list of horror movies for today. Please let us know your favorite from this list in the comments.

5. The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)

Directed by: Scott Derrickson

Loosely based on the story of Anneliese Michel, this film is about Reverend Moore (Tom Wilkinson) on trial for the manslaughter of a girl believed to be possessed by demonic possession, for having orchestrated a church-sanctioned exorcism that ultimately led to her death. Prosecuting attorney Ethan Thomas (Campbell Scott) asserts that young Emily (Jennifer Carpenter) suffered from schizophrenia and should have been medically diagnosed. As defense attorney Erin Bronner (Laura Linney) responds, Emily’s case cannot be explained by science alone.

Starring: 

• Laura Linney
• Tom Wilkinson
• Shohreh Aghdashloo

4. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

Directed by: Tobe Hooper

This film tells the story of a group of friends who fall victim to a family of cannibals while on their way to visit an old homestead. The character of Leatherface and minor story details of this film were inspired by the crimes of murderer Ed Gein, so it was marketed as being based on true events to attract a wider audience and to act as a subtle commentary on the era’s political climate. 

Starring: 

• Marilyn Burns
• Edwin Neal
• Allen Danziger

3. The Conjuring (2013)

Directed by: James Wan

The film is set in the year 1970, when the family of Caroline (Lily Taylor) and Roger (Ron Livingston) Perron and their five daughters move to a secluded farmhouse and are terrified by a dark presence in their farmhouse. After the family discovers the horrific history of the house, paranormal investigators and demonologists Lorraine (Vera Farmiga) and Ed (Patrick Wilson) are called to their aid.

Starring: 

• Patrick Wilson
• Vera Farmiga
• Ron Livingston

2. The Exorcist (1973)

Directed by: William Friedkin

This movie revolves around an exorcism story based on true events. When a young girl called Reagan (Linda Blair) begins to act strangely, her worried mother (Ellen Borstein) seeks medical help but comes to an impasse. She turns to a local priest (Jason Miller), who believes the girl has been possessed by a demon. The priest orders an exorcism and the Church sends an expert (Max von Sydow) to help him in this difficult task.

Starring: 

• Ellen Burstyn
• Max von Sydow
• Linda Blair

1. Psycho (1960)

Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock

This movie revolves around a secretary named Phoenix Marion Crane (Janet Lee) who embezzles $40,000 from her employer in order to escape with her boyfriend Sam Loomis (John Gavin). But overwhelmed by exhaustion during a heavy rainstorm, she travels back roads to avoid the police, stopping for the night at the ramshackle Bates Motel run by a highly stressed young Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), a young taxidermy who works under his mother’s control.

Starring: 

• Anthony Perkins
• Janet Leigh
• Vera Miles

This was our list of the best horror movies based on true events. Do you agree with us on this list? Let us know that in the comments.