The thrill of horror movies often comes from their ability to transport audiences into a world of fear and suspense. However, for some films, the horror extended beyond the screen and into the real lives of the cast and crew. Here are some of the most infamous cursed horror films, where eerie events and tragic incidents plagued their production.
1. The Omen (1976)
“The Omen” stands as a classic example of a cursed film. Lead actor Gregory Peck’s son committed suicide just before filming began. Peck’s plane was struck by lightning, as was a flight carrying the film’s producer. An animal trainer was killed on set, and a special effects artist was involved in a fatal car crash that mirrored a scene from the movie.
2. Poltergeist (1982)
The “Poltergeist” series is notorious for its tragic deaths. Heather O’Rourke, the young actress who played Carol Anne, died unexpectedly at a young age, and Dominique Dunne was murdered by her ex-boyfriend. The film’s use of real skeletons in a pool scene is often cited as contributing to the curse, with several cast members experiencing strange and frightening occurrences on set.
3. The Exorcist (1973)
One of the most famous horror films ever made, “The Exorcist” was beset by numerous accidents and fatalities. A fire destroyed most of the set except for the room where the exorcism took place. Several cast and crew members, including actors Jack MacGowran and Vasiliki Maliaros, died during production. Linda Blair and Ellen Burstyn suffered serious injuries from stunt mishaps, adding to the film’s eerie reputation.
4. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
“Rosemary’s Baby” is another film surrounded by real-life horror. Composer Krzysztof Komeda died in a manner similar to a character in the movie. Producer William Castle experienced severe health issues and hallucinations. The most infamous incident was the murder of director Roman Polanski’s wife, Sharon Tate, by the Manson Family, which left an indelible mark on the film’s legacy.
5. The Amityville Horror (1979 and 2005)
Both the original and the remake of “The Amityville Horror” faced unsettling events. James Brolin, the star of the original, had a frightening experience while reading the script. During the 2005 remake, cast members reported waking up at 3:15 a.m., the same time the real-life murders occurred, and a dead body was found near the set just before filming began.
6. The Possession (2012)
“The Possession” dealt with a cursed Dybbuk box and encountered strange occurrences on set. Actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan, initially a skeptic, witnessed unexplained phenomena such as lights exploding and sudden chills. The storage facility containing the film’s props burned down mysteriously, destroying the Dybbuk box used in the movie.
7. The Innkeepers (2011)
“The Innkeepers” was filmed at the reportedly haunted Yankee Pedlar Inn. The cast and crew experienced paranormal activities, including TVs turning on and off and lights frequently burning out. Actress Sara Paxton and several crew members reported vivid and unsettling dreams throughout the shoot.
8. The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
During the filming of “The Exorcism of Emily Rose,” strange occurrences haunted the cast and crew. Radios and TVs in their hotel rooms would turn on and off by themselves, often playing the same song. These incidents unnerved the cast to the extent that they had the radios removed from their rooms.
These cursed productions blur the lines between fiction and reality, leaving a lasting impression not only on horror fans but also on those who experienced the real-life terror behind the scenes. Whether you believe in curses or not, the chilling stories from these sets add an extra layer of horror to these already terrifying films.
