5 True-Story Horror Movies That Hit Me Too Close to Home
When “based on a true story” isn’t just a gimmick
Every October, I watch the classics. But honestly, I think the scariest films are the ones based on things that actually happened. When I see that tag, “based on a true story,” my stomach drops, because it means the darkness on screen isn’t just a fantasy; it’s a memory.
It means the monster is real, or at least inspired by something terrifyingly real. These five films below make a very convincing argument: The truth is always scarier than fiction. Trust me, I had trouble sleeping after this list.
Looking for even more picks? Don’t miss TV critic Randy Harward’s weekly What To Watch guide for the freshest streaming recs.
Looking for the hottest entertainment?
Subscribe to CableTV.com’s email newsletter for the latest TV event viewing guides, entertaining takes, and money-saving promotions.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy & Terms and Conditions.
1. The Exorcist (1973)
This isn’t just a classic horror movie; it’s the one that broke me the first time I saw it. The Exorcist is based on the 1949 case of “Roland Doe,” a young boy who was the subject of several Catholic exorcisms. The author of the novel used the priests’ detailed diary as his source. For me, this movie’s power comes from that direct connection to reality—the fear of truly losing control of your own soul is something I can’t shake.
Where to stream The Exorcist
2. The Conjuring (2013)
I love James Wan’s style, and The Conjuring is so effective because it uses the case files of real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The first movie tells the story of the Perron family in their Rhode Island farmhouse during the 1970s. Sure, Hollywood amplified things, but the core claims—strange noises, objects flying, and distinct presences—came directly from the family’s stories. It made me worried about the dark corners of my own home.
Where to stream The Conjuring
3. Wolf Creek (2005)
This Australian slasher is a grim, grueling watch because it feels so plausible. The fictional killer, Mick Taylor, is an amalgamation of several real monsters, primarily inspired by the horrific “Backpacker Murders” committed by Ivan Milat and the crimes of Bradley Murdoch in the remote Outback. The film captures the terrifying reality of being a tourist who breaks down far from help. It made me promise myself I’d never accept a ride from a stranger.
Where to stream Wolf Creek
4. Annabelle (2014)
When I first heard about the Annabelle doll, I was disappointed because the real one is just a Raggedy Ann. But the claims of demonic infestation and danger surrounding it are what inspired the movie. The film cleverly takes those paranormal claims and gives the doll a truly terrifying porcelain look and a spooky cult backstory. It made me double-check my daughter’s toy shelf just in case.
Where to stream Annabelle
5. The Girl Next Door (2007)
I have to give a serious warning here: This movie is absolutely brutal. It’s based on the stomach-churning 1965 torture and murder of teenager Sylvia Likens by her caretaker and neighbor children. The film follows the painful true events closely, focusing on real-world cruelty rather than supernatural frights. It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever watched, but its potency comes from the fact that the dread is rooted in a real, historical atrocity committed by ordinary people.
