Horror Movies Based On True Stories & Where To Watch Them
There’s nothing scarier than true horror movies…
There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush you get when you watch a horror movie and it turns out to be based on a true story. That final scene where the screen cuts to black and the italicised, white font states:
‘Based on actual events’
Oooh, the chills.
And of course, as the spooky season of Halloween rises from the grave, there’s no better time to sit on the sofa in your DIY blanket nest, watching horror movies based on true stories. Just be careful not to throw the popcorn during a jumpscare.
Forget calming your anxiety attack with ‘it’s just a movie’. These horror movies are based on true stories — and there’s nothing scarier than the truth.
Some of these movies closely follow real-life horror stories, others are very loosely or allegedly inspired by real events — but all will leave you switching your night-lights on and surrounding yourself with a sea of cuddly toys for protection.
If you’re not spending Halloween hiding behind the sofa cushions, here are some last minute halloween costumes for uni students (in case you’re planning on sneaking into another flat’s party).
Don’t want to be scared by real life events? Don’t blame you — check out the other best horror movies to watch.
True Horror Movies & Where To Watch Them
Watch at your own risk…
It’s important to note that most (if not all) horror movies based on true stories will have exaggerated and dramatised characters and/or events for the purpose of entertainment. While these films will depict sensitive scenes that may have been based on real events, a lot of it will be added to help drive the film and add more tension.
If you don’t fancy being scared by real events, read our article ‘Is Nope scary?‘ to watch a film that is a little less close to home…
What’s that behind you?
The Amityville Horror (2005)
A scary classic, but did you know that The Amityville Horror is based on a true story?
A family moves into a house where the previous owner murdered six members of his family, so obviously, the house is full of creepy vibes and supernatural activity.
The movie follows the family’s experience over the days they lived at the house. Expect the typical horror movie tropes of falling pictures and flying dining room chairs.
Where to watch The Amityville Horror:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV
- Sky Store
Check out our Sky TV student discount and Amazon student discounts.
The Conjuring (2013)
If you’re a horror film fanatic, you’re probably very aware of The Conjuring franchise.
It follows the Warrens, a couple of paranormal investigators (real-life too), as they tackle some spooky going-ons in a crumbling, haunted farmhouse in Rhode Island. It’s filled with jump scares and an eerie atmosphere that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.
The fact that it’s rooted in real-life paranormal cases makes it even more unsettling. If you’re up for a night of suspense and a good old-fashioned scare, this one’s a solid choice! The franchise is arguably one of the most known horror movies based on true stories.
Where to watch The Conjuring:
- Netflix
- Sky Store
- Apple TV
- Amazon Prime Video
The Mothman Prophecies (2002)
If you think moths are scary enough as they are, imagine if they were life-sized and humanoid, too.
The horror movie The Mothman Prophecies follows a reporter (played by Richard Gere) who stumbles upon a series of mysterious and unexplained occurrences in a small town in West Virginia, including eerie sightings of a winged creature known as the Mothman.
The movie explores the idea of paranormal phenomena, premonitions, and the unexplained, creating an eerie and suspenseful atmosphere. If you’re a fan of supernatural mysteries, this film is a must-watch.
Where to watch The Mothman Prophecies:
- ITVX
- Amazon Prime Video
The Sacrament (2013)
The Sacrament is a horror movie heavily influenced by the real-life events surrounding the Jonestown Massacre in 1978. Directed by Ti West, the movie provides a chilling and intense depiction of a cult-like community that shares striking similarities with the infamous People’s Temple led by Jim Jones.
The film follows a group of journalists who venture into a secluded religious commune, only to discover a terrifying and increasingly dangerous situation. While the events are not an exact reenactment, The Sacrament draws heavily from the Jonestown tragedy, capturing the eerie cult dynamics and the inevitable descent into madness and violence.
Where to watch The Sacrament:
- Apple TV
- Amazon Prime Video
The Girl Next Door (2007)
‘The girl next door’ might be a phrase used to describe a friendly, attractive girl, but this horror movie is far from friendly.
Inspired by the torturous murder of Sylvia Likens in the 60s, the film centres around the teenaged main character who suffers abuse from her caretaker and the neighbourhood boys.
A horror movie based on a true story too close to home.
Where to watch The Girl Next Door:
The Golden Glove (2019)
If you’re after less ‘spooky’ horror movies based on true stories, The Golden Glove is an excellent choice.
The film is based on the life of Fritz Honka, a real-life serial killer in Germany who terrorised Hamburg in the 1970s.
The movie follows Honka’s crimes and creates a gruesome portrayal of the gritty, squalid world he inhabited, delving deep into the psychological horror of a disturbed individual and the gruesome crimes he committed. The Golden Glove offers a grim and disturbing look into the mind of a real-life killer, making it a haunting experience for those interested in true crime stories.
Where to watch The Golden Glove:
- Apple TV
Deranged (1974)
A fitting title for one of the more chilling horror movies based on true stories.
Deranged is inspired by the real-life story of Ed Gein, one of America’s most infamous murderers and body snatchers. The film takes you on a macabre journey through the life of Ezra Cobb, a character loosely based on Gein, who’s driven to commit heinous acts due to a troubled mind and a dysfunctional family. It’s a haunting portrayal of the deranged nature of a serial killer and the unsettling events that transpired in real life.
Where to watch Deranged:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV
Veronica (2017)
The Spanish horror film Veronica is based on teenager Estefania in the 1990s, who, living in Madrid, performed a séance. You already know where this is going…yep, she became possessed by a demon and was tormented for months.
The film follows a similar story where a girl and her friends use a Ouija board to summon a spirit.
Where to watch Veronica:
- Netflix
Ravenous (1999)
You wouldn’t think any cannibalistic horror movies are based on true stories, but Ravenous is (loosely anyway).
Ravenous is a unique take on the true story of the Donner Party, a group of pioneers who became stranded in the Sierra Nevada mountains during their westward migration and resorted to cannibalism to survive. The movie, while blending elements of horror and dark humour, explores the primal instincts and macabre choices made in dire situations. It’s a gripping and atmospheric journey into the human psyche under extreme conditions.
Where to watch Ravenous:
- Apple TV
- Amazon Prime Video
- Sky Store
247°F (2011)
247°F is a gripping horror movie that is (loosely) based on a true story.
The movie centres around a group of friends who find themselves trapped in a sauna when the temperature inside starts to skyrocket. They soon realise that escaping this sweltering nightmare is no walk in the park.
The film serves up a good dose of suspense and will definitely make you think twice about spending time in saunas. The fact that it’s based on a real life story adds a spine-tingling element to the whole experience. Slightly claustrophobic, and the fact this could easily happen to anyone IRL is enough to give you the heebie-jeebies.
Where to watch 247°F:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Sky Store
- Apple TV
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