It is said that the truth is stranger than fiction. Well, in the case of scary movies, there is probably a lot more horrifying truth than one would expect. Many of the scariest movies were inspired by real events - which, if nothing else, is something we should all lose a little bit of sleep over. This is a list of the best scary movies based on true stories to determine just what horrifyingly true story is the most teeth-chattering, nightmare-inducing, sleep-with-a-nightlight-for-the-rest-of-your-life cinematic masterpiece. So, what is the best scary movie based on a true story?
Here you'll find some of horror's (and cinema's) undisputed masterminds all drawing on real-world events to inspire some of their finest work. Heavyweights like Steven Spielberg, the "Master of Suspense" Wes Craven, and Alfred Hitchcock have all drawn from real headlines to create some of their most famous films.
There are many factors to consider here. Comparing a film up against another film (even in the same genre) can feel like comparing apples and oranges. So, it's on you, Ranker voters. Does it matter how closely the film adheres to the story that it was inspired by, like in a biopic like Dahmer? Or is it more important that the movie be genuinely, undeniably, amazing even though it strays a bit from its inspiration? Because maybe Jaws and Psycho win that battle.
These are all almost impossibly tough calls, and there are a lot of classics to sift through... but isn't that what makes this fun? Vote up the top scary movies inspired by true events, and click Rerank to make a list of your own.1
1,657385The Silence of the Lambs
Jodie Foster, Anthony HopkinsReleased: 1991
Directed by: Jonathan Demme
Based loosely on the relationship between serial killer Ted Bundy and criminal profiler Robert Keppel.
The Silence of the Lambs is a 1991 American thriller film that blends elements of the crime... more
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1,846470The Exorcist
Max von Sydow, Ellen BurstynReleased: 1973
Directed by: William Friedkin
Inspired by the alleged demonic possession of Robbie Mannheim.
The Exorcist is a 1973 American supernatural horror film directed by William Friedkin, adapted... more3
1,293417A Nightmare on Elm Street
Johnny Depp, Robert EnglundReleased: 1984
Directed by: Wes Craven
Loosely based on a group of Cambodian refugees in the 1970's who were suffering disturbing night terrors after fleeing to the United States. Their nightmares were so terrifying, they began refusing to sleep.
A Nightmare on Elm Street is a 1984 American supernatural slasher horror film written and... more4
1,232436Psycho
Alfred Hitchcock, Janet LeighReleased: 1960
Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
Loosely based on Wisconsin serial killer Ed Gein.
Psycho is a 1960 American horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film centers on an... more5
1,398403The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
Gunnar Hansen, Marilyn BurnsReleased: 1974
Directed by: Tobe Hooper
Loosely based on serial killer Ed Gein.
This movie is a 1974 American slasher film, directed and produced by Tobe Hooper, who cowrote... more6
1,266462The Amityville Horror
James Brolin, Margot KidderReleased: 1979
Directed by: Stuart Rosenberg
Inspired by the experiences of the Lutz family as investigated by Paranormal Detectives, Ed and Lorraine Warren.The Amityville Horror is a 1979 American supernatural horror film, directed by Stuart... more7
1,385382The Conjuring
Vera Farmiga, Patrick WilsonReleased: 2013
Directed by: James Wan
Based on the experiences of the Perron family as investigated by paranormal detectives Ed and Lorraine Warren.
The Conjuring is a 2013 American supernatural horror film directed by James Wan and the first... more8
884416The Hills Have Eyes
Dee Wallace, Michael BerrymanReleased: 1977
Directed by: Wes Craven
Based on the sixteenth century cave-dwelling-clan leader Alexander Bean. He and his disciples ate an estimated 1,000 people.
The Hills Have Eyes is a 1977 American exploitation-horror film written and directed by Wes... more9
875376The Exorcism of Emily Rose
Laura Linney, Jennifer CarpenterReleased: 2005
Directed by: Scott Derrickson
Based on the story of a 16-year-old German girl named Anneliese Michel who was believed to be possessed in 1968.The Exorcism of Emily Rose is a 2005 American courtroom drama horror film directed by Scott... more10
1,082557Jaws
Steven Spielberg, Richard DreyfussReleased: 1975
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Inspired by a series of shark attacks off the New Jersey shore in 1916.Jaws is a 1975 American thriller film directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Peter... more11
911463Child's Play
Brad Dourif, Catherine HicksReleased: 1988
Directed by: Tom Holland
Seriously. Based on Robert the doll, who is a doll, owned by author Robert Eugene Otto, who is a man. Robert (the doll) was said to be possessed by evil spirits.Child's Play is a 1988 American horror film directed by Tom Holland, written by Tom Holland,... more12
782371The Haunting in Connecticut
Virginia Madsen, Amanda CrewReleased: 2009
Directed by: Peter Cornwell
Inspired by the experiences of the Snedeker family as investigated by paranormal detectives Ed and Lorraine Warren.
The Haunting in Connecticut is a 2009 American psychological horror film produced by Gold... more13
694424The Zodiac Killer
Hal Reed, Bob JonesReleased: 1971
Directed by: Tom Hanson
Based on the notorious San Francisco serial killer, the Zodiac.
The Zodiac Killer is a 1971 film directed by Tom Hanson. The film stars Hal Reed, Bob Jones,... more14
695484Monster
Charlize Theron, Christina RicciReleased: 2003
Directed by: Patty Jenkins
Based on the story of serial killer Aileen Wuornos who killed seven men in Florida while maintaining that they were all acts of self-defense.
Monster is a 2003 drama film about Aileen Wuornos, who was executed in Florida in 2002 for... more15
667410Bram Stoker's Dracula
Monica Bellucci, Keanu ReevesReleased: 1992
Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
Vlad the Impaler. Period.
Bram Stoker's Dracula is a 1992 American horror film directed and produced by Francis Ford... more16
493242Scream
Drew Barrymore, Rose McGowanReleased: 1996
Directed by: Wes Craven
Based partly on the real-life case of the Gainesville Ripper.
Scream is a 1996 American slasher film written by Kevin Williamson and directed by Wes Craven.... more17
634335The Strangers
Liv Tyler, Gemma WardReleased: 2008
Directed by: Bryan Bertino
Writer/Director Bryan Bertino claims that the movie is based on a series of break-ins that occurred in his neighborhood as a child. The legitimacy of this claim is up for debate.
The Strangers is a 2008 American horror film written and directed by Bryan Bertino and... more18
395347The Entity
Barbara Hershey, Ron SilverReleased: 1982
Directed by: Sidney J. Furie
Inspired by the experiences of Doris Blither, who claimed to be assaulted by invisible entities. This was documented by paranormal investigators Barry Taff and Kerry Gaynor.
The Entity is a horror film based on the novel of the same name by Frank De Felitta. It stars... more19
558351An American Haunting
Donald Sutherland, Sissy SpacekReleased: 2005
Directed by: Courtney Solomon
Based on the legend of the Bell Witch.
An American Haunting is a 2005 horror film written and directed by Courtney Solomon. It stars... more20
455344From Hell
Heather Graham, Ian HolmReleased: 2001
Directed by: Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes
Inspired by the murders committed by Jack The Ripper.From Hell is a 2001 American horror mystery film directed by the Hughes brothers and loosely... more21
344366Wolf Creek
Teresa Palmer, John JarrattReleased: 2005
Directed by: Greg McLean
Loosely inspired by Ivan Milat, who captured and tortured many hitchhikers and travelers during the 1990s.
Wolf Creek is a 2005 Australian horror film written, co-produced, and directed by Greg McLean,... more22
488433The Mothman Prophecies
Richard Gere, Debra MessingReleased: 2002
Directed by: Mark Pellington
Based on author John Keel's own investigations into the mysterious Mothman in the town of Point Pleasant.The Mothman Prophecies is a 2002 supernatural thriller film directed by Mark Pellington, based... more23
336338The Girl Next Door
Catherine Mary Stewart, William AthertonReleased: 2007
Directed by: Gregory Wilson
Partially based on the torture and murder of 16-year-old Sylvia Likens in 1965.The Girl Next Door is a 2007 American horror film adaptation of Jack Ketchum's 1989 novel of... more24
128119Dracula
Bela Lugosi, Tod BrowningReleased: 1931
Directed by: Tod Browning, Karl Freund
Inspired by the exploits of the Wallachian prince and serial killer Vlad III aka Vlad the Impaler
Dracula is a 1931 vampire-horror film directed by Tod Browning and starring Bela Lugosi as... more25
289305Dahmer
Jeremy Renner, Bruce DavisonReleased: 2002
Directed by: David Jacobson
Biopic based on the life and murders of American serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer.
Dahmer is a 2002 American biopic horror film about the American serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer.... more
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