The terrifying true stories that inspired your favorite horror movies
This article explores the real-life events and true crime cases that served as inspiration for iconic horror films like The Conjuring and The Exorcist. It highlights how studios leverage these factual backstories to create successful, low-budget franchises.
Why it matters
Understanding the intersection of true crime and entertainment explains the enduring commercial success of the horror genre and its reliance on real-world IP.
"The Exorcist." Warner Bros. Horror films have produced some of the most iconic figures in pop culture. But not all scary movies are completely fictional; some are actually based on real life . "The Conjuring" was based on the real-life Perron family in Rhode Island. Horror movies are reliably successful at the box office — just look at "Obsession" and "Backrooms " this year. They often have relatively low budgets, deliver strong box-office returns, and can create IP that leads to sequels and spin-offs for years to come. Plus, when Halloween rolls around, costumes and masks provide another bump to a studio's bottom line. But creating a completely original, compelling, and terrifying horror story can be challenging. That's why some of the most iconic and successful scary movies are based on real-world events.
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