Some films are just drenched in a weird aura of bad luck: mysterious accidents on the set, and strange fates for their actors. Whether it is spine-chilling coincidences or the haunting tales that follow their cast, these films are said to have curses attached, making viewers feel they're in with the supernatural just by hitting "play".
From Hollywood legends, like The Exorcist, to thrillers no one expected, the following movies have more to be scared of than their plot.
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Dare to dive in? You may be surprised by all the weird things that happen to you after watching these cursed movies!
20. The Omen (1976)
Well known for a chilling narrative and a series of eerie incidents that beleaguered the production of the film, The Omen is one where Gregory Peck had his plane struck by lightning while traveling to film, and the screenwriter, David Seltzer, had it happen to him also.
The most tragic incident involved special effects supervisor John Richardson, whose girlfriend was decapitated in a car accident that mirrored a scene from the film. Such unsettling occurrences have led many to believe the film is cursed, according to The Independent.
Where to watch: Peacock, Apple TV.
19. Poltergeist (1982)
Poltergeist tells about a family terrorized by evil spirits in their house. It was also known for having some actors die in sad ways; Dominique Dunne, who was raped and killed by her former boyfriend, and Heather O'Rourke, who died when she was at the age of 12 due to a wrong misdiagnosis.
Other actors in the movie died young, and the series had been blamed for a supposed curse. Such untimely deaths have made Poltergeist one of the most infamous horror stories of all time, according to People Magazine.
Where to watch: Max, Amazon Prime.
18. The Exorcist (1973)
The Exorcist is known often to be one of the most frightening films made to date. This led it to have a pretty spooked reputation: set fires occurred on different instances during filming, seriously putting off the shooting period, and actress Linda Blair also injured her spine.
Unfortunately, nine persons associated with the film died either during or shortly after filming was going on, comprising actors and crew members. Such an eerie occurrence cast a shadow on most people's minds that The Exorcist was truly a cursed film, as Vanity Fair opined.
Where to watch: Max, Apple TV.
17. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
This follows the story of a pregnant woman whose conception was quite sinister. This film, because of the tragic story of the pregnancy, was etched into the lives of everyone after its release because Roman Polanski, the director of this movie, would soon have his wife brutally murdered by Charles Manson followers.
In addition, composer Krzysztof Komeda died from complications related to a brain clot shortly after working on the score—his death eerily resembling a character's fate in the film. These tragic events have contributed to the perception that Rosemary's Baby is cursed, according to The Guardian.
Where to watch: Paramount+, Amazon Prime.
16. The Crow (1994)
The Crow is remembered for its unfortunate and tragic filming due to Brandon Lee's death by being accidentally shot with a prop gun containing a live round. This incident shocked fans and the crew alike and has been fueling speculation about a curse on the film.
Other accidents also happened in production, apart from Lee's untimely death. These further contributed to this film's eerie reputation. Many view The Crow as a project haunted by real-life tragedy, Rolling Stone says.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Vudu.
15. Atuk (Unproduced)
Although never made, Atuk has become known through the supposed curse it brings to actors attached to the film over the years. Some of the most significant figures to have been linked to this unmade film include John Belushi and Chris Farley, both of whom died under questionable circumstances after showing interest in or being cast for parts in the film.
Many believe that the screenplay itself is cursed because of this pattern of early deaths among those connected to it. This legend is used as a form of cautionary tale within Hollywood when dangers lurk behind certain projects, according to Screen Rant.
Where to watch: Unavailable (Unproduced).
14. The Conjuring (2013)
Based on real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring has become synonymous with eerie occurrences both on and off set. Actress Vera Farmiga reported feeling watched while preparing for her role and claimed claw marks appeared on her computer screen during filming.
Other cast members have experienced strange happenings too, which further fueled the mystique surrounding the film and lent authenticity to the curse rumors circulating about this franchise, reports Insider.
Where to watch: Max, Netflix.
13. Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)
This anthology film is infamous because of the tragic helicopter accident that killed actor Vic Morrow and two child actors when filming. The incident made significant safety reforms within Hollywood, and many people tend to believe in a kind of curse surrounding this project.
After this disaster, rumors spread of other strange incidents associated with the production of the film. The LA Times therefore concludes that it is indeed one of the most cursed films.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Vudu.
12. The Innkeepers (2011)
Directed by Ti West, The Innkeepers is a film that follows two employees at an allegedly haunted inn investigating paranormal occurrences before it closes down permanently. Cast members during filming at an actual haunted location in Connecticut reportedly have some unsettling experiences, such as unexplained noises and ghostly sightings.
Director Ti West recalled hearing weird noises while filming late at night, leaving fans to wonder if actual spirits inspired parts of this supernatural story according to Collider.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Vudu.
11. Antrum (2018)
Antrum is tagged as "the deadliest film ever made" and mixes a documentary style with horror. The approach surrounds the movie in cinematic history of a string of urban legends telling the cursed films. Such weird fates befell viewers during screenings at certain festivals that some apparently were ill or experienced bizarre coincidences after they left.
This has made Antrum all the more of an anomaly among horror buffs who would be gullible to crave thrills but remain cautious of aftertaste effects as the movie provides some extra texture to the already intense tale according to Screen Rant.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Vudu.
10. The Passion of the Christ (2004)
This very graphic film, directed by Mel Gibson, is not only a story of passion but a picture of Jesus Christ's final hours before the crucifixion. It is a powerful portrayal steeped so heavily in religious themes: physical suffering endured during these harrowing events within such a pivotal moment in faith history, as well as the emotional turmoil faced by those closest to Him at this time.
Lead actor Jim Caviezel had several close calls for incidents, including being hit by lightning twice while shooting critical scenes! These strange incidents have contributed to perceptions of curses attached to this production according to Newsweek.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Apple TV.
9. Apocalypse Now (1979)
Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now is an adaptation of Joseph Conrad's novella "Heart of Darkness," with a theme of morality amid chaos. The production was plagued by severe weather that destroyed sets and caused delays. Actor Martin Sheen was hospitalized for a heart attack during filming.
This and other chaotic events led to the making of the documentary Hearts of Darkness, telling the story of the tumultuous journey the film experienced. The list of accidents and misfortunes surrounding the film has led some to believe that there is a curse surrounding it, thus cementing the film in history per Variety.
Where to watch: Paramount+, Vudu.
8. Waterworld (1995)
Set in a post-apocalyptic world with no land, Waterworld stars Kevin Costner as a drifter navigating dangerous waters. The production endured one setback after another, including monstrous storms that wrecked sets and delayed filming.
In one extremely perilous scene, Kevin reportedly nearly drowned, leading many in the fan base to refer to it as "the cursed movie.".
It may not have been well-received when it came out and then bombed at the box office, but over the years, it has managed to acquire cult status thanks to its fantastic visuals and great performances. As one of Hollywood's most infamous productions, Entertainment Weekly writes.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Peacock.
7. The Amityville Horror (2005)
A remake based on true events, The Amityville Horror is about George and Kathy Lutz moving into a house in which horrific murders took place several years ago. Incidents of spooky happenings came to light during the shoot.
One of the actors said that he woke up at 3:15 AM every night: the time at which the real-life murders were said to have taken place, which inspired the movie. Similarly, other actors who have been on the movie set have also reported some weird occurrences during filming.
This adds yet another dimension to an already scarily gripping story of psychological horror and supernatural forces. These weird coincidences have led to many believing the film to be cursed, according to E! Online.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu.
6. The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
Loosely based on real events, The Exorcism of Emily Rose combines courtroom drama with supernatural horror as it goes into faith vs. skepticism. Cast members report numerous unsettling occurrences throughout production, including reports of shadowy figures lurking just out of sight.
Actress Jennifer Carpenter stated that her radio was turning on at night, playing scary songs. Such incidents cause a lot of speculations about curses being connected directly to the subject matter dealt with in the storyline within the film, which can only add to the interest beyond entertainment, as Today suggests.
Where to watch: Netflix, Apple TV.
5. The Possession (2012)
The Possession is a film about a family who unknowingly takes home an antique box that supposedly had an evil spirit that has been believed to be involved in the chaos within them. During filming, strange occurrences took place, as with electrical problems and even a fire in storage that burnt parts of the props directly involved with the cursed box.
According to Screen Rant, the aftereffects remain and torment those closely related to the project, thereby creating an ominous atmosphere during production and leaving audiences wondering if reality indeed reflects the fiction on-screen.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Apple TV.
4. The Shining (1980)
Stanley Kubrick's film adaptation of Stephen King's novel The Shining follows Jack Torrance. He's a struggling writer who takes a job caretaking an isolated hotel during winter months alongside his wife Wendy and son Danny, who possesses psychic abilities.
Filming was difficult; Shelley Duvall even suffered from extreme mental tension because of Kubrick's demanding style as a director that took a great impact on her mental state before leaving the project.
Thus, these extreme experiences become speculative grounds for fans if a curse surrounds the iconic production process of this horror masterpiece by Maxim.
Where to watch: Max, Amazon Prime.
3. Psycho (1960)
A classic thriller from the genius of Alfred Hitchcock, Psycho has the leading character, Marion Crane, who steals money, flees to the outback, and into the hands of Norman Bates, the owner of a motel, where many dark secrets lie hidden behind his seemingly normal face.
Lead actress Janet Leigh allegedly became fearful of showers after filming ended because of the graphic scenes shot on the premises. To this day, psychological damage can still be seen, according to The Telegraph, which claims many believe there's a curse surrounding this classic film's legacy in cinema history.
Where to watch: Peacock, Apple TV.
2. The Nun (2018)
A spin-off from the hot Conjuring franchise, The Nun explores the origins of the demonic entity Valak introduced in earlier installments while delving into chilling backstories revealing how evil manifested within a convent during World War II-era Europe. Actors reported to have freaked out throughout the shoot, some saying they even heard disembodied voices or shadowy figures that seemed to linger just beyond their view.
All these elements increase tension in already spooky scenes set by the makers, so these disturbing events triggered several viewers to ponder if perhaps there is a sort of curse associated with what they deal with right down into the content shown- further making this horror according to Bloody Disgusting.
Where to watch: Max, Netflix.
1. Insidious (2010)
During Insidious, many crew members reported feeling that they were being watched and were hearing noises on set, giving an ominous ambiance about this film's plotline, which involved demonical possessions and other struggles families face versus supernatural forces looking to take their lives.
Actor Patrick Wilson revealed that these strange sensations aligned with what was happening on screen and fueled rumors of curses surrounding the production itself, which sparked the interest of audiences wanting to unravel mysteries not so far from the surface, according to Collider.
Where to watch: Max, Amazon Prime.
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