Karoly Arellano

Written by Karoly Arellano

Modified & Updated: 30 Sep 2024

35-facts-about-cursed-movies
Source: Flickeringmyth.com

Are some movies really cursed? This question has intrigued movie buffs and skeptics alike for decades. From eerie coincidences to tragic accidents, certain films have gained a reputation for being plagued by misfortune. "The Exorcist," "Poltergeist," and "The Omen" are just a few examples where cast and crew experienced bizarre and often tragic events. Whether you believe in curses or not, the stories behind these films are undeniably chilling. Could it be mere coincidence, or is there something more sinister at play? Let's dive into 35 spine-tingling facts about these so-called cursed movies and decide for ourselves.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cursed movies are surrounded by eerie events, tragic deaths, and unexplained phenomena, making their productions seem haunted and plagued by misfortune.
  • Some films seem to carry a dark cloud over their production, with strange happenings on set, tragic deaths, and even cursed objects adding to their eerie reputations.
Table of Contents

What Makes a Movie Cursed?

Some films seem to carry a dark cloud over their production. These "cursed" movies often experience a series of unfortunate events, accidents, or even deaths. Here are some spine-chilling facts about these eerie productions.

  1. Poltergeist (1982): Several cast members died unexpectedly after the film's release. Dominique Dunne was murdered, and Heather O'Rourke died from a medical misdiagnosis.

  2. The Exorcist (1973): A fire destroyed the set, delaying production. Actor Jack MacGowran died shortly after filming his scenes.

  3. The Omen (1976): Multiple crew members experienced near-fatal accidents. Gregory Peck's plane was struck by lightning, and a special effects artist was involved in a car crash eerily similar to a scene in the film.

  4. The Crow (1994): Brandon Lee, the lead actor, was accidentally shot and killed on set due to a prop gun malfunction.

  5. Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983): A helicopter crash during filming killed actor Vic Morrow and two child actors.

  6. Rebel Without a Cause (1955): James Dean, Sal Mineo, and Natalie Wood all died under tragic circumstances within a few years of the film's release.

Strange Happenings on Set

Unexplained phenomena and bizarre accidents often plague these productions, adding to their cursed reputations.

  1. Rosemary's Baby (1968): Producer William Castle and composer Krzysztof Komeda both suffered serious health issues after the film's release. Komeda died from a brain clot.

  2. The Conqueror (1956): Filmed near a nuclear test site, many cast and crew members, including John Wayne, later developed cancer.

  3. Apocalypse Now (1979): Martin Sheen suffered a heart attack during filming. The production faced numerous delays and budget overruns.

  4. The Innkeepers (2011): Director Ti West reported strange occurrences at the hotel where the film was shot, including unexplained noises and objects moving on their own.

  5. The Possession (2012): A fire destroyed the storage facility containing the film's props. No cause was ever determined.

Tragic Deaths and Accidents

Many cursed films are marked by the untimely deaths of their cast and crew, often under mysterious or tragic circumstances.

  1. The Dark Knight (2008): Heath Ledger, who played the Joker, died from an accidental overdose before the film's release.

  2. The Wizard of Oz (1939): Several actors suffered injuries during filming. Margaret Hamilton, who played the Wicked Witch, was severely burned during a stunt.

  3. The Passion of the Christ (2004): Actor Jim Caviezel was struck by lightning while filming the crucifixion scene.

  4. The Adventures of Milo and Otis (1986): Allegations of animal cruelty plagued the film, with rumors that many animals died during production.

  5. The Ghost of Goodnight Lane (2014): Cast and crew reported seeing apparitions and experiencing unexplained phenomena on set.

Unexplained Phenomena

Some cursed movies are haunted by unexplained events that defy logical explanation, adding to their eerie allure.

  1. Annabelle (2014): The set was reportedly haunted, with crew members experiencing strange occurrences and objects moving on their own.

  2. The Amityville Horror (2005): Actor Ryan Reynolds and other cast members reported waking up at 3:15 AM, the same time the real-life murders occurred.

  3. The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005): Actress Jennifer Carpenter claimed her radio would turn on by itself, playing Pearl Jam's "Alive" at full volume.

  4. The Innkeepers (2011): Director Ti West reported strange occurrences at the hotel where the film was shot, including unexplained noises and objects moving on their own.

  5. The Possession (2012): A fire destroyed the storage facility containing the film's props. No cause was ever determined.

Cursed Objects and Props

Sometimes, the objects and props used in these films seem to carry their own curses, causing harm to those who come into contact with them.

  1. The Ring (2002): The cursed videotape in the film was rumored to have caused strange occurrences for those who watched it.

  2. The Conjuring (2013): The real-life Annabelle doll, featured in the film, is said to be cursed and is kept locked away in a glass case by paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.

  3. The Exorcist (1973): The statue of Pazuzu used in the film was said to have caused strange occurrences on set, including unexplained fires and injuries.

  4. The Crow (1994): The prop gun that killed Brandon Lee was found to have a live round lodged in the barrel, despite being checked by the prop master.

Cursed Productions

Some films seem to be cursed from the very beginning, with production plagued by accidents, delays, and other misfortunes.

  1. The Man Who Killed Don Quixote (2018): Director Terry Gilliam's film was plagued by numerous setbacks, including floods, injuries, and financial difficulties, over its 20-year production.

  2. The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996): The film faced numerous production issues, including cast changes, weather problems, and director Richard Stanley being fired.

  3. Roar (1981): The film, featuring real lions and tigers, resulted in numerous injuries to cast and crew, including actress Melanie Griffith needing reconstructive surgery.

  4. The Shining (1980): Director Stanley Kubrick's obsessive perfectionism led to numerous delays and tensions on set, with actress Shelley Duvall suffering a nervous breakdown.

  5. The Abyss (1989): Filming underwater scenes led to numerous accidents and injuries, with actor Ed Harris nearly drowning.

Real-Life Hauntings

Some cursed movies are based on real-life hauntings, adding an extra layer of eerie authenticity to their stories.

  1. The Amityville Horror (1979): Based on the real-life haunting of the Lutz family, the film's production was plagued by strange occurrences and accidents.

  2. The Haunting in Connecticut (2009): Based on the real-life experiences of the Snedeker family, the film's production was marked by unexplained phenomena and accidents.

  3. The Entity (1982): Based on the real-life haunting of Doris Bither, the film's production was plagued by strange occurrences and accidents.

  4. The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005): Based on the real-life exorcism of Anneliese Michel, the film's production was marked by strange occurrences and accidents.

  5. The Conjuring (2013): Based on the real-life experiences of the Perron family, the film's production was marked by strange occurrences and accidents.

The Final Cut

Cursed movies have fascinated audiences for years. From "The Exorcist" to "Poltergeist", these films carry eerie tales that blur the line between fiction and reality. Cast and crew often face bizarre accidents, untimely deaths, and unexplained phenomena, adding an extra layer of intrigue. While skeptics dismiss these stories as coincidences, believers argue there's something more sinister at play. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, the allure of cursed movies remains undeniable. They remind us that sometimes, the scariest stories aren't just on the screen. Next time you watch one of these films, you might find yourself wondering if there's more to the story than meets the eye. Either way, cursed movies will continue to captivate and spook us, making us question the thin veil between reality and the supernatural.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly makes a movie "cursed"?
Well, when folks talk about cursed movies, they're usually referring to films plagued by unusual or tragic events. These can range from accidents on set to health issues among the cast and crew, or even deaths. The belief is that these occurrences are not mere coincidences but are somehow caused by a curse related to the movie.
How do these curses start?
Curses can start from various sources. Sometimes, it's believed that using real artifacts or disturbing sacred sites during filming angers spirits or entities, leading to a curse. Other times, the subject matter of the movie itself, like dealing with demons or the supernatural, is thought to invite bad luck or worse.
Are there any famous movies considered cursed?
Absolutely! "The Exorcist," "Poltergeist," and "The Omen" are a few that top the list. Each of these films experienced eerie happenings during and after production, from unexplained accidents on set to the untimely deaths of people involved in the projects.
Can a movie be "uncursed"?
That's a tricky one. Some believe that performing certain rituals or blessings can help lift a curse from a movie or its production. However, whether or not these methods work is up for debate. Skeptics argue that unfortunate events are part of life and not necessarily due to curses.
What's the most bizarre incident related to a cursed movie?
One of the most chilling incidents occurred during the filming of "The Omen." A special effects artist was involved in a car accident that mirrored a scene from the movie, which was eerily specific and led many to believe in the curse even more.
How do cursed movies affect their viewers?
While there's no concrete evidence to suggest that watching a cursed movie can directly affect a viewer, the lore and mystique surrounding these films certainly add a layer of intrigue. For some, knowing the history of a cursed movie might make the viewing experience more thrilling or spooky.
Do all cultures believe in cursed movies?
Beliefs in curses vary widely across cultures. While some take the idea of cursed movies seriously, attributing unfortunate events to supernatural causes, others see them as mere coincidences or the result of human error. The belief in cursed movies often depends on cultural attitudes towards the supernatural and the unexplained.

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