Sometimes, the scariest horror stories aren't confined to the screen—they originate from real-life terrors. Whether it's cursed objects, harrowing exorcisms, or inexplicable hauntings, these films draw inspiration from events and places that claim to have truly happened. If you’ve ever wondered what nightmares are birthed from reality, here’s a list of horror movies that are as chilling as their true stories 

From Annabelle to Ragini MMS: 14 Movies Inspired by Real-Life Events and Places 

Annabelle 
Where to watch: Netflix, JioCinema, Prime Video 

A satanic cult targets John and Mia Form, leaving behind an eerie doll used as a vessel for evil forces. Based on the alleged experiences of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, Annabelle’s story stems from the infamous Raggedy Ann doll they once stored in their occult museum. 

The Conjuring Series 
Where to watch: Netflix, JioCinema, Prime Video 

Ed and Lorraine Warren make a career out of documenting supernatural disturbances. From the Perron family’s haunted farmhouse to the spine-tingling Enfield poltergeist, this series reimagines their investigations, blending documented cases with creative frights. 

The Exorcism of Emily Rose 
Where to watch: Prime Video 

This courtroom drama revolves around Reverend Moore’s exorcism of a seemingly possessed girl. Inspired by Anneliese Michel’s tragic real-life case, the film blurs the line between science and faith. 

The Amityville Horror 
Where to watch: Prime Video (rent) 

A family moves into their dream home in Amityville, New York, only to face terrifying paranormal activity. This film draws from the Lutz family’s account of their short-lived stay in the infamous Amityville house, which had a dark history of mass murder. 

The Exorcist 
Where to watch: Prime Video (rent) 

An actress battles to save her daughter from a demonic possession. The 1973 classic is loosely based on the exorcism of Roland Doe, a young boy reportedly tormented by a spirit, prompting a series of Vatican-sanctioned rituals. 

The Rite 
Where to watch: YouTube, Apple TV, Prime Video (all rent) 

This chilling tale follows Michael, a sceptical seminary student, as he learns the art of exorcism under Father Lucas. Inspired by real-life exorcist Father Gary Thomas, The Rite reveals the unsettling battle between faith and demonic forces. 

The Strangers 
Where to watch: Prime Video (rent) 

A couple’s getaway turns deadly when masked intruders terrorise them without reason. The film takes inspiration from the unsolved Keddie Cabin murders and director Bryan Bertino’s childhood fears of random home invasions. 

Trip to Bhangarh 
Where to watch: YouTube 

Six friends visit the infamous Bhangarh Fort, rumoured to be one of India’s most haunted places. As they uncover the fort’s mysteries, eerie events spiral out of control, echoing the real-life legends surrounding the cursed ruins. 

Ragini MMS 
Where to watch: Prime Video 

A couple’s romantic weekend at a secluded farmhouse takes a sinister turn with the arrival of an unseen entity. Loosely inspired by real events, the film blends voyeuristic horror with paranormal activity, offering a modern take on classic ghost stories. 

Stree 
Where to watch: Prime Video 

Inspired by the urban legend of Nale Ba from Karnataka, Stree is a horror-comedy about a spirit that preys on men in a small town. The real-life legend tells of a witch who knocked on doors at night, luring men by mimicking familiar voices. Writing “Nale Ba” (“Come Tomorrow” in Kannada) on walls was believed to deter the spirit 

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 
Where to watch: YouTube, Disney+ Hotstar 

This psychological horror-comedy explores the tale of a ghost named Manjulika. A remake of the Malayalam film Manichitrathazhu, it draws inspiration from real events in 19th-century Travancore. The original story, Manichitrathazhu, was reportedly based on a murder within the royal court of Travancore. 

Phoonk  
Where to watch: YouTube 

Centered on black magic, Phoonk explores the fear of curses and occult practices deeply rooted in certain Indian communities. Its story is reminiscent of real incidents and superstitions surrounding tantric rituals. 

Kantara  
Where to watch: Netflix, Prime Video 

Set in coastal Karnataka, this supernatural action-drama incorporates the traditional Bhoota Kola ritual, a spirit worship practice passed down through generations. The film is lauded for its authentic depiction of folklore and its cultural significance. 

Munjya 
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar 

Though not as widely known, Munjya reportedly incorporates lore and traditional pujas, grounding its narrative in rituals believed to invoke spirits or deities, as observed in various coastal communities across Maharashtra