Winchester: The House That Ghosts Built & Other Top Supernatural Films Based On True Events

31 May 2018

There is nothing spookier than a creepy supernatural film, especially when it is based on a true story. The unnerving new horror Winchester: The House That Ghosts Built is based on true events surrounding the infamous Winchester house near San Francisco, US. The film is available on Blu-ray and DVD now and to celebrate the release, we’ve put together a list of some of the top supernatural films based on true events.

Helen Mirren stars in Winchester: The House That Ghosts Built

The Conjuring (2013)

The Conjuring unveils the terrifying truths of the unfortunate Perron family who were terrorised by a dark spirit in their home in the 70s. Following a brutal murder in the 1800s, the house is the setting for countless horrors. Paranormal investigators Lorraine (Vera Farmiga) and Ed (Patrick Wilson) arrive at the house to help the family and encounter many horrifying moments.

Poltergeist (1982)

Loosely based on events that occurred in a house in Long Island, New York, Poltergeist pioneered the paranormal activity film genre and secured itself in the cult horror hall of fame in the 80s. Unlike most haunted house horrors, this one is set in a seemingly normal looking house in US suburbia. However, it soon becomes apparent that the house is home to many ghosts who are on a mission to torment the Freelings’ family.

The Amityville Horror (1979)

This film must be the most infamous haunted house horror. Based on a true story, The Amityville Horror follows a family who move to the coast into a large house with a dark history. Despite warnings from the real estate agency, the family purchase the house and dismiss the claims saying “houses don’t have memories”… they soon discover that’s not quite correct!

The Exorcist (1973)

Known as one of the scariest films in cinematic history, The Exorcist is believed to be based on a real-life 12-year-old boy who attempted to contact his late aunt using a Ouija board, which resulted in paranormal activities throughout his home, including strange noises and flying blankets. The young boy also started to show signs of being possessed and was later admitted to a mental institute, where several priests conducted an exorcism ritual.

The Rite (2011)

Based on Matt Baglio’s book The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist, this supernatural horror is based on the life of an American priest who went to Rome in 2005 to take exorcism classes, before attending over 80 exorcisms.