Are you a Horror Enthusiast? Do you love the rush of a well-earned eerie feeling? Do you usually curl up in bed and look for movies inspired by true events?
Well, we’ve got you covered there! We leave you a list of spine-chilling horror flicks right from the 1970s that will give you nightmares. We love the thrill of being terrified, don’t we? And as strange as that is, the label on movies ‘inspired by true events’ makes it all the more scarier. These movies don’t just evoke fright when you’re watching them but also count on being the most effective the minute you curl up in bed and switch off the lights. So without further ado, step right up and see the evil unravel:
The Exorcist (1973)
This Oscar-nominated adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s novel is regarded as one of the best horror movies ever. The Exorcist, inspired by the actual exorcism of 14-year-old boy Roland Doe in St. Louis hospital, stars Linda Blair playing the role of a 12-year old girl, Regan who is possessed by an evil spirit. This demonic possession is followed by her mother’s attempt to rescue her through an exorcism conducted by two priests.
If you think you are ready for this shocking film, keep in mind that some audience in the ’70s reportedly fainted after seeing the grisly makeup effects on Blair. In some extreme cases, viewers even required psychiatric care. Additionally, snarls and profane voices from Regan amount to some of the most chilling audios ever done for a film.
The Amityville Horror (1979)
If there had ever been a prolonged discussion and deliberation over a case among paranormal researchers, it was over the Amityville Horror case. The movie is based on the spine-tingling tales of events that took place in 1975 at 112, Ocean Avenue, the new house of the Lutz family in Amityville. In 1974, 23-year-old Ronald, the previous resident, had allegedly murdered his entire family in their sleep. Gradually, the Lutz family sensed the demonic presence and ended up vacating the house in less than 28 days. There are reports suggesting that Lutz used to wake up at 3:15 am every morning, which was around the time Ron carried out his murders. The original film still pops into the conversation as one of the best horror movies, mostly by those who still believe in its ghostly legend.
The Entity (1982)
This American supernatural horror film is an adaptation of the 1978 novel that goes by the same name. The film largely revolves around the 1974 case of Doris Bither, a woman who claimed to have been repeatedly sexually assaulted by an invisible entity of great evil and unstoppable strength. No doubt that fusing an unfeigned and heinous crime with supernatural elements is terrifying, but what accounts for the fame of The Entity is a woman’s struggle to prove that the terrifying, violent offences committed onto her are real. Also, it has won various awards for the exemplary performance displayed by Barbara Hershey as Carla Moran.
The Exorcism Of Emily Rose (2005)
While possession films existed before its release, the one film primarily responsible for the subgenre’s popularity is The Exorcism of Emily Rose. Till date, the film is regarded as one of the most disturbing and frightening films ever made. Based on the life of Anneliese Michel, a 19-year-old student, the film projects her real-life demonic possession. It then follows a court case where one gets to witness a dichotomy of spiritual belief and psychology. For those who may not be sceptical of the existence of spirits, the notion of one’s body being invaded by an invisible presence may be extremely difficult to believe. However, her suffering is palpable. The severity of the scenes has the power to provoke sincere anxiety.
The Rite (2011)
Based on Matt Baglio’s book The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist is one of the movies inspired by true events as witnessed and recounted by the most famous exorcist of America, Father Gary Thomas. Michael Kovak (Colin O’Donoghue) thinks that he must attend a Vatican school of exorcism. Believing possession to be the work of a troubled mind rather than actual demons, he urges his superiors to look for answers in psychiatry. Not soon, Michael becomes the apprentice of Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins), a veteran exorcist, and encounters a terrifying force that causes him to question everything he believes.
Oh, what was that noise? Better check it out before you settle down.
