26 Recommendations for the Scariest Horror Movies Based on True Stories, Guaranteed to Make You Shiver and Keep You Awake

Kapanlagi.com - For those of you who love watching horror movies, you can't call yourself a horror movie lover if you haven't watched the recommendations for the scariest horror movies based on true stories. Yes, in fact, horror movies are not just fiction, but some are based on true stories.

The recommendations for the scariest horror movies based on true stories will definitely make your hair stand on end. In fact, some of these scariest horror movie recommendations were produced in the 1970s. Just imagine how terrifying these horror films are!

With various scary scenes presented, it will be agreed that this list deserves to be considered the best horror movie recommendations. You will find various titles, both domestic and international.

So, for those of you who are curious, what are the horror movie recommendations? Here are the scariest horror movies based on true stories that can make you shiver and even have nightmares.

1. THE EXORCIST (1973)

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The film THE EXORCIST is an American horror film adapted from the 1971 novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty, about a little girl who is possessed by a demon and her mother's desperate efforts to heal her through exorcism or the ritual of casting out demons performed by two Catholic priests.

This film and novel are inspired by a true story, where a recorded exorcism took place in 1949 on a 14-year-old boy. The film became one of the highest-grossing horror films of all time worldwide. The film THE EXORCIST also received ten Academy Award nominations.

However, the film THE EXORCIST was banned in individual cities and countries for being too horrifying or frightening, and also for religious reasons in some countries. It is no surprise that the film THE EXORCIST is considered one of the scariest horror films that you definitely shouldn't miss.

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2. THE AMITYVILLE HORROR (1979)

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The film THE AMITYVILLE HORROR from 1979 is one of the classic horror films and certainly the best among all its adaptations, including several sequels and remakes. Yes, this film, which is based on a true story, has been made several times, but the 1979 THE AMITYVILLE HORROR was quite successful.

The horror storytelling style of the 70s is on par with other classic horrors, such as THE EXORCIST (1973) or THE OMEN (1976), but presented with a realistic horror narrative, making it worth enjoying. No wonder this film, THE AMITYVILLE HORROR, has become one of the most recommended horror films that you definitely should not miss.

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3. THE SHINING (1980)

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Another recommendation for the scariest horror film is a movie titled THE SHINING. This film was released in 1980. THE SHINING is one of the horror films directed by the renowned Stanley Kubrick. Adapted from the novel by Stephen King of the same name, this film tells the story of Jack Torrance, who works as the caretaker of a historic hotel in Colorado.

The hotel, named the Overlook Hotel, is managed by him along with his wife Wendy and their son Danny. As time goes on, Danny sees the hotel's terrifying past. Jack's mental condition also deteriorates over time due to the influence of supernatural forces in the hotel. THE SHINING is actually a fictional story, KLovers.

However, the background of the story is inspired by one of the historic hotels, the Stanley Hotel, which also inspired the writing of the novel The Shining. And it has become one of the most recommended horror films that you should not miss.

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4. THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE (2005)

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Who doesn't know the film THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE? Yes, this horror film has become one of the legendary horror films worth rewatching. Directed by Scott Derrickson, this film adapts the true story of a young woman from Bavaria, Anneliese Michel, in 1952.

This film tells the story of the investigation into the death of Emily Rose, who died after undergoing an exorcism by a priest. Emily suffered from epilepsy. Unfortunately, the medications she took only made her depressed and triggered suicidal thoughts. Emily also began to experience strange occurrences that made her lose control even more.

Then Emily's parents called in a priest, Richard Moore, to perform the exorcism. However, instead of being successful, the exorcism ritual took Emily's life and led to Richard Moore being accused of attempted murder. For those of you who love horror films, you surely know this one. It is also recommended as one of the scariest horror films of all time.

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5. THE POSSESSION (2012)

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Next on the list of the scariest horror films is a movie titled THE POSSESSION. This film, released in 2012, is one of the American supernatural horror films directed by Ole Bornedal. The film is based on a true story about a Dybbuk box that is believed to be haunted.

The film THE POSSESSION tells the story of Emily, a teenage girl who discovers a Dybbuk box in her father Clyde Brenek's house. After encountering the box, Emily's behavior gradually becomes increasingly strange. This film THE POSSESSION is inspired by a report in a newspaper about a family battling a demon known as the 'Dybbuk'.

In Jewish folklore, the spirit within the Dybbuk box is said to be able to possess human bodies and consume them. Therefore, this film is one of the scariest horror movie recommendations that you definitely should not miss.

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6. THE CONJURING (2013 - 2021)

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The film THE CONJURING is one of the recommendations for the scariest horror films next. Yes, the film THE CONJURING is indeed based on many true stories, you know KLovers. The story of the film THE CONJURING is taken from the tale of Ed and Lorraine Warren, a supernatural couple who experienced terrifying events throughout their careers.

Like the first film THE CONJURING, it tells the story of Ed and Lorraine facing an evil spirit named Bathsheba. She was originally the wife of a landowner who then worshipped the devil and killed her own child as a sacrifice. This story is a true account that Ed and Lorraine Warren faced.

They even supported the production of this film and once published their own book titled House of Darkness House of Light. It’s not just about the existence of the Perron family, which indeed existed, but also Bathsheba, who was once a landowner before that family. However, there is no definitive evidence that Bathsheba was a devil worshipper as portrayed in the film.

Then THE CONJURING 2 is also based on a true story experienced by the Hodgson family in England, known as the Enfield Poltergeist. Several scenes in this film actually occurred, one of which is the knocking behind the wall. Meanwhile, the scene of Janet floating in the air is still debated, whether she was truly flying or jumping.

Through a number of photographic evidence, it appears as if Janet simply jumped from her bed. However, according to Janet's and her family's testimonies, as well as several witnesses, Janet truly floated above her bed. And lastly, the story of THE CONJURING 3 is also quite terrifying.

The case itself caused a stir in the United States during the '80s because for the first time, possession was used as a defense in court. Not only that, the possession experienced by David Glatzel also really happened and was handled by Ed and Lorraine Warren. It's no wonder that the film THE CONJURING has become one of the must-watch recommendations for the scariest horror films.

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7. THE INVISIBLE FAMILY (2017)

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Not only Western films, but Indonesian films are also based on true stories. Although most are also derived from legends and community tales. For example, the film THE INVISIBLE FAMILY, which was released in 2017. Directed by Hedy Suryawan, while the story was written by Bonaventura Genta, Lele Laila, and Evelyn Afnilia.

This story is based on a mystical experience written by Bonaventura Genta on an internet forum. Genta and his friends worked at the same company in Yogyakarta. When they moved to a new office building, they began to feel strange things, and their nights became moments filled with tension due to the presence of supernatural beings.

Even more astonishing, to create this ghost story, they actually sought permission from the supernatural beings that were waiting in the office. So, it’s no wonder that the film THE INVISIBLE FAMILY has become one of the most recommended horror films.

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8. DANUR (2017 - 2019)

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The last recommendation for the scariest horror film is a movie titled DANUR. This Indonesian horror film, adapted from a true story, is based on a novel titled Gerbang Dialog Danur, which tells the real events of singer Risa Saraswati. Yes, DANUR tells the story of a meeting between a little indigo girl named Risa Saraswati (Prilly Latuconsina) and her three ghost friends, Peter, William, and Jansen.

Little Risa often felt lonely because her father and mother were busy working. The only companion she had every day was a maid. Sadly, every birthday moment, even Risa's father and mother never came to celebrate with her. Her three ghost friends appeared after Risa made a wish on her eighth birthday.

One time, Risa's mother was at home and saw that Risa was talking to herself. She asked Risa who she was talking to, and Risa said she was talking to her friends. The worried mother then called a paranormal and opened Risa's third eye, and Risa finally realized that the ones she often talked to were ghosts and their appearances were scary.

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9. SAM WAS HERE

The next recommendation for the scariest horror film is SAM WAS HERE. Set in 1998, this film tells the story of a salesman named Sam. He travels through California, but instead of finding someone or something to prospect, he ends up in trouble.

His car breaks down in a completely deserted and eerie place. The situation worsens when he faces terror and the appearance of someone who wants to kill him. So, what will happen to Sam next? Just watch the film yourself!

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10. THE AUTOPSY OF JANE DOE

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For those of you looking for a recommendation for the scariest horror film with blood-splattered scenes, THE AUTOPSY OF JANE DOE is the answer. This film tells the story of a family who works as coroner's assistants. The father and son characters are certainly used to performing autopsies on various corpses. However, there is one corpse that changes everything. The corpse of Jane Doe is a mysterious body that brings a lot of horror. If you're ready, just watch the film!

However, the presence of the mysterious corpse named Jane Doe changes everything. If you're ready to face the horrors presented, just watch this film.

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11. SINISTER

SINISTER is one of the best horror movie recommendations that should not be missed. The film, which tells the story of a writer, presents many terrifying scenes. It is narrated that Ellison is a writer who is experiencing a career setback. To boost his creativity, he decides to move houses.

By chance, he chooses a house that was the site of a murder, thinking it could give him ideas for his novel. Unfortunately, reality does not go as hoped. The dark background of the house, which he kept secret from his family, begins to show strange signs. Terror continues to come.

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12. PARANORMAL ACTIVITY

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There is a film that is considered phenomenal among horror lovers. Therefore, it is only natural that the film titled PARANORMAL ACTIVITY is included in the best horror movie recommendations for you to watch. Broadly speaking, this film tells the story of a young couple who are often disturbed by supernatural forces from night until morning.

Like people who do not believe in ghosts, Katie (Katie Featherston) and Micah (Micah Sloat) feel skeptical. Setting up a video camera becomes the step they choose. Eventually, they can see all the tensions that occur. The disturbances become more severe, and the atmosphere becomes increasingly tense.

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13. THE MEDIUM

If you want to get recommendations for the scariest horror films, try watching THE MEDIUM. This Thai film has a presentation style similar to PARANORMAL ACTIVITY. You will see shamanistic activities in Isan, Thailand. You will also be presented with a unique storyline packaged like a documentary film. Get ready to be creeped out throughout the screening, KLovers!

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14. A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET

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A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET is the right answer for horror film enthusiasts. From the visuals alone, you would surely agree that this film belongs on the list of the scariest horror film recommendations. The terrifying figure of Freddy Krueger first appeared in the horror film A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET directed by Wes Craven.

It is told that during his lifetime, Freddy Krueger was a child killer. This man in a hat died after being burned alive by the community. However, it turns out that this frightening figure still often hunts and haunts children in their dreams.

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15. THE HUSH

The film THE HUSH tells the story of a deaf writer who moves into the woods. She intentionally isolates herself and struggles to survive. However, one day a masked killer mysteriously appears at her window. Being far from civilization, she must fight the psychopath alone. The tense situation is further heightened by jump scare scenes that are sure to make you jump in fear. It’s no wonder that this film ends up on the list of the scariest horror movies you need to watch.

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16. THE RING

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Not only is this film worthy of being included in the best horror movie recommendations, but it can also be considered one of the scariest horrors. You will definitely feel tense when you see the scene of the ghost Sadako coming out of the well and being able to approach those watching her on television. This iconic scene is guaranteed to stick in the minds of every viewer. So phenomenal and terrifying, this mixed horror film from Japan was also made into a Hollywood version in 2002, along with The Ring Two (2005) and Rings (2017).

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17. THE GIRL FROM THE DAMNED LAND

When talking about the best and scariest horror movie recommendations, we certainly cannot forget the filmmakers from our homeland. You can watch the film THE GIRL FROM THE DAMNED LAND that will make you tense. Broadly speaking, this film tells the story of two city girls who return to their hometown. They return because they want to inherit a legacy. However, who would have thought that they would actually face many mystical scenes that keep lurking.

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18. SUZZANNA: BREATHING IN THE GRAVE

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Who doesn't know the figure of Suzzanna? She is an Indonesian horror movie star who has produced many works. Even after her death, films she once starred in were remade with actresses who resemble her face. Therefore, the film SUZZANNA: BREATHING IN THE GRAVE clearly deserves to be on the list of must-see best horror movie recommendations.

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19. ASIH

Have you watched the movie DANUR? Well, the movie ASIH is a spin-off of DANUR. The story is set 37 years before the story of Danur begins. It tells the tale of Ita, a wife who is forced to give birth to a baby girl earlier than expected. The midwife warns Ita to be cautious of supernatural beings for the next 40 days. At that time, there are rumors that the restless spirit of Asih is targeting newborns to replace her child. So, are you interested in watching it?

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20. Satan's Servant

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The next recommendation for the scariest horror movie is PENGABDI SETAN. This film won many awards at the 2017 FFI. Broadly speaking, the story revolves around a child named Rini trying to cure her sick mother.

Unfortunately, Rini discovers that her mother has passed away. And that death becomes the beginning of the terror that haunts her family. They are visited by a figure resembling her deceased mother, and many more terrifying events will unfold.

21. THE GHOST LECTURER: IS IT NIGHT OR HAS IT BEEN A YEAR?

THE GHOST LECTURER: IS IT NIGHT OR HAS IT BEEN A YEAR? (credit: imdb.com)

This film tells the story of four students attending a short course during the semester break. Initially, the classroom atmosphere is normal until the class leader receives a message from the lecturer that the class for that day is canceled. Meanwhile, the lecturer is standing right in front of them.

Horror begins to emerge when the students realize that their lecturer is not standing on the ground. He then asks his friends to leave one by one without making a fuss. At the end, the lecturer says, "It's Night, Do You Know?" This story is inspired by a viral tale on social media, showcasing how the world of education is also not free from supernatural mysteries.

22. KKN IN THE DANCING VILLAGE

KKN IN PENARI VILLAGE (credit: imdb.com)

This film is adapted from a viral story on Twitter by @SimpleMan, which tells the tale of six students undergoing a KKN program in a remote village. They are warned not to cross the forbidden gate leading to a mysterious place.

When that boundary is crossed, disturbances begin to occur, especially from the figure of a beautiful dancer who turns out to be a supernatural being. Many viewers feel that this story is too real because its setting is believed to be based on a real location.

23. DEVIL MARKET

DEVIL MARKET (credit: imdb.com)

The legend of the invisible market or Devil Market has long circulated among mountain climbers in Java, such as on Mount Salak or Lawu. This film brings that myth to life as a thrilling tale about people who disappear after shopping at the invisible market.

The story develops from various accounts of climbers who claim to have heard the sounds of transactions in the middle of the night without any human presence. The visuals and atmosphere of this film are crafted to resemble real events often recounted by the community.

24. THE SPIRITUAL REALM: THE GHOSTLY SINGER

THE SUPERNATURAL WORLD: GHOST SINGER (credit: imdb.com)

A true story that occurred in Trenggalek, East Java, serves as the basis for this film. A woman named Ayu experiences multiple possessions by the spirit of a singer named Sarinten. After being exorcised, the spirit is believed to possess Ayu to continue its vengeance.

This film strongly depicts the mystical atmosphere of rural Java, complete with beliefs in spirits and traditional rituals. Its scenes showcase the struggle between humans and supernatural beings within the context of local culture.

25. THE STORY OF JAVA: HEADLESS POCONG

THE STORY OF JAVA: HEADLESS POCONG (credit: imdb.com)

This film features Om Hao, a spiritual researcher with retrocognition abilities who can see the past through inner vision. In his research, he encounters the headless pocong spirit named Walisdi, believed to be an evil figure that haunts the living.

The story begins with mystical disturbances at a school in Yogyakarta that frighten many students. Through this real experience, the film illustrates how the spiritual world often overlaps with everyday human life.

26. FORBIDDEN CAMP: MASS POSSESSION

FORBIDDEN CAMP: MASS POSSESSION (credit: imdb.com)

This film is adapted from a true event in Yogyakarta in 2016, when a group of high school students experienced mass possession during a camping activity. The story first went viral after being shared by someone named Wakhid, who heard it directly from witnesses.

What was supposed to be a recreational activity turned into a night full of terror. The students screamed, losing consciousness. This film attempts to recreate that chilling atmosphere with a terrifying documentary style.

27. QnA Recommendations for the Scariest Horror Movies Based on True Stories

Q1: Why do movies based on true stories feel scarier?

Because the audience knows that these events actually happened or are believed to have happened, making the atmosphere more chilling.

Q2: Is the location of KKN di Desa Penari real?

The exact location has never been publicly confirmed, but many speculations suggest it is in East Java.

Q3: Are there any original witnesses of the Forbidden Camp incident?

Yes, according to sources, this story comes from the testimony of original participants of the event who experienced it firsthand.

Q4: Who is the figure of Om Hao in the Story of Java?

Om Hao is a spiritual researcher known for his ability to interact with past energies or spirits in certain places.

Q5: Is Pasar Setan adapted from a climber's story?

Correct. The story comes from a climber who claimed to have heard about the activities of an invisible market on a certain mountain.

Those are some of the best recommendations for the scariest horror movies you can watch. Not only can they give you chills, but these films can also make your heart race. Happy watching. Follow the latest celebrity news only on Kapanlagi.com. If not now, when?

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