“Beyond the screens lies a haunting reality. Here is the top 8 classical cursed movies which gained reputation for being cursed, unimaginable production difficulties, unexplainable phenomena, and tragedies, occurred either during production or after.
8.Poltergeist (1982) [imdb-7.3]
poltergeist is a classic horror film released in 1982, directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg. The movie itself did not experience a curse in the traditional sense but rather became associated with the idea due to a series of unfortunate events that happened to some of its cast members after filming. Here are some notable occurrences.
Heather O’Rourke, who played the young girl Carol Anne, tragically passed away at the age of 12 due to complication from a misdiagnosed intestinal issue shortly after filming “Poltergeist III.”
Dominique Dunne, who played the older by her ex-boyfriend in 1982, just months after the release if the first “Polrergeist” film.
Julian Beck, who played he sinister preacher Kane in “poltergeist II: The Other Side,” passed away from cancer shortly after completing filming.
Will Sampson, who played the spiritual medium Taylor in “Poltergeist II,” died from complications following a heart-lung transplant a few years after the film’s release.
This incidents led to speculation about a “Poltergeist curse,” suggesting that the film series was somehow haunted or cursed. However, It’s important to note that tragic events can occur in any context, and there is no occur in conclusive evidence of a supernatural curse associated with the films.
7. The crow (1994) [imdb-7.5]
The Crow is a 1994 cult classic film based on James O’Barr’s comic book of the same name. The movie gained notoriety due to a tragic event that occurred during its production:
Brandon Lee, the son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, tragically died during the filming of “The Crow.” A scence involving a prop gun went wrong, and Lee was fatally wounded. This incident happened on March 31, 1993, and Lee passed away at the age of 28.
Despite the tragedy, “The Crow” was eventually completed and released in 1994. It became a cult favorite due to its dark tone, visual style, and Brandon Lee’s poignant performance, marking his final role in a promising career cut short. The film’s legacy continues to resonate with fans of gothic and comic book–inspired cinema.
6. The Omen (1976) [imdb-7.5]
The Omen is a 1976 supernatural horror film directed by Richard Donner , a series of eerie incidents that occurred during and after its production:
Gregory Peck, who starred in the film as Robert Thorn, experienced a tragic loss when his son, Jonathan Peck, died by suicide two months before filming began.
The screenwriter David Seltzer was on a flight that was struck by lightening. Despite the plane being struck, it managed to land safely.
During filming, a tiger handler hired for a safari scene was killed he day after his involvement with the film concluded. Furthermore, another handler and his family were involved in a head-on car accident while returning home from the set, which caused the handler’s wife to have a fatal heart attack.
John Richardson, the special effects consultant, worked on the film, and he was involved in a car crash. His girlfriend was decapitated in the accident, which reportedly occurred on Friday the 13th.
These incidents led to speculation that the film was cursed or somehow connected to supernatural forces. However, it’s important to note that these events, while tragic and eerie, can be attributed to coincidences and the dangers inherent in everyday life rather than a literal curse.
5. Rebel without a cause (1955) [imdb-7.6]
Rebel Without a Cause is a 1955 drama film directed by Nicholas Rayand starring James Dean, Natalie Wood, and Sal Mineo. The film itself did not have a reputation for being cursed, unlike some other films mentioned previously. However, it is notable for a tragic event involving its star, James Dean:
James Dean, who played the protogonist Jim Stark in “Rebel Without a Cause,” tragically died in a car accident on September 30, 1955, just weeks before the film’s release. His premature death at the age of 4 cemented his status as a cultural icon and contributed to the film’s enduring legacy.
Despite Dean’s untimely death, “Rebel Without a Cause” remains a landmark in America cinema, particularly noted for its portrayal of teenage disillusionment and rebellion. The film has been praised for its performances and exploration of social issues, making it a classic of its genre.
4. Rosemary’s Baby (1968) [imdb-8.0]
Rosemary’s Baby is a classic horror film directed by Roman Polanski, released in 1968. IT is based on the novel of the same name by Ira Levin. The movie is often associated with a supposed curse or eerie occurrences surrounding its prodiction and those involved. Here are some aspects contributing to this perception:
During and after the filming of “Rosemary’s Baby,” several tragic events occurred involving people connected to the film. For instance, producer William Castle, who initially owned the rights to the novel, experienced health issues during production. Actor John Cassavetes, who played Guy Woodhouse, lost his wife, actress Gena Rowlands, to a fatal illness shortly after the film’s release.
The film deals with themes of occultism, demonic possession, and paranoia, which some believe may have attracted negative energies or associations. This movie was highly influential in the horror genre and became a cult classic, which could also contribute to its mystique and the stories surrounding it.
Roman Polanski, the director, faced personal tragedy when his wife, actress Sharon Tate, was brutally murdered by the Manson family in 1969, a year after the film’s release. This event added to the film’s association with tragedy and dark occurrences. Over the years, various urban legends and rumors have circulated about the film, its production, and its supposed curse. These stories often involve mysterious deaths, accidents, or misfortunes that are loosely connected to the film’s cast and crew.
3. The Exorcist (1973) [imdb-8.1]
The Exorcist is a 1973 supernatural horror film directed by William Friedkin, based on the novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty. The film became infamous for several reasons, contributing to its reputation as being cursed or haunted:
The filming of “The Exorcist” was plagued by numerous setbacks and difficulties. Mysterious fires broke out on the set, causing significant damage. The set of the MacNeil house, where most of the film takes place, was also destroyed in a fire believed to be caused by a pigeon getting into a circuit box.
Several members of the cast and crew, including actor Jack MacGowran and Linda Blair’s grandfather, died during or shortly after production. Max von Sydow’s brother also passed away on the first day of filming.
Reports of audience members fainting vomiting, and experiencing other adverse reactions during screenings added to the film’s mystique and reputation.
The Exorcist had a profound impact on popular culture, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of its time and receiving critical acclaim for its unsettling atmosphere, performances, and groundbreaking special effects.
While these incidents fueled rumors of a curse surroundings the film, many of the challenges faced during production can be attributed to the ambitious nature of the project and coincidences rather than supernatural causes.
2. Apocalypse Now (1979) [imdb-8.4]
While filming several key members of the cast and crew faced health problems. Martin Sheen, who starred as Captain Benjamin Williard, suffered a heart attack on set. Marion Brando, who played Colonel Kurtz, arrived significantly overweight and was difficult to work with, causing additional stress.
Despite its troubled production, “Apocalypse Now” received critical acclaim and has since been regarded as a cinematic masterpiece. It explores themes of war, madness, and the human condition, and its visual style and storytelling techniques have influenced many filmmakers.
While “Apocalypse Now” faced significant challenges during production, including some that might be seen as unfortunate or cursed, it is more accurately remembered as a groundbreaking film that pushed the boundaries of cinema and storytelling.
1. Atuk {Never Got Made)
Atuk is a screenplay based on the 1963 novel “The incomparable Atuk” by Canadian author Mordecai Richer. The screenplay adaptation itself has gained notoriety due to a series of unfortunate events surrounding attempts to produce the film. Here are some key points:
Over the years, several high-profile actors were attached to the role of Atuk, a charismatic Inuit under who moves to Toronto. These actors included John Belushi, John Candy, and Chris Farley. Tragically, all three actors passed away prematurely before the film could be made.
The screenplay adaptation of “Atuk” has been stuck in developments hell for decades. Despite numerous attempts by different filmmakers and studios to produce the film, various challenges, including financial issues and creative differences, have prevented its realization.
The concept of a curse associated with “Atuk” stems from the eerie coincidence of actors attached to the project meeting untimely deaths. However, It’s important to note that these tragedies are more likely coincidental and not indicative of a supernatural curse.