10 Movies People Believe are Cursed
Some movie sets are discussed more for what happened behind the scenes. Certain films have picked up a reputation for being cursed. These stories come from real reports, interviews, and production notes.
Each case carries details that still raise questions. Here’s a look at the movies that made headlines for all the wrong reasons.
The Exorcist
Credit: IMDb
Filming stretched over 200 days, partly due to a fire that destroyed the entire set, except for Regan’s bedroom. Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair both suffered serious back injuries during stunts. Actors Jack MacGowran and Vasiliki Maliaros died before the film’s release, and several family members of the cast and crew died during production.
Poltergeist
Credit: IMDb
It’s often repeated that real skeletons were used in the muddy pool scene. Afterward, multiple cast members died under grim circumstances. Dominique Dunne was murdered, Heather O’Rourke died of septic shock at 12, and Julian Beck and Will Sampson, both from the sequel, passed away not long after filming.
The Omen
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Gregory Peck’s son died before production began. His plane was hit by lightning. So was another chartered for the crew. An animal trainer died the day after filming with baboons. A car crash later killed the designer’s passenger in a way nearly identical to a scene he’d worked on.
Superman Films
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George Reeves’ death by gunshot was ruled a suicide, though theories still circulate. Christopher Reeve’s horse accident left him paralyzed, and he died in 2004. Margot Kidder had well-documented mental health struggles and died in 2018. Kirk Alyn, the first Superman, never landed another major role afterward.
Rosemary’s Baby
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Composer Krzysztof Komeda died from a head injury similar to the one featured in the film. Producer William Castle experienced kidney failure and hallucinations tied to the movie. Sharon Tate, who had a small part and was married to Roman Polanski, was murdered while pregnant in one of the 1960s’ most infamous crimes.
The Passion Of The Christ
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Jim Caviezel suffered a dislocated shoulder, hypothermia, pneumonia, and a 14-inch wound while filming. He and assistant director Jan Michelini were both struck by lightning on set. The most publicized incidents were reported by Caviezel in religious media interviews. Two viewers reportedly died while watching the film in theaters.
The Conjuring
Credit: IMDb
Before filming, Vera Farmiga said three claw-like marks appeared on her laptop screen. Later, she reportedly found similar bruises on her thigh. Though based on real events, the Perron family’s daughter claimed the Warrens’ role was exaggerated. The original house remains a point of curiosity for paranormal fans.
The Possession
Credit: IMDb
The film’s story came from the Dybbuk Box, an antique wine cabinet linked to reported paranormal events. Actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan claimed exploding lights and unusual on-set activity changed his views on the supernatural. After filming, the prop warehouse burned down, destroying the replica Dybbuk Box used in the movie.
Atuk
Credit: IMDb
The comedy Atuk was never made. Every actor who offered the lead role died—John Belushi, Sam Kinison, John Candy, and Chris Farley. Others who read the script, including Michael O’Donoghue and Phil Hartman, also died soon after. The pattern of deaths halted production permanently, and the script remains untouched.