8 Horror Movies Supposedly Based On "True" Events

8. The Haunting In Connecticut (2009)

The Haunting in Connecticut was a movie seven years in the making. A family battling cancer take residence in a former funeral home, and there they fall victim to sinister spirits. The very real plight of this family was then showcased in a 2002 Discovery Channel documentary. The programme featured interviews with all involved and was the springboard for the documentary series A Haunting.

When the feature finally hit the big screen Lionsgate's marketing machine went into overdrive. They wanted people to remember this film had indeed happened! A new documentary was commissioned and the individuals involved were sent on a promotional tour. It paid off with the film earning a $60 million profit, even if reviews were tepid. But just how much truth is behind it all?

Looking into the "haunting" experienced by the Snedeker family reveals some serious red flags. Foremost the involvement of Ed & Lorraine Warren who hired fiction writer Ray Garton to condense the tale for publication. Garton claims he had trouble getting consistent stories and uncovered allegations of drug use, financial problems and, even sexual molestation. Approaching Ed Warren for help, Garton claims he was told the family was "crazy" and to "write a good scary story." Whilst promoting the eventual book in 1992, the story was further questioned. Neighbours appearing on the Sally Jessy Raphael Show were adamant the Snedekers made their story up. The haunting merely masking their darker issues and that no "paranormal" trouble had happened since.