10 Movies That Were Totally Haunted
2. The Exorcist
Arguably the most iconic horror film of all time, The Exorcist is responsible for more nightmares than you can shake a crucifix at. Cities around the world tried to ban the film, and audiences had visceral physical reactions, ranging from vomiting and fainting to alleged heart attacks and miscarriages. You know, just an average day at the movies.
You almost certainly don't need a recap on the plot, but hey, why not dredge up that primal sense of terror that you've shoved into the deepest recesses of your mind? The film follows two priests as they try to exorcise the demon Pazuzu from a young girl named Regan MacNeil. Projectile vomiting, backwards crawling, and head-spinning ensue.
Maybe that demonic stuff wasn't relegated to the screen.
The film's original set caught fire, and everything was destroyed. Everything, that is, except for the room of the demon-possessed Regan MacNeil.
Two actors who died in the film - Vasiliki Maliaros and Jack MacGowran - died in post-production. Seven other people associated with members of the cast and crew died before the film's release.
Ellen Burstyn was left with a permanent spinal injury after a stunt went wrong.
When it premiered in Rome, lightning struck a 400-year-old cross atop a nearby cathedral.
Alright, demons! You've made your point!