10 Films Allegedly Affected by a Curse

The world of cinema is rife with eerie and tragic tales: mysterious deaths, on-set disasters, horrific accidents, and strange coincidences. Occasionally, a series of misfortunes aligns as if guided by an ominous force, targeting a specific film. Over time, such productions gain notoriety, blending urban myths with cautionary anecdotes. These movies are deemed cursed!

While curses are not real, humans naturally seek patterns in randomness and gravitate toward evidence that fits a sensational narrative. Mishaps occur on nearly every film set, and statistically, some productions experience multiple unfortunate events. When this happens, unrelated incidents are woven into the tale of a "curse." Undeniably, these stories captivate and intrigue audiences.

Defining a cursed movie is challenging. Some films, like "Poltergeist," are so synonymous with tragedy that they are often labeled as cursed. Others face chaos and setbacks but never earn the cursed title. Certain productions, such as "The Crow," are marked by a single devastating event but lack the series of misfortunes needed to qualify as truly cursed. Additionally, some films are rumored to be haunted, which, while distinct from a curse, often overlaps in cursed movie lore. This exploration will delve into all these fascinating cases.

Grab some popcorn and prepare to dive into the tales of 10 of the most infamous cursed movies in cinematic history.

10: 'Poltergeist'

This film is arguably the most famous example of a cursed movie, embodying the very essence of such legends. The narrative often highlights the untimely deaths of several cast members. However, a closer examination of the events reveals why the notion of curses is more fiction than fact.

The original "Poltergeist" trilogy debuted in 1982, 1986, and 1988. The deaths of Dominique Dunne and Heather O'Rourke are frequently cited as the backbone of the curse. Both actresses passed away unexpectedly under tragic circumstances at young ages. Dunne, aged 22, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in late 1982, shortly after the first film's release. O'Rourke, just 12 years old, died in 1988 after filming "Poltergeist 2." Initially diagnosed with the flu, her actual cause of death was an intestinal blockage leading to a heart attack and sepsis.

The deaths of Will Sampson and Julian Beck are also often linked to the curse, though both succumbed to pre-existing health conditions. Sampson passed away at 53 in 1987 due to complications from a heart-lung transplant, while Beck, aged 60, died of stomach cancer in 1985.

While these deaths are undeniably tragic and heartbreaking for their loved ones, four deaths across a trilogy of films hardly constitutes a statistical anomaly. The high-profile nature of Dunne's and O'Rourke's deaths primarily fueled the curse narrative. Actress JoBeth Williams' claim that real skeletons were used in the pool scene likely added to the myth. In reality, many who worked on these films are thriving and have achieved varying levels of success. Steven Spielberg, for instance, has flourished, and one might expect a curse to target the producer/director most severely.

9: 'The Wizard of Oz'

The 1939 adaptation of L. Frank Baum's beloved fantasy story is one of Hollywood's earliest legends. Beneath the vibrant Technicolor portrayal of Oz lies a production fraught with hardship and sorrow—or so the tales suggest.

Several distressing incidents occurred among the cast. Buddy Ebsen, originally cast as the Tin Man, endured severe lung irritation from the aluminum powder used for his silver makeup, landing him in the hospital and forcing him to leave the role. Margaret Hamilton, who played the Wicked Witch of the West, suffered burns when the pyrotechnics for her teleportation scene malfunctioned, requiring her to recover in the hospital before returning to the set.

Other mishaps included malfunctioning flying monkey rigs, unruly Munchkins, and a revolving door of directors replaced for various reasons. An urban legend even claims a Munchkin’s suicide was accidentally filmed and left in the final cut (though this is false). Despite its challenges, "The Wizard of Oz" only turned a profit after its 1949 rerelease, according to MGM's creative accounting [source: Corliss].

Much of the curse narrative revolves around later tragedies in the lives of cast members, such as Clara Blandick (Auntie Em) committing suicide years later or Frank Morgan (the Wizard) being injured in a car accident shortly after the film’s release. This pattern recurs throughout this list—everyone dies eventually. With hundreds involved in a film, some deaths are bound to stand out, but this doesn’t imply a curse.

If there’s any darkness at the core of "The Wizard of Oz," it centers on Judy Garland, who played Dorothy. Despite her immense talent and popularity, Garland endured horrific treatment under the Hollywood studio system. She was subjected to extreme weight control measures, including smoking excessively, given drugs to sustain the grueling production schedule, and treated as a mere commodity [source: Norman]. She tragically took her own life at 47.

8: 'Superman'

The "Superman" curse seems less about the films and more about the character itself. Over the years, several actors who portrayed the Man of Steel have faced tragic accidents or untimely deaths. While many involved in "Superman" productions have passed away, this isn’t surprising given the character’s debut in the 1940s. Many actors enjoyed successful careers and lived long lives after hanging up the cape. Some are even still alive today. Additionally, some so-called curse-related events, like minor accidents or job losses, are hardly extraordinary.

The prominence of this curse stems from two high-profile tragedies involving Superman actors. The first was George Reeves, who played the hero in a film and the 1950s TV series "Adventures of Superman." Reeves became so synonymous with the role that he struggled to find other work. He found the character uninteresting and poorly paid [source: Patterson], which led to personal struggles and depression. On June 6, 1959, Reeves reportedly shot himself in the head during a party at his home, though the case remains shrouded in mystery, with theories of cover-ups and foul play.

Christopher Reeve, who brought Superman to life in the 1970s and '80s blockbuster films, suffered a devastating horse-riding accident in 1995, eight years after his last Superman role. The injury left him paralyzed from the neck down, but he continued to act, direct, and advocate for spinal injury research until his death in 2004.

Reeve’s story is profoundly tragic, especially considering his wife Dana, who supported him tirelessly after his injury, died of cancer less than two years after his passing. This echoes the tragedy of George Reeves, with their similar names, heroic personas, and heartbreaking fates.

7: 'The Conqueror'

"The Conqueror" stands out as perhaps the only film on this list genuinely cursed—by atomic bombs. The movie tells the story of Genghis Khan and Bortai, a woman he kidnaps and forces into marriage. Despite its poorly written script and the questionable casting of John Wayne as Khan, the film’s true curse lies elsewhere.

The curse of "The Conqueror" stems from its filming location in Utah, less than 150 miles (241 kilometers) from the Nevada Test Site, where the U.S. government had detonated 11 above-ground nuclear bombs the previous year. Fallout from these explosions likely lingered, and the canyon winds carried radioactive dust, coating the cast and crew during filming. Producer Howard Hughes even transported 60 tons (54 metric tons) of the contaminated dirt back to RKO studios for reshoots [source: Jackovich and Sennet].

In the years following the film’s release, at least 91 of the 220 cast and crew members were diagnosed with cancer. Pedro Armendariz, after surviving kidney cancer, took his own life upon discovering a new cancer. John Wayne succumbed to multiple cancers, primarily lung and stomach. Agnes Moorehead died of uterine cancer, Jeanne Gerson battled skin and breast cancer, Susan Hayward from brain cancer, and director Dick Powell from lung cancer. Even children of actors who visited the set later developed cancer.

Statistically, the film’s crew experienced higher-than-average cancer rates. People magazine highlighted the connection between "The Conqueror" and cancer in a 1980 article, quoting Dr. Robert C. Pendleton, director of radiological health at the University of Utah: "With these numbers, this case could qualify as an epidemic ... in a group this size, you'd expect only around 30 cancers. With 91 cases, the link to their exposure during the filming of "The Conqueror" would hold up even in court."

Assuming additional cancer cases emerged after People magazine's 1980 report, it appears "The Conqueror" was genuinely deadly for those who worked on it for just a few months. Consider the impact on the local residents who lived near the filming site.

6: 'The Omen'

This 1976 horror film revolves around the Antichrist manifesting as a young boy, unleashing satanic chaos on those around him. The production was plagued by a series of disasters, fueling the legend of "The Omen" curse.

Claims of a horror film being cursed should be approached with skepticism. Such narratives often seem like a marketing tactic, and the tales surrounding "The Omen" are filled with exaggerated, unverifiable details. However, numerous unfortunate events occurred during the production, not after. The film’s dark theme makes it easy to imagine an evil force trying to halt its creation, linking these incidents to a supposed curse.

The curse reportedly began with actor Gregory Peck’s son committing suicide before filming started. Peck’s plane was struck by lightning on his way to London, as was a producer’s plane. The London hotel where the producer and others stayed was bombed by the IRA. A planned dinner outing for the cast and crew was canceled when the restaurant was also bombed. A private jet intended for aerial footage was delayed, and the jet later crashed on takeoff, sparing the crew. Additionally, a worker at an animal sanctuary where filming took place was killed by a tiger.

The curse’s climax involved John Richardson, the special effects designer for "The Omen." Months later, while working on "A Bridge Too Far" in Holland, his car was involved in a head-on collision. Richardson was injured, and his assistant, Liz Moore, was decapitated. Upon regaining consciousness, Richardson noticed a road sign indicating the distance to the Dutch town of Ommen—66.6 kilometers (41.3 miles).

5: 'Apocalypse Now'

Francis Ford Coppola’s self-funded adaptation of "Heart of Darkness" faced a milder form of film curse. Despite its chaotic production, no fatalities occurred, and its eventual success propelled many careers. It’s seldom labeled as cursed, raising questions about what qualifies as an "official" Hollywood curse—likely more tragedy.

Filmed in the Philippines but set in Vietnam, the production faced numerous setbacks. Typhoon Olga destroyed key sets, delaying filming and increasing costs. The crew’s payroll was stolen, and helicopters needed for a scene were redirected to combat Philippine rebels. Marlon Brando arrived overweight and unprepared, forcing Coppola to rewrite the ending. Martin Sheen battled alcoholism and suffered a heart attack during filming. A scene depicting his character’s breakdown featured Sheen accidentally cutting his hand on broken glass, with the raw footage included in the final cut. Eleanor Coppola’s documentary, "Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse," captures the production’s turmoil.

Coppola endured immense stress, facing bankruptcy if the film failed, compounded by challenging locations and personal struggles. He even contemplated suicide and abandoning the project. Despite this, "Apocalypse Now" triumphed at the Oscars, winning for best cinematography and sound, with six other nominations. It’s now regarded as one of cinema’s greatest achievements—hardly a curse.

4: 'Brainstorm'

This film rarely appears on cursed movie lists, despite the tragic death of Hollywood icon Natalie Wood during the production of the 1983 sci-fi movie "Brainstorm." While some associate her death with the "Rebel Without a Cause" curse, her passing is more closely tied to "Brainstorm" due to its timing.

Wood drowned while on a yacht with her husband, Robert Wagner, and co-star Christopher Walken. No witnesses saw her fall, leading to speculation that she was intoxicated and accidentally fell overboard. Years later, the captain alleged Wagner had killed her, but no charges were filed. Initially ruled an accident, her death was reclassified as "undetermined" in 2012, cementing its place as one of Hollywood’s most infamous scandals.

Wood’s death necessitated a body double to finish filming, and the movie’s release was delayed until 1983 due to complex financial issues. When it finally premiered, it received minimal marketing and flopped at the box office. The production’s turmoil also ended director Douglas Trumbull’s career in filmmaking, though he later contributed to groundbreaking special effects for movies and theme park rides.

3: 'The Exorcist'

The 1973 film, adapted from Peter Blatty’s novel, stunned audiences with its portrayal of a demon-possessed girl and a Catholic priest’s battle to save her. Its dark themes fueled rumors of a curse, with many believing the film had a sinister influence on viewers.

The so-called curse of "The Exorcist" is largely attributed to studio marketing. Most claims stem from a single source: an "E! True Hollywood Story" episode titled "Curse of the Exorcist." The episode exaggerated minor events, such as Ellen Burstyn’s back injury being labeled a "spinal injury," and fabricated incidents like a crucifix struck by lightning during the Rome premiere. It also featured dubious claims, including nine deaths during filming and Billy Graham’s assertion that the film reels were demonically tainted.

Many film curses are based on coincidences that seem to form a pattern, but the "Exorcist" curse was no coincidence. The "E! True Hollywood Story" episode aired on August 15, 2004, just days before the release of the prequel, "Exorcist: The Beginning," on August 20, 2004.

2: 'A Confederacy of Dunces'

Can a movie be cursed without ever being made? John Kennedy Toole wrote this satirical novel before his 1969 suicide. Thanks to his mother’s efforts, it was published and won the 1981 Pulitzer Prize for fiction. Attempts to adapt it into a film were repeatedly thwarted by the deaths of lead actors. Initially, Harold Ramis was set to direct with John Belushi starring, but Belushi died. John Candy was next, but he also passed away. Chris Farley was then attached, but he too died.

A version starring Will Ferrell seemed promising, but instead of targeting Ferrell, the curse struck elsewhere. The head of the Louisiana State Film Commission was murdered (the story is set in New Orleans), and Hurricane Katrina devastated parts of the city needed for filming. The movie remains unproduced.

1: 'Atuk'

This curse mirrors that of "Confederacy of Dunces," with a single curse seemingly affecting two unmade comedies. John Belushi was set to star in this satire about an Inuit hunter in New York City but died before production. John Candy and Chris Farley were also slated to play Atuk at different times, but both passed away before filming could begin.

The twist with "Atuk" is that comedian Sam Kinison was set to star and demanded creative control, insisting on rewriting significant portions of the script. He reportedly threatened to deliver a poor acting performance if his demands weren’t met [source: Raouf]. Legal lawsuits ensued, but the project collapsed entirely when Kinison died in a car accident.

The lesson? Never cross "Atuk."

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