Ghostly Biopics: 10 Haunting Tales

Description: Based on Shirley Jackson's novel "The Haunting of Hill House," this film explores the psychological and supernatural effects of a haunted mansion on its inhabitants, blending biography with ghost lore.

Fact: The film was shot in black and white to enhance its eerie atmosphere. It's considered one of the best ghost stories ever filmed.

Description: This classic horror film recounts the Lutz family's terrifying experiences in their new home, which was the site of a brutal murder. The house's dark history and the spirits it harbors make it a cornerstone of ghost biopics.

Fact: The film is based on the book by Jay Anson, which itself was inspired by the Lutz family's claims of paranormal activity. The house's iconic "eye" windows are a staple in horror imagery.

Description: While not strictly a ghost story, this film tells the true tale of two man-eating lions in Kenya, known as the Ghost and the Darkness, which terrorized workers on the Tsavo bridge construction. Their legend has a supernatural aura, making it a fitting addition to this list.

Fact: The lions were real and are now on display at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. The film's title refers to the names given to these lions by the workers.

Description: This film tells the story of a woman living in a dark, old house with her photosensitive children, only to discover that they might not be the only ones living there. It's a twist on the traditional ghost story, focusing on the lives of the spirits themselves.

Fact: The film was shot in Spain, with the house itself becoming a character in the story. It was a box office success, grossing over $210 million worldwide.

Description: Based on the real-life case of Anneliese Michel, this film explores the legal and spiritual ramifications of an exorcism gone wrong, where the spirit of the afflicted girl lingers in the courtroom.

Fact: The film was inspired by the death of Anneliese Michel, whose exorcisms were recorded and later used in court. The movie blends courtroom drama with supernatural elements.

Description: This film is based on the real-life Snedeker family's experiences in a house that was once a funeral home, now haunted by the spirits of those who passed through its doors. It's a chilling exploration of how the past can haunt the present.

Fact: The film was inspired by an article in the Hartford Courant about the Snedeker family's claims of paranormal activity. The house was later investigated by Ed and Lorraine Warren, famous paranormal investigators.

Description: While focusing on the paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren, this film includes the haunting of the Perron family, whose home was plagued by spirits, including the ghost of a witch.

Fact: The film is based on the case files of Ed and Lorraine Warren, who investigated numerous hauntings. The Perron family's experiences were documented in the book "House of Darkness House of Light."

Description: Based on Susan Hill's novel, this film follows a young lawyer who encounters the ghost of a woman in mourning, whose presence brings tragedy to a small village. It's a tale of grief, guilt, and the afterlife.

Fact: The film was adapted from a stage play, which itself was based on the novel. The eerie setting of Eel Marsh House was created using a combination of real locations and studio sets.

Description: This British film tells the story of a school haunted by the ghost of a former student, blending comedy with supernatural elements. It's a light-hearted take on the ghost biopic genre.

Fact: The film was part of a series of Will Hay comedies, known for their humor and light-hearted approach to ghost stories. It's one of the earliest examples of a ghost biopic in cinema.

Description: This film tells the story of a woman who claims to be repeatedly assaulted by an invisible entity, based on the real-life experiences of Doris Bither. It's a disturbing look at how spirits can interact with the living in the most invasive ways.

Fact: The film was inspired by the case of Doris Bither, who claimed to be attacked by a ghost. The movie was one of the first to explore the concept of sexual assault by a spirit.