10 Movies & Shows Like Cursed Films

Description: This documentary explores the urban legend of Cropsey and its connection to real-life disappearances of children in Staten Island. Its blend of folklore and true crime creates a haunting and eerie atmosphere.

Fact: The filmmakers initially set out to make a film about urban legends but stumbled upon a much darker real-life story. The documentary raises questions about the guilt of the convicted killer, Andre Rand.

Description: This documentary tells the bizarre story of a French con artist who impersonated a missing Texas boy. Its focus on deception, identity, and the darker aspects of human nature makes it a gripping and unsettling watch.

Fact: The film uses a mix of interviews and reenactments to tell its story. The real Frédéric Bourdin, the imposter, participated in the documentary.

Description: This documentary investigates the mysterious and tragic case of Diane Schuler, whose wrong-way driving caused a fatal crash. Its exploration of grief, unanswered questions, and the search for truth makes it a haunting and emotional watch.

Fact: The film includes interviews with Diane's family, who struggle to understand what happened. The crash remains one of the most puzzling cases in recent history.

Description: This documentary examines the wrongful conviction of five teenagers in the Central Park jogger case. Its focus on injustice, media hysteria, and the flaws in the legal system makes it a powerful and unsettling watch.

Fact: The film was directed by Ken Burns, his daughter Sarah Burns, and her husband David McMahon. The five men were exonerated after serving years in prison.

Description: This documentary examines the real-life crimes that inspired popular urban legends. Its exploration of the intersection between myth and reality, along with its dark tone, makes it a fascinating watch for fans of true crime and horror.

Fact: The film is directed by the same team behind 'Cropsey.' It covers four different urban legends, each with a basis in real events.

Description: This documentary tells the tragic story of Dee Dee Blanchard and her daughter Gypsy Rose, exploring themes of abuse, deception, and survival. Its dark, real-life horror narrative is both shocking and deeply emotional.

Fact: The case inspired multiple adaptations, including the series 'The Act.' Gypsy Rose Blanchard participated in interviews for the documentary.

Description: This documentary uses animation and firsthand accounts to recount the 1966 University of Texas shooting, one of the first mass shootings in the U.S. Its innovative storytelling and focus on trauma and survival make it a unique and impactful watch.

Fact: The film combines rotoscope animation with archival footage and interviews. It won multiple awards for its innovative approach to documentary storytelling.

Description: This documentary series investigates the Golden State Killer, blending true crime with personal narrative. Its chilling exploration of obsession, fear, and the impact of crime on victims aligns with dark, real-life horror stories.

Fact: The series is based on Michelle McNamara's bestselling book, which she was writing at the time of her death. The Golden State Killer was arrested shortly after the book's publication.

Description: This series delves into the disturbing true story of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, exploring themes of manipulation, deception, and psychological horror. Its unsettling narrative and focus on real-life horror make it a compelling watch for those interested in dark, true-crime stories.

Fact: The series is based on the real-life case of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her mother Dee Dee, whose story shocked the nation. Patricia Arquette won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Dee Dee Blanchard.

Description: This documentary revisits the infamous Kitty Genovese murder, challenging the narrative of bystander apathy. Its focus on a brutal crime and its aftermath, as well as its exploration of media sensationalism, makes it a compelling and thought-provoking watch.

Fact: The film is directed by Kitty Genovese's younger brother, Bill Genovese, who was deeply affected by her death. It includes never-before-seen footage and interviews.