10 “Cursed” Movies Where Cast Members Died in Real Life
- Did using real human skeletons as props curse the set of Poltergeist?
- How did a prop gun mysteriously fire a real bullet, killing Bruce Lee’s son?
- Why did the cast of The Conqueror die of cancer years after filming in a radioactive zone?
Hollywood is a place of make-believe. But sometimes, the horror on screen bleeds into reality. Throughout cinema history, there are productions so plagued by death, accidents, and freak occurrences that they have earned the label “cursed.”
Skeptics call it coincidence. Believers call it supernatural. Here are 10 cursed movies where the cast and crew paid the ultimate price for their art.
1. Poltergeist (The Trilogy)
The “Poltergeist Curse” is perhaps the most famous in Hollywood. Four cast members died during the six years between the first and third films. Dominique Dunne (Dana) was strangled by her boyfriend just after the first movie’s release. Heather O’Rourke (Carol Anne), the young star, died at age 12 from septic shock during the filming of the third movie. Rumor has it the curse began because the prop master used real human skeletons in the pool scene to save money.
2. The Exorcist (1973)
While audiences were fainting in theaters, the set was a nightmare. A fire mysteriously burned down the entire set of the MacNeil house—except for Regan’s demonic bedroom, which remained untouched. Ellen Burstyn suffered a permanent spinal injury during a stunt. Actors Jack MacGowran and Vasiliki Maliaros died shortly after their characters died in the film. A Jesuit priest was eventually brought in to bless the set.
3. The Crow (1994)
This film was meant to make Brandon Lee (son of Bruce Lee) a superstar. Instead, it killed him. In a tragic accident, a prop gun that was supposed to fire blanks contained a fragment of a real bullet. It struck Lee in the abdomen, killing him instantly. The film deals with death and resurrection, making the real-life tragedy even more haunting.
4. The Omen (1976)
The extensive list of accidents surrounding this Antichrist movie defies statistics. Star Gregory Peck’s plane was struck by lightning. The producer’s plane was also struck by lightning days later. An animal handler was eaten alive by a tiger. Most chillingly, special effects director John Richardson was in a car crash in the Netherlands; his assistant was decapitated—mirroring a death scene he designed for the movie. A sign nearby reportedly read “Ommen, 66.6km.”
5. Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)
In one of the worst onset accidents in history, actor Vic Morrow and two child actors were killed when a helicopter crashed on top of them during a Vietnam War scene. The History Channel notes that the accident led to major reforms in child labor laws and safety regulations in Hollywood, but the shadow of the tragedy remains.
6. The Conqueror (1956)
This John Wayne film was shot in Utah, downwind from a nuclear testing site. The government assured the filmmakers it was safe. It wasn’t. Over the next few decades, 91 of the 220 cast and crew members developed cancer, including Wayne himself. It is often called the movie that was “killed by the atomic bomb.”
7. Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
This film is legendary for the premature deaths of its three main stars. James Dean died in a car crash before the film was even released. Sal Mineo was stabbed to death in an alley at age 37. Natalie Wood drowned in a mysterious boating incident in 1981. The film captures the youth of three icons who would never grow old.
8. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
A film about a woman giving birth to the devil’s son. One year after its release, the director Roman Polanski’s pregnant wife, Sharon Tate, was brutally murdered by the Manson Family. The film’s composer, Krzysztof Komeda, died of a brain injury shortly after, mirroring the death of a character in the movie. The Vanity Fair archives explore how the film seemed to usher in a dark era for Hollywood.
9. The Dark Knight (2008)
Heath Ledger gave the performance of a lifetime as the Joker, diving into a dark psychological place to prepare. He died of an accidental overdose before the film hit theaters. Additionally, a stuntman was killed during a car chase test run, and Morgan Freeman was seriously injured in a car accident shortly after the premiere.
10. Superman (The Franchise Curse)
The “Superman Curse” suggests that playing the Man of Steel brings misfortune. George Reeves (TV’s Superman) died of a gunshot wound in mysterious circumstances. Christopher Reeve (movie Superman) was paralyzed in a horse-riding accident. Other actors associated with the role have faced career stagnation or personal tragedy, leading some to believe the role itself is jinxed.
Explore More Shocktrail Mysteries
From Hollywood horrors to real-world nightmares, the list continues:
| Urban Legends & Movies | Dark History | Weird Science |
|---|---|---|
| You Are Here: 10 Cursed Movies | Coming Soon: Dyatlov Pass | The Hum: Mystery Sounds |
| The Truth Behind Mothman | 5 Lost Civilizations | 7 Medical Anomalies |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Was the skeleton in Poltergeist really human?
Yes. In the 1980s, purchasing real medical skeletons was often cheaper and more realistic than making rubber ones. Special effects artist Craig Reardon confirmed he used real biological specimens for the scene.
Did Brandon Lee finish filming The Crow?
He had completed most of his scenes. The production used early CGI technology and stunt doubles to finish the remaining few shots so the film could be released as a tribute to him.
Is there a scientific explanation for The Conqueror cancer deaths?
Statistically, the cancer rate among the crew was higher than the national average, strongly suggesting that the radioactive dust from the nearby Nevada Test Site was the cause.
