11 Horror Movies Based on True Stories!
By Shelby Scott
8. Open Water
The Movie
Open Water is the story of a married couple who was left behind during a scuba diving trip. They face fatigue, starvation, and sharks as they hope to be rescued.
The True Story
The real Tom and Eileen Lonergan
Tom and Eileen Lonergan were a married couple from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. On vacation in Australia, the couple went on a scuba diving expedition in the Coral Sea off the Great Barrier Reef. Before they returned from their dive, the boat left without them. It wasn’t until two days later, after the crew found a bag of the couple’s belongings, was it discovered that the Lonergans were missing.
Their bodies were never found. Some of their scuba gear washed up on shore miles from where they were lost. Fishermen found a diver’s slate (something divers use to communicate under water) that supposedly read, “[Mo]nday Jan 26; 1998 08am. To anyone [who] can help us: We have been abandoned on A[gin]court Reef by MV Outer Edge 25 Jan 98 3pm. Please help us [come] to rescue us before we die. Help!!!”
There were several theories about the Lonergan’s disappearance, including them faking their own death. Many think this is ridiculous considering neither of their bank accounts were ever touched. According to both Tom and Eileen’s diary entries, Tom was a suicidal man who wanted to ‘end it all’. With this information, it is also alleged that this was a planned suicide.
7. The Hills Have Eyes
The Movie
A suburban American family has their car break down. They are then stalked by mutant savages who live in the desert. It also gets pretty rapey and bitey.
The True Story
No. No way there is a true The Hills have Eyes, I would have read about it on the internet!! Well, my friends, you are wrong, but you’re also right. Okay, so no poor family was chased after by one of those guys at the top of the page. This idea didn’t come out of thin air though.
It was based on the Scottish legend of Alexander “Sawney’ Bean. Mr. Bean (tee-hee) supposedly headed a 40 person clan in the 15th or 16th century. These guys are said to have lived in caves and to have killed and eaten over 1,000 people. They were eventually caught and all 40 of them were put to death.
Okay, so it’s just a legend, but it’s still spooky, right?