Cursed Films: Shudder prepares its next documentary series

Cursed Films, Shudder’s next documentary series, will examine the eerie phenomena surrounding classic films like The Exorcist and Poltergeist.

Shudder recently branched out into documentary filmmaking with its critically praised feature, Horror Noire, which explored the history of black horror. Given its success, it’s no surprise the horror streaming service has chosen to expand their slate of high-quality original programming with similar projects. Next up is Cursed Films, a series about the real hauntings that occurred on classic horror film sets such as The Exorcist, Poltergeist, and The Omen.

To ensure the film is as factual as possible, each episode will include interviews, confessionals, and eyewitness accounts from people who were actually present during these supposed hauntings and stranger-than-fiction incidents. As if the films themselves weren’t frightening enough, what occurred behind-the-scenes might be even more so.

"“Cursed Films is a fascinating look at why these iconic horror movies have gained such an outsized reputation for being the focus of bizarre tragedies and strange coincidences that seemingly defy explanation,” said Craig Engler, Shudder’s General Manager."

I remember watching the E! True Hollywood Story on the rumored Poltergeist curse and learning about the death of poor Heather O’Rourke (Carol Anne in the franchise). Not to mention the urban legend about the usage of real skeletons on the film set that turned out to be true.

Shudder’s Cursed Films will go into far more detail with supplemental interviews and testimonies from actors, producers, and crew that were present on set during these strange incidences. I’m looking forward to learning more about the potentially paranormal occurrences that took place on the sets of these iconic horror movies.

It’s a tribute to the ingenuity of Shudder’s production team that they would host a series of this nature since the site is already a haven for genre fans who will want to indulge themselves in the fascinating lore surrounding their favorite stories.

It’s one thing to hear tales passed down through the generations and read articles about the legends, but until we hear from those who witnessed these events, it’s harder to believe it. Cursed Films will be a chance for insight, discovery, and introspection into why we’re so fascinated by what goes on behind the production veil.

Cursed Films will join the ranks of other Shudder originals such as The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs, Creepshow, and Horror Noire. Check back here regularly to keep up to date with all news about Shudder’s latest projects!

Will you watch Cursed Films? Which horror movie legend are you most interested in learning more about? What other Shudder originals do you watch? Let us know in the comments!