10 Movies People in Hollywood Believe are Cursed

Hollywood has long been a place of glamour, but behind the scenes, some films are said to be cursed. Over the years, stories have emerged about strange, tragic, and eerie events linked to certain movies, leading many to believe that supernatural forces may be at play.

The following films have their own dark histories, from mysterious accidents during production to actors who passed away unexpectedly. These unsettling events have become part of Hollywood lore, adding a layer of intrigue—and fear—to these already chilling movies. In this article, we’ll explore 10 films that are widely believed to be cursed, examining the strange occurrences and tragic events that haunt their legacies. Whether the stories are coincidences or something more, they remain a fascinating part of Hollywood’s darker side.

Superman

The role of Superman is believed to be cursed because many actors who played the character faced tragic events. George Reeves, who played Superman in the 1950s, died under mysterious circumstances, with his death ruled a suicide.

Christopher Reeve, famous for portraying Superman in the 1970s and 80s, was paralyzed in a horseback riding accident. Other actors linked to the role have also faced career struggles or accidents, deepening the idea of a Superman curse.

Apocalypse Now

Apocalypse Now is often called a cursed film due to the many problems during its production. Typhoons destroyed sets, causing huge delays, and actor Martin Sheen suffered a heart attack while filming, adding to the chaos.

The director, Francis Ford Coppola, also faced financial trouble and emotional stress, even threatening to end his own life. It’s possible the curse is traced back to the actual dead bodies on set provided by a grave robber.

The Omen

The Omen is about a couple who unknowingly adopt the Antichrist. It’s rumored that producers were warned before filming started that because they were making a movie about the devil, the devil would try to ruin it.

Lead actor Gregory Peck’s plane was struck by lightning, and another flight crew member narrowly escaped a plane crash that killed everyone onboard. The animal trainer used for the film was killed the day after filming his scene.

The Crow

The Crow is believed to be cursed after the tragic death of its star, Brandon Lee. Lee was accidentally shot and killed on set due to a mishandled prop gun, just days before filming was completed.

The film’s production was plagued by other accidents, including crew injuries and a set worker being electrocuted. These events, along with Lee’s death, have fueled the belief that The Crow carries a curse, haunting its legacy.

Atuk

The film Atuk is so cursed it was never made because several actors attached to the lead role died before production began. John Belushi, the first to be cast, died suddenly after reading the script in 1982.

After Belushi’s death, other actors like Sam Kinison, John Candy, and Chris Farley were all connected to the role and died prematurely. Many to believe the script of Atuk is cursed, preventing the movie from ever being made.

Rosemary’s Baby

Rosemary’s Baby is considered cursed due to the tragic events that followed its release. Director Roman Polanski’s pregnant wife and actress Sharon Tate were brutally murdered by the Manson Family shortly after the film’s debut, shocking the world.

Additionally, the film’s composer, Krzysztof Komeda, died from a brain injury soon after completing the score. Producer William Castle also fell seriously ill, and these disturbing events have led many to believe that Rosemary’s Baby carries an ominous curse.

The Passion of the Christ

The Passion of the Christ had cast and crew wondering if God was with them during filming or the devil. Lead actor Jim Caviezel, who played Jesus, was struck by lightning, suffered hypothermia, and dislocated his shoulder during the crucifixion scene.

Other crew members were injured, including the assistant director, who was also struck by lightning. With all the talk of a curse, many of the cast and crew converted to Catholicism after filming (maybe to protect themselves).

Rebel Without a Cause

Rebel Without a Cause is often deemed cursed due to the tragic fates of its main cast members. James Dean, who starred as Jim Stark, died in a car accident shortly after the film’s release, at just 24 years old.

Other cast members faced misfortune as well; Natalie Wood drowned under mysterious circumstances, and Sal Mineo was murdered years later. Whether it’s a curse or just tragic coincidences, the movie’s legacy is one of sadness.

The Exorcist

The Exorcist earned its “cursed” reputation from a string of strange and tragic events surrounding production. A fire mysteriously destroyed most of the main set (except Regan’s bedroom) and delayed filming for weeks, and several cast and crew members reportedly died during or shortly after production, including actors Jack MacGowran and Vasiliki Maliaros.

Stories also circulated of injuries on set, such as Ellen Burstyn’s genuine spinal injury from a harness-jerk stunt, along with accounts of unexplained freezing temperatures on the set. Director William Friedkin added to the mystique by having a priest bless the set, and he often leaned into the eerie atmosphere in interviews. Many of these claims have been exaggerated over time, and skeptics point out that coincidences and clever publicity helped fuel the legend, but the film’s disturbing subject matter made the curse story easy to believe.

Poltergeist

Poltergeist is considered cursed because of the string of untimely deaths among its cast. Dominique Dunne, who played the eldest daughter, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend months after the film’s release, and Heather O’Rourke, who played Carol Anne, died at age 12 during production of the third film. Rumors also spread that real human skeletons were used as props in the pool scene, which added to the eerie reputation. Other actors from the sequels, including Julian Beck and Will Sampson, died of illness not long after filming.