'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote can also be considered. It's a non - fictional novel that reads like horror. It's about the brutal murder of a Kansas family. Capote's detailed account of the crime and the killers' motives makes it a harrowing and unforgettable story.
Another great one is 'Helter Skelter' by Vincent Bugliosi. This is based on the true story of the Manson Family murders. It not only tells the horror of the killings but also delves into the mind of Charles Manson and his followers, making it a chilling read.
One of the best is 'The Amityville Horror' by Jay Anson. It's based on the supposed real - life haunting of the Lutz family in the Amityville house. The book details their terrifying experiences like strange noises, cold spots, and apparitions, which made it a classic in horror literature.
One is 'The Conjuring'. It's based on the real - life investigations of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The movie features a family haunted by a malevolent spirit in their new farmhouse, and the Warrens step in to help. Another is 'Amityville Horror', which was inspired by the alleged hauntings at the Amityville house in New York. The events in the movie, like the strange noises and apparitions, were said to have happened in real life to the Lutz family who moved into the house.
Another great one is 'Zodiac'. This film is based on the true story of the Zodiac Killer. It follows the investigators as they try to track down the serial killer who taunted the police with cryptic letters and symbols. The movie creates a sense of unease and mystery as the search for the killer continues.
Then there's 'The Shining' by Stephen King. While it's a fictional novel, it was inspired by King's own experiences at the Stanley Hotel, which has a reputation for being haunted. The isolation and the supernatural events in the hotel in the story are bone - chilling.
I think 'The Exorcist' is extremely terrifying. The idea of a young boy being possessed by a demon is just so disturbing. The way his body contorts and the things he says during the exorcism are truly spine - chilling. It's based on a real - life account which makes it even scarier because it makes you think that such a thing could actually happen.
Then there's 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'. Loosely based on the crimes of real - life serial killer Ed Gein, it creates a harrowing and gory horror story set in rural Texas. The idea of a family of killers is truly horrifying.
A third excellent crime novel based on true events is 'Zodiac' by Robert Graysmith. It follows the real - life hunt for the Zodiac Killer in California. The book delves into the investigations, the letters sent by the killer, and the mystery that has haunted the area for decades.
'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' by Rebecca Skloot is also among the best. It's about Henrietta Lacks, an African - American woman whose cells were taken without her knowledge and used for medical research. The novel delves into issues of race, ethics in medical research, and the story of Henrietta's family, all while highlighting the significance of her cells in modern medicine.
A very frightening one is 'The Mothman Prophecies'. It's inspired by the sightings of the Mothman in Point Pleasant. The strange entity and the events that followed in the story are enough to give you goosebumps, especially when you think about the real reports that might have led to this story.
Well, 'The Silence of the Lambs' is often considered based on true crime elements. Also, 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' has some ties to real-life fears and urban legends. But keep in mind that while they draw inspiration from real things, they are still largely fictionalized for entertainment.
Some well-known horror movies based on true stories include 'The Conjuring' and 'The Amityville Horror'. These films draw inspiration from real-life events and paranormal experiences.