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True Story

Horror films based on true events — the real cases behind the movies and how much they got right.

374 stories
Real Monsters: Cannibal Killer Armin Meiwes

Real Monsters: Cannibal Killer Armin Meiwes

Warning Graphic Descriptions Ahead! Armin Meiwes was born to a cold controlling mother. At seven, his father abandoned his family. Was this the start of Armin’s issues? During early adolescence, Meiwes’ fantasies of consuming human flesh began. At 19 he joined the West German army but at 32 he was kicked out and forced to return to his abusive home where his craving only grew. In 1999 after finding his mother dead, he began searching for a victim, one who would volunteer. He posted on cannibal sites. He posted on Cannibal Cafe that he was searching for a volunteer between 18 and 29. Enter Bernd Jürgen Armando Brandes, who wanted to be eaten. On March 9, 2001, the two met at Meiwes’s home where he had made preparations for everything. The two had sexual relations. Then, Meiwes gave Brandes some sleeping pills and a bottle of cough syrup so that he wouldn’t feel any pain. Meiwes set up the camera

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Oct 28, 2022
'The Sleep Experiment' Will Give You Nightmares This November (Trailer)

‘The Sleep Experiment’ Will Give You Nightmares This November (Trailer)

Unless you have been living under a rock, you’ve heard the story of the infamous Russian Sleep Experiments. Red Water Entertainment has now announced the North American VOD debut of John Farrelly‘s film about the horrifying tests, which is said to explore the real-life horrors of what humanity is capable of when pushed to its limits. The Sleep Experiment is the first feature from writer-director John Farrelly, who was named Ireland’s “Young Filmmaker of the Year” in 2018 for his short Choice. The Irish psychological horror-thriller stars Rob James Capel, Will Murphy, Tom Kerrisk, Barry John Kinsella, and Will Murphy. In the film, Two detectives begin an investigation into the ethics involved in the top-secret research facility, Porton Down. One experiment, in particular, stands out to them as the most horrific, The Sleep Experiment, a scientific experiment that took place during the Cold War. The experiment consisted of five prisoners, deemed Enemies of the State, being locked in a sealed

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Oct 25, 2022
The Conjuring Universe Is Expanding With Two New Sequels In 2023

The Conjuring Universe Is Expanding With Two New Sequels In 2023

Fans of The Conjuring universe will be happy to learn that filming began last week on The Nun 2. But that’s not the only film from the universe New Line is conjuring up, the Warrens are back for another terrifying true story-based tale, The Conjuring 4! James Wan and Peter Safran, who have delivered every movie in the franchise so far, are returning to produce, THR reports. Also returning is David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, the writer who was behind The Conjuring 2 and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It who will pen the script for The Conjuring 4. Michael Chavez is in the director’s chair. Taissa Farmiga, star of The Nun, will reprise her role as Sister Irene with Bonnie Aarons who plays the evil nun returning as well. While the plot and details of both movies are being kept quiet at the moment, there’s one thing they will both have in common, their connection to Ed and Lorraine

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Oct 22, 2022
Season 3 Of "Unsolved Mysteries" Premieres On Netflix (Guide)

Season 3 Of “Unsolved Mysteries” Premieres On Netflix (Guide)

The third season of Netflix’s hit true crime and paranormal series “Unsolved Mysteries” has just officially premiered on the streaming giant to the delight of fans. Featuring nine episodes, the season will explore terrible crimes, strange mysteries, and the paranormal. This time Netflix won’t be releasing all the episodes at once, instead, the episodes will be released over three weeks. Season Three Episode Guide: 1. Mystery at Mile Marker 45 – Tue Oct 18, 2022 When talented 18-year-old volleyball star Tiffany Valiante was hit by a train on a remote, unlit stretch of tracks in Mays Landing, New Jersey, authorities quickly ruled her case a suicide. However, Tiffany’s family and a team of pro bono experts believe she was murdered and her body, left on the tracks, to destroy the evidence. 2. Something in the Sky -Tue Oct 18, 2022 On the night of March 8, 1994, hundreds of people called 911 to report strange lights hovering over Lake Michigan.

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Kelli Marchman McNeely
Oct 20, 2022
'Boris Karloff: The Man Behind The Monster' Limited Edition Out In Time For Halloween

‘Boris Karloff: The Man Behind The Monster’ Limited Edition Out In Time For Halloween

No matter if you’re new to horror or you’re a veteran fan, there is one name everyone knows, Boris Karloff. Just in time for Halloween and the 90th anniversary of his landmark performance in Universal’s 1932 classic The Mummy, Voltage Films in collaboration with Sandpiper Pictures releasing a special limited-edition collector’s version DVD/Blu-ray of 2021’s critically acclaimed, award- winning documentary feature, “Boris Karloff: The Man Behind The Monster.” The region-free, dual DVD/Blu-ray version and the separate DVD and Blu-ray editions all feature “Boris Karloff: The Man Behind The Monster” in its 2021 theatrical format, along with the original trailer and optional English subtitles. Previously unreleased bonus content totals 140 minutes and includes the newly-produced 2-hour documentary, “Boris Karloff: The Rest Of The Story,” with even more about Karloff’s film and TV roles, as well as Donnie Dunagan, Bela Lugosi Jr., and Jack Hill sharing Karloff stories that were not in the 2021 film. Additional extras are the featurettes “Meeting Boris

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Oct 16, 2022
'The Sleep Experiment' Will Give You Nightmares This November (Trailer)

The Infamous Russian Sleep Experiment Is Explored In New Psychological Horror Movie

Unless you have been living under a rock, you’ve heard the story of the infamous Russian Sleep Experiments. Red Water Entertainment has now announced the North American VOD debut of John Farrelly‘s film about the horrifying tests, which is said to explore the real-life horrors of what humanity is capable of when pushed to its limits. The Sleep Experiment is the first feature from writer-director John Farrelly, who was named Ireland’s “Young Filmmaker of the Year” in 2018 for his short Choice. The Irish psychological horror-thriller stars Rob James Capel, Will Murphy, Tom Kerrisk, Barry John Kinsella, and Will Murphy. In the film, Two detectives begin an investigation into the ethics involved in the top-secret research facility, Porton Down. One experiment, in particular, stands out to them as the most horrific, The Sleep Experiment, a scientific experiment that took place during the Cold War. The experiment consisted of five prisoners, deemed Enemies of the State, being locked in a sealed

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Oct 14, 2022
A Suburban Dream Turns Into A Nightmare In Netflix's True Story Inspired Series 'The Watcher' (Trailer)

A Suburban Dream Turns Into A Nightmare In Netflix’s True Story Inspired Series ‘The Watcher’ (Trailer)

In 2018, an article by Reeves Wiedeman appeared in Cut Magazine, just two months later the rights were acquired by Netflix. The subject? The true story of the Broaddus family that moved into a new home in 2014, only to receive mysterious and unnerving letters from someone who called themselves “The Watcher.” The writer detailed how they had been watching the house for decades and knew intimate details about the Broaddus family and their routines. The police could not help and the family finally gave up and moved out in July 2019. Later this week you can watch the tense story unfold in the Netflix Original thriller series “The Watcher,” from Ryan Murphy (“AHS”). Naomi Watts (King Kong) and Bobby Cannavale (Ant-Man) lead the cast which also includes Jennifer Coolidge, Noma Dumezweni, Yuko Torihara, Mia Farrow, Luke David Blumm, Margo Martindale, and Kathryn Boswell. “After the Brannock family moves into what was supposed to be their suburban dream home, it

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Oct 12, 2022
Watch The Trailer For Human Trafficking Thriller 'Beyond The Neon' Based On True Events

Watch The Trailer For Human Trafficking Thriller ‘Beyond The Neon’ Based On True Events

Human trafficking has become a terrifying, horror-filled reality for many, with an average of 600,000 to 800,000 men, women, and children being trafficked every year. Director Larry A. McLean’s new thriller Beyond the Neon follows one woman’s search for her missing sister, a trafficking victim. “Based on true accounts, a Las Vegas escort is recognized by her sister in a viral social experiment video. Looking to reunite the sisters, and secretly motivated to capture the reunion on camera, Joey Salads and his apprehensive crew are thrown into the dangerous and corrupt world of escorting, documenting every step of their desperate effort to rescue the woman from human sex trafficking in Las Vegas.” YouTube star Joey Salads appears alongside Cynthia Lucero, Gila Goodman, Marisa Dzintars, Caitlin Carleton, and Frank Pesce in the indie film that opens in theaters on October 14, 2022, followed by its release on VOD on October 18th. If you are someone you know has been trafficked, please

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Oct 6, 2022
Real Monsters: Samuel Little The US's Most Prolific Killer

Real Monsters: Samuel Little The US’s Most Prolific Killer

Imagine, you are a woman, standing at a bar, looking for a john to make a little cash. In walks an older man who makes a beeline for you. He looks friendly enough. After a chat you leave to go for a ride, not knowing it’s the last time you will ever be seen alive again. Samuel Little may look like just another grumpy old man, but he is far from it. In reality, he is one of the world’s most prolific serial killers. Little, who has been behind bars since 2012, confessed last year to killing over 90 women between 1970 and 2005, earning the title of “America’s deadliest serial killer.” So far the FBI has been able to confirm 60 of his victims which puts his body count far above Dahmer, Bundy, and most of the world’s most famous killers. The 79-year-old is serving multiple life sentences in California and has confessed that he strangled most of his

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Sep 30, 2022
A Suburban Dream Turns Into A Nightmare In Netflix's True Story Inspired Series 'The Watcher' (Trailer)

New Trailer Teases The Horrors Of True Story Inspired Series ‘The Watcher’

Back in 2015, a family purchased a new home at 657 Boulevard not knowing the terror that would follow. A mysterious person, known as “The Watcher” began to send them terrifying letters that were so disturbing the family quickly moved out of their home. That is the true story behind the new limited series, “The Watcher,” from Ryan Murphy (“AHS”). The trailer has just arrived, starring Naomi Watts (King Kong) and Bobby Cannavale (Ant-Man), teasing an intense thriller that you don’t want to miss. “After the Brannock family moves into what was supposed to be their suburban dream home, it quickly becomes a living hell. Ominous letters from someone calling themself “The Watcher” are just the beginning as the neighborhood’s sinister secrets come spilling out. Inspired by the true story of the infamous “Watcher” house in New Jersey.” Ian Brennan (“Glee”) co-created and will produce alongside Murphy. Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman (Catfish) executive produce the series for Netflix. “The

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Sep 25, 2022

More from True Story

Real Monsters: Cannibal Killer Armin Meiwes

Real Monsters: Cannibal Killer Armin Meiwes

Warning Graphic Descriptions Ahead! Armin Meiwes was born to a cold controlling mother. At seven, his father abandoned his family. Was this the start of Armin’s issues? During early adolescence, Meiwes’ fantasies of consuming human flesh began. At 19 he joined the West German army but at 32 he was kicked out and forced to return to his abusive home where his craving only grew. In 1999 after finding his mother dead, he began searching for a victim, one who would volunteer. He posted on cannibal sites. He posted on Cannibal Cafe that he was searching for a volunteer between 18 and 29. Enter Bernd Jürgen Armando Brandes, who wanted to be eaten. On March 9, 2001, the two met at Meiwes’s home where he had made preparations for everything. The two had sexual relations. Then, Meiwes gave Brandes some sleeping pills and a bottle of cough syrup so that he wouldn’t feel any pain. Meiwes set up the camera

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Oct 28, 2022
'The Sleep Experiment' Will Give You Nightmares This November (Trailer)

‘The Sleep Experiment’ Will Give You Nightmares This November (Trailer)

Unless you have been living under a rock, you’ve heard the story of the infamous Russian Sleep Experiments. Red Water Entertainment has now announced the North American VOD debut of John Farrelly‘s film about the horrifying tests, which is said to explore the real-life horrors of what humanity is capable of when pushed to its limits. The Sleep Experiment is the first feature from writer-director John Farrelly, who was named Ireland’s “Young Filmmaker of the Year” in 2018 for his short Choice. The Irish psychological horror-thriller stars Rob James Capel, Will Murphy, Tom Kerrisk, Barry John Kinsella, and Will Murphy. In the film, Two detectives begin an investigation into the ethics involved in the top-secret research facility, Porton Down. One experiment, in particular, stands out to them as the most horrific, The Sleep Experiment, a scientific experiment that took place during the Cold War. The experiment consisted of five prisoners, deemed Enemies of the State, being locked in a sealed

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Oct 25, 2022
The Conjuring Universe Is Expanding With Two New Sequels In 2023

The Conjuring Universe Is Expanding With Two New Sequels In 2023

Fans of The Conjuring universe will be happy to learn that filming began last week on The Nun 2. But that’s not the only film from the universe New Line is conjuring up, the Warrens are back for another terrifying true story-based tale, The Conjuring 4! James Wan and Peter Safran, who have delivered every movie in the franchise so far, are returning to produce, THR reports. Also returning is David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, the writer who was behind The Conjuring 2 and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It who will pen the script for The Conjuring 4. Michael Chavez is in the director’s chair. Taissa Farmiga, star of The Nun, will reprise her role as Sister Irene with Bonnie Aarons who plays the evil nun returning as well. While the plot and details of both movies are being kept quiet at the moment, there’s one thing they will both have in common, their connection to Ed and Lorraine

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Oct 22, 2022
Season 3 Of "Unsolved Mysteries" Premieres On Netflix (Guide)

Season 3 Of “Unsolved Mysteries” Premieres On Netflix (Guide)

The third season of Netflix’s hit true crime and paranormal series “Unsolved Mysteries” has just officially premiered on the streaming giant to the delight of fans. Featuring nine episodes, the season will explore terrible crimes, strange mysteries, and the paranormal. This time Netflix won’t be releasing all the episodes at once, instead, the episodes will be released over three weeks. Season Three Episode Guide: 1. Mystery at Mile Marker 45 – Tue Oct 18, 2022 When talented 18-year-old volleyball star Tiffany Valiante was hit by a train on a remote, unlit stretch of tracks in Mays Landing, New Jersey, authorities quickly ruled her case a suicide. However, Tiffany’s family and a team of pro bono experts believe she was murdered and her body, left on the tracks, to destroy the evidence. 2. Something in the Sky -Tue Oct 18, 2022 On the night of March 8, 1994, hundreds of people called 911 to report strange lights hovering over Lake Michigan.

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Oct 20, 2022
'Boris Karloff: The Man Behind The Monster' Limited Edition Out In Time For Halloween

‘Boris Karloff: The Man Behind The Monster’ Limited Edition Out In Time For Halloween

No matter if you’re new to horror or you’re a veteran fan, there is one name everyone knows, Boris Karloff. Just in time for Halloween and the 90th anniversary of his landmark performance in Universal’s 1932 classic The Mummy, Voltage Films in collaboration with Sandpiper Pictures releasing a special limited-edition collector’s version DVD/Blu-ray of 2021’s critically acclaimed, award- winning documentary feature, “Boris Karloff: The Man Behind The Monster.” The region-free, dual DVD/Blu-ray version and the separate DVD and Blu-ray editions all feature “Boris Karloff: The Man Behind The Monster” in its 2021 theatrical format, along with the original trailer and optional English subtitles. Previously unreleased bonus content totals 140 minutes and includes the newly-produced 2-hour documentary, “Boris Karloff: The Rest Of The Story,” with even more about Karloff’s film and TV roles, as well as Donnie Dunagan, Bela Lugosi Jr., and Jack Hill sharing Karloff stories that were not in the 2021 film. Additional extras are the featurettes “Meeting Boris

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Oct 16, 2022
'The Sleep Experiment' Will Give You Nightmares This November (Trailer)

The Infamous Russian Sleep Experiment Is Explored In New Psychological Horror Movie

Unless you have been living under a rock, you’ve heard the story of the infamous Russian Sleep Experiments. Red Water Entertainment has now announced the North American VOD debut of John Farrelly‘s film about the horrifying tests, which is said to explore the real-life horrors of what humanity is capable of when pushed to its limits. The Sleep Experiment is the first feature from writer-director John Farrelly, who was named Ireland’s “Young Filmmaker of the Year” in 2018 for his short Choice. The Irish psychological horror-thriller stars Rob James Capel, Will Murphy, Tom Kerrisk, Barry John Kinsella, and Will Murphy. In the film, Two detectives begin an investigation into the ethics involved in the top-secret research facility, Porton Down. One experiment, in particular, stands out to them as the most horrific, The Sleep Experiment, a scientific experiment that took place during the Cold War. The experiment consisted of five prisoners, deemed Enemies of the State, being locked in a sealed

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Oct 14, 2022
A Suburban Dream Turns Into A Nightmare In Netflix's True Story Inspired Series 'The Watcher' (Trailer)

A Suburban Dream Turns Into A Nightmare In Netflix’s True Story Inspired Series ‘The Watcher’ (Trailer)

In 2018, an article by Reeves Wiedeman appeared in Cut Magazine, just two months later the rights were acquired by Netflix. The subject? The true story of the Broaddus family that moved into a new home in 2014, only to receive mysterious and unnerving letters from someone who called themselves “The Watcher.” The writer detailed how they had been watching the house for decades and knew intimate details about the Broaddus family and their routines. The police could not help and the family finally gave up and moved out in July 2019. Later this week you can watch the tense story unfold in the Netflix Original thriller series “The Watcher,” from Ryan Murphy (“AHS”). Naomi Watts (King Kong) and Bobby Cannavale (Ant-Man) lead the cast which also includes Jennifer Coolidge, Noma Dumezweni, Yuko Torihara, Mia Farrow, Luke David Blumm, Margo Martindale, and Kathryn Boswell. “After the Brannock family moves into what was supposed to be their suburban dream home, it

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Oct 12, 2022
Watch The Trailer For Human Trafficking Thriller 'Beyond The Neon' Based On True Events

Watch The Trailer For Human Trafficking Thriller ‘Beyond The Neon’ Based On True Events

Human trafficking has become a terrifying, horror-filled reality for many, with an average of 600,000 to 800,000 men, women, and children being trafficked every year. Director Larry A. McLean’s new thriller Beyond the Neon follows one woman’s search for her missing sister, a trafficking victim. “Based on true accounts, a Las Vegas escort is recognized by her sister in a viral social experiment video. Looking to reunite the sisters, and secretly motivated to capture the reunion on camera, Joey Salads and his apprehensive crew are thrown into the dangerous and corrupt world of escorting, documenting every step of their desperate effort to rescue the woman from human sex trafficking in Las Vegas.” YouTube star Joey Salads appears alongside Cynthia Lucero, Gila Goodman, Marisa Dzintars, Caitlin Carleton, and Frank Pesce in the indie film that opens in theaters on October 14, 2022, followed by its release on VOD on October 18th. If you are someone you know has been trafficked, please

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Oct 6, 2022
Real Monsters: Samuel Little The US's Most Prolific Killer

Real Monsters: Samuel Little The US’s Most Prolific Killer

Imagine, you are a woman, standing at a bar, looking for a john to make a little cash. In walks an older man who makes a beeline for you. He looks friendly enough. After a chat you leave to go for a ride, not knowing it’s the last time you will ever be seen alive again. Samuel Little may look like just another grumpy old man, but he is far from it. In reality, he is one of the world’s most prolific serial killers. Little, who has been behind bars since 2012, confessed last year to killing over 90 women between 1970 and 2005, earning the title of “America’s deadliest serial killer.” So far the FBI has been able to confirm 60 of his victims which puts his body count far above Dahmer, Bundy, and most of the world’s most famous killers. The 79-year-old is serving multiple life sentences in California and has confessed that he strangled most of his

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Sep 30, 2022
A Suburban Dream Turns Into A Nightmare In Netflix's True Story Inspired Series 'The Watcher' (Trailer)

New Trailer Teases The Horrors Of True Story Inspired Series ‘The Watcher’

Back in 2015, a family purchased a new home at 657 Boulevard not knowing the terror that would follow. A mysterious person, known as “The Watcher” began to send them terrifying letters that were so disturbing the family quickly moved out of their home. That is the true story behind the new limited series, “The Watcher,” from Ryan Murphy (“AHS”). The trailer has just arrived, starring Naomi Watts (King Kong) and Bobby Cannavale (Ant-Man), teasing an intense thriller that you don’t want to miss. “After the Brannock family moves into what was supposed to be their suburban dream home, it quickly becomes a living hell. Ominous letters from someone calling themself “The Watcher” are just the beginning as the neighborhood’s sinister secrets come spilling out. Inspired by the true story of the infamous “Watcher” house in New Jersey.” Ian Brennan (“Glee”) co-created and will produce alongside Murphy. Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman (Catfish) executive produce the series for Netflix. “The

Continue reading →
Kelli Marchman McNeely
Sep 25, 2022
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