10 Best Horror Movies Based On Urban Legends

The Curse of La Llorona (2019)

Bringing the Mexican legend of La Llorona—the Weeping Woman—to the big screen, this film tells the story of a grieving mother doomed to wander the night in search of her lost children. While the execution is far from perfect, the urban legend is still chilling.

Boogeyman (2005)

Who among us hasn’t heard of the shadowy figure lurking under our beds—or was it in the closet—or was it in that dark corner? Inspired by our childhood fear, this movie puts a modern twist on the legendary monster that might make you second guess turning off the lights.

The Hitcher (1986)

Modern common sense has turned this urban legend seem like a good rule of thumb rather than a tale of terror. This movie follows a young man who picks up a stranger only to realize he has made a terrible mistake. The tension never lets up, making this a relentless ride that turns a simple act of kindness into a waking nightmare.

The Mothman Prophecies (2002)

Inspired by actual reports of a winged creature in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, this film follows a journalist who can’t walk away from this mystery. The story is a slow-burn, mixing the supernatural with strange events that will leave you wondering if there’s more truth in this film than fiction.

Urban Legend (1998)

While not a huge surprise given its name, this movie is packed with urban myths. From cautionary tales to spooky stories told in the dark, this movie takes them all and uses them for some bloody fun. If you enjoy good character dynamics against a 90’s college setting, this movie is definitely for you.

When a Stranger Calls (1979)

Based on the classic “babysitter and the man upstairs” legend, this film turns an ordinary night into a nightmare when a babysitter receives chilling phone calls. The horror intensifies with the realization that the calls are coming from inside the house. Simple yet terrifying, it taps into one of our biggest fears—being watched when we least expect it.

The Grudge (2004)

Rooted in the Japanese onryō belief that a spirit consumed by rage will continue to torment the living. The Grudge follows a vengeful entity that never seems to stop. As the movie continues, each encounter raises the tension, leaving you to question whether every dark corner hides something sinister.

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

The myth of Elly Kedward being the so-called Blair Witch was crafted as part of the film’s viral marketing before such things were easy to verify. This story follows a group of film students venturing into the woods to document the Blair Witch. It’s the original found-footage film that changed horror forever.

The Ring (2002)

Drawing from the Japanese ghost tale of Okiku’s well, The Ring’s modern take introduces a cursed videotape that dooms anyone who watches it. The creeping dread builds relentlessly and makes you second-guess every shadow in the room. As a remake of Ringu (1998), this film helped redefine urban legend horror for Western audiences.

Candyman (1992)

Loosely inspired by the Bloody Mary mirror legend and tales of a hook-handed killer haunting Chicago’s Cabrini-Green, Candyman follows a student investigating an urban myth—only to uncover something far more terrifying. Between the atmosphere and Tony Todd’s phenomenal performance, this film is guaranteed to linger in your mind long after the credits roll.