Cursed Films

A documentary series exploring the myths and legends behind some of Hollywood’s notoriously “cursed” horror film productions. From plane accidents and bombings during the making of The Omen, to the rumored use of real human skeletons on the set of Poltergeist, these stories are legendary amongst film fans and filmmakers alike. But where does the truth lie?

Cursed Films (2020-2022) is a Canadian-born documentary series created by Jay Cheel for Shudder, presenting a short-form docuseries of ten episodes across two seasons. Each episode takes a notorious horror film production and sifts through its rumored curses, from plane accidents and bombings that allegedly trailed the making of The Omen to whispered claims about real human skeletons used on the set of Poltergeist. Horror journalists, film historians, editors and former cast members appear as on-camera interviewees, including Fangoria editor in chief Phil Nobile Jr., who anchors much of the first season, alongside exorcist Vincent Bauhaus and actor Linda Blair. The engine of each installment is a simple question: how much of the lore survives contact with archives, testimony and physical evidence? The format is an anthology of self-contained case studies rather than a continuing plot, so episodes can be watched in any order. The tone is inquisitive and wry, with an affection for fan folklore that keeps skepticism from turning cynical. Fans of Room 237 and Behind the Curve will find resonance in its blend of cinephile obsession and documentary investigation into the stories audiences tell about movies.

• Behind the Curvedocumentary investigation of horror film lore and production myths, true-crime style skepticism
• Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected Worldnonfiction exploration of cult horror film history and filmmaking folklore
• Room 237horror documentary examining the cultural afterlife of a notorious film

Created by

Jay Cheel

Release Date

2020-04-02

Episode runtime

29 min

Rating

7.1 / 10 (45)

What is Cursed Films about?

A documentary series that examines the legends of notoriously cursed horror film productions and asks where the truth lies.

What is Cursed Films like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Cursed Films as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Cursed Films violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Cursed Films.

Which shows are like Cursed Films?

Shows with a similar feel include Behind the Curve, Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World, and Room 237.

How long is Cursed Films?

Cursed Films: 2 seasons, 10 episodes.

Is Cursed Films still running?

No, Cursed Films was canceled.

Where can I watch Cursed Films?

In United States, Cursed Films streams on Philo, AMC Plus Apple TV channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, AMC+ Roku Premium Channel, AMC+, Shudder, Shudder Amazon Channel, Spectrum On Demand, Shudder Apple TV channel.