### 10 Scariest Urban Legends Brought to Life on Screen
Urban legends have a way of captivating our imaginations, often because they tap into our deepest fears. These stories, passed down through generations, can be so compelling that they inspire filmmakers to bring them to life on the big screen. Here are 10 of the scariest urban legends that have been adapted into movies, making them even more chilling and real.
1. **Cropsey**
– **The Legend:** In the 1970s and 80s, children in Staten Island spread a legend about a serial killer named Cropsey, who was said to be an escaped mental patient with an axe.
– **The Movie:** The real-life serial killer Andre Rand was eventually arrested and convicted, fitting the description of Cropsey perfectly. This true story was adapted into a documentary-style film, making the legend even more terrifying.
2. **Strangers Living in the Attic**
– **The Legend:** This legend tells the story of strangers secretly living in homes they do not belong to. They hide away until the homeowners are asleep or away, then raid the fridge and take other objects.
– **The Movie:** The Academy Award-winning film “Parasite” is loosely based on this concept. The movie follows a poor family who attempts to secretly freeload off of a rich family, highlighting the real-life occurrence of such events.
3. **The Video Game Burial Site**
– **The Legend:** In the mid-80s, rumors spread about a massive burial pit for unsold Atari games in the deserts of New Mexico.
– **The Movie:** The story was finally excavated in 2014, revealing a massive pile of Atari game cartridges, including many different games, including E.T. the Extraterrestrial. This discovery made the legend a reality.
4. **Zombies**
– **The Legend:** Zombies are among the most popular movie monsters, but are they real? While there is no proof of bodies being raised from the dead, there are real-world examples of what could be described as zombies.
– **The Movie:** While there are many zombie movies, the concept of zombies taps into our deep-seated fear of death and the unknown.
5. **The Houses October Built**
– **The Legend:** This film taps into our fear of the unknown by following a group of friends who visit haunted houses. The film feels unsettlingly authentic, making the audience question what is real and what is part of the haunt.
– **The Movie:** The film excels in creating a deeply unsettling atmosphere, making it one of the scariest found footage films ever made.
6. **Butterfly Kisses**
– **The Legend:** This urban legend tells the story of “Peeping Tom,” a mysterious figure who appears if you stare down a specific train tunnel without blinking for a full hour.
– **The Movie:** The film tells two parallel stories: one of a filmmaker who discovers old footage of an investigation into the urban legend, and another of the original investigation itself. The meta-narrative approach makes the myth grow ever more menacing.
7. **V/H/S**
– **The Legend:** This anthology series consists of short, self-contained stories framed by a larger narrative. From paranormal hauntings to bizarre alien encounters, each installment offers a wide range of terrifying tales.
– **The Movie:** The series taps into our nostalgic fun of being scared, with its analog nature and unsettling stories proving to be the perfect recipe for horror.
8. **[REC]**
– **The Legend:** This film builds tension through its use of handheld cameras and tight, enclosed spaces. The sense of confinement and escalating danger makes it one of the most intense found footage films ever made.
– **The Movie:** The film follows a television reporter and cameraman who are locked inside an apartment building with something
