The terrifying true stories that inspired your favorite horror movies

"The Exorcist." Warner Bros.

Horror films have produced some of the most iconic figures in pop culture.

But not all scary movies are completely fictional; some are actually based on real life .

"The Conjuring" was based on the real-life Perron family in Rhode Island.

Horror movies are reliably successful at the box office — just look at "Obsession" and "Backrooms " this year.

They often have relatively low budgets, deliver strong box-office returns, and can create IP that leads to sequels and spin-offs for years to come.

Plus, when Halloween rolls around, costumes and masks provide another bump to a studio's bottom line.

But creating a completely original, compelling, and terrifying horror story can be challenging.

That's why some of the most iconic and successful scary movies are based on real-world events.

For example, " The Conjuring " franchise is based on the case files of real paranormal investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren.

In total, the films have made almost $3 billion at the box office.

These are the real stories and crimes that influenced some of the most classic horror films of all time, including "The Exorcist," "Nightmare on Elm Street," and "Jaws." "The Conjuring" is about the Perron family and the traumatic experiences they're having in their new Rhode Island home.

Warner Bros.

The Perrons (husband Roger, wife Carolyn, and their five daughters) moved into what was known as the Old Arnold Estate in 1971, The Providence Journal reported.