The Amityville Horror

Dorian Kingi

Jimmy Bennett

Chloë Grace Moretz

Ryan Reynolds

Melissa George

Jesse James

Rachel Nichols

Philip Baker Hall

Isabel Conner

Brendan Donaldson

Annabel Armour

Rich Komenich

David Gee

Danny McCarthy

Nancy Lollar

José Taitano

Marie Joelyn

Ryan Kross

Jenny Strubin

Lenore Thomas

Is this movie really based on a true story?

That's what it says at the beginning of the movie. It's true that Ronald DeFeo murdered his entire family in 1974, and it's also true that, when the book first came out in 1977, it was marketed as a true story. Since then, there has been much controversy, many inconsistencies, questionable evidence, and numerous lawsuits by the many people involved. The Lutzes maintain that the events really happened, while other witnesses claim otherwise. Other than the DeFeo murders, the house has no history of violence or paranormal activity prior to the Lutzes moving in, and the families who have lived in the house after the Lutzes moved out have reported no paranormal activity. Upon learning about the 2005 movie, George Lutz attempted to stop production because of all the changes that were made in the story. Unfortunately, Lutz died while the suit was still in litigation, and a verdict was never rendered.

How much sex, violence, and profanity are in this movie?

For detailed information about the amounts and types of (a) sex and nudity, (b) violence and gore, (c) profanity, (d) alcohol, drugs, and smoking, and (e) frightening and intense scenes in this movie, consult the IMDb Parents Guide for this movie. The Parents Guide for The Amityville Horror can be found here.

What is 'The Amityville Horror' about?

George (Ryan Reynolds) and Kathy (Melissa George) Lutz and their family -- sons Billy (Jesse James) and Michael (Jimmy Bennett) and daughter Chelsea (Chloë Grace Moretz) -- move into an old lakefront Dutch Colonial house in Amityville on Long Island, New York that they were able to purchase for the 'deal of a lifetime'. The only disadvantage is that the house has a gruesome history. The previous family, the DeFeos, were murdered a year ago by the son Ronald Jr (Brendan Donaldson), who shot his parents and four siblings, claiming 'voices' made him do it. Shortly after moving in, strange things begin to happen to the Lutzes. George begins hearing voices and seeing disfigured bodies. Chelsea acquires an imaginary friend named Jodie. When George becomes more and more withdrawn and his behavior starts changing dramatically, Kathy comes to realize that something evil is happening in the house. But what?