10 Films Where On-Set Disasters Took Centre Stage

Description: The film's production was plagued by numerous accidents, including a fire that destroyed the set, injuries to actors, and even a death, leading to rumours of a curse.

Fact: Nine people associated with the film died during production, including the actor playing Father Merrin, Max von Sydow.

Description: This horror classic was surrounded by a series of unfortunate events, from plane crashes to freak accidents, fuelling the myth of a curse on the film.

Fact: Gregory Peck's son committed suicide before the film's release, and several other cast and crew members met with untimely deaths.

Description: A tragic helicopter crash during filming resulted in the deaths of actor Vic Morrow and two child actors, leading to a massive lawsuit and changes in on-set safety regulations.

Fact: Director John Landis was charged with involuntary manslaughter but was acquitted. The incident led to the creation of the Directors Guild of America's Safety Bulletin.

Description: This dark superhero film gained infamy due to the tragic death of its star, Brandon Lee, during a stunt gone horribly wrong. The film's production was forever marked by this on-set accident, making it a poignant entry in this list.

Fact: The film was completed using a combination of stand-ins, CGI, and rewrites to work around Lee's absence. Also, the set was reportedly haunted by Lee's spirit.

Description: This disaster film about climate change had its own set of real-life disasters, including a hurricane that destroyed sets and a crew member who was injured by a falling light.

Fact: The film's production was delayed by actual weather events, including a hurricane that hit the set in Montreal.

Description: While not a disaster in the traditional sense, the film's production was overshadowed by the tragic death of Heath Ledger, who played the Joker, shortly after filming.

Fact: Ledger's performance was posthumously awarded an Oscar, and the film was dedicated to him.

Description: Filmed near a nuclear testing site, this film about Genghis Khan is infamous for the high cancer rates among its cast and crew, attributed to radiation exposure.

Fact: John Wayne, who starred as Genghis Khan, later died of stomach cancer. Over 90 of the 220 cast and crew members developed cancer.

Description: Known as the most dangerous film ever made, 'Roar' involved real lions, tigers, and other big cats, resulting in numerous injuries to the cast and crew, including director Noel Marshall and actress Tippi Hedren.

Fact: Over 70 members of the cast and crew were injured, with some requiring hospitalisation. The film was a financial disaster but has since gained cult status.

Description: Werner Herzog's epic about a man's obsession with opera in the Amazon jungle includes the real-life feat of dragging a steamship over a mountain, leading to numerous accidents and injuries.

Fact: The documentary 'Burden of Dreams' captures the chaotic and dangerous production process. The original lead actor, Jason Robards, had to leave due to illness, and Mick Jagger also dropped out.

Description: James Cameron's underwater epic was fraught with near-fatal accidents, including a close call with a submersible and numerous health issues for the cast and crew due to the extreme conditions.

Fact: Ed Harris nearly drowned during a scene, and Cameron himself nearly died when his oxygen tank ran out.