What are the specific true stories that 'The Strangers' is based on?

The specific true stories that 'The Strangers' is based on are related to home invasions that happened in the director's neighborhood when he was young. These incidents were of strangers entering homes without any clear motive. The movie builds on this concept by creating a more extreme and horror - filled scenario. For example, the way the strangers in the movie target the couple's home and torment them is an exaggerated version of the real - life fear that such home invasions can bring. However, exact details of the real incidents remain somewhat of a mystery as the focus was on creating a horror movie rather than a documentary of the events.

The 'The Strangers' is based on true stories of home intrusions. Bryan Bertino, the director, was influenced by the break - ins in his neighborhood during his childhood. These were not just ordinary break - ins. The idea of strangers suddenly being in your personal space, in your home, was the starting point. The movie then takes this and adds elements like the masks and the psychological torture that the strangers inflict on the victims. It's not so much about the exact details of the real stories but more about the overall feeling of vulnerability and fear that comes with the idea of strangers invading your home. So while we may not know all the nitty - gritty of the true stories, we can see how they inspired the movie's terrifying plot.

The movie is based on break - ins in Bryan Bertino's childhood neighborhood. But specific details are somewhat scarce as the filmmakers likely took the general concept of these home invasions and then fictionalized a lot for the movie. It's more about the idea of strangers coming to a house uninvited and creating a sense of terror that was inspired by real events.