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If you are a horror enthusiast and delight in all things haunted, scary and eerie — North Carolina delivers across the board. And filmmakers totally agree. These horror movies and cult classics all used NC’s varied geography, beautiful architecture, waterfront towns and world-class film sets to bring murderous and haunted storylines to life. Come immerse yourself in a world where the line between fiction and reality blurs — creating an unforgettable experience for even the most seasoned horror buffs.
Listicle View
'Scream'
Though it’s the fifth movie in this beloved franchise, "Scream" (2022) shares its name with the original. To see where Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David Arquette all shot scenes, start at the Wilmington Riverwalk — it can be spotted in the trailer when Sidney answers a chilling phone call. Then plan a fun night of grooving to some live music at Reggie’s 42nd Street Tavern; it was also used for filming.
'Halloween Kills'
In the first of two sequels closing out this legendary scary movie franchise, "Halloween Kills" continues to follow Michael Myers and his murderous destruction. But don’t worry — though the film is scary, the settings are anything but. Pack a picnic and head to Wilmington’s Wallace Park or Veterans Park, where some outdoor scenes were filmed. Or order a local beer and jam to blues music at The Rusty Nail — it stands in as Mick’s Bar and Grill in the movie. To complete your "Halloween"-inspired visit, follow in Jamie Lee Curtis’ footsteps and pose for a photo next to Michael Myers at the Museum of the Bizarre and spend the night amid luxurious amenities at Dreamers Welcome.
'I Know What You Did Last Summer'
Released in 1997, this famed slasher film with a hook-wielding killer is loosely based on a 1973 novel by the same name. Much of the film was shot in Southport, taking advantage of the town’s waterfront location. For instance, Jennifer Love Hewitt’s character lives near the Cape Fear River on Short Street (where she receives the fateful, “I know what you did …” note). And the film’s beauty pageant, where Sarah Michelle Gellar’s character was crowned Croaker Queen, is held in the historic and still-in-use Amuzu Theatre. To eat or drink at spots that appear in the movie, head to American Fish Company (as Ollie’s Oyster Bar) or Fishy Fishy Café (as Southport Muscle).
'Cabin Fever' & 'Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever'
The hit horror comedy film "Cabin Fever" (2002) features a group of college students who rent a cabin and develop a flesh-eating virus. The cabin used in the film was located in Camp Raven Knob, a 3,200-acre scouting reservation near Mount Airy. To stock up on fresh sandwiches and fried pies, stop by Priddy’s General Store in Danbury — it’s where we meet Dennis, the boy who likes pancakes and biting people. Take your time perusing the old-timey quaintness, which is as accurate in real life as it is in the film. For the sequel, so much fake blood was used on the set at historic Williston Middle School that the storm drains were said to be running red (it was harmless food-based dye).
'The Conjuring'
Released in 2013, "The Conjuring" is a supernatural horror film based on the experiences of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren (played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) as they assist the Perron family with disturbing events in their farmhouse. The home in the film is a two-story, 5,000 square-foot house along the Black River in Currie (a half hour northwest of Wilmington), but it was used only for exterior shots. A replica of the house was then built on a sound stage. Other filming locations include the Carolina Apartments, the Kenan Memorial Fountain, UNC Wilmington’s campus and the Carolinian Inn. Take a Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington tour to stroll past sites used for this film, plus other burial grounds and haunted homes.
'Hannibal'
This 2001 psychological horror film stars Anthony Hopkins as cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter and Julianne Moore as FBI Special Agent Clarice Starling. Much of the filming was completed at Asheville’s Biltmore, which was the “home” of disfigured revenge-seeking Mason Verger (Gary Oldman). Biltmore’s iconic Lodge Gate, huge library, the tapestry room, Antler Hill Barn and the estate’s sprawling grounds can all be spotted in the film. There were also scenes filmed along the Blue Ridge Parkway and at The Hot Dog King on Biltmore Avenue. Established in 1979, The Hot Dog King (“The original home of the hot dog in Asheville”) is no longer there, but they do have locations in Fairview, Arden, Candler and Swannanoa.
'Evil Dead II'
Mostly shot in and around Wadesboro, "Evil Dead II" (1987) is a dark comedy horror film with a cult following. A cabin was built in the woods specifically for this film, and it was used for exterior shots while much of the interior shots took place in a nearby junior high school. Take a walk in the Wadesboro woods — if you dare — including heavily wooded Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge to put yourself into the setting. There’s also an added bonus for film buffs: Steven Spielberg filmed "The Color Purple" (1985) in Wadesboro just a couple of years before, and the large white farmhouse on Diggs Road that’s immediately recognizable from the film also acted as the production office for "Evil Dead II."
'Honeymoon'
Director Leigh Janiak needed the look and feel of a Canadian lake community to bring her dream-turned-nightmare horror flick to life — and she found the perfect spot in Lake Summit near Hendersonville. Though the lake is private, you can still delve into the production and eat like the cast and crew — which included Rose Leslie and Harry Treadaway — did with a visit to nearby Hubba Hubba Smokehouse (it promises to become your “happy place”).
'Alien Abduction'
Presented as a “found-footage” science fiction horror film, "Alien Abduction" portrays a family on a camping trip to Brown Mountain in Pisgah National Forest — where one night they see flashing lights that definitely aren’t stars. Director Matty Beckerman was reportedly inspired to make the film while living in North Carolina and hearing stories about the fabled Brown Mountain Lights, inexplicable and mysterious lights emanating from the mountains that are still seen by locals and travelers today.
Explore More Mountain Mysteries in NC'Sleepy Hollow'
It’s pretty hard to roam Wilmington and not stumble upon sites from the TV series "Sleepy Hollow," a hit supernatural drama. On a self-guided tour in the Historic District alone, you’ll see the kitchen from the “Sin Eater” episode (at Bellamy Mansion Museum); the outside of Sleepy Hollow Sheriff Department (at Historic New Hanover County Courthouse); and so many more. A full "Sleepy Hollow"-inspired day just might be on the itinerary.
'Cat's Eye'
Released in 1985, this horror-thriller film is a Stephen King original shot throughout Wilmington. It starred huge names such as Drew Barrymore and James Woods. The plot revolves around three twisted tales connected by a mysterious cat, including one about a troll living in young Barrymore’s home on Forest Hills Drive. The First Presbyterian Church on South Third Street is also where Dick Morrison visits his daughter’s school, Saint Stephen’s School for the Exceptional, in “Quitters, Inc.,” one of the tales in the film.
'Silver Bullet'
Stephen King’s work is once again shown on the screen in "Silver Bullet," a cult classic. Film sites are littered across Wilmington and nearby Burgaw, including the Burgaw Courthouse Square, Pender Memorial Park, and Greenfield Park (where fireworks are shot off, plus where Jane, Marty and Uncle Red made the silver bullet). Trade in horror for magic when you catch a concert at the Greenfield Lake Amphitheater under hundred-year-old oak trees. But for more in terror from the expert himself, additional King screenplays filmed in the area include "Firestarter," "Maximum Overdrive" and "The Night Flier."