Greatest horror movie set in every state

[caption id="attachment_93659" align="aligncenter" width="1400"] Photo: Halloween (1978). Image Courtesy Shudder[/caption]rn The beauty of horror is just how intimate it can feel and this list will showcase the intimacy of horror films, as we set to introduce to you the best horror films set in each and every state in America. rnHorror, as a genre, can be the most effective if it feels just personal enough to the viewer to make them uncomfortable. Horror thrives on taking the familiar of our everyday lives and twisting it into something horrific, often characterized by its 'uncanny valley' vibe. There's just something unnerving about an otherwise familiar aspect of your life seeming a bit off and unusual and horror plays on this fear, sometimes to the extreme.rnrnThe horror of life can rear its head even more terrifyingly if the particular situation is set near us. Horror films have the advantage of exploiting the horrors of just about any setting, leaving no setting safe as a result. The United States is no exception to this, with 50 geographical states for horror to invade, often with horrific results.rnrnEach state in America has the potential for an iconic horror film to etch its name in the state's legacy, with some states receiving extra attention just from these films. While some state-centric films are more popular than others, all of the 50 states can lay claim to having a horror/thriller film unique to their location, but which are the absolute best?rnrn[related-category /]rnrnThat's something 1428 Elm is going to try and answer with this list of the best horror films set in each American state. The rule here is that the list showcases only ONE movie set in each state, topping off at 50. Sure, only one film per state may not seem like much, but there will still be plenty of choices to browse through, so hopefully there's a movie on here that peaks your interest! We will be starting off in alphabetical order, so let's not waste any time!rnrn[nextslide teaser="1%3A%20Alabama" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lk2gIdLgwz4rn Alabama - Body Snatchers (1993) rn Directed by Abel Ferrara rnrn Starring Gabrielle Anwar, R. Lee Ermey, and Forest Whitaker rnrnThe Southern United States seems to have all of the luck with iconic horror films. The south is a prime setting for many different horrors to materialize and to start things off, we travel to Alabama to meet some fine folks with a strange vibe to them. In 1993, Alabama was the main setting for the science fiction horror film, Body Snatchers , which served as the third adaptation of the Body Snatchers book.rnrnIn this adaptation, we follow people working at a military base in Alabama who discover that there is a strange pod plant life form among them hellbent on snatching (ha) human bodies. Much like the alien in The Thing , the pod people here can hide in plain sight, apart from their lack of emotion once hidden in the bodies. That doesn't stop Body Snatchers from being a terrifying and paranoid experience and one that Alabama natives can claim was birthed and developed in their state with macabre pride.rnrnIt'll make one do a double take if they ever decide to take a trip to Alabama in the future. Never know who might be trying to get you, you know?rnrn[nextslide teaser="2%3A%20Alaska" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtU0UBnWik4rn Alaska - 30 Days of Night (2007) rn Directed by David Slade rnrn Starring Josh Hartnett, Melissa George, and Ben Foster rnrnFrom the Deep South all the way to bitter cold North, we now travel through the cold terrain known as Alaska. Alaska is well-known for its erratic day patterns, with some sections known to experience what is called a polar night. A polar night means that the night hours last longer than 24 hours, plunging the land into a prolonged state of darkness. It's within this polar night where the story of 30 Days of Night takes place.rnrnBarrow, Alaska lays claim to 30 Days of Night , which focuses on a group of survivors fending off a group of vicious vampires during the dreadful polar night, effectively battling in the dark against enemies who are vastly superior to them in every way. This film is essentially vampire Outlast in the snow and it's an absolute blast to watch. The setting and atmosphere compliment the story in such an underrated manner that it's honestly baffling how critics were initially mixed on this. Be proud Alaskans, for you can have pride in being the setting for an underappreciated vampire horror film that should be seen right away, especially now that winter is coming for us.rnrn[nextslide teaser="3%3A%20Arizona" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUe27-RMDX4rn Arizona - Piranha 3D (2010) rn Directed Alexandre Aja rnrn Starring Elisabeth Shue, Adam Scott, and Ving Rhames rnrnNow we leave the bitter cold of Alaska to go on spring break in Arizona. Such jarring transitions. But this proves that you don't need to be in the cold dark in order to be in danger. Spring break is normally known as a wild escape from bliss and responsibility. Everybody likes to party and swim while enjoying life, right? Well not when there's killer piranhas trying to bite your face off, which is what Piranha 3D focuses on.rnrnDirected by noted French extremist director, Alexandra Aja, Piranha 3D combines the aquatic danger of Jaws with the over-the-top comedy of a Sharknado flick. But an Asylum film this is not. There is a genuine cinematic quality to Piranha 3D , hugely in part to Aja's attention to detail. This film combines the craziness of a monster film with punchy visuals and a great (if not immature) sense of humor. Combined with the sunny Arizona setting, this sets Piranha 3D apart from more trashy films of the same vein with a self-aware and incredibly fun vibe that warrants many repeat watches in the summer.rnrn[nextslide teaser="4%3A%20Arkansas" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOTOxk1naC4rn Arkansas - The Town that Dreaded Sundown (1977) rn Directed by Charles B. Pierce rnrn Starring Ben Johnson, Andrew Prine, and Dawn Wells rnrnKeeping with the southern United States, we take a trip to the two-county region of Texarkana, which spans both Texas and Arkansas, for a horror film taken straight out of real history. Released in 1977, The Town that Dreaded Sundown bases its story on the real-life murder spree of a serial killer known as The Phantom. The deaths occurred all the way back in 1946 and more than 30 years later, Charles B. Pierce decided to use this story as the loose basis for The Town That Dreaded Sundown .rnrnThe most notable aspect of The Town that Dreaded Sundown is its influence on the slasher genre. It is considered to be one of the earliest mainstream slasher films and much like Texas Chainsaw Massacre , the film's connection to a real serial killer brings the horror of a killing spree a little too disturbingly close to reality. With this film being over 40 years old, some would say that the movie is a little primitive for its genre, but its raw and uncompromising premise (along with a genuinely unnerving ending) makes Pierce's early slasher film both a great Arkansas horror film and a grim memento of history.rnrn[nextslide teaser="5%3A%20California" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9mJ2oBONugrn California - Psycho (1960) rn Directed by Alfred Hitchcock rnrn Starring Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, and Janet Leigh rnrnAs we head to the West Coast, we must make a stop at the Bates Motel to talk about California's best horror film. In fact, what we have here is one of the greatest and most acclaimed horror films in cinematic history: Alfred Hitchcock's revolutionary slasher horror film, Psycho . So much has been said about Hitchcock's slasher masterpiece that it's difficult to come up with anything original to add. Fans and critics alike seem to adore this movie and for good reason.rnrn Psycho is less of a gratuitous slice-and-dice horror film and more of a slow-burn psychological nightmare, as witless guests of the Bates Motel disappear without a trace. Part of the horror is uncovering exactly what's happening and despite being almost 60 years old, Psycho has aged considerably well, from both a technical and performative standpoint. Anthony Perkins gives one of the genre's most acclaimed and legendary performances as Norman Bates and the sheer unsettling nature of the atmosphere propel this film past other lesser slashers into something that has lived through the test of time.rnrnIt'll be hard to drive through rural California without the thought of crossing the Bates Motel creeping into your head.rnrn[nextslide teaser="6%3A%20Colorado" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMbI7DmLCNIrn Colorado - The Shining (1980) rn Directed by Stanley Kubrick rnrn Starring Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, and Danny Lloyd rnrnColorado, thanks to the legalization of marijuana in the state, has enjoyed a spike in popularity. Many see it as a place for vacation and relaxation, which is what Jack Torrance intends to with his family as he takes them to the famous Overlook Hotel to get away from civilization and focus on his writing. What instead happens is something far more sinister and as a result, you get Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of the Stephen King novel, The Shining .rnrn The Shining , to put it simply, has polarized critics and general audiences alike due to its disturbing and highly surreal experience. Critical people, including King himself, feel that Kubrick's version was all style with very little substance to back it up, while adoring fans praise the film for its unsettling atmosphere and ambiguous narrative. Either way, The Shining works best as a visual and auditory experience. The rough Colorado mountain landscape provides the perfect backdrop for this story of insanity brewing to the surface. Not for everyone, but an essential watch nonetheless.rnrn[nextslide teaser="7%3A%20Connecticut%20" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5mTt2atvVkrn Connecticut - The Stepford Wives (1975) rn Directed by Bryan Forbes rnrn Starring Katharine Ross, Paula Prentiss, and Peter Masterson rnrnOkay, we've seen horror films taking place at isolated hotels and motels, the dead of night in Alaska, and a military base. Obviously, we should stay far away from those places, so let's go to a peaceful Connecticut suburb! What could go wrong with such friendly faces and polite women populating the area? Sure, sounds like a peaceful area, but after watching The Stepford Wives , even a seemingly perfect suburb is going to look terrifying to your eyes.rnrn The Stepford Wives , which Jordan Peele famously cited as one of his main influences for Get Out , tells the story of Joanna (Ross), a loving wife to a loving husband who both move into a perfect-looking suburb in Connecticut. It is here where Joanna notices just how strange the neighboring women are acting. They're all submissive and completely obedient to their husbands. Little does she know that there is something sinister looming in the background of this story.rnrnI don't want to spoil the story anymore, as I feel it is best experienced blind, but The Stepford Wives uses its intimate Connecticut setting to craft a compelling and thematically disgusting horror movie that'll make you think twice after greeting a seemingly happy woman at the supermarket. What lies beyond closed doors may be more disturbing than you'd expect.rnrn[nextslide teaser="8%3A%20Delaware" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6usdPpiqhorn Delaware - Survival of the Dead (2009) rn Directed by George A. Romero rnrn Starring Alan van Sprang, Kenneth Welsh, and Kathleen Munroe rnrnThere's no doubting George A. Romero's contribution to cinema, specifically in the horror genre. Often considered the father of the zombie film, Romero's Night of the Living Dead spawned a wave of zombie-related media to the mainstream, essentially helping form the modern zombie movie. In 2009, Romero was still going strong, having recently made the sixth entry in his Dead series, Survival of the Dead .rnrnDespite mixed to negative reviews, Survival stands as one of Romero's most underrated films, in my opinion. A bleak, but still highly enjoyable meditation on war, we follow AWOL National Guardsmen on the coast of Delaware as the threat of zombies grows stronger. It's far from Romero's best, but his switch in setting from rural houses and shopping malls to the coast of Delaware made for a refreshing setting mixed with Romero's usual confidence in directing. Don't sleep on this one, especially considering that this would be Romero's last film before his death last year.rnrn[nextslide teaser="9%3A%20Florida" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ke69bHVkHvErn Florida - Escape from Tomorrow (2013) rn Directed by Randy Moore rnrn Starring Roy Abramsohn, Elena Schuber, and Katelynn Rodriguez rnrnOkay, so by now we've established that places like small suburbs, the Delaware coast and hotels are prime places for horror films to take place. It really doesn't seem like any place is safe, except for Disney World of course. Disney is supposed to be the happiest place on Earth. It's how Disney has advertised itself and while most would agree to a certain level, Randy Moore decided to tackle the concept of Disney World being the most TERRIFYING place on Earth with his surreal psychological horror film, Escape from Tomorrow .rnrnThis guerilla-style indie film takes place at the actual Disney World in Florida, where the story follows a middle-aged father becoming increasingly delusional during a happy vacation day with his family at the resort. Moore mixes the happiness of Disney with a David Lynchian horror style to create a paranoid experience about the darkness that creeps underneath the Mouse.rnrnWhat's amazing about this is the fact that Moore managed to film his entire movie at the real park without the knowledge of Disney or anybody working there. He essentially shot a movie in secret at one of the world's most popular attractions, which is honestly miraculous when you think about it. The film itself is quite polarizing, but I strongly suggest giving this a watch, if only to feel scared next time you go to Disney World with your loving family.rnrn[nextslide teaser="10%3A%20Georgia" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at-gOm93fZgrn Georgia - Deliverance (1972) rn Directed by John Boorman rnrn Starring Burt Reynolds, Jon Voight, and Ned Beatty rnrnI'm gonna cheat a little bit with this one. Deliverance may not be a full-on horror film in terms of its structure and overall story. The story concerns a group of friends that encounter some trouble while traveling through the northern Georgia wilderness. To put it simply, this film operates more as a thriller than a horror, considering that the film's conflict stays more grounded in the real world as opposed to a traditional horror narrative. But the disturbing scenes in Deliverance bring a level of horror that even some traditional horror films fail to match in their execution.rnrnBoorman uses the Georgia wilderness to his advantage, isolating the men from civilization and encountering new horrors along the way. Boorman takes it a step further by having the men suffer immensely for their troubles, with one of the men being on the receiving end of a disturbing assault towards the middle of the movie. People who have seen this film know what I'm talking about, so hopefully you understand why a film like this is on the list. Sometimes, the true horrors await in the deep of the wilderness.rnrn[nextslide teaser="11%3A%20Hawaii" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkckhcqiwM8rn Hawaii - Snakes on a Plane (2006) rn Directed by David R. Ellis rnrn Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Nathan Phillips, and Bobby Cannavale rnrnOkay, I'm going to cheat again with the Hawaii entry, but please hear me out. Finding a good horror film that takes place in Hawaii was...a lot harder than I thought it would be. Most films tend to be lower-budget indie flicks that don't seem to represent the land of Hawaii very well, so for this one, I had to change it up a little bit. For this, we have the infamous meme of a comedy-horror film, Snakes on a Plane , which uses snakes FROM Hawaii as the main stars of the film.rnrnThe film starts out in Hawaii, as a witness protected by the FBI gets targeted by a crime boss who unleashes a horde of dangerous Hawaiian snakes on a plane that is escorting him to a trail in Los Angeles. So while the movie doesn't TECHNICALLY take place in Hawaii, it's the Hawaiian wildlife that stays a constant presence throughout the film, so this'll count as my pick.rnrnI doubt I'll make many people angry with this pick though, considering how insanely funny and off-the-walls this film is. We get snakes committing a full-blown massacre of people on an active airplane. What more could you ask for? Plus, we get Samuel Jackson hamming it up in the lead role and delivering one of the internet's most famous memes, so I'd say that counts as a win, right?rnrn[nextslide teaser="12%3A%20Idaho" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v16JFmGKQ38rn Idaho - Idaho Transfer (1973) rn Directed by Peter Fonda rnrn Starring Kelley Bohanon, Kevin Hearst, and Keith Carradine rnrnScience fiction horror films can be fairly hit-or-miss, especially if it's something involving time travel. The concept of time travel can confuse audiences to the point of forgetting the point of the film as they rack their brains over what is happening onscreen. Peter Fonda tried his hand at science fiction horror with the Idaho-set flick, Idaho Transfer , to pretty mixed reviews out of the gate. Honestly, I don't understand the reviews for this one.rnrnFonda uses time travel to tell a bleak and uncompromising story of young men and women being sent into the future to help populate the Earth after a supposed catastrophe wipes out everyone on Earth. Through this, Idaho Transfer asks questions on the future of humanity and whether it is truly worth saving. While this is not a straight-up horror film, Idaho Transfer feels like a dirty and unnerving blend of Blade Runner and Solaris and somehow that creates an uncomfortable film about the consequences of time travel and playing God. Nothing more terrifying than a worldwide catastrophe, right?rnrn[nextslide teaser="13%3A%20Illinois" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnWw060ygG8rn Illinois - Halloween (1978) rn Directed by John Carpenter rnrn Starring Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasence, and Nancy Loomis rnrnYou knew it was coming, you freaking knew. But honestly, Halloween is the essential Illinois horror film. It's one of the essential horror films for the genre as a whole. John Carpenter took the slasher genre, still in its infancy at the time, and made an innovative psychological horror film that has been copied many times over the years. But unlike most of the copies, Carpenter's Halloween holds an advantage over them: its simplicity.rnrnYou all know the story by now: Michael Myers is an emotionless and monstrous killer, who after escaping from the sanitarium that he's been held in after murdering his sister as a child, returns to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois to wreak havoc on Laurie Strode and anybody who gets in his way. The disturbing story of a stalker following an innocent teenage girl on Halloween night helped fuel the fears of every parent worried about their child on the spooky holiday.rnrnWhile the film famously takes place in Illinois, Halloween functions as a film that makes it easy to unnerve anybody from around the globe, which has helped it sustain its legacy even 40 years later.rnrn[nextslide teaser="14%3A%20Indiana" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSpQ3G08k48rn Indiana - Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) rn Directed by Steven Spielberg rnrn Starring Richard Dreyfuss, Teri Garr, and Francois Truffaut rnrnI realize in writing this that a Steven Spielberg film on a horror-centric list doesn't seem to make sense. Spielberg, as legendary as he is, isn't exactly known for traditional horror, Sure, he's done Jaws , but Spielberg is mostly known for his direction of harrowing true stories, such as Munich , Saving Private Ryan, and Schindler's List . But back in 1977, Spielberg used his keen direction and knack for suspense to transform Indiana into a haven of UFOs in his 1977 science-fiction thriller, Close Encounters of the Third Kind .rnrnAliens may not seem like a scary concept at this day and age, but back in the 1970s, alien paranoia was still at an all-time high. Spielberg knew this and used this paranoia to create this white-knuckle film on aliens invading planet Earth, with Indiana being one of their first destinations. The thought of UFOs chasing innocent people and blinding us all with their unorthodox lights is still a creepy concept, more than justifying its place on the list as Indiana's horror film. Sometimes, the fear of what will happen to you if you get kidnapped by aliens can be overwhelming, especially if you're an Indiana native.rnrn[nextslide teaser="15%3A%20Iowa" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7w9uWFIMBsrn Iowa - The Crazies (2010) rn Directed by Breck Eisner rnrn Starring Timothy Olyphant, Radha Mitchell, and Danielle Panabaker rnrnThis one goes to all of the small-town folks who do their best to avoid the hectic city and live out a peaceful existence in the rural United States. That's what the citizens of Ogden Marsh, Iowa are trying to do in this Crazies remake. Unfortunately, things go south pretty quickly when a virus spreads throughout the community, forcing a small group of survivors to fight off infected people and the militarized containment units trying to kill everyone in the town. Peaceful existence this is not.rnrn The Crazies plays off the fears of a small-town being subject to a deadly outbreak and uses that concept to craft a tense and high-octane horror-thriller. To some small-town folks, the idea of the small and tightly knit community you've known for years dying off and turning into bloodthirsty savages is the ultimate nightmare and The Crazies will be glad to take you along for the ride. This is a horror film that just about anybody can get into, but this is specifically for the intimate communities who may be forever paranoid about their neighbors after watching this.rnrn[nextslide teaser="16%3A%20Kansas" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU0H2mmgsjMrn Kansas - In Cold Blood (1967) rn Directed by Richard Brooks rnrn Starring Robert Blake, Scott Wilson, and John Forsythe rnrnNow this one's a little tricky. In researching horror films that take place in Kansas, I was having trouble finding a horror film that would be worthy enough to put on this list. I wasn't getting anywhere, until I realized that Kansas has some macabre history behind it. Specifically, Kansas was the state where the infamous Clutter murders took place. An entire family was massacred in their own home by two burglars and the story quickly caught national attention when Truman Capote wrote a book on the events called In Cold Blood .rnrnNow I realize that this doesn't SOUND like a horror film and Richard Brooks' adaptation of Capote's book certainly doesn't try present itself as such. But the Clutter murders still remains one of the most gruesome and cruel crimes to ever take place in Kansas and its impulsive nature is what makes the situation even more terrifying. You never know when you'll get waken up in the middle of the night to witness a pair of burglars going through your stuff and terrorizing your family. Sure, the film is more of a drama, but the real horror of the situation is more than worthy of being recognized on this list.rnrnPlus, you get to watch Scott Wilson flex his acting chops in something that isn't Walking Dead , so at least there's a positive to go along with this.rnrn[nextslide teaser="17%3A%20Kentucky" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkV42m5wVTkrn Kentucky - The Return of the Living Dead (1985) rn Directed by Dan O'Bannon rnrn Starring Clu Gulager, James Karen, and Miguel A. Nunez Jr. rnrnBy this in the mid-1980s, the zombie craze had reached new heights. George A. Romero brought us his Living Dead series and many copycats and unofficial successors had attempted to make their own mark on the genre. It's only a matter of time before things get a little stale and something is needed to freshen the formula. In 1985, Dan O'Bannon did just that with his gory horror-comedy, The Return of the Living Dead . After years of self-seriousness in the genre, this came by and reminded us just how funny a zombie apocalypse can be, with literate zombies professing their need and love for BRAAAIIIINS.rnrnWhat made Return of the Living Dead such a critical and cult hit was its dive into comedy to blend with the horror elements of a zombie narrative. O'Bannon treats the zombie genre with both an enormous amount of respect and a willingness to change things up and make the film his own. As we witness our group of Kentucky survivors fight back against the brain-loving zombies, it'll be easy to catch on with the film's self-aware atmosphere and killer soundtrack to give it the ultimate 80s vibe. Both fun and horrific, Return of the Living Dead is an essential watch for the zombie genre, even if it doesn't really scare you in the long run.rnrn[nextslide teaser="18%3A%20Louisiana" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVKtZwSm_dgrn Louisiana - 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016) rn Directed by Dan Trachtenberg rnrn Starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Goodman, and John Gallagher Jr. rnrnIt's no secret that J.J. Abrams' attempt at a Cloververse has met a mixed reception, especially after the Cloverfield Paradox debacle earlier this year. A good idea on paper, maybe, but inserting the Cloverfield name onto otherwise standalone films has made the universe feel messy and choppy, probably because that's exactly what it is. But despite that, the Cloverfield name may have actually helped 10 Cloverfield Lane put its name on the horror map, as it might have otherwise been largely ignored by the general public.rnrnA blessing in disguise really, as 10 Cloverfield Lane works as a strong psychological horror-thriller about a woman being put into a mysterious bunker with a kind redneck and a conspiracy theorist convinced that the world has been taken over by aliens. Part of the film's appeal is figuring out exactly what's happening, mixed with John Goodman giving a legitimately Oscar-worthy performance (seriously, he was robbed). The land of Louisiana may not be shown all that much, but since this film is confirmed to take place near Baton Rouge, I'll count it as the Louisiana entry for this list. Anything to talk about this criminally underappreciated horror film.rnrn[nextslide teaser="19%3A%20Maine" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7xza4oYsbYrn Maine - It (2017) rn Directed by Andy Muschietti rnrn Starring Bill Skarsgård, Jaeden Lieberher, and Finn Wolfhard rnrnAnybody who is even a casual horror fan will most likely know that the state of Maine is where legendary horror author, Stephen King, sets a good chunk of his stories. Maine is King's home, so it's natural that he would take his home and set some terrifying stories so close to his familiar setting. But of all Maine horror films, the 2017 It remake may honestly be head and shoulders above the rest. Yes, even the Tim Curry version from the early 1990s.rnrnNow this film certainly isn't amazing, but the good parts of this film are great and it's honestly the essential Maine horror film. Not only do we get the story of a group of outcasts facing off against an old demon who feeds on children, but Andy Muschietti does a fantastic job at showcasing the Maine setting and emulating that strange charm that King adds to his Maine settings in his stories. The recurring aspect of Maine in King's stories is that there's always something that feels a little...off about the air and overall atmosphere of the state. This film showcases that unnerving atmosphere with confidence and heart, which is more than enough to outweigh It' s flaws.rnrn[nextslide teaser="20%3A%20Maryland" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13DOpKRCVskrn Maryland - The Blair Witch Project (1999) rn Directed by Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez rnrn Starring Heather Donahue, Michael C. Williams, and Joshua Leonard rnrnThis one is a no-brainer, let's be perfectly honest. This is the kind of film that managed to make waves around the world because people though it was a legitimate SNUFF film pumped into theaters. This is the film that fueled the fear of the woods and the unknown to new heights, thanks in large to its guerilla-style filmmaking and the impressive attention to detail by the filmmakers. The Blair Witch Project is a film that has managed to stand the test of time and low-rate knockoffs, but why?rnrnHonestly, it's hard to imagine this film NOT being a success. The film took the very real history of witch paranoia in the northeastern United States and mixed it with home-video style filmmaking to play up the fears to a disturbing level of sincerity. The Blair Witch Project knew exactly what would make people unnerved and used its supernatural elements to bring the legend of evil witches to life. The Maryland woodlands is the true star of the film, effectively serving as the main antagonist against the unsuspecting survivors. Despite now being known as a fictional narrative, its realism and top-notch acting has helped the film age well. Maryland can be proud at being the home to what is now considered to be one of the most influential horror films in history.rnrn[nextslide teaser="21%3A%20Massachusetts" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCGGG_NvE4grn Massachusetts - Re-Animator (1985) rn Directed by Stuart Gordon rnrn Starring Jeffrey Combs, David Gale, and Barbara Crampton rnrnNow, we make our long-awaited trip to the Essex County in Massachusetts for the next entry on this list. Massachusetts is perhaps best tied to the horror genre through the work of the one and only H.P. Lovecraft. Lovecraft crafted one of his most famous stories, Herbert West-Reanimator , around Essex County and in 1985, Stuart Gordon took the opportunity to adapt the Lovecraft story into a feature film and wow, is it a doozy!rnrn[story_link_related select_cta="related_story" description="25%20greatest%20%E2%80%9980s%20horror%20movies" url="https://1428elm.com/2019/07/30/25-greatest-80s-horror-movies/" /]rnrn Re-Animator stars Jeffrey Combs as the infamous Herbert West, who invents a method that will allow him to revive the dead, no matter the physical injury and yes, that includes severed heads. As you can imagine, the practical effects for this chilling horror-comedy are top notch, often bordering on both hilarious and disturbing to look at. It's just the right combination to add to this wild and insanely enjoyable horror-comedy. It may not be as popular as other films from the 1980s, it nonetheless leaves its messy mark on the genre with grimy enthusiasm.rnrn[nextslide teaser="22%3A%20Michigan" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs0PrI3ylsorn Michigan - It Follows (2015) rn Directed by David Robert Mitchell rnrn Starring Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, and Daniel Zovatto rnrnOnto one of the most paranoia-inducing films on the list, we have David Robert Mitchell using the beautiful backdrop of Michigan to tell a creepy story of a literal permanent stalker in 2015's It Follows . Quite honestly feeling like a living, breathing STD, the creature in it Follows makes sure to, you guessed it, follow its victims around after they have sex with someone infected with this strange curse. The monster will follow until it gets its hands on its victims to brutally murder them. At this point, a traditional STD seems like a more peaceful way to die.rnrnI kid with the last statement, but it's hard to deny just how inherently creepy and disturbing this film is, especially when you set it against an aesthetically pleasing Michigan backdrop. The characters will travel all over, including beaches, indoor pools, and local neighborhoods, but that Michigan beauty is interrupted by the monster constantly following our victims around and putting them on edge. Despite being a slow film, there is hardly room to breathe and take in the Michigan scenery, making for an effective horror chase throughout.rnrnThe Tall Man's inclusion in this film certainly doesn't help either. Yeesh.rnrn[nextslide teaser="23%3A%20Minnesota" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVIsqHrME68rn Minnesota - Jennifer's Body (2009) rn Directed by Karyn Kusama rnrn Starring Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, and Adam Brody rnrnNow what we have here for the Minnesota entry is a classic case of "not of its time." What I mean by that is that we have a horror film that initially got mixed reviews coming out of the gate and a low box office return. It's sad, but it happens in the movie industry. The Diablo Cody-penned horror-comedy, Jennifer's Body , was one of those films in its 2009 release. Despite the wacky premise of a popular high school girl turning into a vampire and killing off her classmates, it only posted a box office return of just over $30 million, seemingly rendering it DOA.rnrnHowever, the #MeToo movement has recently uncovered the film and a newfound appreciation for the film's feminist themes has grown. Considering that the screenplay was by Diablo Cody of Juno fame, that shouldn't come as a surprise. Having watched this myself, it's refreshing to see a vampire film that is both wickedly fun AND intelligent with its themes. Megan Fox's underrated performance as the aforementioned Jennifer only elevates this unfortunately underappreciated vampire flick and I suggest that the film will continue to age well as the years go on.rnrn[nextslide teaser="24%3A%20Mississippi" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc2WepwFcWErn Mississippi - Straw Dogs (2011) rn Directed by Rod Lurie rnrn Starring James Marsden, Kate Bosworth, and Alexander Skarsgård rnrnLet me get this out of the way before we continue: I realize that horror remakes are typically not good at all. Remaking a beloved horror film will open the film up to an extra level of scrutiny from fans who prefer the original. The filmmakers need to watch for how it approaches the source material and if it can improve upon the original. Straw Dogs is the rare example of two different films being good, but with the original being set in the U.K., we got to highlight the 2011 remake that honestly gets WAY too much hate from the horror community.rnrnThe film essentially tells the same story, but with the setting being moved to Mississippi to capture the eyes of American audiences. But the visceral nature of the violence and story is practically every bit as intense as the original. We also get James Marsden and Kate Bosworth delivering some genuinely great performances buried under the hate for the film. Sure, it's not completely loathed, but with the Dustin Hoffman version being more acclaimed, of course it's going to follow this film around. Honestly, it shouldn't and I strongly suggest checking it out when you get the chance.rnrn[nextslide teaser="25%3A%20Missouri" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufUQWpEkbf0rn Missouri - You're Next (2013) rn Directed by Adam Wingard rnrn Starring Sharni Vinson, Nicholas Tucci, and Wendy Glenn rnrnWe are now exiting rural Mississippi and about to cross through rural Missouri. This list has a lot of rural horror films. Honestly, it makes sense. The rural setting is a prime place for something gruesome to happen, given how it is miles away from civilization and removed from the general public. It'll be hard to fend for yourself if you're stuck in a rural setting, but luckily, some people are well-prepared for such a situation to take place. This is what we get in Adam Wingard's sharp and witty slasher horror film, You're Next .rnrnInstead of a group of attackers spending the whole film terrorizing a group of innocent people for 90 minutes, we instead get that, but with a final girl who actually knows how to kick ass. Sharni Vinson plays Erin, a woman who is visiting her boyfriend's family for a get-together that is interrupted by a masked group of assailants bent on killing them all. But Erin uses her brain to fight back against the attackers in a switch-around that is both subversive and incredibly entertaining to watch. Don't be fooled by the gritty cover, this film is hilariously self-aware, but still manages to take itself seriously. This is one slasher you'll be very satisfied watching, even if just for that nice wrinkle in the slasher genre trope.rnrn[nextslide teaser="26%3A%20Montana" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pGcN3b1IRQrn Montana - Alien Abduction: Incident in Lake County (1998) rn Directed by Paul Chitlik rnrnThis may have been the toughest film to find on this entire list and having researched the context behind the film, it's simple to see why. Montana doesn't have a strong reputation for horror films, so I had to dig deep into the archives to find something worth mentioning. Suddenly I did, in the form of a film that briefly managed to get Blair Witch Project levels of notoriety and controversy. I'm talking about the 1998 TV horror film, Alien Abduction: Incident in Lake County . Now let me break this down as best as I can.rnrnSo the film focuses on a teenager named Tommy who is recording memories of him and his family enjoying a nice Thanksgiving dinner. That is until he soon realizes that there are aliens outside his house and they plan to get inside and abduct them. Sounds pretty average, right? Well let's not forget the fact that was a found-footage style film and unlike Blair Witch Project , this was aired on live TV and showcased more like a special report, making the film seem a lot more real than it actually was.rnrnThat alone is reason enough to dig this film up and check it out. It's not exactly a great film by any means, but the sheer history behind it and the waves it made on the news when it came out justify a watch. It's like watching a part of Montana history, you know?rnrn[nextslide teaser="27%3A%20Nebraska" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E_fT0aTsjIrn Nebraska - 1922 (2017) rn Directed by Zak Hilditch rnrn Starring Thomas Jane, Neal McDonough, and Molly Parker rnrnNow we move onto something a tad more in the fictional world. In fact, Stephen King makes his presence known once again! But this time, the adaptation is for a story that not many people know about. It's one of King's most underrated novels, 1922 , which has been buried by the slew of more popular books from the acclaimed author. However, Netflix was gracious enough to release an updated version of the story in 2017, starring the former Punisher himself, Thomas Jane. Despite not receiving nearly as much attention as It , I would argue that this film surpasses the clown any day of the week.rnrnFor one, the story is infinitely more disturbing and down-to-Earth. Jane plays a Nebraskan farmer who plots to kill his wife after she announces her intention to uproot the family into a more urban area. The moral dilemma and desperate clinging to a withering humanity is incredibly gripping and immersive. 1922 takes a Nebraskan farm and showcases a completely realistic situation that could be happening on such an isolated piece of land. If someone were to be killed on a farm, would they even go noticed? A simple farmhouse has been used in many a slasher before, but a situation like this is just a little too disturbing to enjoy on a popcorn level.rnrnIn other words, watch it with the whole family!rnrn[nextslide teaser="28%3A%20Nevada" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwbFwVf8yoErn Nevada - Tremors (1990) rn Directed by Ron Underwood rnrn Starring Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, and Reba McEntire rnrnMonster worms and Kevin Bacon. What more could you ask for in a horror movie? I'm sure there's plenty of stuff to add to that, but that combination is more than worthy enough to entertain. 1990's Tremors is an idea that honestly should've never worked. We get a Nevada desert being populated by giant worms that devour anything they sense above the dirt with gruesome ferocity. Now only Kevin Bacon and his ragtag group of survivors can stop the worms in their tracks, or they can at least try. It's a concept seemingly destined to fail.rnrn Tremors may have honestly failed had it taken itself too seriously for audiences to enjoy. It's a worm movie in the desert. You kind of have to have a sense of humor to go along with the story and luckily, the cast has that in spades. Kevin Bacon uses his energetic charm from Footloose and transforms himself into an unlikely warrior to the worms. There's a cracking charisma that radiates from Bacon and the rest of the cast, which only serves to make the film all the more entertaining to witness. Again, it's not that much of a horror film, but the concept of a giant worm trying to eat you if you so much as take a light step on the ground is enough to consider it a horror (a fun one too).rnrn[nextslide teaser="29%3A%20New%20Hampshire" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlugldzO9zYrn New Hampshire - In the Mouth of Madness (1995) rn Directed by John Carpenter rnrn Starring Sam Neill, John Glover, and Charlton Heston rnrnJohn Carpenter returns! The famous horror director has been at the helm of several classics over the years, including Halloween , The Thing , and Christine . But in 1995, Carpenter tackled a different beast for his next feature film: insanity. He did so in the form of a psychological horror film called In the Mouth of Madness . It may sound familiar, but this is what I would consider to be one of his most underrated films to date.rnrnThe film stars Sam Neill as an insurance investigator assigned to look into the disappearance of a famous horror novelist, one whose books he starts to get a little too familiar with as he continues the investigation. In the Mouth of Madness is easily one of Carpenter's most cerebral and experimental films, tapping into the looming insanity present in all of us, showcased in this film in a very Lovecraftian atmosphere, which only heightens the horror of the story. It may not be his most famous film, but New Hampshire will be sure to spark up memories of this lovely film if you ever decide to visit.rnrn[nextslide teaser="30%3A%20New%20Jersey" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yO3eVly1GSIrn New Jersey - Friday the 13th (1980) rn Directed by Sean S. Cunningham rnrn Starring Adrienne King, Betsy Palmer, and Kevin Bacon rnrnAh, the peaceful waters of Camp Crystal Lake. The ideal place to party, have sex, and generally go wild as the day turns into night. The fun is stopped when a faceless killer comes into the camp and starts killing off the camp counselors one-by-one until there's only one brave girl left to face off against the evil force. I know it's clichéd, but rest assured, Friday the 13th can get a pass due to it being one of the first major slasher to perfect the slasher formula and do it with a clever whodunit setup.rnrnWhile Jason Voorhees gets his time in the spotlight in the sequels, we generally have no idea who the killer is here. Part of the mystery is figuring out who is doing these terrible things to the horny Jersey teenagers. Sure, the characters aren't particularly well-written and the acting is hokey as hell, Friday the 13th still set the bar for future slasher films to try and top. Some would say that the franchise couldn't top itself at all and while that may be debatable, it would be wrong to not acknowledge the start of a legendary franchise with this simple, but dangerously effective murder-mystery horror film.rnrn[nextslide teaser="31%3A%20New%20Mexico" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O76m3kpgPTQrn New Mexico - The Hills Have Eyes (2006) rn Directed by Alexandre Aja rnrn Starring Aaron Stanford, Kathleen Quinlan, and Ted Levine rnrnNew Mexico has a strange history with the unknown phenomena. Roswell was the site of the infamous Roswell incident involving an alleged alien sighting the desert of New Mexico has had many urban legends centered around it. Though this entry doesn't lean into the supernatural, there's still a disturbingly surreal quality to the main conflict in Alexandre Aja's remake of The Hills Haves Eyes . With Aja being a French extremist enthusiast and not quite hitting his mainstream peak with Piranha 3D yet, this film feels like the perfect mix of mainstream American horror and New French Extremity.rnrnThe mutated cannibals in this horror remake have a strange Lynchian feel to them, from their different deformities to their personalities. It's like they were plucked out of a Lynch film and put into a traditional survival horror film where hell ensues. The Hills Have Eyes uses its vast and empty desert setting to craft a horrific cat-and-mouse game between cannibals and a family traveling through the New Mexico desert. There's plenty of gore, action, small bits of dark humor, and everything else you could possibly ask for. It is one of the best horror remakes ever made and one of the best New Mexico films for sure.rnrnPlus, we get to Aaron Stanford tap into his inner Ash Williams in this film, so that's always a step in the right direction!rnrn[nextslide teaser="32%3A%20New%20York" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQFpMZ6glTorn New York - Cloverfield (2007) rn Directed by Matt Reeves rnrn Starring Lizzy Caplan, T.J. Miller, and Jessica Lucas rnrnIf this was a list counting down the best promotional campaigns for films, J.J. Abrams' found footage epic, Cloverfield , would easily be near or at the top of the list. The buildup to Cloverfield was a masterclass in promotion, with little droplets of teasers and clues paving the way for internet forums trying to discover what this all was. The official website would sometimes give out small clues to keep the campaign going and the first teaser trailers didn't even have the name attached to them. Nobody knew what this was and the buildup just kept getting stronger.rnrnWhat made it even better was that the actual film itself lived up to expectations in grand ways. With a higher budget than most found footage films, Cloverfield had the rawness of an amateur video, but mixed with the grand scale epicness of a Godzilla movie, making the tension feel even more palpable than normal. Imagine a Godzilla or King Kong film, but shot in a first-person perspective with a cheap camera. There's no better way to immerse the audience and to have it all take place in a popular place like New York? Pure insanity.rnrnWith a cover that shows the Statue of Liberty being destroyed, how could this film NOT be the New York entry on this list?rnrn[nextslide teaser="33%3A%20North%20Carolina" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSYg7Z1KS_Irn North Carolina - The Descent (2005) rn Directed by Neil Marshall rnrn Starring Shauna Macdonald, Natalie Mendoza, and Alex Reid rnrnWe've already covered a slew of horror films on this list, all ranging from stories set in the desert and on Spring Break to farmhouses and high schools. All of these settings, despite ranging wildly in size difference, all have the advantage of being set out in the open somewhere. There's an abundance of air to breathe and the daylight helps make the experience less tense. But what happens when you strip away the comfort of light and open spaces and instead explore a cave? The answer is we get Neil Marshall's visceral creature horror film, The Descent .rnrnFor anybody who hasn't seen this criminally underrated horror gem, it's like this. Imagine that this is the first episode of Goblin Slayer , but for an hour and a half with no help whatsoever. That's what Marshall gives us with this compelling story of an old group of friends traveling to the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina to hike and catch up. But when they find themselves lost in the middle of a dark and mazy cave, they soon realize that they are not alone.rnrnThe film's dark setting and refusal to give us light makes this a blood-pumping experience, as we see the girls fight to survive against vastly superior creatures, complete with sick practical effects and top-level acting from its mostly unknown cast. If you haven't seen it, I think it's about time you change that.rnrn[nextslide teaser="34%3A%20North%20Dakota" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKR32_3Yx08rn North Dakota - Welcome to Leith (2015) rn Directed by Michael Beach Nichols and Christopher K. Walker rnrnBrace yourselves for this one, because it is absolutely mesmerizing and disturbing. Up until now, we've had fictional stories, found footage horror films, and adaptations of books based on real crimes. At the heart of that all, it was still fairly fictional in its presentation. But Welcome to Leith is where the fiction comes to a grinding halt. I'm putting this in the horror section because the filmmakers chose to shoot this film with the vibe of a horror-western to uncanny results. What makes this film so chilling is the fact that while it is presented as a movie, it is actually a documentary. Of what, you ask?rnrnIn 2012, white supremacist neo-Nazi, Craig Cobb, moved to the small town of Leith, North Dakota and after seeing the town's double-digit population, saw this as an opportunity to build a white nationalist movement and attempt to move his followers in the town to try and build a majority so he could run for local office. It's essentially what Osho did with the Rajneesh movement presented in this year's Wild, Wild Country . A real-life horror story of a powerful man attempting to insert his white nationalist ideology into the politics of a North Dakota town. This was a mere 6 years ago, but it's a story that will not leave the head anytime soon, considering how real this truly was.rnrn[nextslide teaser="35%3A%20Ohio" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoBx7F-q2CArn Ohio - Trick R' Treat (2007) rn Directed by Michael Dougherty rnrn Starring Anna Paquin, Dylan Baker, and Brian Cox rnrnA good old-fashioned Halloween film makes its way onto the list again! Though we had Halloween before, this time we take a look at what is now considered a modern-day Halloween cult classic, all set in the fictional town of Warren Valley, Ohio. Michael Dougherty's horror anthology barn-burner, Trick R' Treat , is an absolute delight from start to bloody finish. Anthology horror films have great potential within them, but they tend to trip over themselves in some of the segments, making the film feel uneven and badly paced. Dougherty avoids that with macabre glee.rnrn Trick R' Treat uses its nonlinear structure to explore this Ohio town and the various residents within the town and how they celebrate Halloween. Some like to carve out pumpkins with their father, some like to party and have sex, and then there are the Halloween grumps who just stay inside. Thanks to Sam, the bag-headed mascot for Halloween in this film, we get to explore each of these stories and what happens when you take the holidays for granted.rnrnSpoiler alert: It's not a very positive outcome, but it's a hell of a lot of fun to watch, so it evens out.rnrn[nextslide teaser="36%3A%20Oklahoma" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POeCsA4Vb2Mrn Oklahoma - Bug (2006) rn Directed by William Friedkin rnrn Starring Ashley Judd, Michael Shannon, and Harry Connick Jr. rnrnJust about every horror film mentioned so far has had clear antagonists that terrorize the heroes at every turn or constantly scheme to get their way. But what about when there's no clear antagonist? What if it's all just a figment of your imagination? Maybe it really isn't and something or someone is out to get you? These are questions pondered by Ashley Judd and Michael Shannon in the 2006 paranoia horror film, Bug . While most horror films tend to take place in popular settings like cabins and farmhouses, this one switches things up by being set primarily in a small motel room. Odd, isn't it?rnrnWhat makes this film even more odd is the premise, which follows two complete strangers holing up in a motel room at an empty Oklahoma motel after one of them convinces the other that the U.S. government is out to get them both and do experiments on them. What follows is a mad dive into insanity, as we witness the characters slowly lose their minds and become convinced that they're being infested with bugs. Is it true or is it just part of a paranoid person's psyche? Who knows, but all I know is that it's an excellent and tragically underseen horror-thriller that deserves way more attention than it's currently getting.rnrn[nextslide teaser="37%3A%20Oregon" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8XSARX3DQgrn Oregon - Green Room (2016) rn Directed by Jeremy Saulnier rnrn Starring Anton Yelchin, Joe Cole, and Sir Patrick Stewart rnrnIt's incredibly rare that we see the legendary Patrick Stewart in something that isn't strictly related to Star Trek or X-Men . Sure, he's had his recurring roles in comedy shows like American Dad! and Family Guy , but seeing Stewart flex his acting chops in a claustrophobic horror-thriller is just a sight to see. Not stopping there, we get the late Anton Yelchin in one of his final roles before his untimely death and with Jeremy Saulnier's solid direction, we have the Oregon-based survival horror-thriller, Green Room .rnrnThe film follows Yelchin and his up-and-coming rock band traveling to a neo-Nazi bar in Oregon to play a set. Unfortunately for them, they get caught up in the trouble with the bar's other scheduled band, leading to a tense confrontation between the band a group of vicious neo-Nazis plotting on killing anyone who was a witness to their activities. There is never a moment to breathe, as we see the band trapped with nowhere to go, transforming into unlikely warriors along the way. It's not a long movie and some of the film's cheesiness drags it down, but it a more than worthy entry for the state of Oregon, even if it does involve white supremacists.rnrn[nextslide teaser="38%3A%20Pennsylvania" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd-z5wBeFTUrn Pennsylvania - Dawn of the Dead (1978) rn Directed by George A. Romero rnrn Starring David Emge, Ken Foree, and Scott Reiniger rnrnThis was one of the hardest choices to make, due to the fact that both this and Romero's original zombie nightmare, Night of the Living Dead , take place in different parts of Pennsylvania. There's no denying how important the first film was in elevating the traditional monster film into something more potent, but Romero upgraded his style and managed to tell an even more clever and action-packed story with the 1978 sequel, Dawn of the Dead . It is one of, if not the most famous zombie film in existence and seeing it nowadays, it's easy to see why.rnrnUnlike the first film that had its characters trapped in an isolated house in the middle of nowhere, Dawn of the Dead tells the story of the same zombie invasion, but from the perspective of the military. It's larger in both scope and setting, as the characters end up in an abandoned shopping mall, where they are free to live their life how they please with the many now-free goodies they have inside. Designed to tackle the idea of consumerism and how it can make us into mindless zombies if abused, Romero mixed smart social commentary with insanely gory practical effects that never lost their charm, even 40 years later.rnrn40 years old and still a great watch.rnrn[nextslide teaser="39%3A%20Rhode%20Island" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k10ETZ41q5orn Rhode Island - The Conjuring (2013) rn Directed by James Wan rnrn Starring Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, and Lili Taylor rnrnOnto more true-story horror films, this time with a supernatural twist. The subjects of ghosts is a tricky subject in the world of horror. Though there are certainly still believers out there, it seems like the topic of ghosts has begun to fade into obscurity as different horror films with newer topics and edgier filmmaking have emerged. Therefore, it was a refreshing surprise to see director James Wan tackle an old-school ghost story with such a throwback attitude. The Conjuring is every bit as old-school as classic ghost stories come, and that's a great thing for the genre.rnrnTelling the story of the real-life paranormal investigator/husband and wife duo, Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring bases its premise on a real-life paranormal disturbance in a Rhode Island family's house. James Wan takes the story and amps the supernatural element to an 11, treating the audience to a classic ghost story with fresh scares and incredibly strong characters. Ed and Lorraine Warren, whether you believe them or not, are easily one of the most charming couples to appear in a horror film. It's their charm, mixed with old-school scares, that makes The Conjuring way better than it has any right to be.rnrn[nextslide teaser="40%3A%20South%20Carolina" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0rCYl4e1Lwrn South Carolina - Slither (2006) rn Directed by James Gunn rnrn Starring Elizabeth Banks, Nathan Fillion, and Michael Rooker rnrnSo this is what James Gunn was doing before he transitioned to Guardians of the Galaxy , huh? Considering how weird those movies are on their own, I'm not terribly surprised. However, without Disney there to filter out the weirder stuff, Gunn's films can get a little crazy. His 2006 creature horror-comedy, Slither , is a prime example of that. From the studios of Troma to his own directorial debut, Gunn had certainly come a long way, but his Troma roots are still very much part of Slither 's identity.rnrnWhen a meteor crash lands in a field in South Carolina, the people who stumble upon it see that it contains a strange parasite that takes over bodies and begins to reproduce to take over the world. An average day in South Carolina, I'm sure. All jokes aside, Gunn's debut proves that auteurs can come from just about any place in the film industry. This schlocky horror-comedy is keen on grossing people out while making them laugh their asses off and that is more than enough to make this a film to watch when you're eating food.rnrn[nextslide teaser="41%3A%20South%20Dakota" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKykxE7CBbcrn South Dakota - Badlands (1973) rn Directed by Terrence Malick rnrn Starring Martin Sheen, Sissy Spacek, and Warren Oates rnrnMuch like the previous entry, In Cold Blood , I've pulled out a film that is not technically considered a horror film, at least in the traditional sense. There's no giant monsters or undead serial killers. Just pure evil hidden inside the body of a charming young man who seems bent on killing and killing. We get that in spades with Terrence Malick's crime masterpiece, Badlands , which is loosely based on the real-life serial killer, Charles Starkweather, and his infamous killing spree with his girlfriend, Caril Fugate, in 1958.rnrnThough the names are different, the core of the story very much emulates the real killing spree, which caught national attention for its random nature and brutality. It was essentially a Bonnie and Clyde story, which turns up here as Sheen and Spacek play a similar role to devastating results. Malick's impeccable direction and the lead performances help craft one of the greatest crime films ever made and though it's not traditional horror, I still encourage everyone to watch this unnerving South Dakotan crime drama anyway.rnrn[nextslide teaser="42%3A%20Tennessee%20" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coGH4OaR9hcrn Tennessee - The Evil Dead (1981) rn Directed by Sam Raimi rnrn Starring Bruce Campbell , Ellen Sandweiss, and Betsy Baker rnrnHow many of you actually knew that the legendary cult horror hit, The Evil Dead , took place in rural Tennessee? Probably a good chunk of you, but either way it's intriguing to see exactly where the legend began. It all started with a group of friends going to an isolated cabin to party their little hearts out, only to encounter demonic spirits that begin to possess and kill them, one by one. It's far from an original premise, even in 1981, but the sheer charm of the cast and the hilariously gory practical effects make up for it in large part.rnrnSeeing the characters get possessed becomes both a funny and tiring experience, seeing as how their innocent charm makes them out to be strangely likable characters. Plus, we get the introduction of the chainsaw-wielding badass himself, Ash Williams. Granted, this was before his transformation into a groovy warrior of the night, but it's still a surreal sight to witness Ash at his wimpy infancy. Here he's just a guy who happens to be part of the group and it's fun to see him slowly develop into the badass he eventually becomes. But the first film is not something to ignore, as it introduces Bruce and Sam Raimi into the film industry. Quite a hectic start!rnrn[nextslide teaser="43%3A%20Texas" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs3981DoINwrn Texas - The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) rn Directed by Tobe Hooper rnrn Starring Marilyn Burns, Paul A. Partain, and Gunnar Hansen rnrnDid you really expect anything else? The state is in the name of the film, for crying out loud. However, I imagine that not many people will be too angry with me putting Tobe Hooper's horror smash hit in this spot. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is very much a slasher film, but unlike slashers where the killer is the absolute main star, Hooper uses Leatherface to his best abilities: terrifying innocent people who probably don't deserve the fates that will become of them. In other words, Tobe Hooper made sure to make the killer actually deplorable and horrifying.rnrnLeatherface will take no prisoners, literally slashing his way through anyone he sees with all of the weapons at his disposal. Hammers, meat hooks, and of course, his trusty chainsaw. The pure insanity and unrelenting horror of Hooper's horror slasher may be a bit too graphic for some, but for a film so graphic and some what would say inaccessible, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a must-watch for any fan of horror or even just films in general. The film's influence on the horror genre is still being felt to this day and we have good old Leatherface and Tobe Hooper to thank for that.rnrn[nextslide teaser="44%3A%20Utah" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkTz0EvfEiYrn Utah - Carnival of Souls (1962) rn Directed by Herk Harvey rnrn Starring Candace Hilligoss, Frances Feist, and Art Ellison rnrnBehold, one of the most notorious and terrifying independent horror films ever made. Yes, it's a film from 1962 and if you compare the production value to something from the modern age, it may not come even close to matching it. But what Carnival of Souls has that many modern horror films seem to lack is pure atmosphere. This right here is just a creepy film, through and through, and its unnerving setting still resonates in 2018.rnrnThe film follows a woman who, after an accident, decides to move to a new town in Utah to start fresh. However, she finds herself enthralled with a local carnival that is nearby and soon, she begins to lose her mind and starts seeing strange figures that follow her wherever she goes. This is paranoia at its most visceral and intense. People don't believe that she is telling the truth, but her own delusions and mental collapses don't help her argument either. It's an absolute nightmare for her and despite being well over 50 years old at this point, it still holds up as a terrifying experience on the fear of being watched anywhere and at ALL times.rnrn[nextslide teaser="45%3A%20Vermont" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYmA2N9vU6crn Vermont - Wolf (1994) rn Directed by Mike Nichols rnrn Starring Jack Nicholson, Michelle Pfeiffer, and James Spader rnrnIt's honestly about time we saw some werewolves on this list. We've seen vampires, skyscraper-sized monsters, killer worms, and neo-Nazis on the list, but no love for the werewolves. Not if Jack Nicholson has anything to say about it! The 1994 romantic horror film didn't win over too many critics and its box office return was only slightly profitable in the long run, but this slow-burn horror-drama about a man slowly losing himself to his werewolf form is such a compelling watch, despite its slow pace.rnrn Wolf sees Jack Nicholson slowly transform into a werewolf after he is bitten by a wolf at the beginning of the film. From there, his transformation slowly comes full circle as we see the famously expressive actor lash out at his colleagues and soon, innocent animals in the wild. It's quite the journey to see this once-normal man terrorize the wildlife of Vermont while grappling with his own humanity in the progress. It's not exactly frightening, but the sheer tragedy of the story is horrific enough to warrant a spot on this list.rnrnWith Jack Nicholson in the lead role to accompany everything else, I say we got a recipe for success here with Wolf .rnrn[nextslide teaser="46%3A%20Virginia" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGdlArQiXForn Virginia - Cherry Falls (2000) rn Directed by Geoffrey Wright rnrn Starring Brittany Murphy, Jay Mohr, and Michael Biehn rnrnI'm sure by this point that us horror fans have gotten familiar with the characteristics of the Final Girl. She's typically headstrong, resourceful, and just a tad too innocent for the rest of her doomed friends. There are many horror films that have the final girl be a virgin who hasn't experienced much of a social life, bettering their chances at not being becoming distracted and surviving the killer's onslaught. But in Cherry Falls , carrying around your V-card isn't going to save you from death. In fact, you are bound to become a target instead.rnrnGeoffrey Wright's subversive horror slasher takes the much-used virginity aspect of a final girl and uses it to the victims' disadvantage, as the town of Cherry Falls, Virginia is plagued with the presence of a serial killer who specifically targets virgins, making for a flawed, but incredibly creative slasher premise that mostly pulls off what it's trying to do. It doesn't feel different enough to actually be considered groundbreaking, especially when you have much more subversive horror films like Scream and New Nightmare , but Cherry Falls is an admirable and fun attempt at twisting the formula ever so slightly.rnrn[nextslide teaser="47%3A%20Washington" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyiCDq6Y0c8rn Washington - The Ring (2002) rn Directed by Gore Verbinski rnrn Starring Naomi Watts, David Dorfman, and Daveigh Chase rnrnYet another example of an American horror remake that either matches or surpasses the greatness of the original. In this case, we have the remake of the famous Japanese horror film, Ring . We switch settings from the land of Japan over to Seattle, Washington, as Naomi Watts takes the lead role of an investigator who tries to find out exactly what's been happening with a mysterious video tape that has been linked to several deaths in the area. Her son unfortunately watches the tape, along with her, putting them in danger as the next week begins to possibly be their last.rnrn[story_link_related select_cta="related_story" description="The%20Ring%20and%20the%2010%20best%20foreign%20horror%20movie%20remakes" url="https://1428elm.com/2019/06/27/the-grudge-10-best-foreign-horror-movie-remakes/" /]rnrnWhat this remake accomplishes is establishing a dreary tone to go along with the week-long story. Verbinski chose Seattle because of the rainy aesthetic of Washington and it couldn't have been a better choice for this kind of story. The film, though drained of color, is mesmerizing to take in, along with Verbinski's knack for subtle horror that slowly builds to a terrifying finale. The Ring made a name for itself as one of the scariest films to ever be released and while that may be debatable, there's still an air of genuine quality to this remake, aging the film very well as the years have gone on.rnrnMakes one hate Rings even more, huh?rnrn[nextslide teaser="48%3A%20West%20Virginia" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ0PocoUWVIrn West Virginia - Tucker &amp; Dale vs. Evil (2010) rn Directed by Eli Craig rnrn Starring Tyler Labine, Alan Tudyk, and Katrina Bowden rnrnIf we wanna talk about subversive horror films, then we need to take a trip all the way down to West Virginia to do so. There, we have the setting for the 2010 cult hit, Tucker &amp; Dale vs. Evil , in all of its rural glory. Now rednecks typically don't get a good reputation in horror films. We mainly see them as the brute killers that are out to rip teenagers apart. But here, Eli Craig twists the formula to have the two rednecks, Tucker and Dale, be the story's main heroes, or reluctant heroes so to speak. No longer did the rednecks take up the spot of the antagonist, as now they get to bask in the spotlight.rnrnTucker and Dale are two lifelong friends who travel to West Virginia to stay at their rundown, but personality-driven cabin for a much-needed vacation. At the same time, a group of college buddies go camping, but when they run into Tucker and Dale, a miscommunication of deadly proportions happens and now the students are dying one by one. By what exactly? You'll find out when you watch, but it disturbingly hilarious and entertaining. Craig subverts the formula just enough and makes almost everybody in the story out to be likable in some way, shape, or form. It may not be scary, but it's a glorious cheeseball of a horror-comedy that should be watched immediately.rnrn[nextslide teaser="49%3A%20Wisconsin" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeZ0SIG2eJYrn Wisconsin - Dawn of the Dead (2004) rn Directed by Zack Snyder rnrn Starring Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, and Mekhi Phifer rnrnHey look, Dawn of the Dead is back on this list! Looks like we have a repeat offender on this list, or maybe not, since this version takes place in a fictional town in Wisconsin. Instead of George A. Romero taking the reins on this one, that job is left to pre- Batman v. Superman Zack Snyder who, with the help of James Gunn's screenplay, does his own take on Romero's takedown of consumerism. The plot is mostly the same, as it sees a group of survivors hole up at a shopping mall to wait the apocalypse out, but Gunn's signature weirdness and Zack's punchy visuals makes for a wildly different experience.rnrnWhile Romero's version balanced the fun and gory parts with the witty writing and social commentary, Snyder and Gunn opt for a more intense and action-packed experience. The comedy is still there and sharp, but a good portion of the film is dedicated to elaborate set pieces and memorable action sequences. We get a significantly more interesting protagonist with Sarah Polley delivering a great lead performance and although the writing doesn't match the original, there's still a lot of fun to be had with this adrenaline-fueled remake.rnrnAlso zombie babies.rnrn[nextslide teaser="50%3A%20Wyoming" /]rnrn rnrnhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DYMikNhSUUrn Wyoming - Prison (1987) rn Directed by Renny Harlin rnrn Starring Viggo Mortensen, Kane Hodder, and Tom Everett rnrnTo end this long list, it seems fitting that we head to a prison to top things off. We've talked about many different kinds of horror films where a variety of gross and brutal things have happened, so it's natural to see ourselves in prison after witnessing such things. But as if you didn't already know that prison is not exactly a safe place to be, now we get the supernatural to come with us on our prison experience. This leads to our final film and Wyoming entry, Prison , directed by Deep Blue Sea director, Renny Harlin.rnrnHere, we see a young Viggo Mortensen (years before his charming turn in Green Book ) act alongside the legendary stuntman and Jason Voorhees actor, Kane Hodder, in a story of supernatural vengeance. When a deceased inmate comes back to haunt the very prison he was killed in after it reopens, it causes havoc among the prisoners, who begin to get picked off by the vengeful ghost. It's hardly a masterpiece and the premise screams stupid, but the sheer novelty of a ghost movie inside a freaking PRISON is just too good to resist. See this to witness Kane Hodder in action and Viggo Mortensen before he became a driver for Mahershala Ali . It's fun to watch this film with those aspects in mind.rnrn[story_link_next description="Horror%20Movies%3A%2025%20Greatest%20horror%20movie%20villains" url="https://1428elm.com/2018/10/24/horror-movies-25-greatest-horror-movie-villains-hannibal-lecter-pennywise/" /]rnrn What did you think? Were there any films from certain states that I might've missed? Sound off in the comments below!

1428 Elm

Greatest horror movie set in every state

Alabama – Body Snatchers (1993)

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