Looking to plan a spine-tingling adventure inspired by your favorite Halloween movies? From eerie haunted houses to misty forests and iconic horror film locations, there are countless real-life destinations that bring Halloween movie magic to life. This guide to Halloween movie locations will lead you through some of the most thrilling travel destinations where legendary horror films were set and filmed. Whether you’re a fan of classic horror, supernatural mysteries, or iconic Halloween cult favorites, you’ll want to keep reading. These trip ideas will help you plan a perfectly spooky getaway filled with the real-life backdrops of your favorite scary movies. Get ready to explore—and perhaps experience—the chills and thrills of famous horror movie locations around the world!
Halloween movie locations that you need to visit ASAP
1. Salem, Massachusetts
There’s obviously A LOT of movies set in Salem. So really have your pick. But for the article we’re highlighting Hocus Pocus (the OG one) which was both set and filmed in Salem. Other filming spots were in Marblehead, MA. So if you’re really looking for the full experience, be sure to head there too. Hocus Pocus 2 was set in Salem, like the first, but filming took place in New York and Rhode Island (including Newport).
2. Romania
While Hotel Transylvania is animated, its iconic setting draws inspiration from real Romanian castles like Bran Castle, often associated with the Dracula legend. Situated in Transylvania, Romania, Bran Castle’s Gothic architecture and misty Carpathian landscapes capture the essence of Dracula lore that inspired the movie. This historic region celebrates its rich vampire folklore, medieval villages, and deep ties to horror legends.
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3. Washington DC
The Exorcist fans can step directly into scenes from the movie by visiting Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. This is where the film was both set and largely shot. The iconic “Exorcist Steps” (see left photo) on M Street remain a must-visit for horror enthusiasts. Many scenes were filmed near Georgetown University and various historic homes in the area, adding authenticity to the film’s atmosphere.
4. Colorado
Stephen King’s The Shining finds its real-life inspiration at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. While the movie was filmed at the Timberline Lodge in Oregon for exterior shots, King’s initial inspiration came from his stay at the Stanley Hotel. It was there that he experienced the eerie atmosphere firsthand. Visitors to the Stanley can enjoy ghost tours and themed events that pay homage to the chilling story. Colorado’s mountainous landscapes and historic lodges provide the perfect eerie backdrop for fans to experience the haunted ambiance that permeates the film.
5. Sweden
Midsommar, although filmed in Hungary, is set in rural Sweden, where its disturbing story unfolds during a seemingly idyllic midsummer festival. The film taps into Swedish cultural traditions, showcasing flower crowns, maypoles, and bright daylight that contrast with the dark horror beneath. Sweden’s vast countryside and small villages offer a similar ambiance, especially during midsummer celebrations in June, when the whole country embraces its folklore.
6. Germany
The 1931 Frankenstein movie is set in a fictional German village. It draws upon the eerie landscapes of the Bavarian Alps and Gothic architecture that characterize parts of Germany. Mary Shelley’s original tale takes Dr. Frankenstein across the European countryside, with significant influence from Germany’s dark forests and haunting castles. Visitors to Germany can explore Frankenstein Castle in Darmstadt, which adds to the lore with tales of its own local “mad scientist.”
7. Oregon
Fans of Disney’s Halloweentown can explore the real-life filming location of St. Helens, Oregon, where much of the movie was shot. Each year, St. Helens celebrates “Spirit of Halloweentown,” transforming the town into a festive Halloween destination complete with pumpkin displays and themed events. This charming Oregon town captures the whimsy of Halloweentown. Visiting is truly an enchanting trip for movie fans who want to immerse themselves in nostalgia. Bonus: St. Helens was also the shooting location for scenes in Twilight!
8. Florida
The pastel-colored, suburban neighborhood in Edward Scissorhands was filmed in the Tampa Bay area of Lutz, Florida. The striking visual contrast between Edward’s Gothic look and the bright suburbia shines in this area. The film’s distinctive aesthetic comes to life in Lutz, whose real-life homes were painted in vivid colors specifically for the movie.
9. Australia
Set and filmed in Adelaide, Australia, The Babadook brings its horror to life through the isolation and haunting atmosphere of its Australian suburban home. The city’s architecture enhances the film’s sense of dread, offering audience members a tangible connection to the tense psychological horror. Adelaide’s quaint but eerie settings contribute significantly to the film’s tone. It’s an interesting destination for horror enthusiasts curious of the origins of one of Australia’s most unsettling horror films.
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10. Vermont
Beetlejuice (and it’s sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice) fans can visit East Corinth, Vermont, where Tim Burton filmed many of the movie’s outdoor scenes. The quaint New England village, with its picturesque houses and idyllic landscape, sets the perfect contrast for the film’s eccentric supernatural elements. East Corinth’s timeless, rural charm makes it a great location for fans wanting to experience the kooky and the cozy. While the film was shot in Vermont, the setting in the film is the fake town of Winter River, Connecticut. If you’re looking for similar vibes to this fake town in CT, try visiting towns like Kent or West Cornwall.
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11. Washington
Practical Magic brings viewers into the fictional New England town of Maria’s Island. However, it was filmed in the charming town of Coupeville on Whidbey Island, Washington. Unfortunately, the Victorian house central to the film was a set built specifically for Practical Magic and was dismantled afterward. But Coupeville’s waterfront and historical architecture still exude the film’s enchanting atmosphere. Whidbey Island’s natural beauty and small-town charm make it an ideal destination for fans of this witchy classic. Other islands of Washington used for shooting the film include San Juan Island and Anacortes.
12. Japan
The horror film The Ring is based on a chilling Japanese horror classic Ringu, which unfolds in various locations around Japan, with much of the tension tied to rural landscapes and urban settings around Tokyo. The eerie well central to the plot symbolizes traditional Japanese horror elements, blending supernatural folklore with modern life. Visiting Japan offers fans a chance to connect with the atmospheric landscapes that inspired Ringu and its blend of old-world curses and modern horror.
13. Czech Republic
One of the earliest horror films, Nosferatu, was largely shot in the Czech Republic, with notable scenes filmed in the medieval streets of Český Krumlov and the High Tatras. The Gothic architecture and ancient stone buildings enhance the film’s haunting, vampire-laden atmosphere. The Czech Republic’s historic villages and misty forests provide the ideal setting for fans to experience the ambiance of this silent horror classic that brought Dracula’s legend to life on screen.
Exploring these iconic Halloween movie locations offers a thrilling blend of cinema history and real-world adventure, letting fans immerse themselves in the landscapes and cities that shaped their favorite horror films. With plenty of great flight deals available to these featured locations, planning your next spooky trip has never been easier. Pack your bags and step into the world of Halloween movies—if you dare!
