Confession: I’m a scary movie addict. I don’t even wait for Halloween; as soon as there’s a little chill in the air, I’m ready to cuddle up with a blanket and watch something spooky.
I’m not picky either. B-rated horrors? Love them! Creepy kid movies? Yes, please! Slashers? Yup. Thrillers? I’m there!
Of course, spending most of my life in Wilmington gave me a deep appreciation for anything filmed in North Carolina too. Luckily for me, there’s some crossover here! Plenty of scary movies were filmed in the Old North State.
Today, I thought I’d share some of my favorites with you. Below you’ll find 12 scary movies filmed in NC to binge-watch this spooky season. I threw in some filming locations for y’all too. Enjoy!
12 Scary Movies Filmed in NC to Watch this Spooky Season
The Crow
The day before Halloween, Eric Draven and his fiancée, Shelly, are murdered by a group of thugs. One year later, a crow appears at Eric’s grave. Eric rises from the dead; with the help of the mystical crow, he seeks to avenge himself against the gang that killed him.
Filming Locations: Wilmington
Hannibal
Dr. Hannibal Lecter is living in exile in Europe. It’s not only the FBI and Interpol interested in tracking down the famed cannibal. Mason Verger, the sixth victim of Dr. Lecter, has survived, and he wants Lecter, too.
Filming Locations: Biltmore Estate
Sleeping with the Enemy
Laura Burney is the wife of wealthy investment counselor Martin. The domineering Martin expects perfection from his trophy wife, and when he doesn’t get it, he brutalizes her. Rather than live under Martin’s controlling thumb, Laura decides to fake her death and adopt a new identity in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Living as Sara Waters, she starts a relationship with her friendly neighbor Ben. Her happiness is shortlived, as Martin discovers Laura has staged her drowning and is coming to reclaim his possession.
Filming Locations: Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, and Kure Beach
Deliverance
Four friends decide to get away from the city to canoe an uncharted section of the Cahulawassee river in rural Georgia. The vacation takes a nasty turn when locals begin stalking the men and ambush them in the woods. They attempt to flee but find themselves surrounded by dangerous rapids and pursued by a madman.
Filming Locations: Sylva
The Conjuring
Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren are called upon to help a family terrorized by a dark presence. Forced to confront a powerful demonic entity, the Warrens find themselves caught in the most terrifying case of their lives. Even more horrifying? It’s based on a true story.
Filming Locations: Wilmington and Currie
Kiss the Girls
When Dr. Alex Cross’s niece, Naomi, is reported missing, he heads for Durham, North Carolina, to help search for her. Arriving in Durham, Cross learns a special Task Force is already operating, and Naomi isn’t the only victim. Seven other girls are missing, and two bodies have been found, with a note left at the second murder scene signed “Cassanova.” After Dr. Kate McTiernan escapes the killer’s clutches, she becomes Cross’s unlikely partner. Can the two locate the missing girls before it’s too late?
Filming Locations: Chapel Hill and Durham
Maximum Overdrive
When the tail of rogue comet Rhea-M passes through Earth’s atmosphere, the machines come alive and terrorize humankind. At the Dixie Boy truck stop, a group of survivors is trapped by a gang of homicidal trucks. The frightened people, led by an ex-con, Bill Robinson, set out to defeat the killer machines.
Filming Locations: Wilmington, Leland, and Supply
I Know What You Did Last Summer
In the summer of ’97, four high school seniors kill a man by running him over. Afraid of how the accident may impact their future, they decide to cover it up and move on with their lives as if it never happened. One year later, their crime comes back to haunt them when they start receiving mysterious letters from someone who knows their secret.
Filming Locations: Southport, Wilmington, Burgaw, and Durham
Cabin Fever
Cabin Fever follows five college graduates who rent a cabin in the woods. The group falls victim to a horrifying flesh-eating virus, attracting the attention of homicidal locals.
Filming Locations: Mt. Airy, Mocksville, Winston-Salem, and High Point
Firestarter
Andy McGee and his future wife, Vicky, participated in secret psychic experiments in their youth. Years later, their daughter, Charlie, is born with the power of pyrokinesis. Her powers make her extremely dangerous and a target for a covert government agency.
Filming Locations: Lake Lure, Wilmington, Winnabow, Leland, Carver’s Creek, and Chimney Rock
Domestic Disturbance
Frank Morrison is the divorced father of 12-year-old Danny, who has gained a reputation for lying since his parent’s divorce. When Danny accuses his new stepfather, Rick, of murder, the only person who believes him is Frank. Can Danny’s father protect him from the stepfather he fears?
Filming Locations: Southport, Wilmington, and Hampstead
Silver Bullet
In Tarker’s Mills, brutal killings start to plague the close-knit community. A young paraplegic boy named Marty becomes convinced the murders are the doings of a werewolf, but will anyone believe him?
Filming Locations: Burgaw, Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Leland, and Castle Hayne
There you have it, 12 scary movies filmed in NC! It’s not a complete list – but it is a good starting point. What’s your favorite? Is there something I need to add to the list? Let me know – I’m always looking for something new to watch. 😉
So cool, thanks!
You’re welcome! I’m glad you liked it. 🙂