The best horror movies set in the Midwest

Most people wouldn't think it, but the Midwest in the United States can be very disturbing at times. Whether it's on an unmaintained gravel road in the middle of nowhere, a small town that isn't too friendly to newbies, or overly friendly towns full of mystery, it can give off a horror movie vibe.



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You might be surprised by some classic movies set in the Midwest, so without further ado, here are some movies set in the Midwest.


9 Candyman

Chicago, Illinois

The legend of Candyman, set in the neighborhood of Cabrini Green, is a warning parents can tell their children. But who would have thought that saying his name five times in a mirror would actually summon him and drive you almost insane?

Candyman's story is tragic: after he found love in a forbidden relationship, he became a victim of lynching, he was covered in honey and killed by bees. Tony Todd, who plays Candyman, earned $23,000 from bee stings alone, which was necessary for his backstory.


8 Crazy people

Ogden Marsh, Iowa

Image of a sheriff standing in the middle of a mostly empty street in the movie

Mad Men is set in a fictional rural town in Iowa, but not quite in a zombie style. After some contamination of the local water source, people start to turn into uncontrollable killers who will kill on the spot.

The film follows David, the sheriff of Ogden Marsh, and his wife as they figure out where to go safely and who is potentially infected. It uses the Iowa countryside and the fear of the people closest to you suddenly turning against you in the most brutal way possible.

7 Children of the corn

Gatlin, Nebraska

Isaac Hroner's portrayal of John Franklin in Children of the Corn.


The movie Children of the Corn was originally based on one of Stephen King's short stories, which has the same title as the movie. It's a pretty disturbing story about all the Gatlin kids joining a cult to then sacrifice all the adults. Cult children stalk the area, ready to make their sacrifice.

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Children of the Corn was also filmed in several rural Iowa towns. It is considered one of the classic horror movies and is a must see if you live among the cornfields.

6 Halloween 1978

Haddonfield, Illinois

Halloween is another classic horror film, but this one creates a different Midwestern feel. While the murders and the story of Michael Myers are horrifying, the town of Haddonfield takes on the homey feel that an autumn town in the Midwest might have.


Despite the cozy autumn that has settled over Haddonfield, there is still the very real threat of a masked killer. Lori, the focus of the film, is haunted and intimidated by Michael Myers throughout the film. It was once an indie slasher that became an absolute classic.

5 Leprechaun

North Dakota

Image of a gnome with a gun from the movie

The Leprechaun is a bit like the movie Wild Goose Chase where it starts with a man stealing gold from a Leprechaun and then says that the Leprechaun has been locked in a box for years. After the Leprechaun breaks free, the chase begins as he wants his gold back.


The Leprechaun is a pretty silly horror movie, and more fittingly, the movie was inspired by both Beasts and a Lucky Charms ad, which led the creators to make the antagonist small and a leprechaun.

4 Nightmare on Elm Street

Springwood, Ohio

    image of Freddy Krueger flashing his claws from A Nightmare on Elm Street.

A Nightmare on Elm Street is another classic horror film that you must see if you haven't already. The film is set in the fictional town of Springwood, where Freddy Krueger, a vengeful ghost, haunts the dreams of teenagers before killing them.

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Freddy Krueger is a classic slasher, and perhaps one of the scariest, as he was a child killer when he was alive, and after his victims' parents killed him, he came back to kill more. He survives only because of the fear of the people he encounters and is terrifying.


3 Jennifer's body

Devil's Kettle, Minnesota

Jennifer's Body is a comedy horror film about two teenage girls, Jennifer and Anita, who have a complicated friendship or situation. After a ritual gone wrong turns Jennifer into a demonic succubus that craves human flesh, Anita is left to fight to save her boyfriend Chip.

While “Jennifer's Body” has its tense moments, it also has some light-hearted high school moments and some dumb stereotypical horror movie moments like going to a school dance or sacrificing a virgin to Satan.

2 It follows

Detroit, Michigan

Shot of the abandoned car from the movie It Follows.


It Follows is set in the suburbs of Detroit, and it feels a lot like a classic horror movie. The film follows Jay, who, after spending quality time with her boyfriend in the backseat of a car, begins to be haunted by an entity that continuously stalks its victims while taking the form of almost anyone.

It was inspired by the creator's disturbing dreams, so the film incorporated dream logic, the concept that people can't always use traditional means to solve their problems.

1 Monster's house

Mayville, Wisconsin


Everyone knows of a spooky house or building that is haunted or just seems to stand out for unfortunate reasons. DJ lives across from one. His house, including the lawn owned by Mr. Nebbercracker, is inhabited by the soul of his dead wife, who despises children. And don't think that the house is just sitting still, it's ready to give chase.

Monster House is a timeless and magical film where DJ, along with his two friends, Chowder and Jenny, must find a way to stop the house from hurting unsuspecting children who were playing outside.

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