The best horror films set in the Midwest

Most people wouldn't think it, but the Midwestern United States can be pretty creepy at times. Whether it's a dirt road with no amenities in the middle of nowhere, or a small town that isn't too friendly to newcomers, or overly friendly towns full of secrets, it can give off horror movie vibes.

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

9 Candyman

Chicago, Illinois

Set in the Cabrini-Green neighborhood, the legend of The Candyman is a real warning for parents to tell their children. But who would have thought that saying his name five times in the mirror would actually evoke him and drive him almost to madness?

The story of the Candyman is tragic, after finding love in a forbidden relationship he became the victim of a lynching, was covered in honey and stung to death by bees. Tony Todd, who plays The Candyman, earned $23,000 just by being stung by bees, which was necessary for his backstory.

8 The Crazy Ones

Ogden Marsh, Iowa

Set in a fictional rural Iowa town, The Crazies is a bit of a zombie film, but not entirely. After some contamination occurs in the local water source, people begin 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 for safety and who is potentially infected. It uses the rurality of Iowa and the fear of the people closest to you suddenly turning against you in the most violent way.

7 The children of corn

Gatlin, Nebraska

Children of the Corn was originally based on one of Stephen King's short stories that shares the same name as the film. It's a pretty disturbing story of all the Gatlin children joining a cult and then sacrificing all the adults. The children of the cult infest the area, ready to make their sacrifice.

Filming for The Children of the Corn also took place in some rural towns in Iowa. It is considered one of the classic horror films 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 gives it a different Midwestern feel. While the murders and story of Michael Myers are terrifying, the town of Haddonfield takes on the homey, welcoming feel that a Midwestern town can have during the fall.

Despite the intimacy of autumn that has invaded Haddonfield, the real threat of the masked killer still exists. Laurie, the focus of the film, is stalked and intimidated by Michael Myers throughout the film. It was once an indie slasher film that became an absolute classic.

5 The Leprechaun

North Dakota

The Leprechaun is a bit of a wild goose chase of a movie, starting with a man stealing gold from a Leprechaun, and then saying the Leprechaun gets locked in a box for many years. After the Leprechaun is released, the chase begins as he wants his gold back.

Leprechaun is a rather silly horror film, and more appropriately, the film was inspired by both Critters and the Lucky Charms advert, which had influenced the creators to make the antagonist small and a leprechaun.

4 A Nightmare on Elm Street

Springwood, Ohio

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

Freddy Krueger is a classic slasher, and probably one of the scariest, as he was a child killer when he was alive, and after his victims' parents killed him, he returned once again to kill more. He survives solely on the fear of the people he encounters and is quite terrifying.

3 Jennifer's body

Devil's Kettle, Minnesota

Jennifer's Body is a horror comedy about two teenage girls, Jennifer and Anita, who have a friendship or difficult situation. After a ritual gone wrong transforms Jennifer into a demonic succubus craving human flesh, Anita must fight to save her boyfriend, Chip.

While Jennifer's Body has its tense moments, it has its lighthearted high school moments and some silly stereotypical horror movie moments, like attending the school dance or sacrificing a virgin to Satan.

2 Continued

Detroit, Michigan

It Follows is set in the suburbs of Detroit and has a very classic horror movie feel. The film follows Jay, who after having fun with her boyfriend in the backseat of a car, becomes stalked by an entity that follows their victims at a relentless pace, taking on the appearance of basically anyone.

It Follows was inspired by the creator's anxious dreams, which is why dream logic, the concept that people can't always use traditional means to solve their problems, was incorporated into the film.

1 House of Monsters

Mayville, Wisconsin

Everyone knows a creepy house or building that is haunted or just seems to stand out for unfortunate reasons. Well, DJ lives across the street from one of them. Owned by Mr. Nebbercracker, his house, including the lawn, is haunted by the soul of his deceased wife, who despises children. And don't even think that the house is standing still, it is willing to give chase.

Monster House is a charming and timeless film in which DJ, along with his two friends, Chowder and Jenny, must find a way to stop the house from hurting unsuspecting trick-or-treating kids.