43 Creepiest Locations Around The World To Be Actually Used In Film

Some of the most spine-tingling moments in cinematic history weren’t crafted on a soundstage—they happened in real places, soaked in atmosphere, mystery, and in many cases, a genuinely disturbing past. These are the haunted hospitals, crumbling prisons, eerie ghost towns, and mist-shrouded forests where the horror wasn’t just acted out—it was already there. With dark histories, tragic events, and chilling urban legends baked into their walls and landscapes, these real-world locations brought an authenticity to the screen that no CGI could replicate. Some were already infamous before the cameras rolled—places whispered about for their paranormal activity, unexplained disappearances, or ties to horrific crimes. Others became infamous because of their roles in terrifying films, gaining a cult following among horror buffs, thrill-seekers, and ghost hunters alike. Now, we’ve expanded our list to 43 of the creepiest, most unsettling filming locations around the world. These are the places where fiction meets reality—and reality is often far more terrifying.

1. The Overlook Hotel’s Real-Life Twin – Timberline Lodge, Oregon, USA

Fans of The Shining will recognize Timberline Lodge as the exterior of the infamous Overlook Hotel. Perched high in the Oregon mountains, this remote lodge exudes an eerie isolation, much like its fictional counterpart. Surrounded by vast stretches of wilderness and prone to heavy snowfall in winter, the lodge's setting alone gives off an unsettling sense of being cut off from the outside world. While the film’s chilling interior shots were created on a set, the exterior of Timberline Lodge, blanketed in snow and surrounded by towering pines, captured the desolate, claustrophobic horror that made the Overlook Hotel so terrifying. The lodge’s association with the film has only added to its mystique, drawing in fans and ghost hunters alike, despite no confirmed paranormal activity. However, its long hallways, dimly lit corners, and the howling winds outside still make it easy to see why The Shining found its perfect home here. Even in broad daylight, the lodge carries an eerie atmosphere, and for those brave enough to spend the night, the thought of Jack Torrance's slow descent into madness is never too far from mind.

2. Pripyat, Ukraine – Chernobyl’s Abandoned Ghost Town

Few places on Earth capture the essence of post-apocalyptic horror like Pripyat, the ghost town left behind after the catastrophic 1986 Chernobyl disaster. Once a bustling Soviet city, Pripyat was evacuated overnight, leaving behind a hauntingly frozen moment in time. The town’s eerie landscape of collapsing buildings, rusting amusement rides, and empty schools remains one of the most terrifying testaments to human catastrophe. Though it served as inspiration for the horror movie Chernobyl Diaries, actual filming had to take place elsewhere due to radiation risks. Even so, documentaries and found-footage horror films continue to use its haunting visuals to evoke the fear of abandonment and the unknown. Pripyat’s most iconic landmark, the rusted Ferris wheel in the abandoned amusement park, has become a symbol of eerie desolation, appearing in countless horror-themed projects. Silent except for the occasional sound of wind or distant wildlife reclaiming the land, Pripyat is an unsettling reminder of both real-life horror and the power of nature to erase civilization itself.

3. Ettington Park Hotel, England – The Real Overlook Hotel from The Haunting

Before The Shining immortalized the Overlook Hotel, The Haunting (1963) set the standard for haunted house films—and it was filmed in a real location just as eerie as its fictional counterpart. Ettington Park Hotel in Warwickshire, England, served as the exterior for Hill House, a place where ghosts seem to lurk behind every shadow. With its Gothic architecture, turrets, and dramatic stonework, Ettington Park exudes an unsettling atmosphere even before you step inside. While the film’s interiors were shot on a soundstage, the real hotel has long been rumored to be haunted. Guests and staff have reported ghostly figures, flickering lights, and cold spots throughout the historic estate. Once a family mansion dating back to the 12th century, it later became a war hospital and was even abandoned for a time, adding to its ghostly reputation. Today, Ettington Park functions as a luxury hotel, but its paranormal history continues to make it one of the UK’s most haunted places. For horror film buffs and ghost hunters alike, a stay here might be as terrifying as the film it inspired.

4. Aokigahara Forest, Japan – The Suicide Forest of Unsettling Silence

At the base of Mount Fuji lies Aokigahara Forest, one of the most tragically infamous locations in Japan. Known as the “Suicide Forest,” this dense woodland is notorious for being the site of countless suicides, with authorities regularly finding abandoned belongings, notes, and even human remains among the twisted trees. What makes Aokigahara even eerier is its unnatural silence—thanks to the thick canopy of trees, the wind barely reaches the forest floor, and even sound is muffled, creating an atmosphere of total isolation. This unsettling quiet, combined with the deep, winding paths that lead nowhere, made it the perfect setting for The Forest (2016), a horror film centered on supernatural forces drawing people deeper into the woods. However, the real-life legends surrounding the forest are just as chilling, with locals believing that yūrei, or vengeful spirits, haunt the area, luring lost souls to their doom. Whether it's due to psychological distress or something more sinister, many visitors report feeling disoriented, as if unseen forces are guiding them deeper into the trees.

5. Eastern State Penitentiary, USA – A Haunted Prison Turned Movie Set

If walls could talk, the crumbling cell blocks of Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia would have some of the darkest stories to tell. Once one of the most notorious prisons in the U.S., this now-abandoned facility housed criminals like Al Capone and was known for its harsh isolation tactics. Prisoners were often kept in solitary confinement for extended periods, leading many to madness. Now, its decaying halls, rusted bars, and peeling walls make it a favorite filming location for horror films, including 12 Monkeys (1995). But beyond its cinematic appeal, Eastern State is also considered one of the most haunted places in America. Visitors report hearing disembodied whispers, distant footsteps, and even ghostly figures moving through the empty corridors. Paranormal investigators claim the spirits of former inmates still roam the prison, adding to its eerie atmosphere. Whether you're a film buff or a ghost hunter, Eastern State Penitentiary is one of the few places where the horrors of the past still seem to linger in the present.

6. Château de Noisy, Belgium – A Fairytale Castle Gone Wrong

At first glance, Château de Noisy (also known as Miranda Castle) looks like it belongs in a gothic fantasy, with its towering spires and elaborate stonework. But step inside, and the crumbling interiors, shattered stained-glass windows, and nature reclaiming the once-grand halls reveal a far darker story. Abandoned since the 1990s, the castle has fallen into eerie disrepair, its grandeur fading into decay. The castle’s empty corridors and desolate ballrooms have served as the inspiration for several horror films, including The Queen of Black Magic (2019), which capitalized on its chilling aesthetic. The building's history only adds to its unsettling atmosphere—originally built as a summer home for aristocrats, it was later used as an orphanage and a wartime shelter. Visitors reported feelings of being watched and hearing inexplicable sounds long before its demolition in 2017. Though gone, its haunting presence lingers in the collective memory, inspiring gothic horror settings where beauty and terror intertwine.

7. The Catacombs of Paris, France – The Empire of the Dead

Beneath the bustling streets of Paris lies a shadowy underworld unlike any other—the Catacombs, a sprawling labyrinth of tunnels lined with the bones of over six million people. The eerie silence and claustrophobic passageways make it one of the most haunting locations in the world. It served as the perfect setting for As Above, So Below (2014), a film that takes its horror underground, blending psychological dread with supernatural terror. The catacombs weren’t just a set inspiration; filmmakers actually shot scenes within the real tunnels, adding an authenticity that no soundstage could replicate. The walls, adorned with neatly stacked skulls and femurs, create an atmosphere of inescapable doom. Even outside of cinema, urban legends tell of explorers getting lost in the endless maze, never to be seen again. Those who visit describe an unnatural chill in the air and the feeling of unseen eyes watching from the shadows, making it easy to see why the catacombs continue to inspire tales of horror and mystery.

8. The Oak Alley Plantation, USA – The Unforgettable Horror of Interview with the Vampire

If trees could whisper secrets, the ancient oak-lined path leading to Oak Alley Plantation in Louisiana would have many stories to tell. This breathtaking yet eerily symmetrical avenue of 300-year-old oak trees is instantly recognizable to fans of Interview with the Vampire (1994), where it served as the chilling home of Lestat and Louis. While the mansion itself is hauntingly beautiful, its dark past only deepens its ominous aura. Originally built in the 19th century, the plantation was home to enslaved laborers, many of whom are believed to still linger in spirit. Visitors have reported ghostly apparitions, unexplained sounds, and eerie sensations while walking its halls. The plantation’s deep ties to Louisiana’s complex history and its association with the supernatural made it the perfect real-world setting for Anne Rice’s gothic vampire tale. Beyond its film legacy, Oak Alley remains one of the most atmospheric and unsettling historical sites in the American South, making it an essential stop for horror and history lovers alike.

9. Poveglia Island, Italy – The Island of No Return

Often regarded as one of the most cursed places in the world, Poveglia Island near Venice has a history drenched in death, disease, and despair. It was once a quarantine station where plague victims were sent to die, and later, it became the site of a brutal mental asylum where horrifying experiments were rumored to have taken place. The government has long since banned visitors, but the island's sinister past has inspired ghost-hunting shows like Ghost Adventures and countless horror films. Those who have managed to sneak onto the island describe an overwhelming sense of dread, disembodied whispers, and shadowy figures lurking in the ruins. Many believe the ground itself is cursed, as it is said to contain the ashes of thousands of plague victims. Despite its terrifying history, Poveglia's eerie atmosphere makes it an irresistible location for horror filmmakers looking to bring real-life terror to the screen.

10. Epping Forest, England – The Cursed Woods of The Witch

Dense, shadowy, and filled with centuries of eerie folklore, Epping Forest in England has long been a place of whispered ghost stories and hidden horrors. It was the perfect real-world backdrop for the atmospheric horror masterpiece The Witch (2015), where the isolation of the wilderness plays a crucial role in the film’s creeping dread. Located just outside London, Epping Forest has a history as dark as its twisted trees. It was once a notorious hideout for highwaymen, and its gnarled woods have been the site of numerous crimes and paranormal encounters over the centuries. The unsettling beauty of the forest—where sunlight barely penetrates the thick canopy and mist lingers in the morning air—helped The Witch craft an atmosphere of doom and paranoia. The film’s eerie sense of supernatural terror is amplified by the very real, unsettling silence of the forest. Whether you're a horror fan retracing film history or simply a traveler seeking the unknown, Epping Forest remains one of England’s most chillingly cinematic landscapes.

11. The Winchester Mystery House, USA – A Maze of Madness

Few places are as architecturally bizarre and steeped in ghostly legend as the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California. Built by Sarah Winchester, widow of the rifle magnate, this sprawling mansion is a labyrinth of staircases leading to nowhere, doors that open into walls, and hidden passageways designed to confuse wandering spirits. Sarah Winchester believed she was haunted by the ghosts of those killed by Winchester rifles, and to appease them, she continued construction on the house for nearly 40 years, never allowing work to stop. The mansion's unsettling layout and eerie history made it the perfect inspiration for Winchester (2018), a film attempting to capture its supernatural essence. However, no film can quite replicate the feeling of walking through its twisting corridors, never knowing where you’ll end up. Paranormal investigators claim the house is still active with ghostly energy, and many visitors report inexplicable cold spots, whispers in empty rooms, and the sensation of being followed. Whether or not you believe in the hauntings, the Winchester Mystery House remains one of the most uniquely unsettling locations ever used in horror storytelling.

12. The Abandoned City of Centralia, USA – A Town in Eternal Flames

What if the ground beneath your feet was on fire? That’s the chilling reality of Centralia, Pennsylvania, an abandoned ghost town where an underground coal mine fire has been burning since 1962. The inferno beneath the surface caused roads to crack, smoke to billow from the earth, and the entire town to be evacuated. This real-life apocalyptic setting directly inspired the 2006 horror film Silent Hill, with its eerie, smoke-filled streets and decaying, abandoned buildings. While Centralia itself wasn’t used for filming due to safety concerns, its haunting aesthetic shaped the film’s terrifying, fog-drenched town. Today, only a handful of residents remain, surrounded by desolate streets and graffiti-covered ruins. With steam still rising from underground fissures, Centralia is a ghost town in the most literal sense—an abandoned city slowly being swallowed by fire, perfect for horror on and off the screen.

13. The Hill of Crosses, Lithuania – A Landscape of Silent Prayers

Few places in the world carry an unsettling beauty quite like Lithuania’s Hill of Crosses. What appears at first to be a peaceful site of pilgrimage takes on a more haunting presence when you step among the tens of thousands of crosses, crucifixes, and religious effigies that cover the landscape. The wind rattles the wooden crosses, creating an eerie, almost whisper-like sound that lingers in the air. This chilling atmosphere made it an unforgettable filming location for The Nun (2018), part of The Conjuring universe, where the site served as a backdrop for the Vatican’s eerie quest for answers. The real-life origins of the Hill of Crosses are just as mysterious; despite being destroyed multiple times under Soviet rule, the site kept reappearing overnight, as if placed there by unseen hands. Today, it remains a site of both devotion and dread—a perfect blend of sacred and sinister.

14. Leap Castle, Ireland – Filming the Real-Life House of Horrors

Ireland is no stranger to eerie castles, but Leap Castle stands out as one of the most haunted locations in the world. This fortress has been the site of gruesome murders, betrayal, and paranormal activity for centuries. The castle’s "Bloody Chapel" is infamous—legend has it that during a brutal family feud in the 1500s, one brother murdered the other in the middle of a church service, leaving a dark stain on the chapel forever. Adding to its sinister reputation, an underground dungeon was later discovered, filled with human remains, believed to be prisoners who were thrown inside and left to die. This history of death, violence, and restless spirits made Leap Castle the perfect filming location for numerous paranormal documentaries and horror productions. Crews have reported ghostly figures, unexplained noises, and the overwhelming sense that they weren't alone while filming. Whether you're a fan of horror or a believer in the supernatural, this castle’s energy is so strong that even skeptics leave with chills.

15. Château de Brissac, France – The Haunted Castle of the Green Lady

France’s Château de Brissac is not only one of the tallest castles in the country, but it's also one of the most haunted. This medieval masterpiece, known for its gothic towers and lavish decor, hides a dark secret. The most infamous ghost said to haunt the castle is La Dame Verte (The Green Lady)—believed to be the spirit of Charlotte de Brézé, a noblewoman murdered by her husband after he discovered her affair. Her ghost is said to wander the halls, moaning in sorrow, her face disfigured with hollow eye sockets and gaping wounds. The castle’s eerie past and ghostly presence have made it a popular filming location for horror films set in haunted mansions and period dramas with a sinister twist. Filmmakers and visitors alike claim that something always feels "off" inside the castle—like an unseen presence is watching from the shadows.

16. Beelitz-Heilstätten, Germany – The Abandoned Sanitarium of Nightmares

What’s creepier than an abandoned hospital? An abandoned hospital where Adolf Hitler was once treated and which later became a notorious filming location for horror movies. Located just outside Berlin, Beelitz-Heilstätten is a massive, decaying medical complex that was originally built as a tuberculosis sanatorium in the 1800s. Later, it became a military hospital, even treating a young Hitler after he was injured in World War I. After being abandoned in the 1990s, it became a ghostly, crumbling ruin. The hospital’s empty hallways, rusting medical equipment, and peeling walls have made it the perfect location for horror films, including "A Cure for Wellness" (2016). The eerie, real-life atmosphere of the hospital added a layer of authenticity to the film’s unsettling tone. Visitors and film crews have reported whispers, shadowy figures, and sudden drops in temperature, adding to the unnerving experience of being inside one of the world's most haunted hospitals.

17. Dragsholm Castle, Denmark – Where Ghosts Still Roam the Halls

Dragsholm Castle is a stunning yet unsettling medieval stronghold that has stood for nearly 800 years. While its grand architecture and scenic location might suggest a peaceful retreat, the castle’s walls conceal a tragic history of imprisonment, betrayal, and restless spirits. Originally built as a fortress, it later served as a prison where noblemen were held in cruel conditions, some of whom are believed to still haunt its halls. One of its most famous ghostly residents is the White Lady, a noblewoman who was imprisoned and ultimately bricked inside the walls of the castle by her own father after he discovered her secret romance with a commoner. Centuries later, when renovations were made, workers uncovered a skeleton wearing a white dress—giving chilling confirmation to the legend. Another apparition, the Grey Lady, is said to be the spirit of a former maid who still wanders the halls, forever devoted to her former home. The most infamous ghost of Dragsholm Castle, however, is Earl James Hepburn, the 4th Earl of Bothwell and the third husband of Mary, Queen of Scots. Imprisoned here in the late 1500s, he was chained to a pillar and left to die in isolation. His ghost, clad in noble attire, is often spotted riding through the courtyard in a ghostly carriage, his tragic fate eternally playing out. With its eerie past and countless paranormal encounters, Dragsholm Castle has been the backdrop for several historical thrillers and supernatural documentaries. Film crews have reported strange shadows, sudden temperature drops, and even disembodied whispers caught on recording. Whether visiting for its dramatic history or its paranormal reputation, one thing is certain—this castle never truly sleeps.

18. The Island of Dolls, Mexico – A Nightmare of Hanging Dolls

Deep in the canals of Xochimilco, Mexico, lies one of the most unnerving places on Earth—La Isla de las Muñecas, or The Island of Dolls. This island is covered with thousands of decaying, dismembered dolls, hanging from trees and nailed to wooden posts. The dolls were placed there by the island’s former caretaker, Don Julian Santana, who claimed he was haunted by the ghost of a little girl who drowned nearby. To appease her spirit, he began hanging dolls all over the island, and even after his own death, the dolls remain—a silent, staring army of lifeless eyes. The island’s haunting visuals and terrifying legend have made it a favorite filming location for horror movies and ghost-hunting shows. Those brave enough to visit report that the dolls’ eyes seem to follow them, and some even claim to hear whispers and eerie giggles in the wind.

19. Moosham Castle, Austria – The Cursed Fortress of Witch Trials and Werewolf Legends

Deep in the misty Austrian Alps, Moosham Castle looms like something straight out of a Gothic horror novel—because it practically is. Used as a filming location for the 1971 cult horror film Mark of the Devil, this medieval fortress has a history even darker than the films it inspired. Built in the 13th century, Moosham Castle became infamous during the Salzburg Witch Trials of the 17th century, one of the deadliest witch hunts in European history. Hundreds of people—mostly women—were accused of witchcraft, tortured, and executed within its walls, leaving behind an aura of suffering and unrest that lingers to this day. But the castle’s horrors don’t end there. Moosham is also known as “The Werewolf Castle” due to reports of strange animal attacks and bizarre deaths in the surrounding forests during the 18th century. Villagers believed werewolves lurked in the shadows, and many suspected individuals were imprisoned in the castle’s dungeons, left to die in chains. These real-life horrors made Moosham the perfect filming location for Mark of the Devil, an exploitation horror film infamous for its brutal depictions of medieval torture and witch trials. The film’s production only added to the castle’s unsettling legend—cast and crew members reported unexplained phenomena, including eerie whispers, sudden temperature drops, and objects moving on their own. Some even claimed to see shadowy figures lurking in the dungeons where real prisoners once suffered.

20. The Screaming Tunnel, Canada – A Haunted Passage to Darkness

Deep within the forests of Ontario lies the Screaming Tunnel, a narrow, brick-lined passage with a horrifying past. According to legend, a young girl was burned alive inside the tunnel, and now, if you light a match in the darkness, her ghost will scream and blow it out. The tunnel’s chilling echoes and eerie, claustrophobic atmosphere made it the perfect location for David Cronenberg’s horror film "The Dead Zone" (1983). Visitors claim they’ve heard whispers, footsteps, and even phantom screams while walking through the tunnel at night. Whether you believe the legend or not, standing inside the pitch-black passage alone is enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine.

21. The Diplomat Hotel, Philippines – The Haunted Ruins of a War-Torn Past

Nestled in the foggy mountains of Baguio City, the abandoned Diplomat Hotel is one of the most notoriously haunted places in the Philippines. Originally built as a retreat for priests in the early 1900s, the building became a gruesome battleground during World War II, where both clergy and refugees were massacred by Japanese forces. The hotel was later converted into a spiritual retreat but was abandoned after the mysterious death of its owner. Now, its skeletal remains—empty window frames, cracked walls, and decayed corridors—stand as a chilling reminder of its dark past. The location was used in the Filipino horror film "Sunod" (2019), where its eerie, crumbling architecture added an air of supernatural dread. Visitors have reported ghostly apparitions, wailing sounds at night, and the unsettling feeling of being watched, making the Diplomat Hotel a place where real-life horror overshadows fiction.

22. Houska Castle, Czech Republic – The Gateway to Hell

Unlike most castles, Houska Castle wasn’t built to protect its inhabitants from invaders—it was built to seal something in. According to legend, a massive bottomless pit beneath the castle was believed to be a gateway to Hell, with reports of demonic creatures emerging from it. Terrified locals built the fortress in the 13th century, covering the hole with a chapel, hoping to contain the evil inside. The castle’s history of ghostly encounters, strange noises, and disturbing visions has made it one of the most infamous paranormal hotspots in Europe. It was featured in the horror-thriller "Ghoul" (2015), a found-footage film where a group of filmmakers exploring the Czech Republic encounter supernatural forces. Whether you believe the legends or not, stepping inside Houska Castle’s eerie halls, with its bricked-up windows and suffocating silence, is enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine.

23. The Monte Cristo Homestead, Australia – The Most Haunted House in the Southern Hemisphere

Known as Australia’s most haunted house, the Monte Cristo Homestead in New South Wales has a history soaked in tragedy, murder, and ghostly activity. Built in the late 1800s, the house has seen a string of disturbing events, including the death of a stable boy burned alive, a mentally ill caretaker locked in chains for decades, and a maid who allegedly fell to her death from the balcony (or was pushed). The home’s original owner, Mrs. Crawley, was so consumed by grief after her husband’s passing that she never left the house for over 20 years—and many believe her spirit still lingers. The homestead was featured in the horror film "Boar" (2017), where its looming, Victorian architecture and haunted reputation served as a chilling backdrop. Visitors and paranormal investigators frequently report flickering lights, blood-curdling screams, and the sensation of unseen hands touching them, reinforcing Monte Cristo’s place among the most terrifying film locations on Earth.

24. Craco, Italy – The Abandoned Medieval Ghost Town

Once a thriving medieval village, Craco now stands eerily abandoned, its crumbling stone buildings, deserted streets, and precariously perched ruins making it a hauntingly perfect backdrop for films like The Passion of the Christ (2004) and Quantum of Solace (2008). Craco was gradually abandoned due to landslides, earthquakes, and economic decline, leaving behind an empty husk of a town frozen in time. Despite its desolation, visitors report an unnerving feeling of being watched, as if the spirits of former residents never left. The wind howls through broken windows, and the silence is deafening—except for the occasional whispers and footsteps heard when no one else is around. Craco’s eerily preserved ruins and tragic past make it a location where the veil between past and present, life and death, feels dangerously thin.

25. The Lemp Mansion, USA – A Haunted Brewery’s Dark Legacy

Once the lavish home of the Lemp family, a dynasty behind one of America’s largest breweries, this St. Louis mansion has since become infamous for its tragic history, multiple suicides, and relentless paranormal activity. It served as an eerie inspiration for The Haunting of Lemp Mansion (2012) and has been featured in numerous ghost-hunting documentaries. The Lemp family’s history is filled with untimely deaths, financial ruin, and mental illness, all of which seem to have left a supernatural imprint on the house. Staff and visitors report shadowy figures, disembodied voices, doors opening on their own, and the feeling of icy hands touching their shoulders. The basement, once used as a storage area for the brewery, is said to be one of the most haunted locations, with reports of phantom footsteps and beer bottles clinking when no one is there. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, spending a night at The Lemp Mansion is not for the faint of heart.

26. The Ridges, USA – The Insane Asylum That Never Stopped Screaming

Originally known as the Athens Lunatic Asylum, The Ridges in Ohio is one of the most notorious psychiatric hospitals in American history. Its dark past includes harsh treatments like lobotomies, electroshock therapy, and years of patient neglect, leading to countless deaths within its walls. The asylum, featured in Session 9 (2001) and Strange & Creepy (2017), still oozes with an unsettling aura. Perhaps the most infamous story is that of Margaret Schilling, a patient who went missing in 1978. Her body was found weeks later, locked inside an abandoned wing, and to this day, the outline of her corpse remains permanently etched into the floor, unable to be scrubbed away. The Ridges is said to be filled with echoes of screams, ghostly apparitions of former patients, and a chilling sense of dread that lingers long after visitors leave.

27. The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Canada – The Haunted Castle of the Rockies

This luxurious, castle-like hotel nestled in the Canadian Rockies has long been considered one of the most haunted locations in North America. It’s rumored to be home to multiple restless spirits, making it an ideal filming location for supernatural horror films like Ghostkeeper (1981). Among the most famous ghosts is The Bride, a spectral woman seen wandering the grand staircase in her wedding dress—believed to have died there in a tragic accident on her wedding day. The Ghost of Room 873 is another chilling mystery; legend has it that a family was murdered in the room, and afterward, the door was sealed shut. Hotel guests still report hearing cries and seeing bloody handprints appear and disappear on the walls. Even with its five-star accommodations, the Fairmont Banff Springs is one of the few places where you might check in—but never truly leave.

28. Château de Trécesson, France – The Cursed Castle of Buried Brides

Rising from the misty landscapes of Brittany, France, Château de Trécesson looks like something straight out of a dark fairytale. However, the castle’s history is steeped in tragedy and supernatural folklore, making it a compelling location for gothic horror films like The Iron Rose (1973). One of the most infamous legends surrounding the château tells of a bride who was buried alive within its walls, her ghostly figure still seen wandering the grounds in her tattered wedding gown. Locals whisper of shadowy figures appearing in windows, candles lighting themselves, and unexplained whispers echoing through the stone halls. With its eerie medieval architecture and chilling atmosphere, Château de Trécesson is the perfect embodiment of real-life horror.

29. The Devil’s Kettle, USA – A Bottomless Waterfall of Mystery

Deep in Minnesota’s Judge C.R. Magney State Park, a natural anomaly known as The Devil’s Kettle has baffled scientists and terrified visitors for decades. This strange, bottomless waterfall swallows anything thrown into it—logs, dye, even GPS trackers—never to be seen again. It was the eerie inspiration for the setting of Jennifer’s Body (2009), where mystical forces and human sacrifice play a central role. While no one truly knows where the water disappears, local legends claim it’s a portal to another dimension—or even Hell itself. Some believe that those who get too close can hear whispers rising from the depths, while others claim to have seen shadowy figures lurking near the falls, only to vanish when approached. Whether it’s a geological mystery or something more sinister, The Devil’s Kettle remains one of the strangest and most unnerving natural filming locations in horror.

30. Stull Cemetery, USA – The Gateway to Hell in Kansas

Few cemeteries are as infamous as Stull Cemetery, a desolate graveyard in rural Kansas rumored to be one of the Seven Gateways to Hell. Urban legends claim that Satan himself appears here twice a year, and the site has been avoided by locals for decades. Though heavily guarded and off-limits to the public, its terrifying reputation made it the inspiration for numerous horror films, including Turistas (2006) and Nothing Left to Fear (2013), produced by Slash of Guns N’ Roses. Visitors who have managed to sneak in report hearing disembodied voices, seeing dark figures moving between gravestones, and even being shoved by unseen hands. Whether you believe the legends or not, Stull Cemetery’s ominous presence alone is enough to send chills down your spine.

31. The Tower of London, England – The Most Haunted Fortress in History

Standing for nearly a thousand years, the Tower of London has been a palace, a prison, and a place of execution—and with that much bloodshed, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most haunted locations in the world. Used as a setting for countless historical horror films, including Tower of London (1939), this fortress is as terrifying as it is iconic. The ghosts of Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, and the murdered Princes in the Tower are said to wander the halls, their restless spirits replaying the gruesome ends they met within these stone walls. Visitors report cold spots, flickering lights, and a suffocating sense of being watched. Even in daylight, the echoes of suffering linger in every corridor, making it a true real-life horror story.

32. The Dakota Building, USA – The Cursed Apartment of Rosemary’s Baby

This luxurious New York City apartment building might seem like an unlikely horror film location, but The Dakota’s real-life dark history made it the perfect setting for Rosemary’s Baby (1968). It’s most infamous for being the place where John Lennon was assassinated, but eerie stories surrounding the Dakota date back much further. Residents have reported ghostly figures, flickering lights, and sinister presences, making it feel like something dark lurks within. Even decades after Rosemary’s Baby, the building’s ominous energy remains, making it one of the most unsettling real-life horror locations in film history.

33. Hoia-Baciu Forest, Romania – The Real-Life Blair Witch Woods

Dubbed the “Bermuda Triangle of Romania,” Hoia-Baciu Forest is one of the most infamous and paranormally active locations in the world. With its twisted, unnaturally bent trees, unexplained glowing lights, and countless reports of ghostly encounters, it was the perfect real-world setting for The Hoia-Baciu Forest (2017) and has inspired found-footage horror films reminiscent of The Blair Witch Project. Local legends tell of a shepherd who vanished along with his 200 sheep, children who entered the woods never to return, and a mysterious circular clearing where no vegetation grows—as if something unnatural scorched the earth. Visitors frequently report sudden nausea, anxiety, and even lost time while wandering through the dense, mist-filled trees. Many claim to see shadowy figures moving just beyond their line of sight, while others have captured bizarre, humanoid shapes in photographs.

34. Glenn Dale Hospital, USA – West Virginia’s Abandoned Asylum of Shadows

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Glenn Dale, West Virginia, this long-abandoned hospital is a chilling monument to the ghosts of America’s medical past. Once a bustling healthcare facility, Glenn Dale Hospital was shut down in the 1980s and left to decay. Over the years, rumors of unethical experiments, sudden deaths, and ghost sightings have swirled around the property. The empty halls, rusted gurneys, and flickering lights served as inspiration for the indie horror film The Beyond (2012), which used the real-life decay to great effect. Visitors have claimed to hear hospital intercoms that haven’t worked in decades and see shadowy figures moving in rooms without windows. For filmmakers and paranormal enthusiasts alike, Glenn Dale Hospital is a bone-chilling location where the line between medical history and horror is disturbingly thin.

35. Castle Fraser, Scotland – The Highland Fortress of Whispering Walls

This picturesque Scottish castle looks like something out of a romantic fairytale—until the sun sets. Castle Fraser, located in Aberdeenshire, is one of Scotland’s most haunted sites and was used as a backdrop in The Queen (2006) and several short horror films. The ghost of a murdered princess is said to haunt the Green Room, where she was killed in her sleep, and her blood reportedly left stains on the floor that could never be cleaned. Footsteps echo on staircases with no one there, doors slam shut without warning, and cold drafts pass through sealed corridors. With its labyrinthine layout and rich history of betrayal and tragedy, Castle Fraser offers a truly chilling Scottish Gothic setting fit for horror’s most suspenseful moments.

36. Pennhurst Asylum, USA – A Place Where Screams Still Linger

Located in Pennsylvania, Pennhurst Asylum was once a sprawling institution for the mentally ill, developmentally disabled, and epileptic. Its grim legacy of abuse, overcrowding, and neglect made it a real-life horror story long before cameras rolled. The asylum has since been used for horror shows and movies like American Horror Story and Grave Encounters 2, capitalizing on its dilapidated state and eerie ambiance. The peeling walls, broken wheelchairs, and echoing hallways create an atmosphere thick with dread. Paranormal investigators have recorded EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) and chilling shadows caught on thermal cameras. Penhurst isn't just a creepy backdrop—it’s a raw wound of history where the screams seem permanently embedded in the walls.

37. Fort de la Chartreuse, Belgium – A Fortress of Forgotten Souls

This massive, overgrown fortress in Liège has all the makings of a haunted labyrinth. Used as a military outpost and prison during both World Wars, Fort de la Chartreuse has a long history of suffering and confinement. Today, its moss-covered corridors, graffiti-laced walls, and collapsing staircases give it a post-apocalyptic feel. It was a key location for the horror short The Forgotten Battalion (2015), and rumors persist of ghosts wandering the artillery tunnels. Visitors report feelings of extreme anxiety, sudden temperature drops, and footsteps echoing from long-abandoned chambers. It’s a setting that doesn’t need special effects—the atmosphere alone delivers pure cinematic dread.

38. The Alton Towers Ruins, England – A Theme Park with a Terrifying Core

Before it became one of the UK’s most popular theme parks, Alton Towers was a Gothic estate with a mysterious past. The original 19th-century mansion still stands in a semi-ruined state within the park—and it’s rumored to be haunted by a tragic countess who was cursed by a beggar woman. The real house was used in the filming of promotional horror shorts for The Curse at Alton Manor, and visitors have claimed to hear sobbing inside the ruins. The fusion of abandoned grandeur and an eerie amusement park makes this location uniquely unsettling. It’s where childhood wonder meets ghostly despair.

39. Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital, South Korea – A Real-Life Horror Sensation

Often referred to as South Korea’s most haunted location, Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital is infamous for the real-life legends that surround it. Allegedly shut down after patients died under mysterious circumstances, the facility was left to rot—its walls now crawling with mold, its rooms littered with medical debris. The site gained notoriety after being featured in Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018), which became a box office hit and cemented the hospital’s terrifying reputation. While access is officially restricted, urban explorers continue to sneak in and report strange whispers, flickering lights, and the overwhelming sensation of being watched.

40. Bodie Ghost Town, USA – A Deserted Mining Town Cursed by Greed

Frozen in time and preserved in a state of "arrested decay," Bodie, California, is one of America’s best-preserved ghost towns—and one of the eeriest. Used in Western horror films and documentaries, Bodie’s empty homes, silent saloons, and dusty schoolrooms remain just as they were abandoned in the early 20th century. Legend has it the town is cursed—those who take anything from Bodie, even a rock, suffer misfortune until the item is returned. Park rangers reportedly receive dozens of returned items each year. The real-world atmosphere of decay and misfortune makes Bodie a perfect cinematic setting where nature, history, and myth collide.

41. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland – Beauty with a Sinister Past

While this iconic bridge is most famous for the Harry Potter films, Glenfinnan Viaduct has also been used in darker fantasy and horror films thanks to its dramatic, lonely location. According to local legend, the surrounding valley is haunted by the spirits of Jacobite soldiers massacred after a failed uprising. Ghostly apparitions have been reported wandering through the mist in the early morning, sometimes seen even from passing trains. The cinematic sweep of the viaduct adds a mythical quality to any scene—making it an ideal location for psychological thrillers and ghost stories that blend beauty with underlying tragedy.

42. Lawang Sewu, Indonesia – The Thousand Doors of Terror

Lawang Sewu (“A Thousand Doors”) is a colonial-era building in Semarang that lives up to its haunting name. Originally built by the Dutch as a railway headquarters, it later became a Japanese prison where countless people were tortured and executed during World War II. With its endless hallways and echoing vaults, it served as the filming location for Lawang Sewu: Dendam Kuntilanak (2007), a horror film based on local ghost legends. Visitors claim to have seen headless spirits, heard cries from the basement, and even captured ghostly figures in photographs. Lawang Sewu is a monument to suffering—and it still echoes with fear.

43. St. George’s Church, Czech Republic – The Chapel of Ghosts

Abandoned in the 1960s after the ceiling collapsed during a funeral, St. George’s Church in Luková was nearly lost to time. That is, until an artist installed life-sized sculptures of ghostly, shrouded figures seated silently in the pews. What began as an art project to save the church became an international sensation and a ready-made set for atmospheric horror films. It has since been featured in supernatural thrillers and haunting photo essays. The figures—covered in white robes, their faces hidden—create the illusion that the church is still full of the dead, silently watching you. It’s a scene straight out of a dream—or a nightmare.

Where Cinematic Horror Meets Reality

These terrifying locations prove that sometimes, the scariest places aren’t the work of Hollywood imagination—they’re real, waiting in the shadows of our world. From the bone-lined tunnels beneath Paris to abandoned cities frozen in time, each of these places holds a sinister history that has captivated filmmakers and horror fans alike. Their haunted pasts, eerie atmospheres, and spine-chilling legends make them more than just settings; they become part of the horror itself. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking to visit or a film lover wanting to see where fear comes to life, these locations serve as a reminder that the most unsettling stories don’t always need special effects. The ghosts of the past still linger in the air, waiting for those brave enough to listen. So the next time you watch a horror film, remember—you might just be looking at a place where nightmares aren’t just fiction, but history repeating itself.