23 Creepiest Locations Around The World To Be Actually Used In Film
Some of the most terrifying moments in film history weren’t conjured up on elaborate Hollywood sets—they were filmed in real places, locations so eerie, unsettling, and haunted that they feel like they breathe horror into the scenes. From abandoned asylums and crumbling mansions to desolate ghost towns and cursed forests, these spots blur the line between movie magic and real-world nightmares. Some of these filming locations already had a dark past before cameras ever rolled—places where tragedy, mystery, and paranormal activity have left an undeniable imprint. Others became infamous after their on-screen appearances, earning a reputation as terrifying destinations for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers alike. We've expanded our list to 23 of the creepiest filming locations across the globe, uncovering the sinister history and eerie energy that made them the perfect settings for horror classics and unsettling thrillers. Whether it’s a haunted prison filled with whispers from the past, an abandoned town frozen in time, or a mansion designed to confuse restless spirits, these places are as much a character in their films as the actors themselves.
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.
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.
