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Video above: Chucky caught wandering the streets in Pinson, Alabama last yearFall is upon us in Alabama, and while it may be pumpkin spice season for some, it's spooky season for others.We're breaking down 10, top-tier horror films shot right here in the Heart of the South.1. Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988)The seventh installment in the saga of hockey-masked maniac Jason Vorhees, "The New Blood" was shot in several locations across Alabama. Baldwin County's Byrnes Lake was converted into the infamous killers' iconic stomping grounds, Camp Crystal Lake.Additionally, the Stockton Fire Department was on the scene to supervise the massive explosion set off during the film's finale. You can even see a vintage Stockton fire truck during the film's final moments.2. Body Snatchers (1993)The third adaption of Jack Finney's groundbreaking 1955 sci-fi novel, "Body Snatchers" follows a family as they fight to survive the systematic replacement of people on and around an Alabama air force base by plant-based replicants or "pod people.'The film was shot in part at Selma's Craig Field Airport & Industrial complex, which, up until 1977, actually was an Air Force base. 3. The Final Destination (2009)It's a blood bath at the race track in the 4th entry of the "Final Destination" franchise as a massive crash at "McKinley Speedway" leads to some of the most over-the-top casualties ever put to screen.McKinley, as it turns out, is actually Mobile International Speedway located in Irvington. While many of the drivers are stuntmen, eagle-eyed viewers can catch a glimpse of several local racers as well.4. The Collector (2009)Seen by many as a spiritual sibling to the "Saw" franchise, "The Collector" follows a would-be burglar who gets more than he bargained for after breaking into a home only to find a far more dangerous criminal inside.Details are sparse on the Alabama stint of production, but according to IMDb, several scenes were shot in Mobile. 5. Oculus (2013)The first of acclaimed horror director Mike Flanagan's many trips to South Alabama, "Oculus" follows siblings Tim and Kaylie, and their decade-long torment at the hands of a supernatural mirror.The film was shot in both Mobile and Fairhope, locations that feature heavily in several of Flanagan's films.6. Before I Wake (2016)Shot less than a year after his previous picture, Mike Flanagan's second film shot in the Yellowhammer State ended up in development limbo for nearly three years before its eventual release in 2016.Much of the film was shot in Fairhope, with several scenes also filmed in Mobile's Barton Academy. 7. Hush (2016)Another Flanagan fright fest filmed in Fairhope, "Hush," follows a deaf and mute author who is forced to fight for her life after a masked killer breaks into her home.In a very meta movie moment, the main character garnered international acclaim for her novel "Midnight Mass." That fictional story-within-a-story would later be brought to life by Flanagan as a Netflix series of the same name. 8. Gerald's Game (2017)Mike Flanagan continues his South Alabama streak with "Gerald's Game," his first adaption of a Stephen King Story.The film, which follows a woman's desperate battle to escape a pair of handcuffs after her husband dies on vacation, was primarily shot in Mobile. Both the Mobile County District Courthouse and John A Campbell U.S. Courthouse were used during the film's finale, with additional scenes shot in Fairhope/Point Clear. 9. Get Out (2017)Shot in multiple locations across Fairhope and Mobile, this critically acclaimed horror masterpiece was nominated for 4 Oscars and won 1, making Jordan Peele the first African American person to take home the best original screenplay statuette.The film follows Daniel Kaluuya's Chris, who takes a trip to his white girlfriend's family home, only to find himself at the center of an insidious plot to steal his body."I went to Alabama with my own stereotypes and preconceived notions about getting chased out, said Peele in an interview with Vulture. "But I have to say, the stereotypes were proved wrong. People were very sweet, very open, and there’s a lot of film lovers there who are very intelligent. Ultimately, I loved Alabama."10. Life of Chuck (2024)Eyeing a release date sometime next year, "Life of Chuck" marks Mike Flanagan's return to Alabama, and he's bringing some major stars along for the ride.The story, pulled from King's collection "If it Bleeds," tells the backward biography of the titular character, beginning with his death from cancer and ending with his childhood spent living in a supposed haunted house. "Loki" actor Tom Hiddleston and Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill, star alongside "Guardians of the Galaxy" alum Karen Gillan and Flanagan's wife Kater Siegel.Set to be distributed by NEON, the film is already making waves, having won the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival’s People’s Choice Award.
Video above: Chucky caught wandering the streets in Pinson, Alabama last year
Fall is upon us in Alabama, and while it may be pumpkin spice season for some, it's spooky season for others.
We're breaking down 10, top-tier horror films shot right here in the Heart of the South.
1. Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988)
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
The seventh installment in the saga of hockey-masked maniac Jason Vorhees, "The New Blood" was shot in several locations across Alabama. Baldwin County's Byrnes Lake was converted into the infamous killers' iconic stomping grounds, Camp Crystal Lake.
Additionally, the Stockton Fire Department was on the scene to supervise the massive explosion set off during the film's finale. You can even see a vintage Stockton fire truck during the film's final moments.
2. Body Snatchers (1993)
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
The third adaption of Jack Finney's groundbreaking 1955 sci-fi novel, "Body Snatchers" follows a family as they fight to survive the systematic replacement of people on and around an Alabama air force base by plant-based replicants or "pod people.'
The film was shot in part at Selma's Craig Field Airport & Industrial complex, which, up until 1977, actually was an Air Force base.
3. The Final Destination (2009)
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
It's a blood bath at the race track in the 4th entry of the "Final Destination" franchise as a massive crash at "McKinley Speedway" leads to some of the most over-the-top casualties ever put to screen.
McKinley, as it turns out, is actually Mobile International Speedway located in Irvington. While many of the drivers are stuntmen, eagle-eyed viewers can catch a glimpse of several local racers as well.
4. The Collector (2009)
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Seen by many as a spiritual sibling to the "Saw" franchise, "The Collector" follows a would-be burglar who gets more than he bargained for after breaking into a home only to find a far more dangerous criminal inside.
Details are sparse on the Alabama stint of production, but according to IMDb, several scenes were shot in Mobile.
5. Oculus (2013)
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
The first of acclaimed horror director Mike Flanagan's many trips to South Alabama, "Oculus" follows siblings Tim and Kaylie, and their decade-long torment at the hands of a supernatural mirror.
The film was shot in both Mobile and Fairhope, locations that feature heavily in several of Flanagan's films.
6. Before I Wake (2016)
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Shot less than a year after his previous picture, Mike Flanagan's second film shot in the Yellowhammer State ended up in development limbo for nearly three years before its eventual release in 2016.
Much of the film was shot in Fairhope, with several scenes also filmed in Mobile's Barton Academy.
7. Hush (2016)
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Another Flanagan fright fest filmed in Fairhope, "Hush," follows a deaf and mute author who is forced to fight for her life after a masked killer breaks into her home.
In a very meta movie moment, the main character garnered international acclaim for her novel "Midnight Mass." That fictional story-within-a-story would later be brought to life by Flanagan as a Netflix series of the same name.
8. Gerald's Game (2017)
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Mike Flanagan continues his South Alabama streak with "Gerald's Game," his first adaption of a Stephen King Story.
The film, which follows a woman's desperate battle to escape a pair of handcuffs after her husband dies on vacation, was primarily shot in Mobile. Both the Mobile County District Courthouse and John A Campbell U.S. Courthouse were used during the film's finale, with additional scenes shot in Fairhope/Point Clear.
9. Get Out (2017)
This content is imported from YouTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Shot in multiple locations across Fairhope and Mobile, this critically acclaimed horror masterpiece was nominated for 4 Oscars and won 1, making Jordan Peele the first African American person to take home the best original screenplay statuette.
The film follows Daniel Kaluuya's Chris, who takes a trip to his white girlfriend's family home, only to find himself at the center of an insidious plot to steal his body.
"I went to Alabama with my own stereotypes and preconceived notions about getting chased out, said Peele in an interview with Vulture. "But I have to say, the stereotypes were proved wrong. People were very sweet, very open, and there’s a lot of film lovers there who are very intelligent. Ultimately, I loved Alabama."
10. Life of Chuck (2024)
Eyeing a release date sometime next year, "Life of Chuck" marks Mike Flanagan's return to Alabama, and he's bringing some major stars along for the ride.
The story, pulled from King's collection "If it Bleeds," tells the backward biography of the titular character, beginning with his death from cancer and ending with his childhood spent living in a supposed haunted house.
"Loki" actor Tom Hiddleston and Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill, star alongside "Guardians of the Galaxy" alum Karen Gillan and Flanagan's wife Kater Siegel.
Set to be distributed by NEON, the film is already making waves, having won the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival’s People’s Choice Award.
English (US)