Scary movies filmed in Arizona, from 'Eight Legged Freaks' to 'Piranha 3D' (2025)

Tiffany AcostaArizona Republic

Scary movies filmed in Arizona, from 'Eight Legged Freaks' to 'Piranha 3D' (1)

Scary movies filmed in Arizona, from 'Eight Legged Freaks' to 'Piranha 3D' (2)

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As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s that delightful time of year when we can embrace the fall spirit. Pumpkins start to adorn our homes, and excitement for Halloween begins to fill the air. It’s the perfect season to cozy up with warm blankets and indulge in classic Halloween movies that send shivers down our spine. Whether you love the playful spookiness or the outright terror of the genre, there’s something magical about immersing ourselves in tales of fright and mystery as Halloween approaches.

You might be surprised to learn just how many iconic horror films have been filmed in Arizona, turning its stunning landscapes into eerie backdrops for some truly chilling stories. From cult classics to renowned blockbusters, the state has played host to a plethora of spine-tingling productions.

So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to dive into these horror films filmed right in Arizona.

'Phoenix Forgotten' (2017)

"Phoenix Forgotten," filmed in a similar style as “The Blair Witch Project,”is a found-footage horror film that explores the mysterious events surrounding the 1997 Phoenix Lights incident, where thousands of people reported seeing strange lights in the sky over Arizona.

The film was primarily shot in and around Phoenix, capturing the desert landscape and local atmosphere, and even uses real footage of the night. It follows three friends who embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind the lights, leading them to chilling discoveries about what happened that fateful night.

'Piranha 3D' (2010)

This horror-comedy brings a unique twist to the classic creature feature genre. Set in the fictional Lake Victoria, Arizona, the film was shot at Lake Havasu, capturing the chaotic atmosphere of a spring break party. The story revolves around an ancient species of carnivorous piranhas that are unleashed in the lake, leading to a bloody and wild fight for survival among the unsuspecting revelers.

'Eight Legged Freaks' (2002)

This horror-comedy unfolds in the fictional town of Prosperity, Arizona, where chaos erupts after a toxic chemical contaminates a local spider farm. Filmed in and around Superior, Glendale, Tonopah and Page, the story follows arachnids that develop a taste for flesh, grow to the size of minivans and see Prosperity as the perfect take-out spot.

'Route 666' (2001)

The plot follows a group of law enforcement officers investigating a series of mysterious murders connected to the infamous Route 666, blending supernatural elements with urban legend for a suspenseful ride through the dark history of the road. The movie was filmed in Wikieup, Arizona, specifically in the Joshua Tree Parkway area, and in Wickenburg.

'The Prophecy' (1995)

This supernatural thriller delves into a battle between good and evil, featuring Christopher Walken as the menacing angel Gabriel. The film is set against a stark and barren landscape, with key scenes filmed near Superior, in the shadow of Apache Leap. This dramatic setting perfectly captures the film's end-of-the-world theme, enhancing the tension as Gabriel seeks to destroy humanity with its blend of religious mythology and horror elements.

'Near Dark' (1997)

This cult classic vampire film directed by Kathryn Bigelow blends horror and Western genres. The story follows a young man named Caleb who is turned into a vampire by a mysterious woman named Mae, only to discover the dark and violent lifestyle that comes with it. Partially filmed near Eloy, Arizona, the movie captures the stark beauty of the desert, a fitting backdrop for the gritty tale of love and survival among a nomadic vampire gang.

'Frankenstein Island' (1981)

The most curious aspect of this movie isn't its namesake mad scientist, the mutants born of failed experiments or the tribe of Amazons in prime shape. No, it’s that the island is in southern Arizona, which lacks the necessary geography —and abundance of water — to be considered an island.

Still, in the words of journalist Scott Craven, it’s the greatest horror film not called “Night of the Lepus” to be filmed in Colossal Cave near Tucson.

'Creepshow 2' (1987)

This horror film weaves together three chilling tales in a storytelling style reminiscent of the original "Creepshow." The segments include "Old Chief Wood'nhead," which revolves around a cursed wooden Indian seeking revenge, "The Raft," about a group of teens facing a monstrous presence in a secluded lake, and "The Hitchhiker," where a fatal encounter on a lonely road leads to gruesome consequences.

Much of the film was shot in Arizona, including at Granite Basin Lake near Prescott for "The Raft," and various sites in Humboldt for "Old Chief Wood'nhead."

'Poltergeist II' (1986)

"Poltergeist II: The Other Side," is the sequel to the iconic supernatural horror film "Poltergeist." The film follows the Freeling family as they continue to confront malevolent forces that threaten their lives. Notably, the opening desert scenes featuring Will Sampson and the Hopi obelisk were filmed at Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Arizona.

'Kingdom of the Spiders' (1977)

Spiders are so prevalent in Arizona that they had to make more than one film about them. "Kingdom of the Spiders" features an army of angry tarantulas wreaking havoc across the Verde Valley in central Arizona. The film serves as a cautionary tale about the environmental impact of pesticides.

New spider in Arizona: New red-bellied tarantula has been discovered in Arizona. Here's what we know

'Night of the Lepus' (1972)

This classic horror film features mutant rabbits, or lepuses, that have grown to enormous size and developed a taste for flesh. Filmed in and around Colossal Cave Mountain Park near Tucson and Ajo in southern Arizona, the movie showcases these voracious predators as they wreak havoc on a small town. With their sharp teeth and insatiable appetite for human prey, these oversized bunnies become a source of terror.

'Psycho' (1960)

Alfred Hitchcock’s influential horror movie was filmed in Arizona … briefly. The film opens with a panoramic shot of the Phoenix skyline, where the historic Hotel San Carlos can be briefly seen as the camera pans across downtown. Once the plot gets rolling and the iconic shower scene unfolds, the focus has shifted to the home and motel owned by Norman Bates and his mother. "Psycho" remains a landmark in horror filmmaking.

Got a story you want to share? Reach out atTiffany.Acosta@gannett.com. Follow@tiffsarioon Instagram.

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Scary movies filmed in Arizona, from 'Eight Legged Freaks' to 'Piranha 3D' (2025)
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