Let’s talk Florida-based horror films! When people think of Florida, they often picture sunny beaches, theme parks, and retirees sipping margaritas. But beneath the palm trees and pastel-colored homes lies a darker side—one that filmmakers have tapped into for decades to craft chilling horror stories. From swamp creatures to serial killers, Florida has served as the backdrop for some of the most unsettling and unforgettable horror films.
Classic & Cult Horror Films
Florida’s eerie natural landscapes have been a filmmaker’s dream, especially for classic monster movies.
- Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) – This Universal horror classic follows scientists who encounter a prehistoric gill-man deep in the Amazon—except it was actually filmed in Florida’s Wakulla Springs and Silver Springs. The film’s underwater cinematography and haunting atmosphere still hold up today.
- Day of the Dead (1985) – George A. Romero’s zombie epic was shot in an abandoned limestone mine near Wauchula, Florida. The claustrophobic setting adds to the film’s dread as survivors try to outlast the undead.
- Shock Waves (1977) – Nazi zombies rise from the waters of the Florida Keys in this cult classic starring horror icon Peter Cushing. The tropical setting makes for an eerie and unique horror experience.
Modern Horror & Thrillers
As horror evolved, Florida continued to be a go-to location for filmmakers looking for a mix of urban sprawl and untamed wilderness.
- Jeepers Creepers (2001) – Filmed mostly around Ocala, this film follows two siblings on a road trip through rural Florida who become the target of a terrifying, flesh-eating creature.
- Red Eye (2005) – Wes Craven’s psychological thriller, starring Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy, features Miami as its primary setting. While not a traditional horror film, its tense and claustrophobic airplane sequences make it a gripping watch.
- The Paperboy (2012) – A sweaty, Southern Gothic thriller with horror elements, this film is set in Florida during the 1960s and explores a dark, twisted murder case.
Swamps, Sharks, and Natural Horror
Florida’s gator-infested waters and unpredictable weather have made it an ideal setting for survival horror.
- Alligator (1980) – Though set in Chicago, this killer-alligator flick was partially filmed in Florida, where alligator sightings are a part of daily life.
- Crawl (2019) – A nail-biting horror thriller about a young woman trapped in a flooded house during a hurricane—while being hunted by massive alligators. While the movie was shot in Serbia, its setting is unmistakably inspired by Florida’s frequent hurricanes.
- Zombi 2 (1979) – This Italian horror film features one of the most bizarre scenes in horror history—an underwater fight between a zombie and a shark. Filmed in the Florida Keys, the scene remains a favorite among horror fans.
True Crime & Horror-Inspired Films
Florida’s real-life horrors have inspired some of the most chilling crime thrillers and horror films.
- Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986) – Loosely based on the life of Henry Lee Lucas, a real-life drifter and serial killer who committed crimes across multiple states, including Florida.
- Body Double (1984) – This Brian De Palma thriller, filmed in Miami, blends horror, mystery, and psychological tension in a neo-noir style.
- The House That Jack Built (2018) – While not explicitly set in Florida, this film about a sadistic serial killer mirrors many infamous cases from the state’s history.
Why Florida is the Perfect Horror Movie Setting
So, what makes Florida such an ideal backdrop for horror?
- Unpredictable Weather – From hurricanes to oppressive heat, the climate itself can feel like an antagonist.
- Swamps & Everglades – The vast, eerie landscapes are home to gators, snakes, and who-knows-what lurking beneath the water.
- Tourist Culture vs. Hidden Darkness – The contrast between Florida’s happy-go-lucky tourist spots and its crime-ridden, mysterious underbelly makes for great storytelling.
- True Crime & Urban Legends – With infamous crimes, mysterious disappearances, and local legends, Florida has an endless supply of real-life horror inspiration.
If you’re a horror fan looking to dive into films that capture the weird and eerie essence of Florida, these picks should keep you entertained (and maybe a little paranoid). Whether it’s swamp monsters, gators, or things that go bump in the night, the Sunshine State proves that horror can thrive even in paradise.
Would you add any other Florida-based horror films to the list? Let us know in the comments below!
