16 Famous Movie Filming Locations Said to Be Haunted in Real Life
If you’re a fan of both haunted locations and iconic movies, you’re in for a thrilling ride. Some of the most famous movie filming sites are said to be haunted in real life. From eerie abandoned hospitals to historic mansions, these locations carry chilling stories that go beyond the silver screen. Whether inspired by true events or ghostly legends, these places continue to attract both film buffs and paranormal enthusiasts. Many visitors report strange sounds, mysterious figures, and unexplained sensations while exploring these eerie spots.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.
The Stanley Hotel (The Shining)
Located in Estes Park, Colorado, the Stanley Hotel became famous for inspiring Stephen King’s The Shining. This grand hotel, built in 1909, is said to be home to numerous paranormal activities. Guests often report strange noises, unexplained sounds, and the presence of spectral figures wandering the halls. The most well-known ghost stories involve the apparitions of the hotel’s original owners, F.O. Stanley and his wife, Flora.
The hotel is also known for its connection to The Shining movie, where Jack Nicholson’s character loses his sanity. Visitors often mention the eerie atmosphere, especially in Room 217, where unexplained events like flickering lights and objects moving on their own have been reported. Paranormal enthusiasts flock to the hotel for overnight stays, hoping to experience something unexplainable.
Alcatraz Island (Alcatraz)
Alcatraz, once a maximum-security prison, is now a popular tourist destination in San Francisco Bay. The prison housed infamous criminals like Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the “Birdman of Alcatraz.” Many believe the island to be haunted by the spirits of prisoners who died there. Visitors often experience sudden cold spots, unexplained footsteps, and strange voices during tours.
The island’s isolated and foreboding atmosphere only adds to its chilling reputation. Paranormal investigators have spent hours on Alcatraz, documenting what they believe to be ghostly encounters. Reports of strange noises and the feeling of being watched make this location one of the most notorious haunted filming spots.
The Queen Mary (Ghost Ship)
The Queen Mary, once a luxurious ocean liner, now rests permanently in Long Beach, California, and has become a famed location for paranormal activity. During its service as a cruise ship, it carried celebrities and soldiers alike, but it’s the spirits of those who died aboard that haunt the ship today. Visitors claim to encounter shadowy figures and hear mysterious voices echoing through the hallways.
The ship’s eerie vibe is enhanced by its dark past, including tragic accidents, murders, and unexplained disappearances. Many of the ship’s former crew members reportedly haunt the lower decks, where visitors have reported hearing strange noises and seeing unexplained movements. The Queen Mary remains a hotspot for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers.
The Catacombs of Paris (As Above, So Below)
Beneath the streets of Paris lie the Catacombs, a maze of tunnels holding the remains of over six million people. The catacombs have long been the subject of urban legends, and many believe them to be haunted. Visitors often describe an overwhelming feeling of being watched or followed as they walk through the labyrinthine passageways. The eerie atmosphere is heightened by the countless skulls and bones lining the walls.
The catacombs were originally created as a solution to the city’s overflowing cemeteries in the 18th century. Some people claim to have seen the spirits of those who were buried there, and there are tales of people getting lost in the tunnels, never to return. Those brave enough to explore the catacombs often report chilling encounters and unsettling feelings that linger long after they leave.
The Bell Witch Cave (The Blair Witch Project)
The Bell Witch Cave, located in Adams, Tennessee, is associated with one of America’s most famous haunting stories. In the 19th century, the Bell family reported being tormented by a malevolent spirit, which became known as the Bell Witch. The legend has been passed down for generations, and many believe the cave to be the heart of the haunting.
Visitors to the Bell Witch Cave have reported hearing strange whispers, feeling cold spots, and even seeing apparitions. The cave’s dark, damp interior creates a chilling atmosphere, making it a prime location for paranormal investigators. Some believe the Bell Witch continues to haunt the area, bringing terror to those who dare to enter.
The Myrtles Plantation (The Myrtles Plantation)
Located in St. Francisville, Louisiana, The Myrtles Plantation is a historic home that is said to be one of the most haunted places in the United States. The plantation was the site of numerous tragic events, including murders and executions, and many believe that the spirits of those who died there still linger. Visitors often report ghostly apparitions, including a former slave named Chloe who is said to haunt the grounds.
The plantation’s eerie reputation is reinforced by stories of strange noises and objects moving on their own. Guests and staff have witnessed flickering lights, doors opening and closing without explanation, and shadowy figures walking across the property. The Myrtles Plantation remains a popular destination for ghost hunters seeking a glimpse into its dark past.
The Exorcist Steps (The Exorcist)
The Exorcist Steps, located in Washington, D.C., became famous after the 1973 horror film The Exorcist used them as a pivotal setting. The steps are situated near Georgetown University and are rumored to be haunted by the spirit of a young boy who was subjected to an exorcism in the 1940s. Local legends suggest that the boy’s restless spirit still haunts the area, and visitors often report a sense of unease when climbing or descending the steps.
Many people have claimed to experience unexplained sensations, such as dizziness or nausea, when they approach the steps. Some even report feeling a cold hand on their shoulder or hearing footsteps behind them. The chilling atmosphere surrounding these steps makes them a must-see for horror fans and those interested in the paranormal.
The Winchester Mystery House (Winchester Mystery House)
The Winchester Mystery House, located in San Jose, California, is one of the most famous haunted houses in the world. Built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of the inventor of the rifle, the house is known for its confusing architecture. The house features staircases that lead to nowhere, doors that open to walls, and windows positioned in odd locations, all designed to appease restless spirits.
According to legend, Sarah Winchester believed that the spirits of those killed by her husband’s invention haunted her, and she built the house to keep them at bay. The house is said to be filled with the sounds of footsteps, knocking, and voices. Many visitors have reported seeing apparitions and feeling cold spots, making it a popular destination for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers.
The Old Washoe Club (The History Channel’s Ghost Adventures)
The Old Washoe Club in Virginia City, Nevada, has a rich and haunted history. The building, which dates back to the 1860s, was once a private club for the wealthy elite. Over the years, numerous people have died in the building, and many believe that their spirits never left. The club is infamous for its eerie atmosphere and is said to be home to the ghosts of former members and workers.
Visitors to the Old Washoe Club report feeling sudden drops in temperature, hearing ghostly whispers, and seeing shadowy figures. The most famous haunting is the ghost of a woman named “Rosie,” who is believed to have died under mysterious circumstances in the club. Paranormal investigations have uncovered unexplained phenomena, making the Old Washoe Club a hotspot for ghost hunters.
The Lizzie Borden House (Lizzie Borden Took an Ax)
The Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, Massachusetts, became infamous after Lizzie Borden was accused of murdering her father and stepmother in 1892. The gruesome murders remain unsolved, and many believe that the spirits of the Bordens still haunt the house to this day. Visitors to the house have reported hearing strange noises, like footsteps and whispers, especially on the second floor where the murders took place.
The house is now a bed and breakfast, but it remains a chilling destination for those interested in the paranormal. Many claim to have seen the figure of Lizzie Borden herself, as well as her father and stepmother, who are said to wander the halls. The eerie atmosphere and tragic history make the Lizzie Borden House one of the most notorious haunted filming locations.
The Lemp Mansion (The Lemp Family Curse)
Located in St. Louis, Missouri, the Lemp Mansion is known for its dark and tragic history. The mansion was home to the Lemp family, once owners of a successful brewing empire. After a series of suicides and mysterious deaths within the family, the house became infamous. Many believe that the spirits of the Lemp family still haunt the mansion, especially after a devastating family curse was placed upon them.
Guests at the mansion have reported seeing ghostly figures, hearing footsteps, and feeling a cold presence. The most well-known haunting involves the ghost of William Lemp, who took his life in the mansion. The Lemp Mansion now operates as a restaurant and inn, where visitors often report paranormal activity, especially in the basement, where the Lemp family members are said to have died.
The Shambles (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban)
The Shambles in York, England, is an ancient street that served as inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. This narrow, crooked street is filled with overhanging timber-framed buildings that date back to the 14th century. The Shambles is believed to be haunted by the spirits of those who lived and worked there, including former butchers and tradespeople.
Visitors to the Shambles often report eerie sensations and unexplained occurrences, especially during the night. Many claim to have heard voices whispering from the shadows, and some have seen figures standing in the windows of the old buildings. The atmosphere of the Shambles, with its hauntingly preserved medieval architecture, makes it one of the most ghostly locations in England.
The Dark Hedges (Game of Thrones)
The Dark Hedges, located in Northern Ireland, is a stunning avenue of beech trees that became widely known after being featured in Game of Thrones. This magical-looking avenue has a long history, and many people believe it to be haunted. The trees were planted in the 18th century, and local legends suggest that the spirits of those who once worked the land still roam the area.
People visiting the Dark Hedges report strange sensations, including the feeling of being watched and hearing footsteps behind them. Some have claimed to see ghostly figures of former inhabitants, including a lady in white, who is said to walk the avenue. The eerie atmosphere of the Dark Hedges, combined with its cinematic appearance, makes it a popular spot for both Game of Thrones fans and those seeking supernatural experiences.
The Conjuring House (The Conjuring)
The Conjuring House, located in Harrisville, Rhode Island, became famous after being featured in The Conjuring film. The house is known for its haunting, with multiple reports of paranormal activity dating back to the 19th century. The most famous case involves the Perron family, who experienced disturbing encounters with spirits while living in the home. The house is said to be haunted by several spirits, including an evil entity known as Bathsheba, who allegedly cursed the property.
Many visitors and paranormal investigators have reported feeling an intense, oppressive energy while inside the house. Strange noises, ghostly figures, and cold spots are frequently experienced. The house is now a popular location for those interested in ghost hunting, with some even claiming to have encountered Bathsheba’s malevolent presence during their visits.
The Tower of London (The Tower of London)
The Tower of London is one of the most famous haunted landmarks in England, with a history filled with bloodshed and intrigue. The tower was the site of many executions, including that of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII. It’s said that the spirits of the executed, along with several other prisoners, still haunt the tower’s various buildings and grounds.
Numerous visitors to the tower report seeing ghostly figures, including the specter of Anne Boleyn, who is said to haunt the Tower Green, where she was executed. Other reported hauntings include the appearance of the “Two Princes,” who were allegedly murdered in the tower during the 15th century. The Tower of London’s dark past and its reputation as a royal prison make it one of the most terrifyingly haunted places in England.
The Old Changi Hospital (The Singapore Ghost Stories)
The Old Changi Hospital, located in Singapore, was once a British military hospital during World War II. It is infamous for its role as a site of torture and brutal treatment of prisoners of war during the Japanese occupation. Today, the abandoned building is known for being a hotspot of paranormal activity, with many believing it to be haunted by the spirits of those who suffered and died there.
Visitors have reported hearing screams, seeing shadowy figures, and experiencing intense feelings of dread while inside the hospital’s decaying walls. The building’s history of violence and death only adds to its chilling reputation. Ghost hunters and thrill-seekers regularly visit the site in hopes of capturing paranormal evidence.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.