The settings and locations of horror films

The six essential settings for horror films

1. Cabins

From time to time, cabins have been one of the main settings of horror films. This includes small cottages by the lake or isolated homes, away from urban neighborhoods. The sheer remoteness makes this a hot spot for demonic activity. On most occasions, these cabins host families who had just moved into a new area and are unaware of of the dark history of their new home. Alternatively, a cabin also serves as accommodation for college kids on a summer giveaway. Unaware of their surroundings, these characters often fall victim into the cabin and its grueling past.

2. Dorms

Young adults are a classic prey for the evil, especially when considering their recklessness and their need to try anything that upsets the order. Dorms create the feeling of loneliness as students are away from home. For directors and producers who want to amplify the horror, dorms have been previously seen murder or suicide are a must for sinister activity.

3. Amusement Parks

Imagine walking into a dimly lit tunnel only to find a clown breathing down your neck while grinning from ear to ear whispering "why so serious" In Final Destination, one amusement park ride malfunctioned, sending the victims to their death.

4. Forests

An all-time classic, one of the best settings for Hollywood horror movies, as there is always something eerie about forests. It can be used to hide a dead body or even to practice witchcraft, away from the eye of the public. Real world harrowing tales of people gone missing in forests only add goosebumps to this setting. Japan's legendary Suicide Forest which sits on the foot on Mount Fuji is a perfect example of this.

5. Cemeteries

The abundance of dead bodies and skeletons available make this a natural setting of a horror movie. Films like The Omen have successfully used the creepiness of a cemetery to great effect. The cemetery could also be a place for unholy practices and rituals. 

6. Abandoned/Old Buildings

Anything abandoned seems like a great place to feature a horror film. The deterioration of these buildings are perfect for paranormal activity. Netflix's Arabian folklore monster-inspired "Ghoul", brilliantly exploits this sense of terror and isolation. Whispers of the tale of the dead seemingly travels through the air makes for a hair-raising experience.