Chicago has a rich history in the horror genre, with the city and its surroundings playing host to some of the most iconic and chilling horror movies ever made. Here is a closer look at the horror history of Chicago.
Silent Era
Chicago played an important role in the silent era of horror movies. In 1925, the iconic Phantom of the Opera starring Lon Chaney was partly filmed in the Chicago Theatre, a landmark still standing in downtown Chicago today. The Cat and the Canary (1927), based on a play of the same name, was set in a Chicago mansion.
Gritty 1970s
In the 1970s, Chicago became a hotbed for low-budget horror movies. Filmmakers like John McNaughton and Bill Lustig made movies like Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986) and Maniac (1980), respectively, which featured a gritty, realistic style that was new to the horror genre at the time. Henry, in particular, was filmed entirely in Chicago and its suburbs and is considered a landmark in the genre.
Slasher Films
The 1980s saw the rise of the slasher film, with movies like Candyman (1992), Child’s Play (1988), and Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987) featuring iconic scenes filmed in Chicago. Candyman was set in the Cabrini-Green public housing development, and its eerie atmosphere and striking visuals have made it a classic of the genre.
Creature Features
In the 1990s, Chicago became a popular location for creature features. The Relic (1997), based on the novel by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, was filmed at the Field Museum, and Lake Placid (1999), though set in Maine, was filmed in Chicago and its surrounding areas.
Modern Horror
Chicago continues to be a popular location for horror movies today. Sinister 2 (2015) was filmed entirely in the city and its suburbs, with many scenes set in the Pilsen neighborhood. In 2021, a sequel to Candyman was released, partially filmed in the Cabrini-Green neighborhood where the original was set.
In conclusion, Chicago has a rich and varied history in the horror genre, with filmmakers from different eras and styles utilizing the city’s unique atmosphere and architecture to create some of the most memorable and chilling horror movies ever made. From the silent era to the present day, Chicago remains a powerful presence in the horror world.