As the days grow shorter and the nights chill the air, the Garden State transforms into a cinematic canvas for horror enthusiasts. From the eerie Pine Barrens to the bustling streets of Newark, New Jersey has long been a prime location for filmmakers seeking to capture the essence of terror on the silver screen. Delve into the state's rich horror movie legacy and uncover the chilling tales that have been etched into its landscape.

Unraveling the Macabre Mysteries of New Jersey's Horror Filmography

Creepshow: Where Nightmares Come to Life

Fans of the Stephen King-inspired anthology film "Creepshow" will be delighted to learn that one of its most iconic scenes was shot at the picturesque Island Beach State Park. In a chilling sequence, the wealthy Leslie Nielsen character buries his cheating wife and her lover up to their necks in the sand, leaving them to a grisly fate as the tide rolls in. This cinematic gem showcases New Jersey's natural beauty in the most unsettling of ways.

The Village: Uncovering the Darkness in Pedricktown

M. Night Shyamalan's "The Village" may have been set in a remote 19th-century community, but its eerie atmosphere was captured in the tiny, unincorporated town of Pedricktown, Salem County. The scene where a driver stops at a gas station to inquire about the mysterious village, as well as the near-miss with a truck, were both filmed in this quaint, yet haunting, location.

I Am Legend: Seeking Sanctuary in Mount Airy

In the post-apocalyptic world of "I Am Legend," starring Will Smith, a scene depicting a sanctuary in Vermont was actually filmed in the picturesque town of Mount Airy, New Jersey. This cinematic sleight of hand demonstrates the state's versatility in standing in for other locales, allowing filmmakers to craft their chilling narratives against the backdrop of the Garden State's diverse landscapes.

Jersey Shore Massacre: Embracing the Absurd

While not exactly a critical darling, "Jersey Shore Massacre" embraces the state's reputation for over-the-top entertainment. Produced by "Jersey Shore" star Jenni "JWoww" Farley, the goofy slasher film was shot in various New Jersey locations, including Seaside Heights, Woodbridge, Sparta, and Newton. For horror fans with a penchant for the absurd, this movie offers a delightfully campy homage to the state's unique charm.

Insidious 5: Haunting the Halls of Drew University

It took until the fifth installment of the "Insidious" franchise for the series to venture into New Jersey, but when it did, the filmmakers found a suitably eerie setting. A yellow Victorian mansion near an entrance to Drew University was used as a frat house in the movie, while additional scenes were shot in Morristown and at Fair Mount Cemetery in Chatham.

Knock at the Cabin: Crafting Tension in Tabernacle

M. Night Shyamalan's latest thriller, "Knock at the Cabin," was shot in the Garden State, with the custom-built cabin located in Tabernacle. The Evergreen Dairy Bar in Southampton also made an appearance, adding to the film's unsettling atmosphere.

Torture Chamber: Uncovering the State's Dark History

The movie "Torture Chamber" delves into the dark and twisted world of demonic possession, and it found the perfect settings in New Jersey. The film utilized Lambert's Castle in Paterson and the Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg to capture the eerie ambiance of its haunting narrative.

Friday the 13th: Embracing the Iconic Slasher

Perhaps the most well-known horror movie set in New Jersey is the original "Friday the 13th," which was filmed in various locations throughout the state, including Camp No-Be-Bos-Co in Hope, Freehold, and Blairstown. This iconic slasher flick has become synonymous with the Garden State's horror movie legacy.

Cat's Eye: Cheating Husbands and High-Rise Horrors

Stephen King's anthology film "Cat's Eye" features another tale of a rich husband seeking revenge on his cheating wife, this time by forcing her lover to walk a perilous ledge high above the streets of Atlantic City. This chilling sequence showcases the state's diverse settings, from the bustling boardwalk to the towering high-rises.

War of the Worlds: Alien Invasion in Bayonne

While the iconic scenes of the alien invasion in "War of the Worlds" may have taken place in Newark and Bayonne, the film's sets were actually constructed in a warehouse near Bayonne Harbor. This behind-the-scenes detail highlights New Jersey's versatility in providing the perfect backdrop for sci-fi and horror alike.

Satan's Playground: Confronting the Jersey Devil

For those seeking a more supernatural horror experience, "Satan's Playground" delves into the legend of the Jersey Devil, with the entire film shot in Burlington County. This chilling tale of a family stranded in the Pine Barrens and tormented by the mythical creature showcases the state's eerie natural landscapes.

Smile: Rutgers and Beyond

While many films use New Jersey as a stand-in for other locations, "Smile" embraced the state as the primary setting for its unsettling narrative. Scenes were shot at Rutgers Medical School, Union County Jail, and the W Hoboken Hotel, among other New Jersey locations, creating a palpable sense of unease throughout the film.

13th Child: The Legend of the Jersey Devil

Fittingly, the list of New Jersey's horror movie legacy ends with "13th Child: The Legend of the Jersey Devil," a film that explores the grisly homicides investigated in the Pine Barrens. Primarily shot in Wharton State Forest at Batsto Village, this movie pays homage to the state's most enduring supernatural legend.