October is the perfect time to celebrate Illinois’ chilling connection to the silver screen. From haunted Chicago streets to quiet suburban settings that turned sinister, Illinois has long been a favorite backdrop for filmmakers.

Chicago has played a starring role in some of the genre’s most memorable moments. “Candyman” (1992), filmed primarily in and around the Cabrini-Green housing complex, transformed real Chicago locations into symbols of urban legend and fear. The movie has become a classic of psychological horror while preserving a snapshot of Chicago’s architectural history. The 2021 sequel, also filmed in Chicago, revisited those same streets to explore how mystery can linger in a city that continues to change.

Illinois’ horror movie legacy doesn’t stop there. “Child’s Play” (1988) turned Chicago’s department stores and apartments into scenes of terror, introducing the world to Chucky, one of horror’s most infamous and iconic villains. “The Exorcist” (1973) filmed eerie hospital scenes at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and “The Unborn” (2009) used real Chicago landmarks like the University of Chicago for its supernatural story. More recently, scenes in “Sinister 2” (2015) were filmed in and around Illinois towns, showing that the state remains an eerie destination for filmmakers.

Illinois’ mix of urban, city and small-town charm attract filmmakers looking for authentic, atmospheric settings. With its historic architecture, the state has become a natural stage for spine-tingling storytelling.

This Halloween season, as you re-watch your favorite scary movies, keep an eye out for familiar streets and landmarks. You might recognize a piece of Illinois hiding behind the next scream.