Many Hollywood films have brought Oregon fame by capturing the state’s beautiful landmarks, scenery, and architecture. If you are planning a ghoulish movie night with a few friends or family members this Halloween, we have got you covered. Here are eight spooky, scary, and downright horrifying movies with Oregon roots you will want to stream All Hallow’s Eve season.
- Cabin Fever
Filmed in both Molalla and Portland, this 2016 fright depicts the horrifying experience of five college-aged friends as they vacation in a cabin in the middle of nowhere for a week. Their outdoor adventure suddenly turns deadly when a flesh-eating disease threatens the young friend group, and they must find a way to stop it before it is too late. You can rent Cabin Fever on Amazon Prime Video to stream (and scream) this Halloween.
- Coraline
Taken after the acclaimed novel of the same name by Neil Gaiman, Coraline made cinema history in 2009 by not only being the first film produced by Oregon’s own Laika Studios, but by being the first created through stop-motion animation using a 3D printer. While the book’s setting differs, the film takes place in Ashland. If you pay attention, you will see some very familiar scenery and landmarks, including visual references to the famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Unlike typical Halloween films, this one is perfect for the whole family — even your youngest monsters and goblins. Rent Coraline on Amazon Prime Video to stream this spooky season.
- The Goonies
The Goonies, which debuted in 1985, is a classic must-see for Halloween. Starring Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, Jeff Cohen, and Ke Huy Kwan, the film depicts a group of youngsters who stumble upon a secret treasure map while playing near an abandoned shack. The kids then set out on an incredible journey to find their reward — with twists, turns, and danger looming along the way. The movie was filmed in the sleepy coastal town of Astoria, and includes shots of the Clatsop County Jail, residential neighborhoods, and Ecola State Park. Also included in the movie is the historic 1885 Captain George Flavel House Museum, which is (in real life) rumored to be haunted. You can rent or buy The Goonies on Amazon Prime Video and watch this family-friendly film.
- Halloweentown
The 1998 Disney Channel original movie, Halloweentown, was filmed in St. Helens and Scappoose May through June of that year. This coming-of-age movie follows tween Marnie (played by Kimberly J. Brown) on her quest to discover her true destiny as a witch on Halloween, despite her mother’s wishes for a normal, “mortal” upbringing.
If you have visited St. Helens during October since the film’s debut, you have likely seen the Halloweentown pride on display throughout the downtown area. Every year from September 18 through October 31, crowds gather to celebrate “The Spirit of Halloweentown” festival. Various attractions include a decked-out Plaza Square, which was the heart of the movie’s filming. To safely celebrate the spirit of Halloweentown, the film can be streamed on Disney Plus.
- The Haunting of Sarah Hardy
The 1989 psychological thriller, The Haunting of Sarah Hardy was filmed both along stretches of the Oregon Coast and at the extravagant 1914 Pittock Mansion in NW Portland. Sarah, played by the talented Sela Ward, endured tragedy at age 12 when her mentally ill mother threw herself into the chill coastal waters near their home on the day of Sarah’s father’s funeral. Fifteen years later, Sarah has blossomed into a happy young woman with a promising future. She marries Austin Hardy (played by Michael Woods), and the couple moves back to Sarah’s childhood home at the Pines (Pittock Mansion).
However, Sarah’s happily-ever-after becomes threatened when she starts seeing visions, hearing voices, and experiencing other supernatural events while in the house. Has her mother risen from the grave to torment her? Is her mother actually alive — after all, they never found the body. Or is something even more sinister taking place in Sarah’s life? Stream for free on Youtube here to find out.
- The Ring 1 and 2
Paranormal horror flick The Ring (2002) was filmed in locations across Washington and California, and contained shots from the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, as well as from Newport. The movie involves a haunted video tape that claims to kill the viewer within seven days of pressing “play,” and a journalist (Naomi Watts) who sets out to find answers before it’s too late.
In the film’s sequel, The Ring 2 (2005), the same journalist embarks on another dangerous adventure as she protects her son from the demon who haunted the videotape in the previous film. The sequel was filmed in Astoria, which is also where the movie takes place. Stream both The Ring and The Ring 2 on Hulu.
- The Shining
The 1980 psychological thriller, The Shining, made Multnomah National Forest’s Timberline Lodge a snowy icon. Based on the chilling novel by Stephen King, main character Jack Torrence (played by Jack Nicholson) is a troubled writer trying to find inspiration amid a snow storm that has kept him in the eerie Overlook Hotel. While interior scenes were shot in a studio in England, Timberline Lodge provided the exterior view of the snowy hotel. After the kids are tucked safely in bed, you can rent and stream The Shining on Amazon Prime Video or Youtube.
- Twilight
In November of 2008, tweens everywhere lined up to see the long-awaited premiere of Twilight. Fans gushed over the dreamy Edward Cullen (played by Robert Pattinson), and were swept away with the fairytale that carried a vampy twist. What most viewers did not know was that the film actually had significant Oregon roots, despite its Washington setting.
Twilight was filmed in several parts of Oregon, including Cannon Beach, St. Helens, Multnomah Falls, Bridge of the Gods, Vernonia, Silver Falls State Park, Damascus, and Corbett. If you have not yet seen this romantic thriller, you can stream it now on Netflix.
By: Rebekah Harcrow
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