Tobin Baker
Staff Writer
Ever since 1958, with Jack Harris’ The Blob, Pennsylvania has been one of the many states used to film horror movies, becoming the 5th most filmed state for horror movies in America (to be clear, this means Pennsylvania ranks in the top 5 states for on-location filming/recording, including low-budget movies; say certain “Tubi” movies as an example). In fact, Pittsburgh is recorded as the most filmed city for horror films in America. This article covers a couple of movies and locations filmed in Pennsylvania, and I’ll try to avoid spoilers. Anyone who watches horror movies regularly or enjoys them might appreciate Pennsylvania’s geographical importance in cinema and even want to visit a few of these locations, if you dare…
The Blob (1958)
Considered a classic sci-fi horror movie, Jack Harris’ The Blob (1958) was also the first ever horror film shot in Pennsylvania, and I find it interesting how many locations still exist despite its age. There are more locations that were filmed, but ultimately these are the ones you can visit.
Where is it?
Colonial Theatre is located in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania (227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460, to be exact). Still open today, Colonial Theatre still operates, even being the center of Blobfest, which is a celebration of the film typically held every year in July on a weekend! The Blob also filmed around other places in Phoenixville, including Barkley’s Elementary School.
Downingtown Diner
People running to Downingtown Diner for safety. Courtesy of The Blob 1958
Where is it?
Well, the actual original structure of the Downingtown Diner moved to California to be in movie sets, but a new one was built in its original location of Downingtown, Pennsylvania (81 W. Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335). Despite this, the basement has been preserved and left untouched.
Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Jonathan Demme’s Silence of the Lambs (1991) is regarded as one of the most famous and well-received movies in American cinema history, and it was also shot primarily in Pennsylvania. It should be noted that there are other locations where you can see the exterior, but you can’t go in.
Buffalo Bill’s House
Buffalo Bill’s House, Courtesy of Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Where is it?
Buffalo Bill’s house is located in Perryopolis, Pennsylvania (8 Circle St, Perryopolis, PA 15473), where it’s been transformed into an attraction that you can sometimes go on tours in, and pay to spend a night in the house if you were willing to.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Clarice walking through the halls to meet the entomologists. Courtesy of Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Where is it?
Used to film the entomologist scenes, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213). Beyond the fact that it’s where a couple of scenes are recorded, it’s also a museum of nature, which I personally find cool.
Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum
Hannibal Lecter reading in his cage. Courtesy of Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Where is it?
Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (4141 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213), Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum was used to film the scenes where Hannibal Lecter was kept in a cage in a ballroom. Every October, the Memorial Hall and Museum does a “cage night” where they bring a cage and original props and a vendor marketplace, plus a full screening of the movie in the auditorium.
The Mothman Prophecies (2002)
Mark Pellington’s The Mothman Prophecies (2002) is probably one of the more effective psychological horror movies I’ve seen because of how it plays with the idea of both supernatural and conspiracy, utilizing the dread and paranoia that comes with it. Despite taking place in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, there were many locations shot in Pennsylvania.
Market Street
John Klein and Connie Mills walking across Market Street, Courtesy of The Mothman Prophecies (2002)
Where is it?
Residing in Kittanning, Pennsylvania (Kittanning, PA 16201), Market Street (and Kittanning in general) was filmed instead of Point Pleasant, as the movie needed a bigger town/city to film in, as it was too small; additionally, the film crew would’ve needed to shut down the Point Pleasant Bridge for two months, which would’ve hurt Point Pleasant’s economy.
Kittanning Citizens Bridge
John Klein on Silver Bridge. Courtesy of The Mothman Prophecies (2002)
Where is it?
Also in Kittanning, Pennsylvania (1 Market St, Kittanning, PA 16201), the Kittanning Citizens Bridge was used to replace Silver Bridge. Visiting Kittanning in general makes it possible to see some of the major filming locations in The Mothman Prophecies.
The Avalon Motor Inn
John Klein investigating in his Inn room. Courtesy of The Mothman Prophecies (2002)
Where is it?
The Avalon Motor Inn is located in North Strabane Township, Pennsylvania (1 Avalon Cir, Eighty Four, PA 15330). It’s permanently closed, so you won’t be able to go inside, but you are still able to see the exterior.
Romero’s original three-part Living Dead series (1968 - 1985)
You’ve probably heard about Romero’s Living Dead series and how it ties into Pennsylvania locations, and for good reason, beyond the fact that it pioneered modern-day zombies. I still felt it was worth including on the list because of its significance, but since many might already know it and/or given how popular it is, I thought it was best to put it last to avoid stating the obvious first.
Evans City Cemetery
Barbara and Johnny in the graveyard visiting their father’s grave. Courtesy of Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Where is it?
Evans City Cemetery, used for the opening of Night of the Living Dead, is located in, surprisingly, Evans City, Pennsylvania (Franklin Rd, Evans City, PA 16033). This place has been used for the event Living Dead Weekend, which is a celebration of Romero’s living dead franchise. Living Dead Weekend typically has actors appear to talk about the movies and sign, while also including vendors.
Monroeville Mall
Zombies in the Monroeville Mall. Courtesy of Dawn of the Dead (1978)
Where is it?
Used as the primary location in Dawn of the Dead, Monroeville Mall is located in Monroeville, Pennsylvania (200 Mall Circle Drive, Monroeville, PA 15146). Monroeville Mall still currently exists as of writing this, but Walmart has bought it out in April 2025 and plans to demolish it eventually, possibly shortly after April of 2027. Monroeville Mall has also been used for the Living Dead Weekend, and holds a Living Dead Museum that shows the history and real props of Romero’s movies, along with other films.
Wampum Mine / Wampum Underground
Zombies inside the military base. Courtesy of Day of the Dead (1985)
Where is it?
Although you aren’t actually able to go into it, the Wampum Mines are located in Wampum, Pennsylvania (1605 Old Route 18, Wampum, PA 16157). It’s currently used for industrial and storage space.
Closing thoughts
There are more and more movies shot and filmed in Pennsylvania, both big and small, no matter what genre. This is just a small list of a couple of horror movies in the vast sea of horror films made and/or shot in Pennsylvania. Maybe even a couple of your favorite horror movies have been shot in Pennsylvania (or your state as well, if you’re reading out of state!;) you just have to research a bit to see.