The spooks and spectres that send tingles up our spines in the streets of the Crescent City are widely known. Vampires, witches, voodoo, curses — we literally have all the makings of the things that go bump in the night. So much so that Hollywood targeted a fair amount of movies and used New Orleans as the backdrop. So if you’re looking to be more creeped out (or cackle with laughter) living in New Orleans than before and want to stay indoors, here are some films to feed your a-gore-aphobia … or your a-bore-aphobia. Amirite?
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmFYu8x46VY[/embedyt]
Interview With The Vampire
Released: 1994
Director: Neil Jordan
Not really a scare fest, but we think it’s one of the best damn vampire movies out there. And it’s based on the legendary (and NOLA native) Anne Rice Vampire Chronicles novels. The French Quarter, Destrehan Plantation and Oak Alley Plantation are as much a character as the people on the screen. We recognize its faults as a movie, but it’s a fun ride, and just like Kirsten Dunst’s character, we want some more.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5I85obUN9M[/embedyt]
American Horror Story: Coven
Released: 2013
Directors: Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, Michael Rymer, Michael Uppendahl, Jeremy Podeswa, Bradley Buecker, Howard Deutch
Ok. Not a movie, but c’mon. It’s an incredible series rooted in the history of New Orleans and its attraction to the occult. That first episode at the LaLaurie Mansion – CHILLS! Gruesome, sad and horrific turned almost comedic later in the series. The addition of the Axeman in the series adds more story complexity and a welcome portrayal by Danny Huston. Not just New Orleanians, but many others agree: this is one of the best AHS seasons yet. Cue up Stevie Nicks on your playlists.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRO3J1awxFQ[/embedyt]
The Skeleton Key
Released: 2005
Director: Iain Softley
Another film not well received by critics, but in our unscientific poll of asking folks on the street and in our office, people we talk to enjoy this for its big reveal at the end. The pacing needs work, the plotholes need to be filled, but the creep factor is dialed up on this film and it’s a guilty pleasure for many.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrW2wng-MYc[/embedyt]
Dracula 2000
Released: 2000 (duh)
Director: Patrick Lussier
We know. The title including the year is never a good sign – much like an N64 game. But Wes Craven presents (not directs)! Also, let’s not forget Gerard Butler. Building on Bram Stoker’s take of the Transylvanian noble, this film puts the Count in contemporary America. Not a lot to think about here. Mr. Alucard awakens when some thieves open his coffin on a plane, said plane crashes in the Louisiana swamps and voila. You now have Dracula 2000. And even more scary — there are sequels!
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C33S_cqiJ8[/embedyt]
Hatchet
Released: 2003
Director: Adam Green
A slasher film set in the swamps and dubbed “The Next Icon Of Horror” by Ain’t It Cool News, this film gets top marks for its gore but dialogue falls flat mostly. It pays homage to the genre and honestly feels like other slasher films of the 80s like “Friday the 13th,” “A Nightmare On Elm Street” or “Halloween.” The super dark filming and gore make it a contender.
‘Tis the season: We know there are beaucoup movies made in NOLA and we’d love to hear your fave picks. Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram which ones top your list.
