Bangor, Maine: Home to Two of the World’s Scariest Film Locations

Once upon a time in Hollywood, film executives believed scary movies would never gain widespread popularity. Fast forward several decades, and horror films are now a year-round phenomenon, breaking free from their Halloween confines.

Stephen King had a significant influence on this transformation. Known as “the Master of Horror,” King has penned countless twisted tales, leading to nearly 100 film adaptations of his works. Many of these stories draw inspiration from his upbringing in Maine.

King’s background in Maine played a vital role in the authenticity of his stories when adapted into films. Filmmakers often sought to bring King’s imagination to life by filming scenes in locations familiar to him. What better way to capture the essence of his novels than setting the scenes right where he grew up?

According to loveEXPLORING, Maine hosts two of the most spine-chilling real-life film locations fans can visit.

As a child, Stephen King had recurring nightmares about a standpipe near his home. These nightmares inspired one of his most famous works, It. The film adaptation presented the standpipe as a dark and ominous structure, but the Thomas Hill Standpipe was the actual filming location. Even today, fans can visit this iconic site.

Another eerie film location from King’s works is Mount Hope Cemetery. This site was prominently featured in the 1989 adaptation of Pet Sematary. Its haunting atmosphere made it a perfect backdrop for key scenes in the movie. The cemetery has since become a popular destination for horror enthusiasts, eager to experience the eerie setting firsthand. Just remember, “maybe dead is better.”