Horror Movies Set In Kansas - Top Films Bringing Fear To The Heartland
Kansas may seem peaceful, but horror movies set in the state prove otherwise. These films turn the Sunflower State into a land of terror, where every small town holds a dark secret waiting to be uncovered.
Author:Evelyn AdamsReviewer:Calvin PenwellOct 22, 202410.6K Shares166.5K Views
Kansas may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about horror movie settings, but that’s part of what makes it so effective. Known for its vast farmlands, quiet small towns, and hauntingly empty landscapes, Kansas provides the perfect backdrop for stories of isolation and fear.
What makes Kansas even more intriguing is its rich history of folklore and urban legends. Real-life haunted locations, like Stull Cemetery, have fueled countless tales of paranormal activity, adding to the state’s eerie reputation. With its combination of natural beauty and supernaturalstories, Kansas is a hidden gem in the world of horror.
Children Of The Corn (1984)
One of the most iconic horror films associated with Kansas is Children of the Corn, based on Stephen King’s short story. While technically filmed in Iowa, the film is set in rural Kansas and follows a young couple who stumble upon a town ruled by a religious cult of children.
The vast cornfields and the sense of isolation are central to the film’s atmosphere, turning an otherwise quiet setting into a place of terror. The creepy cornfields, synonymous with Kansas, make the state the perfect backdrop for this chilling tale of fanaticism and violence. The creepy cornfields and nearby haunted placesin Kansas make the state the perfect backdrop for this chilling tale of fanaticism and violence.
Critters (1986)
Another film that uses Kansas’s rural charm to its advantage is Critters, a horror-comedy about small, carnivorous aliens wreaking havoc in a small town. The film follows the residents of a rural Kansas town as they battle the furry invaders, using a combination of humor and horror to keep audiences entertained.
Although often overlooked due to the popularity of Gremlins(released two years earlier), Crittershas become a cult classic. The flat, open spaces of Kansas serve as the perfect environment for the chaotic chase scenes, highlighting the sense of vulnerability in small, isolated communities.
The Day After (1983)
Though more of a post-apocalyptic thriller than a traditional horror film, The Day After is set in Lawrence, Kansas, and depicts the aftermath of a nuclear war. The stark, barren landscape of Kansas becomes a haunting symbolof the destruction left behind.
The film’s horror comes from its realistic portrayal of a nuclear fallout, making Kansas’s once familiar rural setting feel desolate and terrifying. The chilling imagery of small-town America in ruins made this film a standout in the apocalyptic horror genre.
I Am Lisa (2020)
Filmed in the Kansas City area, I Am Lisa brings a modern twist to the werewolf revenge subgenre. This female-driven horror film follows Lisa, a young woman who is attacked and left for dead by a corrupt sheriff and her deputies. After surviving the attack, Lisa undergoes a transformation, becoming a werewolf, and sets out for revenge.
With most of the horror coming to life in familiar Kansas City locations, including an abandoned police station, the film captures the atmospheric tension of small-town corruption with supernatural undertones. The local cast and crew, combined with eerie Kansas backdrops, make I Am Lisaa unique entry into modern horror.
Dark Places (2015)
Based on the novel by Gillian Flynn, Dark Places is set on a desolate Kansas farm where the protagonist must confront the traumatic events of her childhood. The film’s rural Kansas setting heightens the sense of isolation and dread, reflecting the emotional emptiness and unresolved trauma that the characters face.
Much like movies about dreamsdelve into hidden fears and subconscious terrors, Dark Places uses the barren landscapes to intensify the psychological tension, making Kansas’s rural environment a crucial part of the unsettling atmosphere.
Carnival Of Souls (1962)
Carnival of Souls is a cult classic filmed in Lawrence, Kansas, that has gained recognition for its surreal, dreamlike atmosphere. The film tells the story of a woman who survives a car accident, only to be haunted by strange, supernatural occurrences.
Kansas’s abandoned buildings and empty highways contribute to the film’s eerie, otherworldly feel. The desolate locations used in the movie create a sense of isolation and foreboding, making it a perfect example of how Kansas’s landscapes can elevate a horror film’s mood.
The Curse Of Styria (2014)
The Curse of Styria is a gothic horror film that features the rural areas of Kansas as a haunting backdrop. The film, which draws from vampire legends, uses Kansas’s open spaces and abandoned buildings to create a timeless, eerie atmosphere. The isolation of the setting mirrors the characters’ sense of being trapped in a supernatural nightmare, making the Kansas landscape an integral part of the film’s chilling narrative.
Kansas In Horror Culture
Kansas's influence in horror extends beyond its appearances in film. The state’s rich history of urban legends and haunted locations has inspired filmmakers and horror enthusiasts alike.
Locations like Stull Cemetery, rumored to be a gateway to hell, have become notorious in horror lore. This cemetery has captured the imagination of horror fans and filmmakers, with stories of paranormal activity and ghost sightings fueling its reputation.
Kansas’s connection to horror also stems from its unpredictable weather, with tornadoes being used as a plot device in some films to increase tension and fear. The combination of natural and supernatural horror gives Kansas a unique place in the genre.
FAQs
Are There Any Famous Horror Directors From Kansas?
While Kansas may not have produced many internationally renowned horror directors, several independent filmmakers from the state have contributed to the genre.
How Do The Rural Landscapes Of Kansas Enhance Horror Movie Settings?
Kansas’s vast, empty plains and isolated small towns create a sense of vulnerability and helplessness, which are key elementsin horror films. These settings amplify the tension by making characters feel stranded, far from help, which enhances the sense of dread and fear.
Is Children Of The Corn Actually Filmed In Kansas?
Children of the Corn was primarily filmed in Iowa, but its fictional setting is closely associated with Kansas due to its similar rural landscapes filled with cornfields.
What Makes Kansas Unique In The Horror Genre Compared To Other States?
Kansas offers a blend of real-life haunted locations, vast rural spaces, and urban legends, which set it apart from other states. Its isolated environments and supernatural lore provide a perfect backdrop for filmmakers looking to create atmospheric horror.
Are There Any Real Haunted Locations In Kansas That Have Appeared In Films?
Places like Stull Cemetery are well-known for their haunted reputations and have inspired films and urban legends. Kansas’s haunted locations have become iconic in horror culture, drawing interest from filmmakers and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
Final Thoughts
Kansas may not have the same horror pedigree as states like California or Maine, but it more than holds its own when it comes to creating a sense of fear and isolation. The state’s wide-open plains, abandoned towns, and eerie cornfields offer filmmakers a blank canvas on which to build atmospheric, slow-burn horror that stays with viewers long after the movie ends.
What sets Kansas apart from other states is not just its landscapes, but the stories tied to them. The state’s unique ability to evoke both isolation and vulnerability has made it a compelling setting for filmmakers looking to push the boundaries of fear.
Evelyn Adams
Author
Evelyn Adams is a dedicated writer at Kansas Press, with a passion for exploring the mystical and uncovering hidden meanings.
Evelyn brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her insightful articles. Her work reflects a commitment to providing accurate information, thoughtful analyses, and engaging narratives that empower readers to delve into the mysteries of the universe.
Through her contributions, Evelyn aims to inspire curiosity, spark imagination, and foster a deeper understanding of the supernatural world.
Calvin Penwell
Reviewer
Since diving into numerology in 1997, my path has been marked by extraordinary encounters and insights. A pivotal moment was uncovering a forgotten numerological manuscript in a tucked-away Italian library, which deepened my connection to the ancient wisdom of numbers. Another transformative experience was a meditation retreat in Nepal's tranquil mountains, where I honed my intuition and the art of interpreting numerical vibrations.
These adventures have not only enriched my numerological practice but also my ability to guide others towards understanding their destiny and life's purpose. My approach is deeply personal, rooted in a blend of historical knowledge and intuitive insight, aimed at helping individuals find their alignment with the universe's abundant energies. My mission is simple: to share the power of numerology in illuminating paths to abundance and fulfillment.
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