If there’s one thing we know about horror movies, it’s that the setting can be just as crucial to the scares as the monsters or villains themselves. And when it comes to creating a sinister, isolated atmosphere, few places do it better than hotels. Whether it’s the eerie silence of long, empty hallways or the mysterious history of a once-grand establishment, hotels have proven to be the perfect backdrop for some of the most spine-tingling, hair-raising horror films ever made.
Diving into one of my favorite horror tropes, I’ve curated a list of movies all set in or based on creepy hotels, motels, and resorts. From psychological thrillers to supernatural encounters, these movies have left a lasting imprint on the horror genre, captivating audiences with their chilling narratives and bone-chilling atmospheres.
1. The Shining (1980)
Directed by Stanley Kubrick, The Shining is one of the best showcases of psychological horror. The film follows the iconic character of Jack Torrance, played by Jack Nicholson. Jack, seeking a fresh start, takes a winter caretaker job at the isolated and eerie Overlook Hotel along with his wife and son.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear that something is not right. The hotel’s dark history begins to seep into Jack’s psyche, slowly unraveling his sanity. Kubrick’s meticulous direction and attention to detail make every scene magnificently unsettling. The ominous setting of the hotel, with its long hallways, creepy maze, and ghostly apparitions, adds to the sense of tension and dread. It’s a no-brainer that The Shining is a must-watch film about a creepy hotel.
2. Psycho (1960)
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Psycho is another timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences to this day. The iconic Bates Motel setting serves as the backdrop for a suspenseful and groundbreaking thriller that pushed the boundaries of the genre.
Hitchcock’s genius shines through in Psycho as he meticulously crafts each scene to invoke fear and unease. One cannot discuss this film without mentioning the infamous shower scene, a pivotal moment that has become synonymous with horror cinema. With its fast-paced editing and haunting score, it stands as a testament to Hitchcock’s ability to create tension and shock viewers in unexpected ways.
3. 1408 (2007)
Directed by Mikael Håfström, 1408 is a captivating film adaptation of a Stephen King short story. The movie takes us on a wild ride full of twists and turns as we follow the story of John Cusack’s character Mike Enslin, a skeptical author who decides to stay in a notoriously haunted hotel room at the Dolphin Hotel.
The film slowly builds tension as we witness the character’s descent into madness and desperation. The audience can’t help but be drawn into the heart-pounding moments of fear and uncertainty, wondering whether what they are witnessing is real or just a product of an overactive imagination. The movie is also masters the art of playing on some of the common fears associated with hotels, including strangers, heights, isolation, and superstitions.
4. Identity (2003)
Directed by James Mangold, Identity takes viewers on an unpredictable ride as he weaves a complex narrative involving ten strangers who find themselves stranded at a remote motel.
As the rain pours relentlessly, tension mounts within the motel as these individuals grapple with their own hidden secrets and troubled pasts. Each character holds a unique identity, adding layers of intrigue and suspense to the story which unexpectedly turns into a whodunit. John Cusack leads yet another modern classic horror film, but the stacked cast also includes Ray Liotta, Amanda Peet, Alfred Molina, and Clea DuVall, among others.
5. The Innkeepers (2011)
Directed by Ti West, this indie gem delves into the haunting tale of two employees working the final days at the Yankee Pedlar Inn. With meticulous precision, West crafts a unique story with suspense and palpable tension. The Innkeepers hooks the audience from the outset, slowly unraveling the secrets lurking within the walls of the dilapidated hotel.
The Innkeepers is a must-watch for fans of more atmospheric storytelling. With its creepy ambiance and thrilling climax, this the movie reminds us that sometimes the scariest encounters happen within the walls of our own imagination.
6. I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998)
I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998) is often overlooked as a movie set in a hotel, but it definitely deserves to be on this list. Directed by Danny Cannon, it is a sequel to the 1997 hit, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and successfully continues the story with its own unique twists. The movie follows Julie (played again by Jennifer Love Hewitt) as she goes on a vacation to a resort in the Bahamas with her new friends. Of course, trouble follows as The Fisherman is back with a vengeance.
7. Vacancy (2007)
Directed by Nimród Antal, Vacancy is a gripping slasher that showcases the remarkable talents of Kate Beckinsale and Luke Wilson. This intense thriller follows a couple as they unwittingly check into a rundown motel with a sinister secret.
Vacancy explores the theme of survival horror, delving into the darkest corners of human nature and playing on the common hotel fears of voyeurism and invasion.
8. Psycho (1998)
The 1998 film Psycho is a polarizing remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 classic of the same name starring Vince Vaughn and Anne Heche. Directed by Gus Van Sant, this version of Psycho is a shot-for-shot recreation of the original, with some updates. While it received mixed reviews from critics and fans, it remains a fascinating experiment as a modern recreation of Hitchcock’s iconic work.
9. Followed (2018)
“Followed” is a 2018 hidden gem found footage horror film directed by Antoine Le. The story follows Mike, a controversial online personality, who decides to live-stream his stay at the haunted Hotel Lennox in downtown Los Angeles. Accompanied by his girlfriend and a small camera crew, they intend to capture the supernatural occurrences rumored to plague the hotel by playing the “Elevator Game”. As the night progresses, Mike’s quest for internet fame takes a dark turn, and the crew becomes trapped in a nightmarish ordeal, with their lives at stake. The story is inspired by the real life
While it may not be a groundbreaking film, Followed offers a fresh take on found footage blended with supernatural tropes and social media culture, creating an unsettling atmosphere that keeps audiences engaged.
10. Vacancy 2: The First Cut (2008)
Vacancy 2: The First Cut is a prequel to Vacancy (2007). Directed by Eric Bross, the film delves into the origins of the sadistic and murderous Meadow View Inn owners who set up their unsuspecting guests for brutal killings.
Vacancy 2 maintains the same premise as the original film but provides a deeper look into the disturbing minds of the antagonists and the motives behind their gruesome activities. While not as good as its predecessor, it delivers a decent dose of tension and shock value, making it a serviceable addition to the franchise while catering to fans of the slasher and survival horror subgenres
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