(WWJ) -- Spooky season is well underway, and one of the best ways to celebrate is with a scary movie marathon!
Given Michigan’s long, haunted history, it’s no surprise that many horror films have ties to the Mitten state, including some famous cult-classics.
Here are five worth checking out this Halloween:
1. "It Follows"
The 2014 horror/thriller film "It Follows," written and directed by David Robert Mitchell of Clawson, chronicles a group of teenagers who are stalked by an “unknown supernatural force after a sexual encounter.”
The underdog film, which had a slim budget of just $2 million, was well-received by critics and horror fans alike, and made 10x it’s budget at the box office.
Those from around the Metro Detroit area might recognize landmarks like the former Northville Psychiatric Hospital, the Redford Theatre, the Packard Plant, and Clawson High School.
2. "The Evil Dead" (and its sequels)
Since its release in 1981, “The Evil Dead” has become a fan-favorite for its campy gore and raunchy humor.
It spawned several sequels, as well as a 2013 remake, a video game, and even its own beloved stage production -- “Evil Dead: The Musical.”
So how is it tied to Michigan? Five friends, including hero Ash (Bruce Campbell), take a trip into a remote cabin in the woods, where they unknowingly release flesh-possessing demons.
Those friends also happen to be Michigan State University students on spring break.
Additionally, “Evil Dead” writer/director Sam Raimi, as well as star Bruce Campbell, both hail from Royal Oak.
3. "Scream 4"
The fourth installment of the “Scream” franchise had a lot of Metro Detroiters doing double takes as they spotted some familiar scenery.
Bringing back stars such as Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette, the 2011 slasher flick was filmed around Plymouth, Livonia, Dearborn and Ann Arbor.
The plot circles around the 15th anniversary of the original “Ghostface Killer” murders as the iconic big bad returns to take his revenge after heroine Sidney Prescott (Campbell) writes a book about her survival.
Particularly notable was footage taken in Downtown Plymouth, where the city’s fountain in Kellogg Park can be seen in several scenes.
4. "Don’t Breathe"
Possibly the scariest on the list, “Don’t Breathe” was set in Detroit, but not filmed here.
Though the movie featured some exterior footage of the city, it was predominantly shot in Hungary. But as another Michigan tie-in, director Fede Alvarez was also the director of the 2013 “Evil Dead” remake.
The film follows three thieving friends from Detroit who try to rob a blind veteran, believing him to be an easy target, until he proves them very wrong and they must fight for their lives.
5. "Bird Box"
Though not set in Michigan, “Bird Box” is based on the 2014 novel of the same name by author Josh Malerman of Southfield.
The post-apocalyptic horror movie made waves when it premiered on Netflix in 2018. Though it received some mixed reviews, “Bird Box” was certainly widely viewed, and was watched by almost 26 million viewers in its first week alone.
“Bird Box” stars Sandra Bullock as Malorie Hayes, a woman on a difficult journey to transport two young children to safety while an unseen presence threatens their lives if they lay their eyes on it.