These Creepy Horror Movies Were Filmed in Arizona

I love jump scares. Scary, silly, or campy, I love watching horror movies, and I have some favorites. I was surprised to learn that some of the strangest and campiest horror movies were filmed, at least partially, in Arizona.

Scroll down to see our complete list, but here are some of the campiest horror movies ever made, and yes, they were filmed right here!

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What Happens When Rabbits Go Rogue?

I'm sure you're familiar with the gloriously goofy Night of the Lepus from 1972. This incredibly campy flick was filmed in Sonoita, Ajo, and Tucson.

Don't scoff; this is a cult classic about giant mutant rabbits terrorizing a small town. Yes, you read that right: rabbits. The filmmakers used real bunnies filmed in slow motion and superimposed them onto miniature sets. It’s as ridiculous as it sounds—and that’s what makes it great.

Here's a secret: I'm highly allergic to rabbits, so this is more than a horror movie for me. It's a little too real!

Can William Shatner Save Arizona from Spiders?

William Shatner seems to love filming his insanely bad films in Arizona (Groom Lake, anyone?)

Then there’s Kingdom of the Spiders from 1977, starring none other than William Shatner. The movie was shot in places like Camp Verde and Oak Creek Canyon. This one is about a vet trying to stop a tarantula invasion. Real spiders were used, which makes it extra squirmy. It’s a perfect example of 1970s eco-horror with a side of Shatner drama.

Our very own Grady Butler had a bit part in this movie: William Shatner's Groom Lake filmed in Bisbee & Cochise County

Another secret: Don't tell my mom, but I saw this movie when I was way too young, and it gave me nightmares.

We've filmed more than just horror movies in Arizona. Here are a few more. Do you know Which Movies Were Filmed In Arizona's Stunning Landscapes?

Did Hitchcock’s Psycho Start in Phoenix?

And of course, we can’t skip Psycho from 1960. While most of the movie takes place at the Bates Motel, the film opens with sweeping shots of Phoenix, including Camelback Mountain and the Luhrs Tower. Hitchcock’s masterpiece set the bar for psychological horror. Who could forget that iconic shower scene?

One last secret: I also saw this movie when I was a bit too young. I refused to take anything other than baths for almost a year!

Here's the complete list of scary, cheesy, and campy movies filmed in Arizona. Which ones did you watch too young?