With Ti West’s MAXXXINE heating up screens and stirring up scares, it’s the perfect time to revisit the sinister side of Hollywood through some classic and contemporary horror and thriller flicks. You might know L.A. as the land of sunshine and stars, but trust us, it has a sinister side that’ll make you think twice about walking down those palm-lined streets after dark.
From the neon lights of Sunset Boulevard to the creepy canyons of the Hollywood Hills, these films expose the city’s eerie underbelly. Buckle up for a cinematic tour that takes you from chilling cults to murderous models, proving that in Los Angeles, even dreams can turn into nightmares. Ready to dive into the top 10 L.A. horror movies inspired by the sexy, thrilling vibes of MAXXXINE? Let’s get started!
10. Witchboard (1986)
Kicking off our list is the supernatural gem Witchboard. This 80s classic is all about an Ouija board that summons a vengeful spirit, and trust us, it’s not the friendly Casper kind. Set against the eclectic backdrop of Los Angeles, this film combines the decade’s love for occult themes with the city’s unique vibe. The movie’s creepy atmosphere is enhanced by its L.A. setting, proving that even in the city of angels, malevolent spirits can come out to play.
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9. The Invitation (2015)
Ever felt uneasy at a dinner party? The Invitation takes that discomfort to a whole new level. This psychological thriller is set in the opulent Hollywood Hills, where a reunion among old friends turns into a sinister night of buried secrets and paranoia. As tensions rise and the wine flows, the protagonist, Will (Logan Marshall-Green), starts to suspect that the evening’s hosts have a deadly agenda. The film masterfully uses its upscale L.A. location to heighten the sense of isolation and dread.
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8. Scream 3 (2000)
When the infamous Ghostface killer invades Hollywood, you get Scream 3. This meta-horror sequel takes place amidst the glitz and glamour of a movie set, where the cast of a film about the original Woodsboro murders is being hunted one by one. The movie brilliantly blurs the lines between fiction and reality, all while poking fun at the Hollywood machine. Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) returns to navigate this new nightmare, reminding us that in Hollywood, the scariest stories often come from behind the camera.
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7. The Neon Demon (2016)
The Neon Demon dives deep into the dark heart of L.A.’s fashion industry, where aspiring models risk it all for fame. Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, this visually arresting horror film follows Jesse (Elle Fanning), a young model whose beauty incites envy and obsession among her peers. The film’s stunning visuals and chilling narrative highlight the ruthless competition and underlying dangers of the L.A. fashion scene, transforming the city’s bright lights into a deadly siren’s call.
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6. Nightcrawler (2014)
Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a chilling performance in Nightcrawler, a psychological thriller that peels back the layers of L.A.’s nocturnal underbelly. Gyllenhaal plays Louis Bloom, an ambitious freelance crime journalist who’ll stop at nothing to capture the most sensational footage. As Bloom delves deeper into the world of nightcrawling, his moral compass disintegrates, and the line between observer and participant blurs. This film is a stark, unsettling look at the lengths people will go for success in the city of dreams.
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