While many people may know about Chattanooga area spots rumored to be haunted, such as the Reed House or Chickamauga Battlefield, some may be less familiar with the city’s link to horror movies.
Chattanooga Film History
Chattanooga is no stranger to being a backdrop for Hollywood films. Several movies and TV shows have been shot in the area, such as “42,” “Love Potion #9,” and “Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy.” The Tennessee Valley Railroad has also provided several trains for use in films, which can be seen in movies like “Water for Elephants” and “The Lost Valentine.” As popularity for filming in Chattanooga continues to grow, many different genres consider the area.
Locally Filmed Horror
“Dolly,” a recently-released feature-length slasher flick, follows a woman named Macy who has been kidnapped by someone wearing a porcelain doll mask. The movie was filmed entirely in Chattanooga, with many local cast and crew members part of the set. The film also drew local investors, such as Urban Story Ventures and investors from Brickyard, a local business incubator.
Rod Blackhurst, director, producer, and co-writer of the film, had planned on shooting the film in Nashville, but chose Chattanooga after encouragement from friends who are based in the Scenic City. He shared in an article for the Times Free Press, “There was a real appetite and a desire for a creative project to be made in Chattanooga.” In addition to the creative opportunity, Chattanooga is a smaller city than Nashville, making logistics easier for the cast and crew. Many of the scenes for “Dolly” were filmed in the woods including areas like Signal Mountain and popular viewpoint Snoopers Rock, as well as a former perfume warehouse.
Producer Bryce McGuire enjoyed filming in Chattanooga because of the welcoming atmosphere that encourages creative projects. He shared with the Times Free Press, “It was like, ‘Oh, you are here making something cool? I want to be a part of that. Everyone is just rooting for each other, and that was so refreshing for me.” This local interest could pave the way for future projects to be filmed – and funded – in Chattanooga.
Other Horror Flicks Filmed in the Area
“Dolly” isn’t the only horror movie filmed in the Chattanooga area. Several other horror films, such as “Sanctus House,” “The Last Thanksgiving,” “Fisher,” and “The Boogeywoman” were filmed in the Scenic City. “Sanctus House” was filmed last year in North Georgia and the Signal Mountain area, and follows four college students who visit what they believe to be an abandoned haunted house as part of a research project. “The Last Thanksgiving” is a gory horror film featuring a group of cannibals who target a restaurant during a holiday. “Fisher” is a psychological thriller shot in various areas of Tennessee, including Chattanooga. Main character Clara tries to deceive people by “catfishing” them, until she messes with the wrong person. “The Boogeywoman” is an award-winning short film about a woman who tries to find a local legend the town calls “The Boogeywoman,” but realizes she actually knows who it is.
If you’ve already watched Chattanooga’s impressive catalogue of horror films and shorts and are still looking for a thrill, consider one of the horror-themed attractions in the area. Chattanooga Ghost Tours offer spooky walking tours with guides who share the haunted history of locations throughout the city. Dread Hollow, voted one of the top haunted attractions in the U.S., has a haunted house and themed escape rooms in October (not advised for children under 12). During the fall, enjoy themed events such as pop-up bars with Halloween themes, special trick or treat events at the Chattanooga Zoo and Tennessee Aquarium, and more.
