Where was The Amityville Horror filmed?
2005
City Locations
Salem, Silver Lake, WI; Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Antioch, Fox Lake, IL (USA)
Location Types
House, Church/Temple
Location Styles
Craftsman, Colonial, Building Dated/Retro, Gothic/Victorian
About The Amityville Horror
Unleashed in 2005, under the masterful direction of Andrew Douglas, The Amityville Horror is a bone-chilling supernatural horror movie that remains a significant part of modern cinematic folklore. Populated by a talented cast with Melissa George, Ryan Reynolds, and Philip Baker Hall leading the charge, this film is an adrenaline-pumping blend of intense performances and an eerie storyline.
The film draws its inspiration from the famed novel bearing the same title, penned by Jay Anson, marking its spot as the ninth installment in the highly talked about Amityville Horror film series. The narrative unfolds around the Lutz family, who relocates to an ominous house in Amityville, New York, a location marred by a gruesome mass murder that unfolded just a year prior. Amid eerie occurrences and paranormal activities, their peaceful life becomes an alarming nightmare that grips viewers with nail-biting tension.
As the Lutz family's patriarch, George (Ryan Reynolds), succumbs to an increasingly volatile temperament, the family comes to a harrowing realization—they are not the house's only inhabitants. Engulfed in an escalating series of sinister events, they invoke the aid of a priest, whose attempts to sanctify the house only exacerbate the paranormal chaos. Soon, unsettling truths about the house's past owner, an infamous cult preacher, surface, casting a horrifying light on the source of the haunting.
Unfortunately, critics didn't warm to the film, citing its derivative parallels to the original, and failed to claim any awards. Nevertheless, the film's commercial success was undeniable, with a remarkable worldwide gross of $108 million against a $19 million budget, proving that audiences enjoyed the chilling thrill ride that is The Amityville Horror.
The Amityville Horror Locations
The 2005 remake of the iconic horror film The Amityville Horror transports viewers to the seemingly quaint and serene setting of Long Island, New York. However, the real-life locations that set the stage for this chilling tale are spread across the Midwest. Most of the scenes were shot in Chicago, Buffalo Grove, Antioch, Fox Lake in Illinois, and Salem and Silver Lake in Wisconsin.
These regions offer a blend of urban landscapes and tranquil rural settings. Chicago, with its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, contrasts sharply with the peaceful serenity of Antioch, Buffalo Grove, and Fox Lake. These towns, nestled amidst lush greenery, provide an ideal setting for the eerie happenings in the film.
Salem, Wisconsin, is where the movie's real star resides—the iconic house with the quarter moon "eye" windows. Located at 27618 Silver Lake Road, this 1800s home was temporarily transformed into the infamous Amityville house for the film, with a facade costing $60,000. The house, post-production, retained its movie facade for a while before it was carefully removed, preserving the unique quarter moon "eye" windows within sections of the walls.
Visiting these filming locations can be a worthwhile trip, especially for movie fans. The house in Salem, with its intriguing history and association with the film, is a must-visit. In 2017, an estate sale at the movie mansion led to the famous quarter moon "eye" windows being sold and displayed by a buyer in the same neighborhood, adding another layer of interest to your visit. So, if you're a fan of The Amityville Horror or simply a cinephile looking for a unique trip, these locations offer a rich tapestry of experiences.
Kathy and George relocate to the new house scene in The Amityville Horror
27618 Silver Lake Rd, Salem, WI 53168, USA
Twelve months later, after the death news, George (Ryan Reynolds) and Kathy Lutz (Melissa George) purchase the property at a bargain price. Intrigued by the low cost, they inquire about it only to learn about the DeFeo family's tragic murder within its walls. Brushing off the grim history, George assures his wife that people, not houses, are responsible for killing. Undeterred, they relocate with their three children, beginning a fresh life chapter.
The setting for this haunting scene is a house located at 27618 Silver Lake Rd in Salem, Wisconsin. Recognized in the local area as Oakwood Manor, this Victorian home from the Queen Anne era, constructed in 1880, served as the backdrop for both indoor and outdoor scenes in the film. To recreate the sinister, eye-like windows of the original Amityville house, the production crew made a façade onto the house.
During the filming process, peculiar events were reported, including sensations of an 'unseen entity,' areas of unexpected coldness, and abrupt shivers. The shooting schedule even experienced a disruption when the corpse of a vanished fisherman unexpectedly emerged in the nearby lake. These eerie incidents only add to the mystique of the location, making it a captivating destination for fans of The Amityville Horror.
To reach this location, you can drive from Milwaukee via I-94 E, which takes approximately 40 minutes, depending on the traffic. Alternatively, take I-94 W from Chicago, a journey of around an hour. Please note that the house might be privately owned, so don't disturb residents.
Kathy goes to the church scene in The Amityville Horror
Our Lady of the Lakes St. Peter Catholic Church, 557 Lake St, Antioch, IL 60002, USA
Kathy seeks spiritual counsel from Father Callaway (Philip Baker Hall). Amid the unsettling events transpiring in her home, Kathy turns to faith for protection and understanding. She and Father Callaway sit together on a bench, solemnly discussing the sinister occurrences plaguing her household. She implores the priest to bless her home, hoping that this sacred act will prevent any future paranormal incidents.
This memorable scene was filmed at the historic St. Peter Catholic Church in Antioch. The church, part of one parish with two churches firmly rooted in the belief of Christ in the Eucharist, serves as the backdrop for this pivotal moment in the film. St. Peter Catholic Church was established around 1870 as a mission of St. Patrick’s in McHenry County. Despite time, the church remains unchanged and continues to welcome the public.
You can find St. Peter Catholic Church in Antioch, Illinois, to visit this iconic filming location. It's easily accessible by car and public transportation. From Salem, you can reach the destination in approximately 11 minutes if you take the WI-83 S/Antioch Rd by car. However, if you opt for public bus transportation, be prepared for a longer journey as it could take close to an hour.
Kathy tries to evacuate her children scene in The Amityville Horror
1500 Busch Pkwy, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089, USA
Kathy takes drastic measures to protect her family. Desperate to escape the haunted house, she tries to protect her children. However, George, now controlled by the evil presence in the house, attempts to harm them. In a suspenseful moment, Kathy manages to knock him unconscious and whisks him away from the property by boat.
This intense scene and some other interior shots of the house were filmed at 1500 Busch Pkwy in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Today, this location houses a tool manufacturing company, so film fans might not find the site as recognizable due to the absence of the movie's decorations. Nevertheless, the surrounding area offers its unique charms for visitors.
Buffalo Grove is a treasure trove of natural beauty and historical significance, making it an ideal destination for film enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The local Raupp Memorial Museum provides a deep dive into the area's rich history, while the miles of trails offer ample hiking and wildlife spotting opportunities. So, even if the exact movie settings aren't present, a trip to Buffalo Grove can still be an extraordinary adventure.
To reach Buffalo Grove from Salem, WI, you can take a car journey via I-94 E, which should take approximately 40 minutes, depending on the traffic. If you prefer public transportation, buses are available, but the journey will take two hours.
Conclusion
The Amityville Horror was met with mixed reviews, though it still offered a fresh take on the classic horror story, with Ryan Reynolds and Melissa George leading the cast. While some critics found the script lacking and the plot predictable, others appreciated the film's eerie atmosphere and the cast's performance, particularly Ryan Reynolds, who turned in a convincing and ominously dark performance.
The narrative centers on a recently married couple who are haunted by sinister supernatural entities upon relocating to a spacious residence, which was the site of a horrific mass killing a year earlier. Critics have noted that while the film does employ traditional elements of horror, such as sudden shock cuts to scary faces and loud musical stingers, it doesn't bring anything new or groundbreaking to the genre.
The locations used for filming were diverse, ranging from the bustling urban landscapes of Chicago to the tranquil rural settings of Salem and Silver Lake in Wisconsin. The real star, however, is the spacious waterfront Long Island house, which was convincingly recreated in the Midwest despite not being filmed on location.
The Amityville Horror may not stand out in the horror genre, but it is a solid remake that offers a decently crafted, atmospheric experience. The diverse filming locations add a unique layer to the narrative, making the film an interesting watch and the locations worth a visit.