10 Best Horror Movies Set In New York

6. The Midnight Meat Train

Black Swan 3
Lionsgate

This Clive Barker adaptation follows a photographer, Leon (Bradley Cooper), who makes a living by taking pictures that invoke the gritty side of New York. The day after snapping a photo of a woman on the subway, Leon learns she was murdered by Mahogany (Vinnie Jones), a butcher, and after further investigation, Leon uncovers a conspiracy more shocking than he could've ever imagined.

The main reason why The Midnight Meat Train stands out is how it constantly flips genre. One moment, it's a mystery drama, the next, it's a visceral slasher. Halfway through, it reinvents itself again, transforming into a paranormal thriller. Just when it feels like things are wrapping up, the film turns into a cosmic horror, leaving viewers well and truly sideswiped.

Despite the Lovecraftian vibes, The Midnight Meat Train is frighteningly realistic in how it depicts society's flippancy towards people going missing in a big city. For example, when Leon notifies the police of the murdered woman, he's met with suspicion rather than praise. As callous as the authorities appear, their behaviour is warranted since people go missing in NY every day. It's hard to know what's more disturbing - the grisly fate that befalls Mahogany's victims or the fact nobody cares.

 
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James Egan has been with Whatculture for five years and prominently works on Horror, Film, and Video Games. He's written over 80 books including 1000 Facts about Horror Movies Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about The Greatest Films Ever Made Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Video Games Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts About James Bond 1000 Facts About TV Shows