10 Best Horror Movies Set In New York

With the recent release of the Rosemary's Baby prequel, Apartment 7A, now is the perfect time to revisit the original film.

Based on Ira Levin's novel of the same name, Roman Polanski's supernatural horror follows the newlywed Rosemary (Mia Farrow) who falls pregnant shortly after moving into an apartment in Manhattan. Over time, she suspects the residents in the building are Satanic worshippers who intend to use her child for evil. Little does Rosemary realise the reality is much, much worse.

Rosemary's Baby reaffirms how a horror movie can be absolutely terrifying without relying on excessive gore or jump-scares. For example, Rosemary's sinister neighbours give off a permanent sense of superficial friendliness that makes them more unnerving than if they were outright malicious. 

Although there's a lot going on in the background, everything is seen from the titular character's perspective, creating a more immersive experience. The most iconic example of this technique is how the camera lingers on Rosemary's face as she gazes on her abominable newborn. Even though the image of a malformed baby would've been creepy, nothing can compare to Mia Farrow's haunting stare in this scene.