Spooky season is in full swing, and what better way to embrace the Halloween spirit than by indulging in some chilling horror films? Horror aficionados across the United States have their unique preferences when it comes to their favorite scary flicks. Thanks to Google Search Trends data and casinos.com, we can now explore the top horror movies according to state-by-state popularity with a specific look at Iowa's top 10.

Halloween Horror Nights Opening Night Red Carpet
Credit: Rich Polk / Getty Images for Universal Studios Hollywood
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The Boogeyman is reigning supreme as the top horror choice in the U.S., claiming a staggering 15 states, including California, Illinois, and North Dakota. Released in 2023 and based on Stephen King's story, this film unfolds a terrifying tale of two sisters grappling with a malevolent demon while coping with their mother's death.

Close on its heels is Halloween Ends, the latest installment in the iconic Halloween series. This blood-curdling tale has emerged as the favorite in 13 states, including New York, Kansas, and Washington. It introduces a new antagonist, Corey Cunningham, who aspires to become the next Michael Myers.

Scream, the beloved 90s slasher-comedy, ranks high in nine states, including Arkansas, Louisiana, and Massachusetts. Sidney Prescott's plight as she faces off against her treacherous boyfriend and his friend still captivates audiences.

Stephen King's IT takes fourth place, leading in Arizona, Iowa, Michigan, Oregon, and Texas. This chilling tale revolves around a group of friends known as 'The Losers Club,' battling the malevolent clown Pennywise. So who was the better Pennywise? Tim Curry or Bill Skarsgård?

The fifth spot is claimed by Get Out, a thriller that tops the boards in Mississippi, Nevada, Rhode Island, and Wyoming. The film delves into the complexities of race relations as Chris, an African-American man, visits his girlfriend's white family, unveiling a horrifying truth.

While these five films dominate the rankings, a few other classics have also earned recognition. A Quiet Place reigns in Georgia and Virginia, emphasizing the need for silence in the face of deadly, noise-sensitive predators. Additionally, The Exorcist and A Nightmare on Elm Street, both horror classics, have claimed top spots in Colorado and Delaware, respectively.

Credit: Casinos.com
Credit: Casinos.com
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With these top horror movie choices, you can create a pretty spine-tingling movie marathon to end your Halloween season. Whether you're a fan of supernatural horror, slasher thrillers, or psychological suspense, there's a chilling tale waiting for you.

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So, how does Iowa Stack up with it's scary movie selections?

Credit: casnios.com / Google Trends
Credit: casnios.com / Google Trends
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Stephen King's IT takes the top spot, with spooky classics like Jaws, the Silence of the Lambs, and The Shining all breaking the top 5. This information was gathered by casinos.com by using the average monthly Google Trends data for 20 of the most popular horror movies in America on a state-by-state basis, in order to reveal the favorite horror movies in each state. It also goes to show that the "most popular" horror movies are usually new, and top of mind, or classics that just won't die.

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