The 65+ Best Movies Set in Ohio

Ranker Film
Updated June 1, 2024 69 items
Ranked By
880 votes
90 voters
Voting Rules
Regardless of where the movie was filmed, it must be set in Ohio. Vote up the best movies with Ohio as the backdrop.

Which of these movies about Ohio are the best? It's time to vote up the best movies set in the Buckeye state. Some of these movies were actually filmed in Ohio but all of them are about or partially set in Ohio. While a few of these movies take place in or near Cincinnati and Cleveland, the state of Ohio is the inspiration or setting for classic movies and cult favorites. From Heathers to Bye Bye Birdie, it's time to finally determine the greatest Ohio movies.

Vote up the best movies based in Ohio and be sure to check back to see what other voters think about these Ohio films. Don't see your favorite famous Ohio movie? Add it to the list and find out how other film aficionados rank your additions.

Most divisive: A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child
Over 90 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The 65+ Best Movies Set in Ohio
  • A Nightmare on Elm Street
    1

    A Nightmare on Elm Street

    John Saxon, Ronee Blakley, Heather Langenkamp
    31 votes
    In the chilling horror classic A Nightmare on Elm Street, Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp) finds herself tormented by a monstrous figure in her dreams. This spectral menace, known as Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund), wears a bladed glove and leaves a trail of terror in his wake. As teens in her town start dying mysteriously, Nancy realizes the peril is not confined to her nightmares. Directed by Wes Craven, this film weaves a web of psychological terror that blurs the lines between dream and reality. The movie was so impactful that it spawned a franchise of sequels, solidifying its place in horror cinema history.
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  • Tommy Boy
    2

    Tommy Boy

    Chris Farley, David Spade, Brian Dennehy
    27 votes
    In the heartwarming comedy Tommy Boy, Tommy Callahan (Chris Farley) is a well-meaning but clumsy heir to an auto parts factory. Following his father's sudden demise, Tommy and his sardonic assistant Richard Hayden (David Spade) embark on a cross-country sales trip to save the family business from bankruptcy. The duo's misadventures and mishaps form the crux of this tale. Despite its slapstick humor, Tommy Boy subtly explores themes of friendship, responsibility, and self-belief. This film, directed by Peter Segal, remains one of Farley's most memorable performances.
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  • Heathers
    3

    Heathers

    Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty
    23 votes
    In the dark comedy Heathers, high school senior Veronica Sawyer (Winona Ryder) finds herself entangled in an unusual relationship with the mysterious new kid, J.D. (Christian Slater). Amidst the social pressures of Westerburg High School, dominated by a clique of girls all named Heather, Veronica and J.D. embark on a rebellious journey against the popular crowd. Their actions quickly spiral into a series of disturbing events that blur the line between teenage rebellion and criminal activity. This 1988 cult classic explores themes of popularity, power, and the chilling lengths some will go to leave their mark on society.
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  • A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors
    4

    A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors

    Heather Langenkamp, Patricia Arquette, Craig Wasson
    20 votes
    In A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, the infamous Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) returns to torment the youths of Springwood, Ohio. This time, his victims are a group of troubled teens at a psychiatric hospital. The narrative spotlights a young woman, Kristen Parker (Patricia Arquette), who possesses a unique ability to draw others into her dreams. She and the other patients band together under the guidance of returning character Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp). They form the titular Dream Warriors, using their dream powers to battle Krueger in his own realm. This horror flick is known for its inventive dream sequences and creative special effects, adding an extra layer of surreal terror to this third installment of the popular franchise.
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  • Super 8
    5

    Super 8

    Kyle Chandler, Elle Fanning, Joel Courtney
    16 votes
    In Super 8, a group of young friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train crash while making a super 8 movie. The accident, however, is no mere mishap. Joe Lamb (Joel Courtney), Alice Dainard (Elle Fanning), and their friends soon find themselves grappling with inexplicable events and mysterious disappearances. As they dig deeper into the bizarre occurrences, they stumble upon something much bigger than them - an extraordinary secret that's not of this world. Directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg, this science-fiction thriller intertwines friendship, first love, and otherworldly mystery in a nostalgic homage to late-70s suburbia.
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  • Trick 'r Treat
    6

    Trick 'r Treat

    Anna Paquin, Brian Cox, Dylan Baker
    18 votes
    In the anthology-style horror movie Trick 'r Treat, we are served a chilling banquet of Halloween-themed stories. The film, directed by Michael Dougherty, interweaves multiple narratives that unfold on the same eerie All Hallows' Eve in an unnamed town. Rhonda (Samm Todd), a reserved young girl, uncovers her bullies' cruel prank, while Principal Wilkins (Dylan Baker) harbors a gruesome secret hobby. Meanwhile, Laurie (Anna Paquin), a woman looking for her first, encounters a dangerous predator. Elsewhere, an elderly recluse Mr. Kreeg (Brian Cox) gets an unexpected visitor with sinister intentions. The characters cross paths in a darkly humorous and blood-curdling exploration of traditions and lore surrounding the most haunted night of the year.
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  • Freddy vs. Jason
    7

    Freddy vs. Jason

    Robert Englund, Ken Kirzinger, Monica Keena
    23 votes
    In the cross-genre horror film Freddy vs. Jason, iconic movie monsters Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) and Jason Voorhees (Ken Kirzinger) come to life in a terrifying clash. As the denizens of Elm Street find their dreams hijacked by Freddy, they realize that their only hope lies in summoning Jason, the infamous slasher of Camp Crystal Lake. The plot thickens as these two titans of terror battle each other, leaving a trail of fear and destruction in their wake. Directed by Ronny Yu, this movie intertwines elements of supernatural horror with slasher tropes, creating a unique cinematic experience that redefines the boundaries of its genre. Despite its spine-chilling theme, Freddy vs. Jason is characterized by an undercurrent of dark humor, adding an unexpected twist to this classic tale of good versus evil - or more accurately, evil versus evil.
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  • Scream 2
    8

    Scream 2

    David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox
    27 votes
    Scream 2, a sequel to the infamous horror film Scream, is a chilling thrill ride that keeps audiences on edge. Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), survivor of the original Woodsboro murders, attempts to rebuild her life at Windsor College, only to find herself once again targeted by Ghostface (voiced by Roger L. Jackson). The movie also showcases Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox) and Dewey Riley (David Arquette), characters who return from the first installment, grappling with their past trauma while trying to unravel the new mystery. Directed by Wes Craven, this film is a blend of suspense, mystery and smart commentary on horror sequels, without forgetting its roots in slasher terror.
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  • A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master
    9

    A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master

    Robert Englund, Lisa Wilcox, Brooke Bundy
    18 votes
    A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master is a 1988 American slasher fantasy film and the fourth film in the Nightmare on Elm Street series. The film was directed by Renny Harlin, stars Robert Englund, Lisa Wilcox and Danny Hassel. It is the sequel to A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors and is followed by A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child. The film was released on August 19, 1988 to generally mixed to positive reviews, grossing over $49.3 million domestically, making it the highest grossing horror film at domestic box office released in the 1980s, and the most financially successful film in the franchise until the release of Freddy vs. Jason.
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  • A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge
    10

    A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge

    Mark Patton, Kim Myers, Robert Rusler
    18 votes
    In A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge, the sinister specter of Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) returns to haunt the dreams of Jesse Walsh (Mark Patton), a teenager living in the former Elm Street house. As sleep becomes a battleground, Jesse is tormented by nightmarish visions and a terrifying transformation looms. His girlfriend Lisa (Kim Myers) must unravel the mystery of Freddy's revenge before it consumes Jesse completely. This horror sequel, steeped in suspense and unexpected twists, delves deeper into the twisted realm of dream-stalking Freddy.
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  • Bye Bye Birdie
    11

    Bye Bye Birdie

    Dick Van Dyke, Janet Leigh, Ann-Margret
    12 votes
    When the draft selects rock star Conrad Birdie, his fans are devastated, but none more than struggling songwriter Albert Peterson (Dick Van Dyke), whose song Birdie was just about to record. Albert's longtime girlfriend, Rosie (Janet Leigh), pushes Albert to write a new tune that Birdie will perform on television to a fan selected in a contest. The scheme works, with young Ohio teenager Kim McAfee (Ann-Margret) declared the winner, but no one has counted on the jealous wrath of her boyfriend.
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  • The Faculty
    12

    The Faculty

    Jordana Brewster, Clea Duvall, Laura Harris
    12 votes
    The Faculty is a thrilling sci-fi horror flick, centered on the lives of high school students who suspect their teachers are from another world. The protagonist, Casey Connor (Elijah Wood), teams up with fellow students including Delilah Profitt (Jordana Brewster) and Zeke Tyler (Josh Hartnett) in a tense battle against these extraterrestrial beings masquerading as faculty. Directed by Robert Rodriguez, this film takes the viewer through unexpected turns and suspense-filled scenes, carefully threading elements of both genres without compromising on either. The movie earned a Saturn Award nomination for Best Horror Film, adding another feather to Rodriguez's cap.
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  • The Watch
    13

    The Watch

    Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill
    10 votes
    In Glenview, Ohio, four pals -- Evan (Ben Stiller), Bob (Vince Vaughn), Franklin (Jonah Hill) and Jamarcus (Richard Ayoade) -- form a neighborhood watch group. Armed with flashlights, walkie-talkies and spiffy new jackets, the guys try to take their mission seriously, even if they spend a little time goofing off now and then. But when they discover aliens living among them, and no one believes their story, they learn that they have to kick things up a notch to save the world from annihilation.
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  • Power
    14

    Power

    Richard Gere, Julie Christie, Gene Hackman
    8 votes
    Once-noble media consultant Pete St. John (Richard Gere) is now employed by a number of corrupt politicians. A potential client is Jerome Cade (J.T. Walsh), a businessman who wants to run for U.S. Senate. St. John begins to suspect that Cade may have significant dark secrets and starts investigating. This causes conflict with Arnold Billing (Denzel Washington), a ruthless member of Cade's staff. Meanwhile, St. John's former friend and partner, Wilfred (Gene Hackman), questions his motives.
  • A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child
    15

    A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child

    Robert Englund, Lisa Wilcox, Danny Hassel
    15 votes
    The fifth installment of the popular franchise focuses on Alice (Lisa Wilcox), a survivor of the fourth, who believes Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) has been eliminated for good. She optimistically hopes to start a life with fellow survivor Dan (Danny Hassel). The nightmares begin soon enough, though, and Alice learns she is pregnant. When her friends start dying, Alice suspects that Freddy is using the fetus within her as a weapon. Can she fight the demon while protecting her unborn child?
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  • Little Giants
    16

    Little Giants

    Rick Moranis, Ed O'Neill, Shawna Waldron
    11 votes
    In Little Giants, a comedy-sports film, sibling rivalry takes center stage. When Danny O'Shea (Rick Moranis) is consistently overshadowed by his athletic brother Kevin (Ed O'Neill), he forms his own ragtag youth football team to challenge Kevin's unbeatable squad. The plot thickens when both brothers vie for the town's coveted Pee-Wee Football championship. Aided by a motley crew of underdogs, including the pint-sized hotshot Icebox (Shawna Waldron), Danny fights to prove that heart and determination can rival raw talent in this lighthearted, family-friendly tale of small-town football and big-time dreams.
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  • Go Tigers!
    17

    Go Tigers!

    Danny Studer, Ellery Moore, Joe Paterno
    9 votes
    Go Tigers! is a documentary film created about the Tigers of Massillon, Ohio. This full-length video informs the viewer about the football team, the city, and its rivalry against the Canton McKinley High School Bulldogs. The film follows the team during the 1999 regular season. It features the players and mainly the co-captains and follows them around the whole school years and tells all their stories.
  • Take Shelter
    18

    Take Shelter

    Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain, Shea Whigham
    7 votes
    Curtis LaForche (Michael Shannon) lives in a small Ohio town with his loving wife (Jessica Chastain) and hearing-impaired daughter (Tova Stewart). Though money is tight, he and his family are very happy. But then, Curtis begins having terrifying dreams about an apocalypse that threatens them all. Rather than confiding in Samantha, he begins building a storm shelter in the backyard, and his strange behavior causes tension in their marriage and the surrounding community.
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  • Fahrenheit 451
    19

    Fahrenheit 451

    Michael B. Jordan, Michael Shannon, Sofia Boutella
    8 votes
    In a future society where books are banned and burned, a fireman begins to read in secret and discovers an underground rebellion committed to protecting literature.
  • The Ides of March
    20

    The Ides of March

    Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman
    6 votes
    As Ohio's Democratic primary nears, charming Gov. Mike Morris (George Clooney) seems a shoo-in for the nomination over his opponent, Sen. Pullman (Michael Mantell). Morris' idealistic press secretary, Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling), believes in his candidate's integrity and the democratic process. But Meyers' meeting with Pullman's campaign manager (Paul Giamatti) and a dalliance with a young intern (Evan Rachel Wood) set in motion events that threaten Morris' election chances.
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  • The Awakening Land
    21

    The Awakening Land

    Elizabeth Montgomery, Hal Holbrook, Jeanette Nolan
    6 votes
    Ohio Valley frontierswoman Sayward Luckett (Elizabeth Montgomery) comes of age in post-Revolution America, as her mother's death forces her to take care of her three younger sisters. Later, her marriage to Massachusetts lawyer Portius Wheeler (Hal Holbrook) brings about seven children of her own, and the everyday struggles and dangers of the America's unsettled lands test the woman's mettle through decades of searching for a new, better life among the unforgiving plains.
  • Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael
    22

    Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael

    Winona Ryder, Jeff Daniels, Laila Robins
    6 votes
    Movie star Roxy Carmichael is abandoning the bright lights of Hollywood, Calif. and returning to her small Ohio hometown -- at least long enough to dedicate a city building. And now the whole town of Clyde is bracing for Carmichael's return, most of all her now-married old flame Denton Webb (Jeff Daniels) and troubled teen Dinky Bossetti (Winona Ryder). An orphan with few friends, Dinky is convinced that Carmichael is her birth mother, and that the actress will reclaim her when she returns.
  • Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie
    23

    Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie

    Kevin Hart, Ed Helms, Nick Kroll
    14 votes
    George Beard and Harold Hutchins are two overly imaginative pranksters who spend hours in a treehouse creating comic books. When their mean principal threatens to separate them into different classes, the mischievous boys accidentally hypnotize him into thinking that he's a ridiculously enthusiastic, incredibly dimwitted superhero named Captain Underpants.
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  • Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare
    24

    Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare

    Robert Englund, Lisa Zane, Shon Greenblatt
    15 votes
    In Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare, the infamous Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) returns to torment the town of Springwood. Striking fear into the hearts of its residents, he manipulates their dreams with a ruthless efficiency that sends shivers down the spine. However, his reign of terror is challenged by the arrival of a mysterious teenager (Shon Greenblatt), who holds the key to his destruction. As the battle wages on in both reality and dreamland, viewers are left questioning - will this truly be Freddy's final nightmare or just another chapter in his horrifying legacy? A quintessential horror flick, this film weaves an intricate narrative of suspense and dread, captivating audiences with its chilling plot twists and unforgettable characters.
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  • Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster
    25

    Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster

    Frank Welker, Robbie Amell, Marion Ross
    7 votes
    Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster is a live action television film directed by Brian Levant for Cartoon Network and based on the Saturday morning cartoon series Scooby-Doo by Hanna-Barbera. It is the fourth installment in the Scooby-Doo live-action film series and a sequel to the 2009 film Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins, whose cast reprise their roles again here. The film was shot in Santa Clarita, California and Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California and premiered on October 16, 2010.
  • Accepted
    26

    Accepted

    Justin Long, Jonah Hill, Blake Lively
    11 votes
    In Accepted, Bartleby Gaines (Justin Long) finds himself rejected by every college he applied to. Not ready to face the disappointment, he concocts a plan - create a fake university. With his friends, Sherman Schrader (Jonah Hill), Hands Holloway (Columbus Short), and Glen (Adam Herschman), they transform an abandoned psychiatric hospital into the South Harmon Institute of Technology. Their ruse becomes wildly successful, attracting other students also rejected by traditional colleges. But when their deception draws the attention of education authorities, Bartleby must fight to keep his university alive, teaching us that acceptance comes in many forms.
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  • Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
    27

    Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed

    Freddie Prinze, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Matthew Lillard
    8 votes
    In this live-action sequel, the lovable dog Scooby-Doo once again joins his pals Shaggy (Matthew Lillard), Velma (Linda Cardellini), Fred (Freddie Prinze Jr.) and Daphne (Sarah Michelle Gellar) as they stumble into another seemingly supernatural mystery. In addition to facing off against various monsters that are tormenting their town, the gang must deal with television journalist Heather Jasper-Howe (Alicia Silverstone), who is out to discredit their investigations.
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  • Chicken People
    28

    Chicken People

    8 votes

    Chicken People is a 2016 documentary film about people who breed and raise chickens for exhibition.

  • Blue Car
    29

    Blue Car

    David Strathairn, Agnes Bruckner, Margaret Colin
    5 votes
    Meg is a gifted but emotionally scarred 18-year-old. Meg finds solace in writing poetry. Mr. Auster, her English teacher, recognizes her talent and steps into the role of mentor and father figure, encouraging her to enter a national poetry contest for which he is a judge. As tension at home escalates and Meg struggles to find a way to get to the poetry finals in Florida, Auster's role in her life becomes increasingly complex.
  • Mischief
    30

    Mischief

    Doug McKeon, Chris Nash, Kelly Preston
    5 votes
    Jonathan (Doug McKeon) is a nerd -- until a rebellious new kid, greaser and womanizer Gene (Chris Nash), moves in next door and starts teaching him how to land his crush, the popular Marilyn McCauley (Kelly Preston). But as Gene helps out Jonathan, he develops his own crush on Bunny Miller (Catherine Mary Stewart), even though she's dating one of the high school's star athletes. Gene rethinks his philosophy on women, and Jonathan realizes that dream girls are better off remaining dreams.
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