Horror Anthologies have been around since 1945, and they continue to pop up annually with new variations of the same horror stories. We needed to rank these Horror Compilations and Mix Tapes and we came up with the top 5 below. Please keep in mind this is an official ranking sanctioned by Thinknewsnow and is just speculation from here on out.

1

Starting at the Top of the List – CREEPSHOW (1982)

“Creepshow” directed by George A. Romero with screenplay by Stephen King, is a beloved anthology horror film that pays homage to EC Comics of the 1950s. The movie unfolds as a series of five terrifying tales, framed within the narrative of a young boy punished by his father for reading horror comics. Each segment of “Creepshow” offers a unique blend of horror elements, from supernatural occurrences to grisly revenge plots, all presented with a distinct comic book aesthetic.

The film’s visual style, characterized by vibrant colors and comic book panel transitions, sets it apart in the horror genre. Its mix of dark humor and macabre storytelling, coupled with memorable performances by actors like Leslie Nielsen and Adrienne Barbeau, has cemented “Creepshow” as a cult classic. The anthology format allows for diverse narratives that explore different fears and themes, making it a standout among horror anthology films. Overall, “Creepshow” remains a cherished example of how horror cinema can entertain and unsettle viewers with its imaginative storytelling and visual flair. Just tell it to call you Billy.

2

Coming in at a close second – TRICK ‘R TREAT (2007)

“Trick ‘r Treat,” directed by Michael Dougherty, is a Halloween-themed horror anthology film that weaves together multiple interconnected stories set in a small town on Halloween night. Known for its blend of horror, dark humor, and homage to Halloween traditions, the movie has garnered a dedicated fan base and is considered a modern cult classic. The film unfolds through four interwoven segments, each exploring different aspects of Halloween lore and traditions: “The Principal,” “The School Bus Massacre Revisited,” “Surprise Party,” and “Sam.” These stories are linked together through a mysterious pint-sized trick-or-treater named Sam, who serves as both an observer and enforcer of the rules of Halloween.

“Trick ‘r Treat” stands out for its nonlinear storytelling approach, cleverly intertwining its narratives to create a cohesive and engaging viewing experience. It embraces various horror subgenres, including supernatural horror, slasher elements, and dark comedy, appealing to a wide range of horror fans. The film’s visual style captures the eerie ambiance of Halloween night, with atmospheric cinematography and effective use of lighting to enhance its spooky atmosphere. The ensemble cast, including actors like Anna Paquin, Brian Cox, and Dylan Baker, deliver strong performances that bring depth to their respective characters and stories. Overall, “Trick ‘r Treat” is celebrated for its originality, creativity, and ability to capture the spirit of Halloween while delivering plenty of scares and surprises along the way.

3

The one the only, the original TALES FROM THE CRYPT (1972)

“Tales from the Crypt,” is a British horror anthology film based on stories from EC Comics, much like its American counterpart. Directed by Freddie Francis, the movie consists of five separate tales, all linked together by the presence of a crypt keeper played by Sir Ralph Richardson. Each story unfolds with its own unique horror twist, ranging from supernatural occurrences to psychological terror.

The segments include “All Through the House,” where a woman’s murderous plot on Christmas Eve takes an unexpected turn; “Reflection of Death,” where a man returning to his family after an affair faces a horrifying revelation; “Poetic Justice,” where a cruel businessman faces supernatural retribution; “Wish You Were Here,” featuring a man who discovers a deadly secret in his vacation home; and “Blind Alleys,” involving a sadistic headmaster and his comeuppance.

“Tales from the Crypt” stands out for its atmospheric storytelling, effective use of suspense, and twist endings characteristic of classic horror narratives. The film’s success in blending eerie ambiance with moralistic themes contributed to its enduring popularity and influence within the horror genre.

4

Be Kind and Rewind with V/H/S (2012)

“V/H/S,” released in 2012, is a found-footage horror anthology film that combines elements of horror, suspense, and supernatural themes. Directed by various filmmakers including Adam Wingard, David Bruckner, and Ti West, among others, the movie unfolds through a framing narrative where a group of criminals is hired to retrieve a rare videotape from a seemingly abandoned house. As they search through the tapes, each containing a different horrifying story, they uncover increasingly unsettling and paranormal events.

The anthology format of “V/H/S” allows for a diverse range of storytelling styles and horror subgenres, including supernatural entities, psychological horror, and found-footage aesthetics. Each segment presents a different perspective on fear and the supernatural, building tension through its gritty, handheld camera work and realistic portrayal of terror.

“V/H/S” gained attention for its innovative approach to horror storytelling within the found-footage genre, showcasing both creative narrative twists and visceral scares. The film’s fragmented structure and interconnected narratives create a sense of unease and unpredictability, making it a standout entry in modern horror cinema that appeals to fans of both traditional and experimental horror techniques.

5

Finally the controversial and iconic TWILIGHT ZONE THE MOVIE (1983)

“The Twilight Zone: The Movie,” released in 1983, is a cinematic adaptation of the iconic television series created by Rod Serling. Directed by four different filmmakers — John Landis, Steven Spielberg, Joe Dante, and George Miller — the film features four separate segments, each showcasing a different tale of bizarre occurrences and supernatural events.

The movie begins with a prologue featuring Dan Aykroyd and Albert Brooks on a late-night road trip discussing the mysteries of the universe, setting the tone for the anthology’s exploration of the strange and otherworldly. Each segment is introduced with nods to the original series, maintaining the eerie ambiance and moralistic undertones that characterized Serling’s storytelling.

Segments include “Time Out,” directed by John Landis, about a bigoted man who experiences a time loop of historical atrocities; “Kick the Can,” directed by Steven Spielberg, where elderly residents of a retirement home rediscover their youth through a magical game; “It’s a Good Life,” directed by Joe Dante, focusing on a young boy with godlike powers; and “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet,” directed by George Miller, a remake of the classic episode featuring a man’s encounter with a malevolent creature on an airplane wing.

“The Twilight Zone: The Movie” pays homage to Serling’s legacy while updating its themes for a contemporary audience, blending nostalgia with modern filmmaking techniques to deliver a thought-provoking and suspenseful anthology experience.

CONCLUDING ANTHOLOGICAL THOUGHT
We are only 123 days away from Halloween, but we at Thinknewsnow believe you can watch Horror movies all year round until its the witching season. If you got better anthologies, let us know, we dare you to try and replace Creepshow and Trick R Treat at the top of our list!