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Best Horror Anthology films ever made (10+1list)

Best Horror Anthology films ever made

written by Souranath Banerjee

Horror Anthology films are always a treat for the horror-genre fans!

For those who are new to the term ‘Anthology’ – an anthology film Horror-Anthology(also known as an omnibus film, package film, or portmanteau film) generally consists of several short films mostly linked by a common theme, premise or genre; can be made either by different directors for each segment or can entirely be the work of one single director.

And the most common Anthology film category is undoubtedly the ‘Horror’ genre. Numerous short horror films are produced from all over the world and they add up to such perfect anthology films!

And so, here is the collection of the Best Horror Anthology films ever made!

Feel free to be scared!

10. Trick ‘r Treat (2007)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTOHbEOLcCU

Horror-AnthologyThe backdrop being Halloween, five stories are seamlessly interwoven together into one devilishly scary movie!

Written and directed by Michael Dougherty, these tiny horror tales are all located around the same locality and occurs at the same night!

A cool and sleek horror flick that guarantees a superb Halloween experience for the entire family!

9. V/H/S (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmLh4NUu6E4

Horror-AnthologyA team of petty burglars come across a collection of weird VHS tapes that eventually scared the hell out of them!

Typically based on the popular found-footage film-format (similar to The Blair Witch Project, Paranormal Activity and Cloverfield), this movie debuted at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.

Total 6 short films made by the directors – Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, David BrucknerTyler GillettJustin MartinezGlenn McQuaidRadio Silence, Joe SwanbergChad VillellaTi West and Adam Wingard.

Because of the film’s popularity two other installments of the V/H/S franchise were produced V/H/S/2 (2013), V/H/S Viral (2014) and also a spin-off called SiREN (2016)

8. Tales from the Crypt (1972)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3FpZEkaIS4

Horror-AnthologyFive strangers following a guide get lost inside a catacomb, soon trapped in a crypt meet the mysterious Crypt Keeper.

And finally the keeper tells them five stories and the tales are of the visions of how each of them will meet their death!

Directed by Freddie Francis, macabre, blood and gore, a very well executed movie – scary yet strict with justice and morals!

7. Cat’s Eye (1985)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqzTazrYx5M

Horror-AnthologyVery rarely are the horror suspense genre so well complemented by superb dark humor!

Directed by Lewis Teague and screenplay by none other than Stephen King, three thrilling stories, both scary and fun, all cleverly linked by a stray cat.

James Woods, Alan King and a young Drew Barrymore – superb performances and very much entertaining!

Another Stephen King written anthology to check out – Stephen King’s Golden Tales (1985).

6. Black Sabbath (1963)

I tre volti della paura (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvqT1D7qvrc

Horror-Anthology

Stories adopted from the works of Anton ChekhovAleksei Tolstoy and Guy de Maupassant, and perfectly executed into a frightening short films.

Hosted by acclaimed Boris Karloff (of Frankenstein fame) who also acted in one segment as a vampire; and directed by the Italian master of horror Mario Bava, this trio of scary tales are certainly a must for all horror anthology fans!

5. Tales of Terror (1962)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCB6IexwwtA

Horror-AnthologyBased on the work of Edgar Allan Poe, Morella, The Black Cat and The Case of M. Valdemar – the three unique horror stories that turned into fine examples of cinema.

Directed by Roger Corman, the films are scary with a potent doze of comedy in them.

Atmospheric and eerie, and great performances by Vincent PriceBasil Rathbone and Peter Lorre.

4. Dead of Night (1945)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UCJz617E8s

Horror-AnthologyA man stuck in his recurring nightmare as the characters in his dream narrates their own individual horror experiences!

Directed by Alberto Cavalcanti, Charles CrichtonBasil Dearden and Robert Hamer.

This British movie is often regarded as the Best Horror Anthology film that has managed to stay scary enough through the test of time!

3. Kwaidan (1964)

Kaidan (original title)

film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG5mvupo9Wc

Horror-Anthology

A classic collection of Japanese folk tales – slow and visually beautiful, this movie consists of four separate and unrelated stories all based on supernatural elements.

Directed by Masaki Kobayashi – this is certainly the most popular Japanese Horror classic that won the ‘Special jury prize’ at 1965 Cannes Film Festival and also an Academy Award nomination!

2. Creepshow (1982)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owdnnaNs2RI

Horror-AnthologyBased on the E.C. horror comic books of the 1950s, this film narrates five gruesome tales of pure horror and terror!

Directed by none other than the acclaimed horror director George A. Romero, and screenplay by Stephen King – what a combo!

With lot of blood, violence and gory special effects, this movie is a pure ecstasy for every horror fan out there! 

The film’s popularity soon gave birth to Creepshow 2 (1987)

  1. Three… Extremes (2004)

Saam gaang yi (original title)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqQHi1GYXpY

Horror-AnthologyDumplings“, “Cut” and “Box“, three individual South Korean horror films clubbed together into an anthology, directed by Fruit Chan, Takashi Miike and Chan-wook Park.

Not only they are horrifying and disturbing, they also have this amazing creep factor that makes them score ahead of any other films in this list. My personal favorite is Dumplings though it makes me sick every time I watch it!

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch)

+1. Spirits of the Dead (1968)

Film Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FJuSlLlmSk

Horror-AnthologyMetzengerstein, William Wilson and Toby Dammit, three Edgar Allan Poe stories narrated by acclaimed directors such as Roger VadimLouis Malle and Federico Fellini!

Starring an array of favorite actors Jane Fonda, Peter FondaBrigitte Bardot, Alain Delon and Terence Stamp – not entirely horror based but still pretty disturbing for sure. 

Obviously Fellini’s segment, the last one is the best!

A few other anthologies apart from the list: Twice-Told Tales (1963), Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors (1965), Torture Garden (1967), The House That Dripped Blood (1971), Asylum (1972), The Vault of Horror (1973), From Beyond the Grave (1974), Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983), From a Whisper to a Scream (1987), Tales from the Darkside: The Movie (1990), Two Evil Eyes (1990), Body Bags (1993), Darna Mana Hai (2003), 4bia (2008), Phobia 2 (2009), The Theatre Bizarre (2011), Horror Stories (2012), The ABCs of Death (2012), Southbound (2015), Holidays (2016), XX (2017), Galaxy of Horrors (2017).

Animated Horror Anthologies: Extraordinary Tales (2015), Fear(s) of the Dark (2007).

Similar Interest: Best Japanese Horror Films

Similar Interest: Best Horror Comedies

Similar Interest: Best Horror Films of recent times

Similar Interest: Best Asian Horror Films

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com.

BEST HORROR FILMS OF RECENT TIMES (20+1LIST)

Best Horror Films of recent times

written by Souranath Banerjee

The list of the Best Horror films of recent times is a collection of some of the most creepiest and horrific films that are released in the past few years.

horror-filmsThere is a theory that a bit of evil exits in every one of us, even in our shadows and specially in the absence of it. And thus, be afraid of the dark, be afraid of the dazzling light; be afraid of the spirits and demons, and the devil who takes the human plight!

And may be, these Horror films will make you believe in the ‘evil’ and finally accept its existence; and even surrender to it.

At least for now, surrender to these brilliant Horror films – embrace the terror and enjoy the list!

20. It Follows (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ymoh5SIqgtw

horror-filmsThe after effects of a sexual encounter can sometimes go very wrong, but this particular film takes the after-sex complications to a different level altogether!

A young girl tries to escape from the clutches of some supernatural power since she is being constantly followed by it. Directed by David Robert Mitchell, the film has numerous panic moments and a perfect sense of overall suspense and tension.

19. Grave Encounters (2011)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8FBRATbJoA

horror-filmsA ghost-hunting reality television show goes to shoot an episode inside the abandoned Collingwood Psychiatric Hospital and voluntarily lock themselves inside the building for the night. And it was a mistake!

Directed by Colin Minihan and Stuart Ortiz as the The Vicious Brothers, the film has a pretty decent plot and it does manage to scare at regular intervals.

18. Before I Wake (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho2Z0LtXsbY

horror-filmsIf dreams could become reality the world would have been such a beautiful place. But then, what happens when you have the nightmares?

(Click for review)

Directed by Mike Flanagan, it is based on a young orphan boy whose nightmares often tend to come alive. And his new foster parents need to stop these deadly dreams from being real!

Another recent film by the same director is Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016) that is also worth your consideration.

17. The Enfield Haunting (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jKtZD34Fo4

horror-filmsIt’s a brilliant Mini-Series starring Timothy Spall and directed by Kristoffer Nyholm, based on the true events that happened in 1970s Britain – the The Enfield Poltergeist incident. 

A noisy mischievous ghost takes hold of the body of a young girl, the youngest daughter of the family being haunted and starts communicating through her. Terrifying and very much believable – a must watch! 

16. The Babadook (2014)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5WQZzDRVtw

horror-filmsA child obsessed with some monster and is prepared to tackle it. His mother of course doesn’t believe him but soon the kid is proved to be right!

(Click for Review)

Directed by Jennifer Kent, a rare horror flick that doesn’t have to depend on cheap jump-scares or gore. It has a great story to tell and it tells it in real style.

15. The Woman in Black (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4D-87X3vVc

horror-filmsA young solicitor travels to a remote village for work and finds himself in the midst of a situation where a revengeful female-ghost dressed in black is terrifying the locals and killing their children. Now his life is also in danger but can he do anything about it?

Daniel Radcliffe stars in this moody atmospheric horror flick directed by James Watkins, a creepy film that maintains the tension throughout.

14. Sinister (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kbQAJR9YWQ

horror-filmsA crime-writer for his research moves himself and his family into a house where a horrific crime took place many years ago. He soon finds some snuff films on the heinous crimes but then things go wrong in ways he had never expected! 

The Ethan Hawke starrer horror flick, directed by Scott Derrickson is a cool horror thriller with great sound designing well complemented with some very unexpected suspense moments.

Another installment of the same franchise is Sinister 2 (2015).

13. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsIilFNNmkY

horror-filmsFive teenagers on a weekend holiday trip goes into the forest to stay in an isolated cabin and then something terrible happens! The film initially gives an impression  of a stereotypical horror/slasher formula flick but then again the movie has its own twists and turns that makes it special.

Directed by Drew Goddard, an intelligent film that keeps you hooked very much till the end.

12. A Cure for Wellness (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF1rLFCdewU

horror-filmsAt a remote location in the Swiss Alps there is a mysterious “wellness centre” which seems to hide many terrifying secrets. And one man is desperate to know all about this mystical spa.

Directed by Gore Verbinski, this is a cool horror thriller shot beautifully, the story though a bit stretched and predictable but then also it has its own visual charm. Trippy and hypnotic and definitely worth a watch.

11. It (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7no56Zw1e20

horror-filmsIn the neighbourhood too many kids are getting disappeared leaving only some bloody trails behind!

It’s time for the young guys to gang up and fight the scary evil clown who seems to be hunting down the children!

Directed by Andy Muschietti, this movie is based on the classic novel by none other than the master writer Stephen King!

Another recent film by the same director is  Mama (2013) that is again very much worth your time.

10. Lights Out (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LiKKFZyhRU

horror-filmsSomething supernatural that exists in the darkness, haunts and hunts only when the light is out!

Directed by David F. Sandberg, this is the story of a kid terrified by some presence that soon needs to be investigated.

A creepy movie with lots of jump scare moments and cool editing along with the flickering of light and darkness. A decent one time watch.

Another recent film by the same director is Annabelle: Creation (2017) that is very much worth your time.

9. The Conjuring (2013)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k10ETZ41q5o

horror-filmsA family shifts to a farm house at Rhode Island and they soon gets haunted by terrifying evil forces. And they have to seek help from the professionals!

Based on the true story from the accounts of Paranormal investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren.  Directed by acclaimed horror-director James Wan, tensed and creepy, some real scary moments, brilliant editing and a great haunting musical score.

The Conjuring 2 (2016) also by the same director is a decent watch too.

8. The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYKANIDQlwU

horror-filmsA father-son coroner duo, trying their best to diagnose the unidentified body of a young woman and while doing so they accidentally unveil the mystery surrounding her death. But at what cost?

Directed by André Øvredal, this film has the rare ability to scare you not only by it’s intense visuals but also through the intelligently used sound play. A superb first half but the ending demands a little more. 

7. A Dark Song (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OccAJCbZ-7I

horror-filmsAn occultist visits a woman as they team up to perform a highly dangerous and strictly guided ritual that will eventually grant their inner wishes. But then somebody is not telling the truth and finally both their lives are in danger.

Directed by Liam Gavin, with just two characters confined in a single space, this film works pretty good and manages to fuel the drama and engage us till the end.

6. Annabelle (2014)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paFgQNPGlsg

horror-filmsAnnabelle being the ugliest collector’s item is gifted by a caring husband to his loving pregnant wife but soon enough Annabelle gets cursed by some blood thirsty Satan lovers and all hell breaks loose!

(Click for Review)

Directed by John R. Leonetti, this film is again a prequel of the popular Conjuring series –The Conjuring and the latest The Conjuring 2.

5. Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HxEXnVSr1w

horror-filmsThis it where it all begins, the very root of the Lambert family’s trouble, the reason why they were repeatedly being haunted and tormented by all these evil spirits through Insidious film-parts!

(Check for Review)

Directed by Leigh Whannell, the film focuses on the gifted Elise Rainier who tries her best to relieve a young girl from the clutches of the demons. 

A prequel to the first two installments of the Insidious franchise are Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013) and Insidious (2010) and they are both worth your time and scare!

4. Crimson Peak (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLWsNDZqXpo

horror-filmsDirected by Guillermo del Toro, a film that is a perfect blend of fear and deception, hatred and revenge, and of course horror.

(Check for Review)

An ancient house that has memories to share. And when the newly married bride comes onboard, she becomes the chosen one who opens the gates of the dark past – those gloomy tales that reveal many unpleasant secrets!

Two other horror films by the same director are The Devil’s Backbone (2001) and Cronos (1993) that are very much worth your time! 

3. Under the Shadow (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHVFP80Upxw

horror-filmsSet in the backdrop of the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, a mother and her young daughter living in Tehran struggles their best to cope with the catastrophes of war; but then, some mysterious evil presence seems to be haunted them by in their apartment!

Directed by Babak Anvari, this Persian film is a potent mix of metaphors and real spooky moments, undoubtedly the most intense horror film of recent time!

2. The Witch (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjBN0ByAqDk

horror-filmsperiod horror drama from 1630s, a family in New England becomes the victim of witchcraft, dark forces, black magic and evil possessions.

(Click for review)

A chilling string of events including a missing newborn and the crops- failure eventually leads to fear, paranoia and brutal injustice. Director Robert Eggers‘s version on infamous “Salem Witch Trials” of Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 1. The Wailing (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43uAputjI4k

horror-filmsIn a remote village a series of horrific unnatural deaths perplex both the villagers and the police. And then it soon becomes evident that this mystery demands a paranormal investigation!

(Click for review)

Directed by Hong-jin Na, this South Korean horror movie is a gritty and dark tale, violent and savage, and very entertaining!  

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch).

+1. Personal Shopper (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSqMpkGOW9g

horror-filmsA girl, personal shopper by profession, seems to have been able to make contact with her twin brother who died years back.

Kristen Stewart gives a memorable performance in this moody, eerie horror thriller; though not a very satisfying ending for me but still surely worth checking out.

Directed by Olivier Assayas, who won the Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival for this film!

Similar Interest: Horror Anthology films

Similar Interest: Best Asian Horror Movies

Similar Interest: Best Horror Comedies

Similar Interest: Best Japanese Horror Movies

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comen.wikipedia.orgwww.imdb.com.