Horror anthology films have been around almost as long as there have been movies. They are a natural progression of the scary stories that have been exchanged since people could communicate. Because there have been so many, it is not surprising that some of fly under the radar. Here are a look at some overlooked anthology films that you should take the time to check out.
Cat’s Eye (1985)
It is a testament to how prolific Stephen King is that a the same list can be made with just his works. Part of the reason Cat’s Eye is one of our overlooked horror anthology films is because it is one the earlier adapted works of King. Even then, it is one of his less regarded works. This is a surprising as its cast includes Drew Barrymore and James Wood and a shame since it is one of the best examples of how well he can mix comedy and horror.
Chillerama (2011)
One of the most important parts of any horror anthology is having a sense of fun. When one of the stories is called “The Diary of Anne Frankenstein”, you know if nothing else, you are going to get some cheap laughs. A number of the shorts also have great soundtracks while the entire movie is perfect for any Halloween watch party.
The Mortuary Collection (2019)
Arguably, the best anthology film of the last decade is also the most criminally overlooked. Montgomery Dark (Clancy Brown, John Wick: Chapter 4) is a fantastic character and the movie’s mix of movie magic with a literary feel makes is perfect. The stories are filled with laughs and scares, plus it is unafraid to bring the gore. The rare horror anthology that all movie fans can enjoy.
Three…Extremes (2004)
Of all the overlooked horror anthology films on this list, this is probably the most surprising. It came at a time when New Asian Horror cinema was at its peak in America. The Ring had shocked audiences two years prior and The Grudge was making its mark. It was also directed by three heavyweights of Asian cinema, Hong Kong’s Fruit Chain, South Korean’s Park Chan-wook, and Japan’s Takashi Miike. ‘Dumplings’ from Chan went on to become an award winning full length film.
Vault of Horror (1973)
Amicus Productions had quite a run from the mid 1960s -70s releasing some fun horror anthologies. This was actually a sequel to the previous year’s Tales From the Crypt (yes, the same one) and was even known in some countries as Further Tales From the Crypt. Though it did not have Vault Keeper, its segments were from the EC Comics and its cast included big name stars like Tom Baker and Glynis Johns. A fun watch that conveys the spirt of the original comics.
Verotika (2019)
It is always a risk when a musician decides to make movie. As Rob Zombie has proven time and time again, even supposed fans have found it difficult. (Personally, based on his resume, I think Zombie hates horror movies.) Glen Danzig poured everything he loved about horror at the age of thirteen into his feature directorial debut. Based on the comics of the same name that are published by the Evil Elvis, Verotika is filled with porn stars, nudity, and blood. This is the type of horror movie every teenager will love and every horror fan will get a kick out of.
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