Anthologies have the advantage of telling numerous stories without any constraints, unlike other horror films. No matter what kind of narrative it is trying to tell, it always provides a frenetic and unconventional viewing experience. But, these anthology franchises don't always last, with some wrapping up their tales after just a few installments.
So without further ado, it’s time to take a look at the Top 15 Horror Movies Anthologies we want to see more of.
15. Shake Rattle & Roll (2014)
Starting the ranking is Shake Rattle & Roll, a Filipino horror anthology franchise that dates back to 1984. With its various stories and villains—including Chanak, Manananggal, and many others—it offers plenty of chills and thrills.
Shake Rattle & Roll is the Philippines’ longest-running horror franchise to date and it hasn’t seen a new installment since 2014. Although its most recent installments aren't all that great, there has never been a better time than now to revive an anthology series that includes numerous local folklore and ghost stories.
This franchise has told many horror classics of the country, from the ever-so-classic Aswang from its second entry back in 1990 to SRR 8’s LRT, Shake Rattle and Roll provides no shortage of fun and scares. If you enjoy Asian movies, this anthology series is worth checking out.
14. XX (2017)
XX is an anthology horror movie directed by four different women, following the stories of The Box, The Birthday Party, Don’t Fall, and Her Only Living Son.
XX is a brilliant and disturbing anthology film that is oozing with creep factor. It features compelling and thought-provoking stories that will stay with you for a good time. The fact that each of the several stories is directed by four outstanding female directors, however, makes the movie much more noteworthy.
13. Holidays (2016)
Eight separate holidays—Day, Valentine's Saint Patrick's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Halloween, Christmas, and New Year's Eve—are the focus of this holiday-themed anthology.
Holidays is one of those movies that you just can't look away from because it's so strange and unsettling. It's difficult to pick just one favorite because so many of its tales are stranger and more outrageous than the others on the list.
Unfortunately, the film also features one of the worst segments ever convinced in history, and it’s the Halloween segment by Kevin Smith. Despite this though, Holidays is a movie that you should watch right now and it's one that deserves a sequel.
12. A Christmas Horror Story (2015)
When evil spirits, zombie elves, and Krampus — the anti-Santa Claus — unexpectedly descend upon Bailey Downs, not even Santa Claus is safe from it.
A Christmas Horror Tale just has one story as opposed to Holidays' many tales that take place throughout various holidays, but it is still a strong anthology that offers plenty of thrills and chills and a fantastic atmosphere.
It takes a lot of well-known clichés and tropes and infuses them with humor and originality to create a bloody good time that is set within the Christmas spirit.
11. ABC of Death (2012)
An anthology of stories helmed by more than two dozen directors details 26 ways to die, each corresponding to a different letter of the alphabet.
You see, unlike other anthology horror movies, ABC of Death isn’t restricted to telling 5 stories because instead of 5 there are not 6, not 7, but 26 segments, all based around the alphabet. Not only this but many of the stories that it tells are are so outrageous and odd that it is uncomfortable to watch.
Even while some of the 26 segments—about half—might not be particularly strong, watching them all unfold is one of the most entertaining and exciting viewing experiences you'll ever have. This is one anthology series that deserves your time and one that we want to see more of.
10. Vault of Horror (1973)
Five men locked in the basement of an office building reveal their reoccurring nightmare in this anthology of five terrifying stories.
Some people might not be aware of this, but Tales From The Crypt—another horror anthology movie—which comes later on the list—has a sequel, and that sequel is called Vault of Horror. And just like its predecessor, Vault of Horror tells a number of spooky and scary stories that are likely to creep you out.
Though it may not be as strong as Tales From the Crypt, we think that this movie deserves to get many stand-alone entries like its predecessor, and we really want to see how they approach the stories with a contemporary setting.
9. Phobia (2008)
Four horror tales revolve around an accident victim, a bullied youth, ghost stories, and a deceased princess.
Phobia is very similar to the horror anthology series Masters of Horror if you're familiar with it, except it tells several Thai horror stories instead, all of which are certain to send shivers down one's spine. While the first film may not pack in a diverse story, it is nonetheless a solid entry that’s worth every minute of your time.
The second installment, however, is unquestionably its best, including a variety of original tales involving zombies, ghosts, and curses, to even telling a genuinely hilarious comedic story. Despite having two strong entries, the franchise never really got to tell any more stories beyond that, which makes this film qualified for the list.
8. Trilogy of Terror (1975)
Karen Black appears in three tales as a blackmailed teacher, a tormented lover, and opposite sisters.
Shocking, exhilarating, and downright creepy are just some of the words to describe Trilogy of Terror featuring Karen Black. Three amazing short stories are comprised of it, but the Zuni segment stands out the most since it is so intensely terrifying and thrilling.
After reading the article, watch this cult classic anthology film right now because it's worth your time.
7. All Hallow’s Eve (2015)
Alone on Halloween, a young woman finds a VHS tape on her doorstep. As she watches the tape, she witnesses a collection of gruesome tales, each more unnerving than the last.
Though it may look a bit more low budget than anyone’s used to, don’t be fooled as All Hallow’s Eve may just be one of the most terrifying films you’ll ever watch. It only has three stories to tell yet all of them border on disturbing. Heightened by its creepy atmosphere and presentation that screams grindhouse.
This anthology also features one of the genre’s most disturbing clowns ever to exist, and it’s Art the Clown. And while the franchise may still continue on with its standalone movie that features the titular clown, it would be incredible to see the film take on another anthology approach to its storytelling.
6. Black Sabbath (1963)
Karloff introduces tales of a haunted nurse (Jacqueline Pierreux), a stalked call girl (Michèle Mercier), and a vampire (Boris Karloff).
Despite its age, Black Sabbath is still a masterclass in horror, with many of its tales leaving a lasting impression. The film never fails to give its audience a sense of unease, whether it is through the creepy horrors of The Telephone or the overtly horrific scares of Drop of Water.
While it may now be 60 years since the first film was released, it’s never too late for another scare with a new entry. This is an anthology film that we are just dying to see more of.
5. Tales from the Crypt (1972)
Five strangers get lost in a crypt and, after meeting the mysterious Crypt Keeper, receive visions of how they will die.
Oh, of course the classic horror anthology movie will be included on the list. Tales from the Crypt had established itself as a masterclass in horror, leaving the image of the psychotic man in the Santa suit almost engraved in our minds.
Each segment is equally strong, and its later upcoming standalone entries, including the TV series adaptation, are also entertaining to watch. Nothing else would delight us more than to see a resurrection of this incredible anthology horror franchise.
4. V/H/S/ (2012)
Four thugs who make money putting their violent antics online are hired to steal a VHS tape from a spooky old house. However, things take a turn for the worse when they find a dead pensioner and dozens more tapes.
While the V/H/S/ may have just seen two new releases, we still can’t get enough of this bizarre found footage horror film. From aliens, and zombies, to weird succubus creatures, it seems like this franchise has done it all, yet we still want to see them tell more stories.
Although it first appeared like the third installment, V/H/S/: Viral, nearly ended the franchise, it made a full comeback with V/H/S/94. Here’s to hoping that the franchise won’t stop releasing new entries that take place in specific years.
3. Three… Extremes (2004)
Telling Asian horror stories from China, Korea, and Japan. Three Extreme’s stories revolve around a witch doctor, a filmmaker (Lee Byung-hun) and a resentful extra, and a novelist and her twin sister.
Three Extremes does something that other anthology horror movies don't: it travels to various parts of Asia to tell a variety of mind-bending tales that will stay with you for a long time. Many of its stories, especially for those who adore the genre, are rather enticing, from Korea's twisted and surreal Cut to the alluring yet genuinely horrible concept of Dumpling.
The movie also got a sequel and a full-length version of one of its stories, but the franchise hasn't really expanded past that point. And it would be really incredible to this the franchise return in full force bringing with it many more Asian horror stories
2. Creepshow (1982)
Five horrifying tales from a children's comic book about a dead father coming back to life, a mysterious meteor, an angry husband, the dweller of a mysterious container, and a cockroach swarm.
From its quirky comic book presentation to many beautifully stylized stories, Creepshow is a worthy anthology horror film, on top of featuring many iconic horror stories. Despite its creativity though, the film somehow never managed to become a strong and long-running franchise.
The franchise died out after the third installment, which is unfortunate because it had so much potential. The movie is already really fascinating to watch, and when you add all of its bizarre and spooky stories, you have a concept that is sure to become a classic.
1. Trick ‘r Treat (2007)
The ultimate horror anthology of all time has to be 2007’s Trick ‘r Treat. An anthology film that tells five interwoven tales that take place on halloween.
Trick ‘r Treat is a film that packs in so much charm, with its opening intro already being such a standout scene that will undoubtedly pull you in. And many of its stories take so many twists and turns that every single reveal makes for some of the most memorable viewing experiences you’ll ever have.
The only question we have is how such a classic hasn't even gotten a follow-up until now. We demand more of Trick ‘r Treat’s stylish and creepy scares.
