Creepshow Movies: A Guide to Horror Anthology Classics
If you’re a fan of horror with a twist of dark humor, the Creepshow franchise is a must-watch. Originating in the early 1980s, these movies are anthology-style horror films, meaning each installment features several short, self-contained stories, often with shocking endings and moral lessons.
1. Creepshow (1982)
Directed by George A. Romero and written by Stephen King, the original Creepshow pays homage to the horror comics of the 1950s, like Tales from the Crypt. The film features five unforgettable tales:
- Father’s Day: A murdered father rises from the grave to exact revenge.
- The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill: A meteor brings deadly consequences.
- Something to Tide You Over: A wife plots with her lover against her husband — but revenge comes full circle.
- The Crate: A mysterious crate hides a terrifying secret.
- They’re Creeping Up on You: A man faces a plague of cockroaches in his ultra-clean apartment.
With its campy humor, creative gore, and comic-book visuals, Creepshow quickly became a cult classic.
2. Creepshow 2 (1987)
The sequel continues the anthology format with three new stories:
- Old Chief Wood’nhead: A spooky tale of two criminals and a haunted statue.
- The Raft: Teens face a deadly, sentient black mass in a lake.
- The Hitchhiker: A woman who kills her lover is haunted by a supernatural hitchhiker.
Though shorter than the original, Creepshow 2 keeps the dark humor and gore fans love.
3. Creepshow (2019–present) – TV Series
The franchise returned as a Creepshow anthology series on Shudder, with each season featuring new stories inspired by the original comics. Episodes mix horror, suspense, and a dash of satire, introducing the Creepshow universe to a new generation of horror fans.
4. Why Creepshow Stands Out
- Comic Book Aesthetic: Bold colors, animated panels, and exaggerated acting make it feel like a living comic book.
- Horror with Humor: Creepshow balances gore and scares with a playful, over-the-top style.
- Legendary Creators: With Stephen King writing and George A. Romero directing, the stories carry the pedigree of horror masters.
5. Fun Fact
The first Creepshow was originally written as a short story collection titled Tales from the Darkside, which Romero adapted for the screen. Many of the stories explore poetic justice, where villains meet ironic or gruesome fates.
