The Anthology Tradition
Horror anthology films — collections of short horror stories presented within a framing narrative — have a specific place in the genre's history. The format allows multiple directors, stories, and tones within a single film; it accommodates budget limitations by keeping individual stories short; and it provides variety of horror type within a single viewing experience. The British Amicus Productions (not to be confused with Hammer) specialised in horror anthologies from the late 1960s through the 1970s: Dr. Terror's House of Horrors (1965), Torture Garden (1967), Tales from the Crypt (1972), and The Vault of Horror (1973) are the essential Amicus anthologies, all featuring star casts, Freddie Francis direction, and stories adapted from EC Comics.
Essential Horror Anthologies
Trick 'r Treat (2007, Michael Dougherty): The finest horror anthology film of the contemporary era — five interlocking stories set on Halloween night in a single American town, united by the figure of Sam (the pumpkin-headed child who enforces Halloween's rules). Creepshow (1982, Carpenter and King): Stephen King's loving tribute to EC Comics horror, directed by George Romero. Tales from the Darkside (1990): Three stories from the TV series given cinematic treatment. V/H/S (2012) and its sequels: Found-footage anthology that revived the format for the streaming era. The ABC's of Death (2012): 26 directors, 26 letters, 26 short horror films — the most ambitious anthology format ever attempted.
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