Anthology films have been on the rise over the last couple of years, which two or three coming out every year. With the release of last week’s Holidays, I thought I’d look at some of the better entries in the various anthologies released over the years.* While making this list, I realize that I haven’t seen as many anthologies as I thought, so that’s on me as a horror fan. Clearly I’ve got some homework to do!
*Yes, I included entries from the first two V/H/S films in this list. As many of you may know, Bloody Disgusting produced these films, but that was before I came aboard the site, so I figure it’s not that unethical. Plus, I legitimately do like the entries I mention.
The Raft – Creepshow 2
“The Raft” is arguably the greatest segment in Creepshow 2. In the short, which was adapted by a short story from Stephen King’s collection Skeleton Crew, a black tar-like substance surrounds a couple of kids on a raft a few feet away from the shore. It turns out this goo has a mind of its own and likes to eat flesh. This is basically my worst nightmare.
The Prologue & The Epilogue – Twilight Zone: The Movie
I know I’m going to get a lot of crap from all of you, but this segment legitimately terrified me as a child. Looking back, it does seem a little goofy, but it perfectly sets the stage for the four stories that are to come after it. It may not be the best segment in the film, but it’s simple and absolutely horrifying. To think that it stars Dan Aykroyd and Albert Brooks, of all people.
Second Honeymoon – V/H/S
I will probably get even more crap from all of you for this one, but I maintain that Ti West’s segment is the best in the first V/H/S film. Many people dig David Bruckner’s “Amateur Night,” but I just can’t get past the awful lead characters in that one. “Second Honeymoon” is trademark Ti West: slow burn with a bonkers final act. West detractors won’t enjoy this one, but if you’re a fan of his films you’ll probably dig it.
Fourth Story – A Christmas Horror Story
What a surprise this one was, huh? In truth, all of the segments in A Christmas Horror Story are pretty great. From the changeling to the family banding together to fight Krampus, the only weak link in the film is the one involving a bunch of teens breaking into their high school. The most fun segment comes with a much-needed twist on the zombie sub-genre, in which Santa’s elves have all become infected with a zombie virus and begin to take over the North Pole It’s even more fun than it sounds!
Dumplings – Three…Extremes
If you’ve never thought sound effects could be scary, then watch Fruit Chan’s Dumplings. The sound of chewing permeates the film and it’s simply grotesque, especially when you realize what is inside the dumplings that the characters are eating (they’re so crunchy!). While you could just watch Three…Extremes, I would recommend seeking out the extended version of Dumplings (the only major difference lies in the ending), as it is arguably the better film.
Safe Haven – V/H/S/2
Is there anyone out there who doesn’t think Gareth Evans’ (The Raid) “Safe Haven” is the best installment in V/H/S/2? There probably are, but since I’m the one writing this post, I’m just going to say it’s the best one. The longest short in the V/H/S series, “Safe Haven” follows a news crew who infiltrate an Indonesian cult in the hopes of exposing their mysterious activities. The sure got a little more than they bargained for, didn’t they?
Meet Sam – Trick ‘r Treat
This is one that I’ve been seeing quite a bit of hate for in the comments recently (specifically on this post) and I will never understand why. Michael Dougherty’s Trick ‘r Treat is the epitome of a Halloween movie (for any film not called Halloween). There isn’t a weak segment in the bunch, but the pièce de résistance comes in the form of Mr. Kreeg (Brian Cox) facing off against Sam (Quinn Lord) in the film’s final act. It’s a total blast!
The Woman of the Snow – Kwaidan
I took an Asian Horror Film class in college, and while my professor was a royal bitch, I must confess that she did help to expand my horizons when it came to Asian horror cinema (I also saw Dumplings for the first time in this class). Had it not been for her, I never would have seen Kwaidan, a truly mesmerizing film. The film’s title translates to “ghost stories,” and the film is thus a collection of them. The film’s second segment is “The Woman of the Snow,” which features a woodcutter who crosses paths with a Yuki-onna, a Japanese spirit. It’s not that scary, but it is heartbreaking. The Yuki-onna is pretty creepy though.
Admittedly, I’m not an expert when it comes to horror anthologies. I just haven’t seen them all. Let me know some of your favorites in the comments below or Tweet me a recommendation!