Some of the best horror movies of all time are based on best-selling novels or classic literature that have endured many generations, whether it's the tale of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (which has a new film adaptation directed by Guillermo del Toro) or the many iconic works of horror master Stephen King.
Here is our recommendation of some of the best horror movies that are based on a novel or classic literature.
Psycho (1960)
Based on the novel by Robert Bloch, Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho follows a secretary on the run for embezzlement who takes refuge at a secluded California motel owned by a repressed man and his overbearing mother.
Describing the film as a "horror classic" is an understatement at this point. Not only is it considered to be one of the best horror movies of all time, but it has influenced many horror movies that have come after, and it still remains an iconic masterpiece by Hitchcock.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
The Shining
Based on the Stephen King novel, Stanley Kubrick's The Shining follows a family that heads to an isolated hotel for the winter, where a sinister presence influences the father into violence. At the same time, his psychic son sees horrifying forebodings from both the past and the future.
While King has notoriously expressed his dislike of this film adaptation, it is still considered to be a horror classic and one of the best works by Kubrick. Jack Nicholson's terrifying performance as Jack Torrance has also become iconic in the pantheon of horror cinema, especially with his delivery of "Here's Johnny!"
Where You Can Watch: HBO Max
Rosemary's Baby
Based on the novel by Ira Levin, Roman Polanski's Rosemary's Baby follows a young couple trying for a baby who move into an aging, ornate apartment building on Central Park West, NYC, where they find themselves surrounded by peculiar elderly neighbors.
The film has been hailed as an all-time classic due to its masterful suspense and unfolding of the mystery surrounding Rosemary's neighbors in the apartment. While it doesn't have any jump scares or gory moments, it is still a terrifyingly psychological film that will leave a mark on you, especially with its disturbing ending.
Where You Can Watch: Paramount+, MGM+
Frankenstein (1931)
Based on the classic Mary Shelley novel, the Universal Monster film Frankenstein follows Dr Henry Frankenstein, who is obsessed with assembling a living being from parts of several exhumed corpses and resulting in the creation of a horrifying creature.
The image of Boris Karloff as Frankenstein's monster has made its mark on pop culture for decades. Most people today would think of this film as the most definitive version of the classic story in film, and Karloff's version of the monster is still the image that we all reference whenever we describe the character.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
Jaws
Based on the novel by Peter Benchley, Steven Spielberg's Jaws follows a police chief, a marine biologist, and an old seafarer as they decide to hunt the massive killer shark that unleashes chaos on a beach community off Long Island.
The film is credited in history as the first "blockbuster," given the massive reception that it received when it was released in 1975. Aside from its gigantic box office success, it also made people more fearful of sharks whenever they swim in the ocean. Its iconic score still gives goosebumps to people whenever it is played.
Where You Can Watch: Netflix
Bram Stoker's Dracula
Based on the classic Bram Stoker novel, Francis Ford Coppola's adaptation of Dracula follows centuries-old vampire Count Dracula, who comes to England to seduce his barrister Jonathan Harker's fiancée, Mina Murray, and wreak havoc in the foreign land.
The film has been hailed for its creative gothic take on the classic story and Gary Oldman's performance as the titular vampire. While it may have some detractors (particularly on Keanu Reeves' performance), it has still endured in the years since its release.
Where You Can Watch: Netflix
Carrie (1976)
Based on the beloved Stephen King novel, Carrie follows Carrie White, a shy, friendless teenage girl who is sheltered by her domineering, religious mother, as she unleashes her telekinetic powers after being humiliated by her classmates at her senior prom.
It is considered one of the greatest horror films of all time due to being a faithful adaptation of the novel, Sissy Spacek's performance, being more character-focused, and several iconic moments that have made a mark in pop culture. There have been other adaptations of the novel, but this is still hailed as the best of them all.
Where You Can Watch: MGM+
The Exorcist
Based on the novel by William Peter Blatty, William Friedkin's The Exorcist follows a mother who seeks the help of two Catholic priests after her young daughter is possessed by a mysterious entity.
Just like the other films on this list, this has been hailed as an all-time horror classic. Not only because of the terrifying sequences and Linda Blair's iconic performance, but it also dealt with deeper themes of faith and religious beliefs that you won't see in other horror movies.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
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