10 Great Horror Anthologies You Need To Watch – Page 7

Though The Outer Limits and The Twilight Zone popularised the horror anthology medium, Dead of Night predates both properties by over a decade. 

Released in 1945, the surreal film opens with an architect called Walter being invited to a country house where he notices he’s seen all the occupants before in his dreams. Intrigued by Walter’s claim, each guest shares a creepy encounter they’ve experienced.

Despite the fact anthology films were in their infancy during the 1940s, Dead of Night feels ahead of its time in terms of playing with story structure. Each segment offers a distinct flavour of horror, whether it’s gothic, supernatural, haunting, or farcical.

Rather than relying on tropes, Dead of Night cooks up several genuinely creative scenarios. In one story, a man is gifted with a new mirror whose reflection doesn’t match his own, slowly driving him mad. 

In another, a swindler called George cheats in a game of golf, causing his opponent, Larry, to take his life. Afterward, George struggles to play golf, since Larry’s ghost torments him and calls him a cheater.

Also, anyone with a fear of dummies is sure to be freaked out watching the segment involving the erratic ventriloquist.

Although horror anthologies can feel episodic, each storyline in Dead of Night feels like it’s steadily builds to something, making the shocking climax all the more nightmarish.