The Most Terrifying Horror Movies That Are Based on Books

The Most Terrifying Horror Movies That Are Based on Books

Ranker Film
Updated July 11, 2024 31 items
Ranked By
5.3K votes
500 voters
4 reranks
Voting Rules
Vote up your favorite horror movies based on or inspired by literature.

Some of the best horror movies based on books are those where the director that can take the words off the page from the author and turn them into some of the most memorable and visually horrifying scenes in film history. Scary movies based on horror fiction have been around since the days of Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi and have been making moviegoers scream in terror and delight ever since! The reason for the success of horror movies adapted from books is due to the reader’s yearning to see if the film matches up or surpasses their own imagination while they were reading the book. New movies based on horror novels have been huge hits at the box office as of late and thus we are likely to see even more of them terrorizing us in theaters in the coming years.

Share this list with your friends and rank the best horror movies based on books any way you want! Cue the jump scare! Don't see a horror movie adaptation that you love? Feel free to add it to the list and check back to find out how others rank your selections.

 

  • The Exorcist
    1
    Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Max von Sydow
    284 votes
    • Released: 1973
    • Directed by: William Friedkin
    In the heart-stopping horror classic The Exorcist, Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair), a young girl, becomes inexplicably ill. After all medical explanations are exhausted, her mother Chris (Ellen Burstyn) seeks help from two priests. Father Karras (Jason Miller), a troubled cleric wrestling with his faith, and veteran exorcist Father Merrin (Max von Sydow) step in to confront an evil beyond their understanding. The film, directed by William Friedkin, is recognized for its chilling portrayal of possession and exorcism. It won two Academy Awards and remains one of the most influential horror films to this day.

    Available On:

    subscription

    $12.99

    $14.99

    $3.99

  • The Silence of the Lambs
    2
    Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn
    272 votes
    • Released: 1991
    • Directed by: Jonathan Demme
    The Silence of the Lambs, a gripping thriller, introduces audiences to FBI trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster). She's assigned an unnerving task: to extract information from the infamous and incarcerated cannibalistic serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins). The objective? To help apprehend another active serial killer, Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine), before he strikes again. This chilling narrative, directed by Jonathan Demme, won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It interweaves suspense, crime solving and psychological manipulation, creating a film that is as thought-provoking as it is horrifying.

    Available On:

    subscription

    free

    $14.99

    $3.99

  • It
    3

    It

    Bill SkarsgĂ¥rd, Finn Wolfhard, Sophia Lillis
    398 votes
    • Released: September 8th, 2017
    • Directed by: Andy Muschietti
    Seven young outcasts in Derry, Maine, are about to face their worst nightmare -- an ancient, shape-shifting evil that emerges from the sewer every 27 years to prey on the town's children. Banding together over the course of one horrifying summer, the friends must overcome their own personal fears to battle the murderous, bloodthirsty clown known as Pennywise.

    Available On:

    $3.99

    $14.99

    $3.99

  • Psycho
    4
    Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles
    207 votes
    • Released: 1960
    • Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
    In the chilling classic Psycho, Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) absconds with stolen cash, seeking solace at the remote Bates Motel. The proprietor, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), is a peculiar young man dominated by his puritanical mother. Marion's disappearance triggers an investigation led by her sister, Lila (Vera Miles), and boyfriend, Sam Loomis (John Gavin). Directed masterfully by Alfred Hitchcock, this iconic horror-thriller won several awards, including an Academy Award nomination for Leigh's performance. Psycho's suspense-filled plot twists and haunting score have left an indelible mark on cinematic history.

    Available On:

    subscription

    $14.99

    $3.99

  • The Mist
    5
    Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden, Laurie Holden
    208 votes
    • Released: 2007
    • Directed by: Frank Darabont
    The Mist, a gripping horror film, presents the tale of David Drayton (Thomas Jane), an everyday man living in Maine. When a violent storm yields an eerie mist enveloping the town, he and his young son, Billy (Nathan Gamble), along with their neighbors, find refuge in a local supermarket. As unseen creatures lurk within the shrouded fog outside, terror rises inside among the trapped townsfolk. Directed by Frank Darabont, this Stephen King adaptation explores societal breakdown under supernatural circumstances, while showcasing Marcia Gay Harden's award-winning performance as Mrs. Carmody, a fervent believer in divine punishment.

    Available On:

    $3.79

  • Carrie
    6
    Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, William Katt
    241 votes
    • Released: 1976
    • Directed by: Brian De Palma
    In the chilling horror flick Carrie, a high school girl named Carrie White (Sissy Spacek) grapples with her emerging telekinetic powers, under the oppressive reign of her fanatically religious mother, Margaret (Piper Laurie). A pariah at school, she's tormented by her peers and misunderstood at home. When a cruel prank at the prom triggers her abilities, the night descends into terror. Directed by Brian De Palma, this film is based on Stephen King's novel of the same name. Nominated for two Academy Awards, it remains a classic in the horror genre.

    Available On:

    subscription

    $14.99

    $2.99

  • Jaws
    7
    Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss
    237 votes
    • Released: 1975
    • Directed by: Steven Spielberg
    In the classic thriller Jaws, the quiet summer resort of Amity Island is thrown into chaos by a deadly great white shark. Police Chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) must team up with oceanographer Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and grizzled shark hunter Quint (Robert Shaw) to stop it. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this film redefined the horror genre, creating the concept of a summer blockbuster. The film's tension-filled plot and iconic score won it three Academy Awards, including Best Original Score for John Williams. Despite its simple premise, Jaws remains an enduring masterpiece of suspense and fear.

    Available On:

    subscription

    $7.99

    $14.99

    $3.99

  • The Birds
    8
    Rod Taylor, Tippi Hedren, Suzanne Pleshette
    188 votes
    • Released: 1963
    • Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock
    In Hitchcock's 1963 suspenseful classic, The Birds, Melanie Daniels (Tippi Hedren), a socialite from San Francisco, ventures into the small coastal town of Bodega Bay. She's there to deliver a pair of lovebirds to Mitch Brenner (Rod Taylor), a man she's taken an interest in. But soon after her arrival, the town is besieged by inexplicably aggressive bird attacks. The once peaceful locality descends into chaos and fear as every corner becomes a potential battleground against these avian assailants. Jessica Tandy plays Lydia Brenner, Mitch's apprehensive mother. Suzanne Pleshette appears as Annie Hayworth, Mitch's former lover and the local school teacher. Amidst this unpredictable terror, human relationships are tested and survival instincts override all else. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for its impressive special effects.

    Available On:

    subscription

    $14.99

    $3.99

  • The Shining
    9
    Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd
    256 votes
    • Released: 1980
    • Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
    In the chilling film The Shining, Jack Torrance (portrayed by Jack Nicholson) takes on a winter caretaker role at Colorado's secluded Overlook Hotel. His aim is to overcome his writer's block, and he brings along his wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and son Danny (Danny Lloyd). A unique aspect of this narrative is Danny's psychic abilities, which lead him to experience unnerving premonitions. The movie unfolds as Jack grapples with a stagnant writing process and Danny's visions grow increasingly alarming. The crux of the plot lies in Jack uncovering the hotel's sinister past, an event that triggers a terrifying transformation within him towards violence against his own family.
  • Hellraiser
    10
    Andrew Robinson, Clare Higgins, Ashley Laurence
    180 votes
    • Released: 1987
    • Directed by: Clive Barker
    In the macabre world of Hellraiser, Larry Cotton (Andrew Robinson) and his wife, Julia (Clare Higgins), find themselves tangled in a twisted web of horror. Moving into his family home, they unwittingly unleash something chilling: Frank (Sean Chapman), Larry's brother who has been trapped in a hellish dimension. He emerges through a mysterious puzzle box, bringing with him an army of Cenobites - grotesque beings from another realm, led by Pinhead (Doug Bradley). As Julia falls into a dangerous love triangle with Larry and the resurrected Frank, she becomes ensnared in their gruesome game of pleasure and pain. This 1987 British horror film is based on Clive Barker's novella The Hellbound Heart, with Barker himself at the helm as director.

    Available On:

    subscription

    free

    $9.99

    $2.99

  • Pet Sematary
    11
    Dale Midkiff, Fred Gwynne, Denise Crosby
    219 votes
    • Released: 1989
    • Directed by: Mary Lambert
    In the chilling horror film Pet Sematary, Dr. Louis Creed (Dale Midkiff) relocates his family to rural Maine, unaware of the eerie pet cemetery near their new home. The story takes a dark turn when tragedy strikes, leading Louis to an old local named Jud Crandall (Fred Gwynne). A secret, ancient burial ground with sinister powers is unveiled by Jud. As the Creeds grapple with death and its unnatural reversal, director Mary Lambert masterfully unravels a tale of escalating dread and unspeakable horror. Characters plunge into a nightmare where boundaries between life and death hauntingly blur.

    Available On:

    subscription

    free

    $3.79

    $12.99

    $3.99

  • Bram Stoker's Dracula
    12
    Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins
    180 votes
    • Released: 1992
    • Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
    Bram Stoker's Dracula is a chilling journey into the heart of darkness, masterfully directed by Francis Ford Coppola. The tale unfolds with Count Dracula (Gary Oldman), an ageless vampire haunted by a tragic love story. He leaves his castle in Transylvania and ventures to Victorian England, lured by a photograph of Mina Murray (Winona Ryder), who bears an uncanny resemblance to his long-lost beloved. In this grim world, Professor Abraham Van Helsing (Anthony Hopkins) emerges as a beacon of light. A scholar with profound knowledge about vampires, he becomes the chief adversary to the Count's unholy plans. The movie cascades through a series of hauntingly beautiful scenes that paint a vivid picture of love, loss, and horror. Winner of three Academy Awards, this Gothic horror film reinterprets Bram Stoker's classic novel, offering viewers an intricate tapestry of passion and terror. It stands as a testament to Coppola's cinematic genius and the enduring allure of the Dracula legend.

    Available On:

    subscription

    $12.99

    $3.99

  • 1408
    13
    John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson, Mary McCormack
    160 votes
    • Released: 2007
    • Directed by: Mikael HĂ¥fström
    In the suspenseful thriller 1408, renowned author Mike Enslin (John Cusack) is a skeptic of supernatural phenomena. His cynicism leads him to room 1408 of the Dolphin Hotel, despite warnings from hotel manager Gerald Olin (Samuel L. Jackson). This room, notorious for its sinister history, becomes an arena for a chilling confrontation with the paranormal. As the plot unfurls, Enslin's skepticism is challenged by inexplicable events that defy his rational mind. The movie masterfully blends psychological terror with suspense, making 1408 a haunting exploration of disbelief meeting incontrovertible reality.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Cujo
    14
    Dee Wallace, Danny Pintauro, Daniel Hugh Kelly
    167 votes
    • Released: 1983
    • Directed by: Lewis Teague
    In the heart-pounding thriller Cujo, a quiet American town is plunged into terror. Donna Trenton (Dee Wallace) and her son, Tad (Danny Pintauro), find themselves trapped in their car, stalked by a rabid St. Bernard - the once gentle family pet named Cujo. This Stephen King adaptation intertwines horror with suspense, as the mother-son duo fights against time and nature to survive. Director Lewis Teague masterfully escalates tension in this chilling tale of survival, turning an everyday setting into a claustrophobic nightmare. The film's true star, however, remains Cujo, an embodiment of primal fear that leaves audiences on edge long after the credits roll.

    Available On:

    subscription

    free

    $3.59

    $12.99

    $3.99

  • The Amityville Horror
    15
    James Brolin, Margot Kidder, Rod Steiger
    162 votes
    • Released: 1979
    • Directed by: Stuart Rosenberg
    In the chilling realm of horror, The Amityville Horror stands as a spine-tingling testament to suspense. George Lutz (James Brolin) and his wife Kathy (Margot Kidder) become the new inhabitants of a Long Island home. Unbeknownst to them, this isn't just any house - it's a house with a dark past. A year prior, a gruesome family massacre occurred within these walls, tainting its foundations with an ominous presence. As the Lutzes settle in, they begin experiencing inexplicable phenomena that escalate into terrifying incidents. The family dog acts strangely. Mysterious voices echo through empty rooms. The once warm and inviting house transforms into a menacing entity, twisting reality and sanity alike for the unfortunate Lutzes. Steeped in fear and tension, The Amityville Horror is an exploration of a haunting that blurs the line between the psychological and supernatural.

    Available On:

    subscription

    $14.99

    $3.99

  • Christine
    16
    Keith Gordon, John Stockwell, Alexandra Paul
    168 votes
    • Released: 1983
    • Directed by: John Carpenter
    In the eerie film Christine, director John Carpenter brings to life Stephen King's novel. The story revolves around high school nerd Arnie Cunningham (Keith Gordon) who falls in love with a sentient and malevolent 1958 Plymouth Fury named Christine. As Arnie begins restoring the car, he undergoes a disturbing personality transformation that alarms his buddy Dennis (John Stockwell). With each repair, Christine grows more powerful and deadly, eventually committing a series of grisly murders. This horror-thriller genre movie is not just about a haunted car but also a chilling exploration of obsession and revenge.

    Available On:

    $2.79

    $12.99

    $12.99

  • Children of the Corn
    17
    Peter Horton, Linda Hamilton, R. G. Armstrong
    152 votes
    • Released: 1984
    • Directed by: Fritz Kiersch
    In the heart of rural Nebraska, Burt (Peter Horton) and Vicky (Linda Hamilton) stumble upon a desolate town, Gatlin. This eerie place is inhabited solely by children - a chilling result of a sinister pact made with a demonic entity known as He Who Walks Behind The Rows. As Burt and Vicky unravel the dark secrets that bind these children to the cornfields, they find themselves entangled in a fight for survival. 1984's Children of the Corn, based on Stephen King's short story, weaves together elements of suspense, mystery and supernatural terror.

    Available On:

    subscription

    free

    $3.99

    $9.99

    $2.99

  • Dracula
    18
    Bela Lugosi, Edward Van Sloan, Dwight Frye
    141 votes
    • Released: 1931
    • Directed by: Tod Browning
    In the atmospheric film Dracula, Count Dracula (Bela Lugosi) emerges from Transylvanian shadows, a creature of the night with a thirst for human blood. He travels to England, leaving a trail of terror in his wake. Renowned vampire hunter Van Helsing (Edward Van Sloan) is hot on his heels, intent on ending Dracula's reign of horror. The chilling narrative escalates as the count sets his sights on Mina (Helen Chandler), driving her friends and family into a desperate race against time. This iconic 1931 horror classic, directed by Tod Browning, won three Academy Awards and remains a staple in the genre.

    Available On:

    subscription

    $14.99

    $3.99

  • Red Dragon
    19
    Anthony Hopkins, Ed Norton, Ralph Fiennes
    155 votes
    • Released: 2002
    • Directed by: Brett Ratner
    In Red Dragon, former FBI agent Will Graham (Edward Norton) is lured out of retirement to track down a serial killer known as The Tooth Fairy (Ralph Fiennes). Pulled into the depths of a mind twisted by madness, Graham finds himself consulting the notorious Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), his old adversary. This crime thriller, a prequel to The Silence of the Lambs, delves into the dark origins of the cannibalistic psychiatrist, painting a chilling portrait of evil. As Graham unravels the case, he becomes ensnared in a deadly game with two twisted minds at its center.

    Available On:

    subscription

    $3.79

    $14.99

    $14.99

  • Interview with the Vampire (1994)
    20
    Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Antonio Banderas
    154 votes
    • Released: 1994
    • Directed by: Neil Jordan
    Interview with the Vampire is a compelling exploration of immortality, guilt, and human nature. The film unravels the centuries-long life of Louis de Pointe du Lac (Brad Pitt), a reluctant vampire, as he recounts his tale to a modern-day journalist (Christian Slater). Turned into a vampire by the charismatic yet ruthless Lestat de Lioncourt (Tom Cruise), Louis grapples with his new existence. Claudia (Kirsten Dunst), a child turned into a vampire, adds another layer of complexity to their unconventional family dynamic. This Gothic horror-drama, based on Anne Rice's popular novel, earned two Academy Award nominations and remains an iconic entry in the vampire genre.

    Available On:

    $14.99

    $14.99

  • Let the Right One In
    21
    KĂ¥re Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Per Ragnar
    128 votes
    • Released: 2008
    • Directed by: Tomas Alfredson
    In the bleak landscape of suburban Stockholm, Let the Right One In weaves an eerie tale of friendship and horror. Oskar (KĂ¥re Hedebrant), a lonely, bullied boy finds solace in Eli (Lina Leandersson), his peculiar yet captivating new neighbor. Unbeknownst to him, Eli harbors a chilling secret: she is a vampire. As their bond deepens, the line between innocence and monstrosity blurs. This Swedish romantic horror film, directed by Tomas Alfredson, won multiple awards for its unique blend of adolescent drama and supernatural terror. The movie's stark visuals and haunting storyline make it a standout in its genre.

    Available On:

    subscription

    $9.99

    $2.99

  • Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
    22
    Zoe Margaret Colletti, Michael Garza, Gabriel Rush
    124 votes
    • Released: 2019
    • Directed by: AndrĂ© Ă˜vredal
    In the chilling movie Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, a group of teenagers stumbles upon a haunted house, only to discover a book filled with terrifying tales. It is penned by Sarah Bellows (Kathleen Pollard), a tortured young girl whose dark secrets have lived on through her sinister stories. As Stella Nicholls (Zoe Colletti) and her friends begin reading, they realize that these aren't just stories; they're real-life nightmares coming alive. This horror film, based on Alvin Schwartz's popular children's book series, weaves together multiple narratives into one spine-tingling feature, delivering scares that linger long after the credits roll.

    Available On:

    subscription

    $12.99

    $14.99

  • Manhunter
    23
    William Petersen, Kim Greist, Dennis Farina
    117 votes
    • Released: 1986
    • Directed by: Michael Mann
    In the chilling thriller Manhunter, former FBI profiler Will Graham (William Petersen) is coaxed out of retirement to hunt a serial killer known as The Tooth Fairy. With his unique ability to empathize with psychopaths, Graham consults incarcerated cannibalistic murderer Dr. Hannibal Lecktor (Brian Cox) to gain insights into the case. As Graham delves deeper into the mind of the killer, he finds himself on a perilous journey that tests his mental strength. Directed by Michael Mann, this film is a masterful precursor to The Silence of the Lambs.

    Available On:

    free

    $4.19

    $5.99

    $3.99

  • Frankenstein
    24
    Colin Clive, Mae Clarke, John Boles
    137 votes
    • Released: 1931
    • Directed by: James Whale
    Embarking on a tale of horror and science, Frankenstein is a movie adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic novel. Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Colin Clive) is an ambitious scientist obsessed with the idea of creating life. He builds a creature (Boris Karloff), assembled from exhumed bodies, in his laboratory. However, the creature's grotesque appearance belies its gentle nature - inciting fear and violence in those it encounters. The film, directed by James Whale, won significant acclaim for its groundbreaking makeup and special effects. This chilling narrative explores themes of ambition, responsibility, and the consequences of playing God.

    Available On:

    $4.29

    $14.99

    $3.99

  • Thinner
    25
    Robert John Burke, Joe Mantegna, Michael Constantine
    128 votes
    • Released: 1996
    • Directed by: Tom Holland
    Billy Halleck (Robert John Burke) is an obese lawyer who accidentally hits a Gypsy with his car after his wife distracts him. Given Halleck's influence in town and a general prejudice against Gypsies, he manages to brush the incident under the rug with some unethical legal help from his associates. However, the victim's father, Tadzu Lempke (Michael Constantine), places a curse on the heavyset man, and he starts to lose weight at an alarming rate, which is followed by other macabre events.

    Available On:

    subscription

  • Dreamcatcher
    26
    Morgan Freeman, Thomas Jane, Jason Lee
    132 votes
    • Released: 2003
    • Directed by: Lawrence Kasdan
    In the chilling thriller Dreamcatcher, four friends, Gary 'Jonesy' Jones (Damian Lewis), Pete Moore (Timothy Olyphant), Joe 'Beaver' Clarendon (Jason Lee) and Henry Devlin (Thomas Jane) embark on an annual hunting trip in the snowy landscapes of Maine. An unexpected encounter with a disoriented stranger and his mysterious ailments spirals into a terrifying battle against alien forces. As childhood secrets resurface amidst the chaos, their loyalty is tested, pushing their bonds to the brink. Directed by Lawrence Kasdan, this movie weaves together elements of horror, sci-fi, and drama in a unique tapestry of suspense and intrigue.

    Available On:

    $3.59

    $9.99

    $3.99

  • Audition
    27
    Eihi Shiina, Renji Ishibashi, Ren Osugi
    93 votes
    • Released: 1999
    • Directed by: Takashi Miike
    Audition is a 1999 Japanese psychological horror-drama film, directed by Takashi Miike and starring Ryo Ishibashi and Eihi Shiina. It is based on a Ryu Murakami novel of the same title, from a screenplay by Daisuke Tengan. The film was screened at the 1999 Vancouver International Film Festival and was released theatrically in Japan on March 3, 2000. Over the years, the film has developed a cult following.
  • The Unholy
    28
    Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Cary Elwes, William Sadler
    56 votes
    • Released: 2021
    • Directed by: Evan Spiliotopoulos
    A girl inexplicably gains the power to heal the sick after a supposed visitation from the Virgin Mary. As word spreads and people flock to witness her miracles, a disgraced journalist visits the small New England town to investigate. However, when strange events start to occur, he soon wonders if these phenomena are the result of something more sinister.

    Available On:

    subscription

    $14.99

    $3.99

  • No One Gets Out Alive
    29
    Marc Menchaca, Cristina Rodlo, Victoria Alcock
    45 votes
    • Released: 2021
    • Directed by: Santiago Menghini
    Desperate and without documentation, a woman from Mexico moves into a rundown Cleveland boardinghouse. Then the unsettling cries and eerie visions begin.

    Available On:

    subscription

    $3.99

  • We Need to Do Something
    30
    Sierra McCormick, Vinessa Shaw, Pat Healy
    42 votes
    • Released: 2021
    • Directed by: Sean King O'Grady
    Seeking shelter from a storm, a family finds itself trapped for days with no sign of rescue and untold evils lurking just beyond the walls.

    Available On:

    subscription

    $12.99

    $12.99

    $6.99

  • Coming Home in the Dark
    31
    Daniel Gillies, Erik Thomson, Miriama McDowell
    37 votes
    • Released: 2021
    • Directed by: James Ashcroft
    Coming Home in the Dark is a 2021 New Zealand psychological horror-thriller film directed by James Ashcroft, based on the 1995 short-story by Owen Marshall. A school teacher is forced to confront a brutal act from his past when a pair of ruthless drifters takes him and his family on a nightmare road-trip.