13 of the Scariest All-Time Book-to-Screen Adaptations

Get your spookies on with these truly terror-ific titles

As fall descends and the spooky season settles in, we're in the mood to read and watch all things terrifying. And we can double our frightful entertainment with book-to-screen adaptations of our favorite horror classics. Here are 13 of the most terror-ific titles of all time to get you good and spooked this Halloween.  

The Exorcist (1973) 

Based on: The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty (1971) 

Where to watch: HBO Max 

Get in on a special edition deluxe hardcover of the terrifying novel featuring a freaky glow-in-the-dark cover and stained edges. This landmark of supernatural horror is based on true reports of a child's demonic possession. While unusual accidents, injuries, and even deaths while filming led to rumors that the movie itself, directed by William Friedkin, was cursed, it still reigns as one of our favorites.   

Psycho (1960) 

Based on: Psycho by Robert Bloch (1959) 

Where to watch: Peacock 

Norman Bates loves his mother. She has been dead for the past 20 years, or so people think. Norman knows better, though. Alfred Hitchcock's taut, shocking classic starring Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh is as scary today as it was when first released. Get this striking deluxe hardcover edition featuring a translucent cover, debossed case, special endpapers, and "blood" spattered edges.  

The Shining (1980) 

Based on: The Shining by Stephen King (1973) 

Where to watch: HBO  

King criticized director Stanley Kubrick's take on his novel arguing that his removal of religious themes robbed the story of its heart. It's hard to argue with the success of the picture though, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest horror films ever made. BTW, there have been so many excellent adaptations of King's novels, he could have a list all his own. And, in fact, he does! 

Let the Right One In (2008) 

Based on: Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist (2004) 

Where to watch: Prime Video 

Swedish author Lindqvist breathed new life into the vampire genre with his bestseller about Oskar, a young, bullied boy who has noticed some odd things about his new neighbor, an enigmatic girl named Eli. The Swedish film, directed by Tomas Alfredson, won awards at a number of international film festivals.? 

Jaws (1975) 

Based on: Jaws by Peter Benchley (1974) 

Where to watch: Netflix 

Steven Spielberg made a name for himself with his adaptation of Benchley's 1974 novel about the murderous great white shark who turns a tranquil beach town into a nightmare zone. The book was described by The Washington Post as a "tightly written, tautly paced, study of terror that makes us tingle." 

Rosemary's Baby (1968) 

Based on: Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin (1967) 

Where to watch: Paramount+ 

Roman Polanski directed this film based on Levin's novel about a young pregnant woman (Mia Farrow) who begins to suspect that her elderly neighbors are part of a Satanic cult and that they have plans to use her baby for their rituals. The eerie story explores themes of paranoia and manipulation.? 

Dracula (1931) 

Based on: Dracula by Bram Stoker (1897) 

Where to watch: Prime Video 

Stoker's epistolary novel is regarded as a seminal work of Gothic fiction. It is the story of Transylvanian nobleman (and vampire) Count Dracula who moves to England where he terrorizes a seaside town. A 1924 stage play adaptation led to the making of the classic film. Bela Lugosi's portrayal of the titular character is nothing short of iconic.  

The Silence of the Lambs (1991) 

Based on: The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris (1988) 

Where to watch: Peacock and Prime Video 

Directed by Jonathan Demme, this film, stars Jodie Foster as a young FBI trainee who seeks the advice of an imprisoned serial killer (Anthony Hopkins). It made history by becoming the first horror film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. It was also the third film to win in all of the five major Oscar categories. 

Frankenstein (1931) 

Based on: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (1818) 

Where to watch: Peacock and Prime Video 

There have been countless adaptations, retellings, and iterations of Shelley's classic, considered by many to be the first true Gothic horror novel. The central character is a young scientist obsessed with assembling a living being from recycled human body parts. The result of this experiment leads to mayhem and murder. The OG film stars Boris Karloff as the monster.  

The Invisible Man (1933) 

Based on: The Invisible Man by H. G. Wells (1897) 

Where to watch: Peacock and Prime Video 

This sci-fi horror blends psychological scares with dark humor in the story of a brilliant but volatile scientist who uncovers the secret to invisibility. The film, featuring a chilling performance by Claude Rains, along with groundbreaking special effects, is considered a genre cornerstone for its powerfully eerie atmosphere.    

Carrie (1976) 

Based on: Carrie by Stephen King (1974) 

Where to watch: HBO Max 

Published in 1974, his debut is the story of an abused and bullied teenage girl who takes revenge when she discovers she has telekinetic powers. Brian De Palma's adaptation features powerful performances by Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie. (Btw, there's a new series on Prime Video?that offers a fresh, modern-day spin on the classic.) 

Kwaidan (1964) 

Based on: Kwaidan by Lafcadio Hearn (1904) 

Where to watch: HBO Max 

This anthology horror film, directed by Masaki Kobayashi, weaves together four haunting tales from Hearn's collection, each beautifully designed with exquisite visuals and intricate narratives. The film won the Special Jury Prize at the 1965 Cannes Film Festival.? 

The Haunting (1963 film) 

Based on The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson (1959)  

Where to watch: AMC+ 

Hailed as the greatest haunted house story ever written, this novel follows four seekers who come to stay at the notoriously unfriendly residence where they suffer dire consequences. With is eerie sound design and excellent direction from Robert Wise, the film captures the book's chilling psychological horror. 

We hope this sets the stage for some spooky reading and watching pleasure this Halloween season. What are your favorite horror adaptations? 

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Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon