Tales From The Crypt is one of the best horror TV shows to ever air. The series was hosted by a terrifying, yet comical, Crypt Keeper, who shared ghoulish stories each week. In addition to the spooky tales, the HBO series also provided fans with some amazing actors and guest stars.
What Was Tales From The Crypt About?
The horror anthology series ran from 1989 until 1996. The series allowed viewers to jump into a new terrifying tale each week, making it impossible to predict. The show as based on the 1950s EC Comics that became iconic for blending horror with dark comedy themes.
The stories often had unexpected endings, and the series was backed by prominent filmmakers such as Robert Zemeckis, Richard Donner, and Walter Hill, all of whom also directed episodes during the show’s seven seasons.
Why Was Tales From The Crypt So Popular?
The series premiered in June of 1989 and eventually shaped 90s TV with its popular episodes and plotlines, which became watercooler talking points for many fans. Because the series aired on HBO, it was given liberties that many other shows couldn’t take.
This meant that there were themes of gore, sex, and some of the wildest plot twists to ever exist on television. Famous faces that starred in episodes of Tales From The Crypt include Brad Pitt, Demi Moore, Tom Hanks, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
During the show’s seven season run, there were plenty of standout episodes and memorable moments. So, if you’re looking for the best of the best to watch during spooky season, we’re breaking them down for you.
And All Through The House (Season 1, Episode 2)
When we think of Christmas, we don’t usually think of escaped lunatics, murder plots, and a creepy Santa. However, that’s exactly what happens when a woman kills her husband on Christmas Eve, but ends up being terrorized by an escaped mental patient dressed as Santa.
The episode features Mary Ellen Trainor as Elizabeth, who finds herself in a real-life Silent Night nightmare after committing a heinous crime, and to make matters worse, her young daughter is along for the ride.
Television Terror (Season 2, Episode 16)
When a TV journalist named Horton Rivers (Morton Downey Jr.) does an investigation into a haunted boarding house for a live ghost hunt, things take an unexpected and haunting turn when the paranormal appears to take over the broadcast.
Because paranormal television shows are still so popular, this episode still resonates. Not to mention the character of Horton Rivers is a world-class jerk who really pushes the limits and finds some karma for his past behavior.
Death Of Some Salesmen (Season 5, Episode 1)
Ed Begley Jr. stars as a scummy cemetery plot salesman looking to con all of his clients out of money, leaving them hurting in their time of need. That is, until he runs into a family who share a hatred of all salesmen, and have an elaborate plan for the con man.
The legendary Tim Curry portrays all three of the family members, leaning into different roles to play a mother, father, and daughter are are sure to leave your cringing. After watching the episode you’re sure to love Curry even more, and be reminded of why Tales From The Crypt was so popular during its run.
The New Arrival (Season 4, Episode 7)
Dr. Alan Goetz (David Warner) is a child therapist who sees his career passing him by and wants to revive it. When he speaks to a mother who claims her daughter is out of control, he visits their home where he finds more than he bargained for upon meeting the child, who dresses like a doll and wears a creepy mask.
Dr. Goetz tries to figure out exactly what’s happening but things take a wicked turn before he’s able to escape his terrifying fate. The episode also stars Zelda Rubenstein, who horror fans will remember from the fan-favorite film Poltergeist.
Abra Cadaver (Season 3, Episode 4)
A medical student plays a mean prank on his brother, a surgeon, during a birthday surprise. Things took a wrong turn, leaving the surgeon disabled. Many years later, the prank victim exact revenge on his brother, now a bigshot doctor, throwing him into an unimaginable nightmare.
The plot twist in this episode is amazing, and the cast is even better. A young Tony Goldwyn (Scandal) stars as the tormented younger brother, while Beau Bridges portrays his older sibling.
Tales From The Crypt Is Still A Horror Classic
When it comes to horror TV shows, there aren’t a lot that can stand the test of time. However, Tales From The Crypt has done just that. From its memorable, nightmarish opening credit scene, to the ghoulish Crypt Keeper, and fan-favorite stories, this is one show that fans can watch over and over again.
Every episode of Tales From The Crypt is currently streaming on Shudder.
