You Won’t Believe The Most Epic Segment From These 32 Iconic Anthology Movies!

As a self-confessed fan of anthology movies, I always relish the opportunity to immerse myself in a variety of stories for the cost of a single ticket. While my heart often leans towards horror anthologies, I’m equally captivated by films that compile shorts from diverse genres. The million-dollar question: which tale stands out as the best from each masterful anthology ever graced the silver screen?

Here are a few of my personal favorites:

1. “The Tell-Tale Heart” (from Tales from the Darkside: The Movie, 1990) – Stephen King’s chilling adaptation of his own short story is a gripping and terrifying tale that showcases the power of the human mind to both create and destroy.

2. “The Dentist” (from Creepshow, 1982) – This darkly comedic homage to EC Comics is filled with memorable characters, gory special effects, and a wicked sense of humor that makes it a standout in the horror genre.

3. “Babe” (from Paris, Je T’aime, 2006) – A heartwarming tale about a stray dog who learns to communicate with humans using sign language, this moving short film beautifully showcases the power of love and understanding between species.

4. “The Lottery” (from The Twilight Zone Movie, 1983) – Based on Shirley Jackson’s iconic short story, this chilling adaptation captures the eerie tension and unsettling mystery that made the original story a classic.

5. “The Crate” (from Creepshow 2, 1987) – Another delightful entry in George Romero’s anthology series, this tale of a mysterious crate unleashing unspeakable horrors is filled with suspense and jump scares that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Of course, these are just a few examples of the countless memorable stories found within some of the best anthologies in cinematic history. What are your favorite tales from these or other anthology movies? Let’s share our love for this unique and captivating format!

Sin City, “Hartigan And Nancy’s Story”

The most memorable part of the 2005 film “Sin City” is often referred to as the story of Detective Hartigan (played by Bruce Willis) and Nancy Callahan (Jessica Alba), despite its official title being based on the vibrant villain portrayed by Nick Stahl. This significant segment, directed by Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller, is framed around a tough detective who serves time for a child abuse victim and continues to safeguard her from her assailant over many years.

Creepshow, “They’re Creeping Up On You!”

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the most unsettling part of the 1982 horror film “Creepshow,” directed by George Romero and written by Stephen King, uses the term “creepy” in its true sense: The movie is called “They’re Creeping Up on You!” and it features E. G. Marshall as a wealthy, germ-conscious, grumpy hermit whose penthouse is overrun with cockroaches.

Monty Python’s The Meaning Of Life, “Mr. Creosote”

1983’s The Meaning of Life, penned and acted by the Monty Python troupe, offers a sequence of comedic sketches with a philosophical undertone. However, these sketches often deviate into pure nonsense and hilarity. The most unforgettable and debatably uproarious scene is also the most audacious and revolting. In this scene, director Terry Jones plays Mr. Creosote, an excessively obese regular at a posh French restaurant. Despite never finishing his meal, he continually vomits, eventually leading to an explosion when he can’t contain himself any longer.

Twilight Zone: The Movie, “Nightmare At 20,000 Feet”

The 1983 film adaption of Rod Serling’s iconic horror anthology television series is frequently overshadowed by the unfortunate events during the production of John Landis’ segment, where three people tragically died in a helicopter accident. Nevertheless, this movie deserves recognition for its humorous reimaginings of classic Twilight Zone episodes, particularly George Miller’s rendition of “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet,” featuring the exceptional John Lithgow as the mentally disturbed man who sees something ominous on the airplane wing.

The French Dispatch, “The Private Dining Room Of The Police Commissioner”

In “The French Dispatch,” director Wes Anderson weaves together five tales, each appearing as articles from the last edition of the title magazine. Notably, one captivating section features the talented Jeffrey Wright, an Academy Award nominee, portraying a food critic embroiled in a kidnapping scheme.

Heavy Metal, “Den”

It’s not just animated anthology movies that are intended for children; some of them can be quite mature. For instance, take the 1981 classic animated film, Heavy Metal, which presents a range of strange sci-fi and fantasy tales, like “Den.” In this segment, John Candy lends his voice to the main character, a skinny, timid teen who discovers an orb that transports him to another world, where he undergoes a transformation into a towering hero.

Paris, Je T’aime, “Bastille”

Paris, I Love You” is a compilation of short films by different directors, each exploring romance in the iconic city of Paris. These stories span a wide range, from humorous to downright chilling. However, one of the most critically praised segments features a bittersweet tale directed by Isabel Coixet. In this piece, a man (Sergio Castellitto) contemplates leaving his wife (Miranda Richardson) for his mistress (Leonor Watling), but an unexpected revelation alters him irrevocably.

Coffee And Cigarettes, “Cousins”

Jim Jarmusch’s 2003 film, Coffee and Cigarettes, is a series of short segments featuring well-known personalities playing themselves, except for one special case, “Cousins”. In this particular instance, Oscar winner Cate Blanchett not only plays herself but also immerses herself in the character of her fictional brunette cousin, Shelly. They encounter each other in an awkward reunion at a hotel lobby.

V/H/S, “Amateur Night”

Among the highly acclaimed modern horror anthology film collections is the V/H/S series, comprising numerous brief horror films shot in the style of found footage. One of the most esteemed segments from the 2012 original, subsequently developed into the 2016 full-length movie Siren, is titled “Amateur Night.” In this segment, three male companions, one with glasses secretly outfitted with a camera, unknowingly invite a ravenous succubus (Hannah Fierman) to their motel room.

Fantasia, “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”

Likely, enthusiasts of Disney’s animated films find themselves captivated by the 1940’s masterpiece “Fantasia,” a collection of the studio’s finest animated pieces at that time. The standout segment, which later inspired a live-action film starring Nicolas Cage, is called “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” In this segment, Mickey Mouse plays the role of an apprentice to a sorcerer who tries to avoid tasks using his boss’ magical hat. However, things go awry as he ends up causing even more chaos.

Four Rooms, “Room 309: The Misbehavers”

As a movie enthusiast, I recently had the pleasure of reviewing the 1995 anthology film, “Four Rooms,” which takes us on an unforgettable journey through the chaotic New Year’s Eve festivities at the Hotel Mon Signor in Los Angeles. This film is unique because each segment tells a piece of a larger puzzle, with our protagonist, Ted (Tim Roth), a bellhop who finds himself in quite the pickle as he navigates the peculiar guests and events in this eccentric hotel.

The film boasts an impressive directorial lineup, featuring Allison Anders, Alexandre Rockwell, Quentin Tarantino, and Robert Rodriguez, with Rodriguez’s segment, “The Misbehavers,” being the comedic highlight. In this hilarious tale, Ted is entrusted with the task of babysitting the unruly offspring of a wealthy couple, played by Antonio Banderas and Tamlyn Tomita. The resulting chaos is both entertaining and memorable.

Tales From The Hood, “KKK Comeuppance”

Tales from the Hood stands out as a timeless gem in Black horror filmmaking, featuring Clarence Williams III as a quirky funeral director who regales three young visitors with chilling tales about his most peculiar clients. One particularly terrifying, humorous, and thought-provoking segment features Corbin Bernsen portraying a racist Southern senator who is tormented by dolls inhabited by the spirits of slaves who once worked at the plantation he now operates from as an office.

The Kentucky Fried Movie, “Scot Free”

1977’s “The Kentucky Fried Movie,” directed by John Landis and created by the minds behind “Airplane!”, Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker, is a timeless comedy film known for its hilarious skits and iconic mock ads that have left their mark on pop culture. For example, one of these fictional commercials showcases a board game called Scot Free, where players attempt to carry out a political assassination undetected.

Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas, “Mickey And Minnie’s Gift Of The Magi”

In my household, a beloved ’90s direct-to-video film that we now watch every holiday season is the 1999 release titled “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas“. This delightful movie features a series of heartfelt holiday stories narrated by Kelsey Grammer and showcases some of Disney’s most cherished animated characters. The tale starring Mickey and Minnie is particularly moving, drawing inspiration from O. Henry’s timeless short story “The Gift of the Magi,” emphasizing the importance of thoughtful gift-giving with a heartwarming performance of “Jingle Bells” by Mickey on the harmonica.

The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs, “The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs”

Joel and Ethan Coen ventured back into the Western genre in 2018 with “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs,” a Netflix original that weaves together various tales from the Old West. Among these stories, the one that stands out most is the opening segment, titled after the film itself, where Tim Blake Nelson plays the main character, a singing cowboy named Buster Scruggs. This cowboy leaves quite an impact in a small town with his unexpected presence.

Black Sabbath, “The Drop of Water”

Black Sabbath, the powerful heavy metal band, took their name from Mario Bava’s 1963 horror anthology film. Known as “Black Sabbath” in English, this Italian thriller is particularly esteemed for its chilling segment titled “The Drop of Water.” In this part, a nurse tragically loses her life after stealing a ring from the dead hand of a medium. Boris Karloff served as the host for this horror classic.

New York, I Love You, “Segment Eleven”

2008’s “New York, I Love You,” the American equivalent to “Paris, Je T’aime,” concludes with a powerful and perhaps most impactful segment directed by Josh Marston. This final piece is a poignant portrayal of an elderly couple, portrayed by Eli Wallach and Cloris Leachman, who are often at odds as they stroll towards Coney Island on their 63rd wedding anniversary.

Batman: Gotham Knight, “In Darkness Dwells”

As a die-hard Batman fan, I can’t help but sing praises for Kevin Conroy, the legendary voice actor who brings the Caped Crusader to life in all six animated episodes from the underappreciated 2008 film, “Batman: Gotham Knight”. Picking a favorite among these masterpieces is no easy task, but if I had to choose based on sheer thrill, it would be “In Darkness Dwells”, directed by Yasuhiro Aoki. In this gripping episode, Batman faces off against the fear-toxin infected Killer Croc, a battle that sends my excitement soaring!

Tales From The Darkside: The Movie, “Lover’s Vow”

Among the standout segments from the 1990’s full-length adaptation of George A. Romero’s popular horror anthology series, Tales from the Darkside, I particularly enjoy “Lover’s Vow.” In this story, James Remar plays a struggling artist who accidentally witnesses his friend being slain by a gargoyle. The gargoyle then offers to spare his life in exchange for his promise of secrecy about the event. As fate would have it, he later meets the woman he falls in love with (Rae Dawn Chong), and finds himself torn between keeping his word and sharing his terrifying secret. This retelling of the Japanese folk tale “Yuki-onna” ends with a shocking twist.

Predator: Killer Of Killers, “The Shield”

The upcoming 2025 film by Director Dan Trachtenberg titled “Predator: Killer of Killers” could potentially be the best installment in the franchise since the original from 1987, or even ever, due to its engaging stories that enrich the mythology surrounding one of cinema’s most terrifying extraterrestrial creatures. Among the three segments spanning decades, “The Shield,” featuring Ursa, a Viking warrior, stands out as an exceptionally well-animated, impressively choreographed, and ultimately heartrending tale of vengeance. It also showcases an enormous Predator character.

Kinds Of Kindness, “R.M.F. Eats A Sandwich”

Generally, viewers who have watched a movie by Yorgos Lanthimos know what sort of unconventional elements to anticipate from the Greek filmmaker. However, in 2024’s “Kinds of Kindness,” he amplifies the peculiarity with one puzzling tale after another. The third, concluding, and most outlandish story is “R.M.F. Eats A Sandwich,” which centers around an attempt to resurrect a deceased individual.

Kwaidan, “Hoichi The Earless”

Many admirers of the 1964 Japanese horror film, Kwaidan, often agree that the most captivating chapter is titled “Hoichi the Earless.” This spellbinding tale follows a blind musician who is tasked by ghosts to recite the Tale of the Heike, an account of the Genpei War.

Cat’s Eye, “Quitters, Inc.”

In collaboration with the director of Cujo, Lewis Teague, Stephen King created a set of three interconnected tales featuring a wandering cat… along with Drew Barrymore playing several characters. The most distinctly peculiar and humorously eerie segment from the 1985 film Cat’s Eye is titled “Quitters Inc.”, where James Woods portrays an individual who joins a program to quit smoking, only to find that there are severe penalties for violating its rules.

XX, “The Box”

This set of four brief horror movies, helmed by female directors, was something I had high expectations for. Unfortunately, my anticipation wasn’t fully met. However, I must acknowledge the exceptional work done by writer and director Jovanka Vuckovic in her chilling and disturbing portrayal of Jack Ketchum’s short story, “The Box.” In this tale, a boy peeks into a box handed to him by a stranger on a subway, after which he stops eating.

The Animatrix, “The Second Renaissance – Part I And II”

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but share my excitement about diving deeper into the world of The Matrix through “The Animatrix,” a captivating collection of animated shorts released in 2003. Among all the intriguing stories, Mahiro Maeda’s two-parter, “The Second Renaissance,” stands out as particularly engaging. This prequel to the iconic 1999 film offers a unique perspective on the creation of the oppressive machines that brought forth the Matrix.

The narrative traces their transformation from helpful personal assistant robots to harbingers of doom, as they strive for independence and co-existence with humans. The struggle for autonomy ultimately leads to the apocalypse, making it a compelling tale that offers a fresh take on the established lore.

Three… Extremes, “Cut”

Three prominent directors in Asian horror cinema – Fruit Chan, Park Chan-wook, and Takashi Miike – collaborated in 2004 for an anthology titled “Three… Extremes.” Among these stories, “Cut,” directed by Park Chan-wook and starring Lee Byung-hun as a filmmaker, stands out. This actor finds himself taken captive by a vengeful former colleague in the background of his previous projects.

Ghost Stories, “Dibakar Banerjee”

The story “Dibakar Banerjee” is named after a renowned filmmaker from the critically acclaimed segment of the 2020 Hindi horror anthology film, Ghost Stories. This thought-provoking narrative follows a man who arrives in a dilapidated village. There, two children – a boy and a girl – assert that they are the sole survivors of a dramatic, lethal event. The incident began when the girl’s father mysteriously transformed into a beastly figure, attacking and consuming villagers. In an attempt to avoid becoming prey, the adults started adopting similar feeding habits, which in turn caused them to undergo the same transformation.

Amazon Women On The Moon, “Mondo Condo”

In the 1987 film titled Amazon Women on the Moon, multiple directors collaborated to create the 21 comedic sketches. This movie is often considered the humorous successor to The Kentucky Fried Movie. The opening scene, which is widely regarded as both hilarious and animatedly absurd, sets the tone for this uproarious exhibition of physical comedy. Leading this hilarious performance is comedian Arsenio Hall, who later became a late-night TV host. Throughout the film, he portrays a man who encounters one unfortunate and increasingly bizarre event after another.

All Hallows’ Eve, “Terrifier”

Back in the days before the chilling clown horror movie, “Terrifier,” and its sequels sent shockwaves through the slasher genre, I was captivated by Art the Clown’s chilling debut in a short film bearing his name, created by Damien Leone. In this gripping tale, he relentlessly pursues an unsuspecting woman as she navigates a desolate road under the cover of night. This spine-tingling story would later resurface and stand out as the most memorable segment from Leone’s 2013 anthology film, “All Hallow’s Eve.” In this production, the ominous harlequin (portrayed by Mike Giannelli) makes recurring appearances, weaving a web of terror throughout.

Lust Stories, “Anurag Kashyap”

Without a doubt, one of the most powerful scenes from the Emmy-nominated romantic Indian anthology, “Lust Stories,” is directed by Anurag Kashyap. It centers around a character portrayed by Radhika Apte who explores infidelity in her marriage.

Body Bags, “The Gas Station”

In 1993, famed horror director John Carpenter takes on an acting role in “Body Bags”, serving as the creepy host of this made-for-TV anthology series, initially intended for Showtime. Here, he introduces tales about the newest arrivals at a morgue. Notably, Carpenter also helms the most compelling and realistic segment where Alex Datcher portrays a convenience store worker on her first night shift, coincidentally happening when a serial killer is reported to be active.

Twenty Bucks, “Jimmy And Frank”

Among the interconnected stories from the 1993 comedy “Twenty Bucks”, there isn’t an officially recognized title for the standout tale. This particular narrative revolves around two characters, Jimmy (portrayed by Christopher Lloyd) and Frank (Steve Buscemi), who are thieves. Their mutual mistrust over a $20 bill ultimately leads to their demise.

2025-06-27 00:41