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In Anticipation of Osgood Perkins’ ‘THE MONKEY’: Must-See Horror Films Adapted from Short Stories

A new adaptation of Stephen King‘s chilling short story The Monkey is set to hit theaters on February 21. Directed by Osgood Perkins (Longlegs, The Blackcoat’s Daughter), the film stars Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, and Elijah Wood. The story follows twin brothers, Hal and Bill, who, after discovering an old toy monkey from their father’s past, find themselves haunted by mysterious deaths. As adults, they realize the monkey’s sinister influence may still be affecting them, setting them on a desperate mission to destroy it once and for all.

In anticipation of The Monkey’s release, it’s the perfect time to revisit some other spine-tingling films adapted from short horror stories. These adaptations show how short narratives can evolve into full-bodied cinematic horrors that leave a lasting impact. Here’s a list of some of the most haunting films that bring the terror of short stories to life.


1. The Monkey’s Paw (1948)

Based on: “The Monkey’s Paw”
Author: W.W. Jacobs

Plot: A family comes into possession of a mysterious monkey’s paw that grants three wishes. However, each wish comes with devastating, unintended consequences. The father’s desire for wealth, the son’s longing for life, and the tragic results of their wishes plunge them into terror and remorse.

Why it’s a great adaptation: This 1948 adaptation brings the story’s chilling atmosphere to life with limited resources, relying on strong performances and effective use of tension. The film sticks closely to the original, capturing the eerie morality tale of wishing for more than what you can handle.

Horror tropes: The horror in The Monkey’s Paw is rooted in supernatural dread. It’s a cautionary tale about greed, the consequences of defying fate, and the destructive nature of desires that should remain unspoken. The horror is psychological and existential, evoking guilt, loss, and terror.


2. The Lottery (1996)

Based on: “The Lottery”
Author: Shirley Jackson

Plot: In a small town, the inhabitants follow a disturbing tradition of holding a lottery where one member of the community is selected to be sacrificed. As the story unfolds, the true horror of the ritual becomes apparent, showing how societal norms can blindly perpetuate cruelty.

Why it’s a great adaptation: The 1996 adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s famous story stays true to the eerie, shocking twist of the original short. The film’s pacing builds the suspense as it reveals the horror lurking beneath a seemingly normal village. The stark contrast between the setting’s calmness and the unfolding atrocity makes the film deeply unsettling.

Horror tropes: The Lottery showcases a form of societal horror, exploring themes of conformity, blind tradition, and the inherent cruelty of mob mentality. The horror here is psychological and moral, as it questions the cost of unquestioned tradition and groupthink.


3. The Birds (1963)

Based on: “The Birds”
Author: Daphne du Maurier

Plot: In a coastal town, a series of strange bird attacks begin to escalate, as flocks of birds turn violent and terrorize the local population. The attacks grow more intense, creating an atmosphere of pervasive dread and chaos.

Why it’s a great adaptation: Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds transforms Daphne du Maurier’s unsettling story into a truly iconic thriller. Hitchcock builds tension masterfully, with suspense driven by the unknown threat posed by the birds, and his direction elevates the atmosphere of horror to an almost apocalyptic level.

Horror tropes: The horror in The Birds is psychological, focusing on the terror of an unpredictable natural force. It also explores primal fears, as the sudden aggressiveness of the birds throws the characters into an irrational, survivalist frenzy. Hitchcock also amplifies the horror through suspenseful pacing and eerie sound design.


4. Tales of Terror (1962)

Based on: “The Cask of Amontillado”
Author: Edgar Allan Poe

Plot: The Cask of Amontillado is one of three segments in Roger Corman’s anthology film Tales of Terror (1962). In this adaptation, Montresor (Vincent Price) seeks revenge against his rival, Fortunato (Peter Lorre), by luring him into the dark, winding catacombs beneath his home. Montresor offers to help Fortunato verify the authenticity of a rare wine, Amontillado, but as they journey deeper into the crypts, Fortunato becomes increasingly drunk and unaware of the trap being set for him. With cold, calculating precision, Montresor uses Fortunato’s pride and overconfidence to seal his fate. The segment culminates in a chilling act of vengeance, as Montresor seals Fortunato alive inside a wall, leaving him to die in the damp, oppressive darkness.

Why it’s a great adaptation: Roger Corman’s Tales of Terror masterfully adapts Poe’s story of psychological horror and revenge. The film’s version of The Cask of Amontillado perfectly captures the sinister atmosphere of the original, with Vincent Price’s chilling portrayal of Montresor being a standout. Price’s performance brings the character’s malice and calculating demeanor to life, while Peter Lorre’s portrayal of Fortunato emphasizes the character’s arrogance and vulnerability. Corman effectively uses the dark, claustrophobic setting of the catacombs to intensify the growing tension, making Montresor’s manipulations feel all the more unsettling. As part of the anthology, this segment stands out as one of the most memorable, capturing the essence of Poe’s tale in a short but powerful runtime.

Horror tropes: The horror in The Cask of Amontillado is deeply psychological, rooted in Montresor’s meticulous and cruel manipulation of Fortunato. The terror doesn’t come from physical violence, but rather from the slow, inexorable realization that Fortunato has been led into an inescapable trap. Montresor’s indifference to Fortunato’s suffering adds to the chilling nature of the film, and the film’s atmosphere of impending doom is amplified by the dark, confining catacombs. The horror is also existential, exploring themes of pride, vengeance, and the moral decay that comes with revenge. The final moments, as Montresor seals Fortunato away, are terrifying not just because of the act itself, but because of the cold satisfaction Montresor feels, which highlights the story’s exploration of unchecked human malice.


5. House of the Devil (2009)

Based on: “The Devil’s Due”
Author: Anonymous (often attributed to the supernatural folklore genre)

Plot: A young woman, desperate for money, takes a babysitting job at a remote house, only to realize that the family’s strange behavior hints at something far more sinister—a satanic ritual in progress.

Why it’s a great adaptation: House of the Devil is a slow-burn horror film that excels in building an oppressive sense of dread. The film creates an atmosphere that’s deeply unsettling, using pacing and subtle horror rather than relying on jump scares. It captures the feeling of growing unease in a seemingly ordinary setting. And, of course, we cannot forget to mention how fantastic a performance Jocelin Donahue gave and we’ve been huge fans of everything she’s been in ever since.

Horror tropes: The horror in House of the Devil is supernatural, rooted in the terrifying idea of being trapped in an unknowable and dangerous situation. It delves into themes of vulnerability, the occult, and the fear of being an unwilling participant in something horrific. It’s an atmospheric psychological horror that lingers long after the credits roll.


From The Monkey’s Paw’s deadly wishes to The Birds’s terrifying avian uprising, these adaptations from short horror stories represent some of the finest works in the genre. Each film brings a unique brand of terror, whether psychological, supernatural, or existential. As we prepare for the upcoming release of The Monkey by Osgood Perkins, it’s clear that the world of short horror stories continues to inspire filmmakers to craft films that push boundaries and send chills down our spines. Which one will you be watching next?

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