Review: ‘Horror’s Greatest’ is a Comprehensive, Slightly Long-Winded, Dive into the Evolution and Impact of Horror Cinema

“Horror’s Greatest,” a new Shudder Original series, is a must-watch for any horror enthusiast, offering a thrilling deep dive into the genre’s most beloved elements. From the iconic to the obscure, this series meticulously examines what makes horror tick, with a fresh take on the classics and a spotlight on hidden gems that every fan should know.

The series brings together a roster of horror heavyweights—actors, directors, writers, composers, and special effects artists—who share their unique insights on the genre’s enduring appeal. These interviews are set against a fittingly eerie backdrop, adding to the overall spooky ambiance. The series deftly navigates a broad array of topics, avoiding the pitfalls of becoming too sprawling by focusing on five well-chosen themes: “Tropes and Cliches,” “Giant Monsters,” “Japanese Horror,” “Horror Comedies,” and “Stephen King Adaptations.” Each episode stands alone, making it easy for viewers to pick and choose their interests, whether it’s a comprehensive look at Japanese horror or a breakdown of horror’s most familiar tropes.

One of the series’ strengths lies in its ability to balance entertainment with education. The episodes are lively, with precise clip selection and thoughtful in-episode lists—like recommended films to watch and memorable one-liners—that keep the viewer engaged. The stop-motion animation used for transitions adds a creative touch, while the passionate commentary from horror experts like Joe Hill, Tananarive Due, and the Boulet Brothers enriches the experience.

With episodes clocking in at just an hour each, some aspects feel slightly stretched. The plot summaries seem unnecessary, especially for a series aimed at horror aficionados who are likely familiar with the films being discussed. Despite this, the series remains a compelling watch, offering both nostalgia and new insights.

One of the most intriguing discussions in “Horror’s Greatest” is the critique of the “final girl” trope, particularly highlighted in the first episode. The series challenges the traditional narrative that elevates a lone survivor, often a young woman, as the hero of horror films. Instead, it advocates for a shift in perspective, suggesting that the focus should be on collective survival rather than individual triumph. This reimagining of the trope emphasizes the power of community and shared resilience in the face of terror, offering a refreshing take that resonates with modern audiences and pushes the genre towards more inclusive and empowering storytelling.

The final episode of Horror’s Greatest delves into the world of Stephen King adaptations, a subgenre that has practically become its own entity within horror cinema. The episode does an impressive job of covering the breadth of King’s influence, from iconic films like The Shining and Carrie to more recent adaptations such as It and Doctor Sleep. The exploration is thorough, capturing the essence of King’s stories and the unique challenges they present in translating his work to the screen. However, for a series finale, it feels like there was potential for something more grandiose. While the episode successfully highlights King’s profound impact on the genre, it leaves you wishing the conclusion had a bigger, more climactic thought process to truly cap off the series. Although, I did love the list of top ten King adaptations to see at the end.

For horror nerds, standout episodes include “Tropes and Cliches,” which functions as a mini film school course, dissecting the most familiar elements of horror and explaining their origins, and “Japanese Horror,” which delves into a well-curated selection of films, from “Kwaidan” to “Ring.” If there’s a season two, it would be exciting to see Shudder explore more obscure international horror, perhaps venturing into the often-overlooked Indonesian horror scene.

“Horror’s Greatest” premieres on Shudder on August 27, and it’s an essential addition to any horror fan’s watchlist. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering new ones, this series is a celebration of the nightmares we love to watch.

Stars: 4/5