10 Best Horror Anthology Movies

Moving on from the wacky and irreverent ABC's of death, let's change the pace a little.

Kwaidan is entirely unlike your typical horror movie, as it's a wholly profound and ambitious project that trusts in its audience enough to let them take a leisurely stroll before completely scaring the pants off of them. It's rare to see a horror movie that exceeds three-hours, but Kwaidan doesn't waste a minute of it.

The 1964 Japanese movie tells four separate stories, all inspired by traditional folk tales. This makes the narrative feel rich in spirit, character and morality, while still delivering on some epic scares. The stories include a swordsman who abandons his wife and faces the consequences. A woodcutter who encounters a terrifying spirit known as the Yuki-onna. A blind musician who is contacted by malicious dead spirits. Then finally, a man who spots a strange face in his tea.

Japan really does ghost stories better than anywhere else, and this film is an excellent example of that, as the creativity and morals behind the shorts are abundantly clear. While the effects don't hold up, it's the atmosphere and lavish sets that make this a truly exceptional experience.