Where to start
Tales from the Crypt
2 versions · originally a film, 1972
Themes: Fate, Moral Consequences, Karma, Irony, Supernatural Retribution.
Tales from the Crypt serves as a grim anthology of moral retribution hosted by a wisecracking, cadaverous narrator.
✦ Most fans start here
Tales from the Crypt (1972)
The original movie
✦ Start hereTales from the Crypt
Freddie Francis · Film · 1972
The 1972 Tales from the Crypt movie offers a classic British horror atmosphere, focusing on a group of tourists whose dark fates are revealed through the Crypt Keeper’s chilling, methodical storytelling.
1989 series
Tales from the Crypt
William M. Gaines · Series · 1989
The 1989 Tales from the Crypt television series delivers a punchy, episodic format that leans heavily into the macabre humor and EC Comics aesthetic, perfect for viewers seeking dark, self-contained supernatural thrills.
Common questions
Is the 1972 Tales from the Crypt movie related to the 1989 TV show?
Both the 1972 movie and the 1989 television series are adaptations based on the original EC Comics source material. While they share the title Tales from the Crypt and a focus on horror anthologies, they are independent productions with different casts and stories.
Should I watch the 1972 Tales from the Crypt movie before the 1989 TV series?
You do not need to watch the 1972 Tales from the Crypt movie to understand the 1989 television series. Because both are anthology formats, each episode and the film feature self-contained stories. You can consume either adaptation in any order you prefer.
How long is the 1972 Tales from the Crypt movie?
The 1972 film Tales from the Crypt has a runtime of approximately 92 minutes. It presents five distinct horror segments linked by a common framing device, which is a structural format often seen in adaptations of this specific comic book series.
Are the stories in the 1989 Tales from the Crypt series the same as the 1972 movie?
The 1989 Tales from the Crypt television series and the 1972 movie utilize different selections of source material from the original comics. While both projects maintain the tone and style associated with the franchise, they feature unique scripts and separate production teams.