Top Horror Movies That Would Make Perfect TV Shows

The Innocents: A Dark and Supernatural Friendship

The Norwegian horror film The Innocents is the perfect choice for a TV show adaptation. This film centers on Nordic children who develop a friendship in which they each reveal that they have supernatural powers that get stronger when they’re together. This premise seems like a setup for a superhero movie, but the film takes a dark, homicidal turn. A TV series version of The Innocents could further explore the dark side of having powers, making the show moody and atmospheric. Additionally, it could serve as a coming-of-age story that looks at the angst of growing up different from peers.

Ida looks back over her shoulder while standing in a wooded area in The Innocents.

The Innocents is available to stream on AMC+ Amazon Channel, Shudder, and Shudder Amazon Channel.

Midsommar: Unraveling the Cult

Midsommar is a terrifying horror movie that isn’t paranormal, making it a great option for a TV adaptation. This central cult is complex and includes horrifying practices like the coerced mating ritual and skinning of people. A show could introduce a slow burn that reveals more and more details about the cult as episodes go on. They could remove the problematic representation of bipolar disorder, which is the biggest negative about the movie. Moreover, if they did proper research beforehand, a Midsommar series could easily explore the psychology of cults – a topic that would appeal to audiences who enjoy true crime and crime dramas.

Dani (Florence Pugh) with a flower crown on her head in Midsommar

Midsommar is available to stream on Amazon Prime.

The Shining: A Faithful Adaptation

The Shining is considered one of the best horror movies of all time, displaying Stanley Kubrick‘s genius vision. However, the movie is now tainted for many audiences due to Kubrick’s controlling and cruel tactics on set. Additionally, as an adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, it leaves a lot to be desired. This film deserves an adaptation that remains faithful to the source material and isn’t the product of abuse. TV would be the perfect format because it allows for much more introspective writing that displays Jack’s progression into a paranoid and homicidal individual. It would also mean that plot points wouldn’t need to be condensed or removed for the sake of time. Important book scenes left out of The Shining movie could appear in a TV adaptation.

Jack Nicholson peering through a chopped door

The Shining is available to stream on Paramount+ Apple TV Channel and DIRECTV.