7 Chilling Horror Films Born from The Twilight Zone's Dark Legacy

Rod Serling’s classic series, “The Twilight Zone,” may not scare audiences as much today as it did during its broadcast in the late ’50s to mid ’60s, but it remains a deeply moving and creatively innovative viewing experience. It’s similar to the works of Stephen King in that it has inspired countless filmmakers to create their own projects. However, unlike King’s stories which are often directly adapted, an episode of “The Twilight Zone” serves as a blueprint for something new and, on occasion, pioneering. Except for “Twilight Zone: The Movie,” we prefer not to dwell on that.

Well, as a cinephile, it’s no secret that shows like The Twilight Zone tend to spawn horror films. However, this series’ impact is so profound and its content so diverse, even reaching into the realm of science fiction (like Real Steel with Hugh Jackman) or comedy (as seen in Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles), it’s hard to fully grasp. But for now, let’s dive into the eerie aspects that have made The Twilight Zone an icon in the horror genre.

10 Cloverfield Lane – “One More Pallbearer”

Season 3’s “One More Pallbearer” might not be as renowned or symbolic as some other episodes, but it shares similarities with the acclaimed “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” by exploring human behavior during crises. The story revolves around millionaire Paul Radin, who lives 300 feet underground in a bomb shelter. He invites three individuals to join him, each carrying a grudge from Paul in various situations. Using methods like disaster sound effects and fake radio broadcasts, he convinces them of an incoming nuclear catastrophe. In reality, they all owe him apologies for events where he was actually the wronged party.

In essence, Radin’s character in the movie “10 Cloverfield Lane” resembles John Goodman’s role. However, it’s the surprising twists at their conclusions that truly echo each other within the broader context of the “Cloverfield” series. But there’s a twist to this twist. When the three characters exit the shelter, Radin hears an explosion, presumed to be a nuclear bomb, and returns to the surface only to find destruction. Yet, it turns out to be a hallucination. Contrastingly, when Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s character emerges from the bunker in “10 Cloverfield Lane”, the apocalypse she encounters is indeed real.

Stream 10 Cloverfield Lane on Prime Video.

Child’s Play – “Living Doll”

The movie “Child’s Play” is undeniably influenced by the “Living Doll” episode of “The Twilight Zone.” This connection isn’t merely a coincidence, as some of us may have encountered “The Twilight Zone” for the first time during our sixth grade years, with our teacher cleverly using clips from the early Chucky films to illustrate similarities with that specific episode.

The storyline titled “Living Doll” revolves around the character Kojak, portrayed by Telly Savalas, and his character Erich Streator. He’s a man with a temper, being the stepfather to a young girl named Christie. One fateful day, Annabelle, Christie’s mother, brings home a doll called Talky Tina. When activated, the doll says “I love you very much.” However, when Erich is alone, he winds up the doll and hears it say things like “I don’t like you.” Suspecting a trick between his wife and stepdaughter, he tries repeatedly to get rid of the doll. Despite his efforts, the doll somehow always finds its way back into his life. Tragically, Erich’s life comes to an end, and upon Annabelle rushing to his side, she learns that maybe his paranoia about the doll wasn’t just a figment of his imagination after all.

Stream Child’s Play on Max.

Final Destination – “Twenty Two”

The “Final Destination” series presents deaths that are grisly enough to surpass the darkest imaginings of the original “The Twilight Zone” television series. Yet, there’s a common theme running throughout. Several episodes in the series revolve around the idea of fate, but when it comes to the episode titled “Twenty Two,” the parallels are even more pronounced.

The story begins by introducing professional dancer Liz Powell who experiences a disturbing dream that concludes in a morgue, more precisely room 22. She seeks advice from a doctor who proposes changing one aspect of the nightmare. However, despite this adjustment, the dream’s sequence of events remains unaltered. Following her release from the hospital, she hops on a plane (Flight 22), but while fully awake, the events of the dream unfold once more, causing her to abandon the flight and wait in the terminal. Tragically, Flight 22 malfunctions and explodes mid-air. Somehow, Liz manages to evade certain death. This opening scene closely resembles the start of the original Final Destination, complete with the catastrophic plane explosion.

Stream Final Destination on Max.

The Mist – “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street”

Frank Darabont, the director of “The Mist,” has revealed several influences for the movie beyond Stephen King’s original work. These include “Lord of the Flies,” Alfred Hitchcock’s “Lifeboat,” and the A-list episode of “The Twilight Zone” titled “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street.” Similar to “Lifeboat,” these sources are crucial in emphasizing the paranoia element, showing how this fear can distort one’s perception and erode what was once a noble character.

The first season’s episode unfolds on Maple Street, an ordinary slice of suburban life where neighbors generally get along despite minor squabbles. However, as mysterious events escalate—like flickering streetlights—the residents begin to ponder a news article about an alien invasion seriously. Soon enough, they question the true nature of their fellow townsfolk. Tensions rise, and aggression becomes prevalent; meanwhile, two extraterrestrials watch from a nearby hilltop, amused by how quickly humans can turn against each other.

Stream The Mist on Prime Video.

A Nightmare on Elm Street – “Perchance to Dream”

The original and iconic “A Nightmare on Elm Street” drew inspiration from a genuine event rather than an episode of “The Twilight Zone,” although there’s a discernible link to the “Pechance to Dream.” Given that Wes Craven, the horror mastermind behind “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” was around 20 when “The Twilight Zone” first aired, it’s entirely plausible that he was a fan. The actual source of inspiration for the movie was mainly a group of Hmong refugees who passed away under mysterious circumstances following intense nightmares.

Regarding the link between Freddy Krueger and “The Twilight Zone”, the episode “Perchance to Dream” focuses on Edward Hall, who seeks help for his overactive imagination. In his dreams, he’s guided by a little girl through terrifying funhouse mazes and rollercoaster rides. Worried about his heart condition, Hall fears that if he gets too excited in another dream, he might never wake up. He loses faith in his psychiatrist and finds the doctor’s receptionist startlingly similar to the little girl from his dreams. In reality, it turns out that he had fallen asleep in the doctor’s office and passed away shortly after emitting a single scream, all within a dream.

Rent A Nightmare on Elm Street on Amazon Video.

Poltergeist – “Little Girl Lost”

Tobe Hooper’s movie “Poltergeist” isn’t unexpected in this collection. Given that producer Steven Spielberg directed one of the segments in “Twilight Zone: The Movie,” and as writer Richard Matheson noted, “Poltergeist” shares many similarities with a top-notch episode from the Twilight Zone series.

In simpler terms, the movie titled “Little Girl Lost,” similar to Poltergeist, narrates the story of a girl who mysteriously vanishes from her home and winds up in an alternate realm. Her desperate parents strive to locate her, and they succeed through the discovery of a portal. Apart from the presence of ghosts, Little Girl Lost essentially retells Hooper’s film in a condensed format.

Rent Poltergeist on Amazon Video.

Us – “Mirror Image”

Jordan Peele, renowned for his horror work, openly displays his affection for “The Twilight Zone”. In fact, he revived this franchise in 2019 and even took on a role similar to Rod Serling as its host. Furthermore, if that wasn’t clear enough, the film “Us” can be seen as a remake of Season 1’s “Mirror Image”. Jordan Peele himself has acknowledged that the movie was influenced by this particular episode.

The story “Mirror Image” focuses on 25-year-old Millicent Barnes, who finds herself in a bus station where employees seem to suggest she’s asked her questions before. As Millicent continues to question staff members, they all respond that it isn’t the first time she’s asked. This peculiar occurrence leads Millicent to believe she is encountering a double or doppelgänger. This mysterious figure often displays an unsettling expression and, after fainting from surprise, Millicent awakens to find herself in the midst of an unbelievable tale – one that turns out to be true. Her doppelgänger hails from another realm of existence and can only thrive with Millicent removed. Remarkably, a fellow bus station patron assumes Millicent is delusional and contacts the police, but soon enough, he too starts seeing his own doppelgänger. If this isn’t the blueprint for the “Tethered,” then what is?

Rent Us on Amazon Video.

2025-03-14 01:11

7 Chilling Horror Films Born from The Twilight Zone’s Dark Legacy