Every Edgar Allan Poe Movie & TV Show Adaptation, Ranked
Edgar Allan Poe’s dark tales have haunted readers for nearly two centuries, blending gothic horror with sharp psychological insight. His stories, filled with mystery and dread, have inspired countless filmmakers and showrunners to bring his chilling visions to life on screen.
From eerie castles to tormented minds, these adaptations range from faithful retellings to creative spins, each capturing Poe’s grim genius in its own way. I’ve ranked the top adaptations based on how well they evoke his unsettling spirit, with details drawn from their casts, directors, and impact.
12. The Black Cat (2007)
This ‘Masters of Horror’ episode tracks Edgar Allan Poe grappling with alcoholism and a menacing black cat tied to his wife. Stuart Gordon directs a personal, meta take on Poe’s life and work.
Jeffrey Combs shines as a tortured Poe, but the episode’s short length and TV constraints limit its depth. It’s a gritty glimpse into Poe’s world, yet feels too brief to fully resonate.
11. The Simpsons – The Telltale Head (1990)
‘The Simpsons’ takes on ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’ with Bart decapitating a statue of Springfield’s founder. Rich Moore’s direction keeps it light and funny, with a nod to Poe’s guilt-driven horror.
Voiced by Dan Castellaneta and Nancy Cartwright, the episode is classic Simpsons but leans more comedic than creepy. It’s a fun reference, not a deep Poe adaptation.
10. Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932)
Robert Florey’s ‘Murders in the Rue Morgue’ features Bela Lugosi as a mad scientist mixing human and ape blood. The film’s eerie vibe captures early horror’s charm.
Lugosi’s intense performance carries it, but the story veers far from Poe’s mystery, feeling dated and disjointed. It’s a historical curiosity rather than a standout.
9. The Raven (2012)
John Cusack stars as Poe himself, chasing a killer inspired by his stories in this dark thriller. James McTeigue blends historical drama with modern suspense.
Cusack’s passionate Poe is compelling, but the convoluted plot dilutes Poe’s gothic dread. It’s engaging yet misses the author’s deeper emotional weight.
8. Two Evil Eyes (1990)
Dario Argento and George A. Romero direct this anthology, adapting Poe’s tales of a scheming wife and a creepy black cat. Stars like Adrienne Barbeau and Harvey Keitel bring intensity.
The stories deliver solid horror, but uneven pacing and clashing styles make it feel patchy. It’s a fun, if inconsistent, tribute to Poe’s macabre.
7. Extraordinary Tales (2013)
Raul Garcia’s animated anthology adapts five Poe stories with unique art styles and narration by Christopher Lee and Bela Lugosi. It covers classics like ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’.
The visuals are striking, but the short tales lack emotional heft. It’s a bold experiment that looks great but doesn’t fully grip the heart.
6. The Pit and the Pendulum (1991)
Stuart Gordon’s ‘The Pit and the Pendulum’ stars Lance Henriksen as the sadistic Torquemada in 1492 Spain. The film dives into brutal, visceral horror.
Henriksen’s chilling performance anchors it, but the focus on gore overshadows Poe’s psychological nuance. It’s intense yet slightly off the mark.
5. The Raven (1963)
Roger Corman’s ‘The Raven’ is a campy horror-comedy with Vincent Price as a magician turned into a bird. Peter Lorre and Boris Karloff add playful charm.
Unlike Poe’s somber poem, this leans into fun, quirky scares. It’s a delightful, lighthearted take that still honors Poe’s eccentric spirit.
4. The Masque of the Red Death (1964)
Vincent Price stars as a cruel prince dodging a deadly plague in Roger Corman’s vivid adaptation. The film’s rich colors and eerie sets scream gothic horror.
Price’s commanding presence and Corman’s bold visuals make it unforgettable. It captures Poe’s themes of death and decadence with chilling flair.
3. House of Usher (1960)
Roger Corman’s ‘House of Usher’ stars Vincent Price as a cursed nobleman in a decaying mansion. The film nails Poe’s claustrophobic, doomed atmosphere.
Price’s raw performance and Corman’s moody direction create a haunting classic. It’s a near-perfect blend of horror and tragedy, true to Poe’s vision.
2. The Pit and the Pendulum (1961)
Roger Corman’s ‘The Pit and the Pendulum’ features Vincent Price as a brutal Inquisitor, with John Kerr unraveling a dark family secret. Its suspense and gothic visuals are top-notch.
Price’s menacing energy and Corman’s tight pacing make this a masterful adaptation. It captures Poe’s psychological terror, earning its place almost at the top.
1. The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)
Mike Flanagan’s Netflix miniseries weaves ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ with other Poe tales, following the corrupt Usher family’s downfall. Bruce Greenwood and Carla Gugino lead a stellar cast.
The series blends modern social commentary with Poe’s gothic dread. Its wild, bloody energy makes it a thrilling ride and a number one on our list.
Which Poe adaptation sends shivers down your spine, or is there another you’d rank higher? Drop your thoughts in the comments!