How to watch

Tales from the Crypt Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch Tales from the Crypt in order

Last updated: November 10 2026

Written by: ChronoAlice

From 1970s British anthology films to HBO's gory cult classic and its feature films, Tales from the Crypt has a lot of ground to cover. Here is how to watch it.

Based on the EC Comics of the 1950s, Tales from the Crypt delivers darkly comic horror stories where greedy, cruel people usually get exactly what they deserve. Most fans know the HBO series hosted by the cackling Cryptkeeper, but the franchise also includes Amicus anthology films, a kids' cartoon, a game show and several theatrical spin-offs.

๐Ÿ• Release Order

Release order shows how the brand moved from big-screen anthologies to cable TV and back again.

  1. Tales from the Crypt (1972)
  2. The Vault of Horror (1973)
  3. Tales from the Crypt (1989)
  4. Tales from the Cryptkeeper (1993)
  5. Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight (1995)
  6. Secrets of the Cryptkeeper's Haunted House (1996)
  7. Tales from the Crypt Presents: Bordello of Blood (1996)
  8. Ritual (2002)

Because Tales from the Crypt is an anthology, there is no single story connecting every entry. Instead, the best approach is to group things by tone and audience.

๐Ÿ“– Story Chronology

This recommended order starts with the core HBO series and its two theatrical films, then moves to the earlier British adaptations and finishes with the family-friendly spin-offs and the late, little-seen Ritual.

  1. Tales from the Crypt (1989)
  2. Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight (1995)
  3. Tales from the Crypt Presents: Bordello of Blood (1996)
  4. Tales from the Crypt (1972)
  5. The Vault of Horror (1973)
  6. Ritual (2002)
  7. Tales from the Cryptkeeper (1993)
  8. Secrets of the Cryptkeeper's Haunted House (1996)

Which Order Should You Choose?

If you are new to the franchise, start with the HBO series. You can dip into episodes in any order, though watching from Season 1 lets you see the show's guest stars and directors grow bolder. Demon Knight is the best of the films and a must for horror fans. The 1972 Amicus film is a great pick for lovers of classic British horror, while the cartoon and game show are strictly for nostalgic completionists.

๐Ÿ”— Related Guides

  • Creepshow Watch OrderGuide
  • The Twilight Zone Watch OrderGuide
  • Goosebumps Watch OrderGuide

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!