Hack or Slash

Stephen King Episodes

Stephen King has defined horror for generations, and his stories have been adapted across decades of film. This collection brings together the movies based on his novels and short stories, showing how his work has shaped and influenced the genre. Curated for our 31 Days of Horror challenge.
Iron Lung (2026)
451
June 26, 2026

Iron Lung (2026)

Send us Fan Mail This week our patrons have chosen for us to step aboard Iron Lung (2026)⁠. We dissect Markiplier’s self-financed bottle-movie ambition, evaluate Simon’s claustrophobic survival arc, and debate whether the film’s slow-burn pacing sharpens or softens its cosmic horror. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 22:44. Mentioned in the Episode Watch the Movie Iron Lung (2026)⁠⁠ Related Episodes 299: Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023) 242: Resident Evil (2002) 315: Silent Hill (200...
443: Godzilla (1954)
443
April 30, 2026

443: Godzilla (1954)

This week we’re unpacking the legacy of Godzilla (1954). We reflect on its national-trauma allegory, praise its practical effects, and consider the weight of its somber ending. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 28:59. Mentioned in the Episode Watch the Movie Godzilla (1954) Related Episodes 419: Cloverfield (2008) 297: Dracula (1931) 255: M3GAN (2023) Main Episode Hack or Slash Subreddit Godzilla and World War II: Long Live the King of Monsters Daigo Fukuryū Maru (Lucky Dragon No. 5) ...
What happened to The Mummy? | 1932 - 2017
April 23, 2026

What happened to The Mummy? | 1932 - 2017

This week we’re unraveling nearly a century of cinematic history as we explore what happened to The Mummy. We debate whether the franchise ever had a true identity, compare the gothic horror of the original films to the swashbuckling spectacle of the 1999 version, and unpack why the 2017 reboot lost the heart that made the property iconic. Mentioned in the Episode Watch the Movie The Mummy (1932) Related Episodes 251: The Mummy (1932) 297: Dracula (1931) 316: Frankenstein (1931) 372: The Wolf Ma...
Horror Games | Round 6 Recap, Champion Reveal
April 1, 2026

Horror Games | Round 6 Recap, Champion Reveal

This week we’re breaking down the final showdown of the 2026 Horror Games and crowning a new champion. We revisit the biggest upsets, fan-favorite moments, and chaotic twists that defined the tournament, from The Babadook’s controversial run to Candyman’s rise and fall, all leading to a final clash between Jennifer Check and The Thing with Michael Myers looming over it all.
433: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
433
Feb. 19, 2026

433: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)

This week we’re getting existential in black-and-white as we check out Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956). We dig into how the film weaponizes “cozy” small-town normalcy, why its paranoia still hits 70 years later, and what makes its central theme feel timeless. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 37:20. Mentioned in the Episode Watch the Movie Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) Support the Show We've launched our Patreon to have a place for listener support to help keep our show ...
431: Cannibal Holocaust (1980)
431
Feb. 5, 2026

431: Cannibal Holocaust (1980)

This week we’re heading into the jungle to dissect Cannibal Holocaust (1980). We unpack its legacy as a found-footage trailblazer, wrestle with its hypocritical commentary on media exploitation, and explore the ethical dilemmas posed by its production. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 38:24 Mentioned in the Episode Watch the Movie Cannibal Holocaust (1980) Main Episode The movie Roger Ebert walked out of after 25 minutes: “Among the most idiotic films ever made” 'Cannibal Holocaust' ...
418: Frankenstein (2025)
418
Nov. 13, 2025

418: Frankenstein (2025)

This week we’re embarking on a gothic journey with Frankenstein (2025). We analyze its set design and costumes, discuss the character portrayals of Victor and the Creature, and debate the impact of its deviations from the book. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 39:06. Mentioned in the Episode Watch the Movie Frankenstein (2025) Main Episode Frankenstein Movie Ending Explained Frankenstein viewers left shocked over ‘unrecognisable’ star’s double role Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’...
417: The Phantom of the Opera (1925)
417
Nov. 6, 2025

417: The Phantom of the Opera (1925)

This week we’re unraveling the legacy of The Phantom of the Opera (1925). We analyze Lon Chaney's iconic performance, investigate the film's influence on gothic horror, and dive into the film's technical feats. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 33:22. Mentioned in the Episode Watch the Movie The Phantom of the Opera (1925) Main Episode How Lon Chaney's Makeup Transformed Hollywood Horror Support the Show We've launched our Patreon to have a place for listener support to help keep our ...
Untangling the Halloween Franchise: Every Timeline Explained
Oct. 30, 2025

Untangling the Halloween Franchise: Every Timeline Explained

Over four decades, Halloween has rewritten its own history more times than Michael Myers has cheated death. In this bonus episode, we break down every continuity, from Carpenter's 1978 classic to the Blumhouse trilogy, and share the best ways to marathon the franchise without losing your mind. We walk through each timeline, debate which ones actually work, and reveal how we each watch the series every spooky season. Whether you're Team Thorn, Team H20, or Team Grandma With a Shotgun, this guide ...
379: The Monkey (2025)
379
Feb. 28, 2025

379: The Monkey (2025)

This week we’re turning the key on The Monkey (2025). We explore its differences from Stephen King's original story, analyze its balance of dark humor and gore, and break down the catharsis of its plot. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at...
376: Happy Death Day 2U (2019)
376
Feb. 7, 2025

376: Happy Death Day 2U (2019)

This week we’re stuck in a time loop with Happy Death Day 2U (2019). We analyze the film's shift towards sci-fi elements, assess Jessica Roth's performance, and consider the movie’s balance of humor and emotional depth. This episode contains...
372: The Wolf Man (1941)
372
Jan. 10, 2025

372: The Wolf Man (1941)

This week we're revisiting a cornerstone of horror cinema with The Wolf Man (1941). We discuss the film's pioneering special effects, analyze the dynamic between its main characters, and consider its lasting influence on werewolf lore. This episode...
372: The Wolf Man (1941)
372
Jan. 9, 2025

372: The Wolf Man (1941)

Send us Fan Mail This week we're revisiting a cornerstone of horror cinema with The Wolf Man (1941). We discuss the film's pioneering special effects, analyze the dynamic between its main characters, and consider its lasting influence on werewolf lore. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 27:02. Mentioned in the Episode Watch the Movie The Wolf Man (1941) New Year, New Blood Join our Patreon before January 31st to save 25% off your first month or year of membership Main Episode Univ...
371: Nosferatu (2024)
371
Jan. 3, 2025

371: Nosferatu (2024)

This week we’re entering the crypt of Robert Eggers' Nosferatu (2024). We evaluate its gothic cinematography, analyze its approach to character development, and discuss its modern reinterpretation of a classic vampire tale. This episode contains...
361: Salem's Lot (2024)
361
Nov. 1, 2024

361: Salem's Lot (2024)

This week we’re diving into the latest adaptation of a Stephen King classic with Salem's Lot (2024). We analyze the film's pacing and climactic scenes, critique its character development and vampire lore, and weigh it against previous adaptations....
342: The Omen (1976 vs 2006)
342
Aug. 2, 2024

342: The Omen (1976 vs 2006)

This week we pit The Omen (1976) against its 2006 remake. We compare the impact of each film's score, evaluate the differences in their casting choices, and debate the effectiveness of their respective endings. This episode contains spoilers,...
322: Leprechaun 3 (1995)
322
March 15, 2024

322: Leprechaun 3 (1995)

This week we're venturing into the heart of Sin City with Leprechaun 3 (1995). We evaluate the film's unique blend of Irish folklore and campy horror, dissect the effectiveness of its gore and humor, and compare its place within the franchise and the wider horror genre. In this episode's b-side, we dive into the surprisingly deep waters of cereal culture, debate our favorite brands, and explore unconventional cereal pairings.
319: The Mist (2007)
319
Feb. 23, 2024

319: The Mist (2007)

This week our patrons have voted for us to review The Mist (2007). We dissect the narrative's depth, critique the effectiveness of its CGI creatures, and compare the film's aesthetic to classic 1950s sci-fi horror. This episode contains spoilers,...
316: Frankenstein (1931)
316
Feb. 2, 2024

316: Frankenstein (1931)

This week we’re unpacking the timeless classic Frankenstein (1931). We dissect its influence on the horror genre, analyze its themes of societal rejection, and unpack its key differences to the original novel. This episode contains spoilers,...
314: Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (1990)
314
Jan. 19, 2024

314: Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (1990)

This week we’re unpacking Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (1990). We delve into its shortcomings, assess the quality of its gore, and untangle the dynamic of its central family. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at 22:54. Mentioned...
308: Let the Right One In (2008)
308
Dec. 15, 2023

308: Let the Right One In (2008)

This week we're diving into Swedish horror with Let the Right One In (2008). We unpack the film's unique vampire narrative, marvel at the depth of its character arcs, and admire its visual storytelling. This episode contains spoilers, beginning at...
301: Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)
301
Oct. 31, 2023

301: Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)

This week we're getting into the Halloween spirit by dissecting Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989). We scrutinize the growth of its iconic franchise characters, question the merit of its updated mask, and consider its setup for the next...
297: Dracula (1931)
297
Oct. 20, 2023

297: Dracula (1931)

This week we're diving into the coffin with the classic Dracula (1931). We ponder its enduring influence on vampire films, delve into Bela Lugosi's path to becoming the iconic Count, and dissect how it deviates from its novel and theatrical roots. In...
293: Blood Fest (2018)
293
Oct. 6, 2023

293: Blood Fest (2018)

This week we're diving headfirst into the meta mayhem of Blood Fest (2018). We sift through its hidden horror references, evaluate how well its humor lands, and ponder the chemistry among its cast. In this episode's b-side, we chat about our impending...