Retellings are always fun, and I love a fresh take on a classic horror story. Here are a few based on old-school classics and newer classics.

Books:

This Dark Endeavor (The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein) by Kenneth Oppel looks at the life of a young Dr. Frankenstein and his interest in alchemy. Polidori – the author of The Vampyre, which was written at the same time as Frankenstein – has a cameo as an outcast alchemist.

Amity by Michal Ostow takes “The Amityville Horror” house and places a new family in its clutches.

The Madman’s Daughter by Megan Shepherd tells the classic Island of Doctor Moreau from the point of view of his daughter, Juliet. Years after her father’s experiments led to his disgrace and death, Juliet receives word that her father may still be alive. And he’s still experimenting…

Movies:

Victor Frankenstein (2015) is the classic story told through the eyes of Igor, Frankenstein’s assistant. After Frankenstein rescues the hunchback Igor from a freak show and heals him, Igor helps the doctor in the early stages of his experiments in creating new life.

Dracula Untold (2014) tells the backstory of Vlad Tepes, the real-life basis for Count Dracula. Except, in this case, he’s actually a vampire.

Bonus! TV retellings

The Haunting of Hill House (2018) is a mini-series that takes the characters from Shirley Jackson’s novel and turns them into a family haunted by its past.

Bates Motel (5 seasons, 2013-2017) is an updated prequel to the classic Psycho. While Norman and his mother have a 1950s air about them, “Bates Motel” is set in present-day.

What’s your favorite classic horror novel?