If you’re a fan of horror movies, chances are you’re familiar with the legendary works of George Romero and Stephen King. These two iconic figures have shaped the genre in unforgettable ways, and their collaboration brought us one of the most unique horror films of the 1980s.

George Romero, often credited as the father of the modern zombie, changed the landscape of horror cinema with classics like Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead. His ability to create suspenseful, thought-provoking narratives solidified his legacy as a horror maestro.

Stephen King, meanwhile, was already making waves in the literary world, terrifying readers with bestsellers like Carrie and The Shining. By the early 1980s, King had cemented himself as the king of horror fiction, with a growing number of his stories being adapted into films.

In 1982, these two titans of terror teamed up to create Creepshow, a film that paid homage to the beloved EC Comics of the 1950s. With its mix of scares, humor, and a comic book-inspired visual style, Creepshow felt like a graphic novel brought to life.

But where did the inspiration for some of these chilling stories come from? You guessed it—Stephen King himself. King penned several of the segments, adding his signature blend of suspense, horror, and dark humor to the mix.

One of the most unforgettable stories in Creepshow is a segment that’s guaranteed to make you itch—literally. It evokes childhood memories of avoiding moss for fear it might start growing on your skin. This eerie tale follows the tragic and oddly pitiable fate of Jordy Verrill, a man whose encounter with an alien substance leads to a terrifying transformation.

“Weeds” in Creepshow: The Chilling Tale That Will Make Your Skin Crawl

This memorable segment is based on Stephen King’s short story “Weeds,” which first appeared in the May 1976 issue of Cavalier Magazine. The story captures King’s knack for turning the ordinary into the horrifying, blending dark humor with creeping dread as Jordy “grows” into his horrifying destiny.

Before you start rummaging through your dad’s or granddad’s attic in search of this vintage publication, you’ll be glad to know you can easily access the story in modern form. It’s available on Kindle as part of Dark Screams: Volume One. Relive the horror and discover why this tale remains a standout in King’s chilling repertoire.

“The Crate” and Other Chilling Stories from Creepshow

Who else but Stephen King could make an old crate utterly terrifying? In Creepshow, the segment featuring the monstrous “Fluffy” (as the production team nicknamed the killer arctic beast) delivers suspense, gore, and a chilling twist involving an abusive wife who’s just as frightening as the creature itself.

This segment is based on King’s short story “The Crate”, which first appeared in an adult magazine and has since become a cult favorite. While the original publication can be tough to track down, fans of King’s work will be happy to know it’s featured in several anthologies, including The Arbor House Treasury of Horror and the Supernatural and Shivers VI. Either of these collections will delight horror enthusiasts who loved the film.

The remaining segments of Creepshow—Father’s Day, Something to Tide You Over, and They’re Creeping Up on You—were written exclusively for the movie. While it’s fun to imagine reading these as short stories, they come to life in a comic adaptation of Creepshow, which includes all five tales from the film. Keep in mind, the comic is based directly on the movie, offering a visual treat for fans of the original masterpiece.

King and Romero Reunite for Creepshow 2: A Worthy Sequel

While the original Creepshow set a high bar, the King-Romero collaboration didn’t end there. In 1987, Stephen King and George Romero teamed up once again to bring us Creepshow 2. Although this sequel featured just three segments, it still captured the eerie charm and gruesome fun of the original, proving itself worthy of the Creepshow name.

Of the three stories in Creepshow 2, one segment stands out for its roots in King’s prior work. The Raft, adapted from King’s short story first published in Gallery magazine in 1982 and later included in his collection Skeleton Crew, delivers a chilling tale of terror on open water. Its haunting premise and visceral scares ensure its place as a fan favorite in the Creepshow anthology. 

The Raft was recently included in the anthology, The Rack, published in 2024 and edited by Tom Deady.