Popular Horror Novels & Stories

“I don’t know what’s so Adult about them. It’s not like you’re watching people do their tax returns or something. Anyway, I convinced him to try some other stuff and it was a hit. Now he lets me do the ordering.” He was getting comfortable with me. I had no idea where I was headed with any of this, but my instincts told me there was something about this kid. I figured if I kept him talking I might find out what. “So, the horror ones are pretty popular?” “Oh, yeah,” he said. “People act like they don’t like it. Like make fun of the titles and stuff, but they still rent ‘em. And then rent more. Gorier the better.” He smiled.

I forced my gaze away when he sat up and got off the bed. "I’ve ordered take out, I thought we could watch a movie together. What’s your preferred genre, princess? Romance, action or fantasy?" A movie and takeaway… alone... this felt too… "Horror. I love horror. The more gruesome, the better." I stated, walking right past him and out into the hall. If he was trying to set the mood for something, then I would destroy that mood. I smirked confidently, now this will be fun… -

I was glad I won’t stand out too much. We arrive at Xander’s house after a few minutes. His house was more of a dark side kind of house. It was gothic and gave you the creeps. Old cold men stood as statues lining up the way to the front door. Music thumped inside the house. It felt like a high school monster party. Okay maybe I watch too much Ant farm and paranormal movies. This would be a good beginning for a horror story where Zombies come attacking. No, zombies don’t have brains to plot this. Better yet, Vampires.

I'm learning new things about Demons every day and it's really not anything like what I expected. 'And what did you expect?' He walked over to the coffee table and stubbed out the last of the cigarette in the ashtray. 'Oh wait, let me take a wild guess: horns, forked tails, hooves, the whole fucking Halloween costume, right? Or maybe demonic possession and little girls who spew up green vomit, spin their heads three-hundred-and-sixty degrees and who do unmentionable things with crucifixes. Am I getting closer?' I stared at him, suddenly alarmed. 'You can't do that, right? The whole possession thing?'

I don't know what compelled me to open my eyes. Probably the breathing on my face smelling faintly of jam, but regardless, I now understand why horror movies with children in them are, without a doubt, the most terrifying films of all. There is nothing quite like a silent child staring at you while you're sleeping or even worse, to wake up to. Some questions come to mind pretty fuckin' quick. Like how long have you been standing there watching over me like one of the ill-fated Grady sisters in The Shining?

“What did you have in mind?” “Food first,” he answered, no hesitation at all on his part. “I know where to find the best pizza. After that, we’ll decide. I’m feeling an outdoor film, maybe.” “You like outdoor films?” He nodded, flashing me a wry smile. “Midnight horror movies in the park happen to be a guilty pleasure of mine.” “Midnight?” I all but squeaked. “It’s a work night.” And also, horror? I wasn’t squeamish, but I just knew I would freak out walking all the way back to the loft by myself after that. If muggers smelled fear the way some believed they did, I would be a prime target.

Tinsley had already claimed a spot against the side of the truck bed, blanket arranged, with the settled energy of someone who had arrived with opinions and intended to deploy them. “The problem with modern horror,” she said, to the general air, “is the color grading. Everything is teal and orange and it flattens the fear response.” “What does that mean,” Emory said. “It means you stop being scared because everything looks the same.” “I am going to be scared,” Emory said. “Regardless of the color grading.” “You are going to cover your eyes.” “I am going to be scared and then cover my eyes, in that order, which is the correct order.”