By Callum R444

Roger Corman Poe Movies: From Best to Worst

By Callum R444

Published September 11, 2015

In the early 1960s, American International Pictures (AIP) gained some acclaim by combining Roger Corman, Vincent Price, and the stories of Edgar Allan Poe into a series of low-budget horror films. These films, which include The Raven (1963), The Haunted Palace (1963), The Masque of the Red Death (1964), and Tomb of Ligeia (1964), were all shot in a matter of months and helped to establish Corman as a major figure in the world of independent filmmaking.

In this article, we will rank the four Roger Corman Poe movies from best to worst. Our criteria will include the film's overall quality, its faithfulness to Poe's original story, and its impact on the horror genre.

1. The Raven (1963)
2. The Masque of the Red Death (1964)
3. The Haunted Palace (1963)
4. Tomb of Ligeia (1964)

The Raven is arguably the best of the four Corman Poe movies. It is a well-made film with a strong cast and a faithful adaptation of Poe's poem. The film's atmosphere is both eerie and suspenseful, and Price gives a memorable performance as the tormented Dr. Craven.

The Masque of the Red Death is another strong entry in the Corman Poe series. The film's visuals are stunning, and Price is once again excellent as the sadistic Prince Prospero. The film's climax is one of the most iconic scenes in horror cinema.

The Haunted Palace is a bit of a mixed bag. The film has some good moments, but it is also hampered by a weak script and some uneven acting. Price is good as the haunted Roderick Usher, but the rest of the cast is not as strong.

Tomb of Ligeia is the weakest of the four Corman Poe movies. The film is poorly made, and the acting is wooden. The film's only saving grace is Price, who gives a typically hammy performance.

Overall, the Roger Corman Poe movies are a mixed bag. However, there are some real gems in the bunch. If you are a fan of horror movies, then you owe it to yourself to check out these films.