It seems like most movies are based on comic books or graphic novels these days. It's not a new phenomenon, but the percentage of films adapted from that particular colorful medium seems to have increased drastically. Most comic book movies are classic superhero action fare, but comics aren't that limited. Some comics are terrifying and some films capture that unique art form.
Horror comics are almost as central to the medium as superheroes. The main reason people associate the paneled page with people in capes is censorship pushing most brands to release family-friendly material. Horror has since flourished in more adult-oriented graphic novel releases, ensuring a healthy supply of scary stories with pretty pictures.
30 Days of Night (2007) based on 30 Days of Night (2002)
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Author Steve Niles initially proposed 30 Days as a comic, but his pitch wasn't met with the level of excitement he was hoping for. Niles brought the project to film studios, hoping to adapt his idea into a screenplay and sell it as a film, That also didn't work out, but it did get him into a room with the folks at IDW, who published the three-issue miniseries. With a published work on his hands, Niles brought his new material to Sam Raimi, who loved it immediately. With his blessing, the comic by Niles and Ben Templesmith was developed into a hit horror film. Set during Alaska's monthlong polar night, the film depicts vampires as fast-moving predators that happen to look like humans. It's a solid film that executes on its clever ideas very well.
Ichi the Killer (2001) based on Ichi the Killer (1993)
The great Takashi Miike crafted this unabashed mess of blood and violence out of Hideo Yamamoto's manga series. The story follows the titular Ichi, a repressed psychotic who explodes into a vicious killing spree every time he's challenged. Ichi is a tool of the yakuza who manipulate him, a dangerous living weapon that can simply be let loose on rival factions. However, his unwilling work makes him a target of a sadomasochistic serial killer who swiftly turns Ichi's world upside down. It's a miserable story, but it finds humor in its tastelessness. A moment of thought given to the life of any major character in this story reveals nothing but sadness, but the film's irreverent tone keeps it watchable. Those who can stomach the violence will find a lot to like about Miike's take on this story.
Tales from the Crypt (1972) based on Tales from the Crypt (1950) and The Vault of Horror (1950)
This English anthology took five stories from the legendary catalog of EC Comics and turned them into clever short films. Al Feldstein, Johnny Craig, and Bill Gaines wrote up a stunning body of silly horror comics. It's not the scariest tone, more akin to Goosebumps than The Twilight Zone. Each story is campy and fun, but the film as a whole works as an entertaining pick and mix of horror tropes. The framing device stars the iconic Crypt Keeper, who regales a group of strangers with tales that may spell out their final moments. It's a charming little anthology piece, sparking nostalgia in fans and a warm feeling in newcomers.
Constantine (2005) based on Hellblazer (1991)
This superhero horror film adapts the work of Alan Moore and Garth Ennis. The film takes a lot from the "Dangerous Habits" story ark that takes up several issues of the beloved DC comic. Both works follow the archetypal occult detective John Constantine as he struggles to save a young woman from the devil and battles his own doomed fate. Though Keanu Reeves' take on the iconic character was controversial at first, this film sticks in the memories of those who have seen it. It's a cult hit that captures a specific type of attention. It's not as slick and flashy as the modern superhero blockbusters, but it's a lot more willing to experiment. Constantine is a solid neo-noir horror film that captures much of the powerful creativity of the original comic. It took a long time, but it's finally up for a sequel, leading many fans to go back and enjoy this unique gem.
My Friend Dahmer (2017) based on My Friend Dahmer (2012)
Cartoonist John "Derf" Backderf grew up in scenic Richfield, Ohio, where he attended Revere High School. One of his high school pals was Jeffery Dahmer. Backderf went on to work for a local morning newspaper, making him one of the first people to learn of Dahmer's arrest and conviction. In 1997, he released a 24-page comic about his relationship with the young serial killer. After 15 years of research, he developed the story into a full book. Five years later, Marc Meyers adapted that deeply personal work into a film. It's one of the most bracing experiences one can find in the tawdry genre. Even those who are obsessed with this unpleasant sort of media might find the humanity on display to be disconcerting.