Horror writers have inspired countless movies based on their books. In the modern era, Bram Stoker's book inspired Dracula in 1931, followed soon thereafter by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's Frankenstein spawning the classic monster movie. Ever since then, horror filmmakers have been driven by literary sources, whether they realize it consciously or not.

But of all the writers who have inspired the creators of more recent horror movies -- Stephen King, Clive Barker, Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft -- have earned special recognition. Beyond the more straightforward adaptations, it's the mix-and-match approach that has lured moviegoers into theaters to watch movies that erase the boundaries between horror, fantasy and deep, dark nightmares.

Stephen King: Carrie (1976)

The first movie adaptation of King's first published novel remains indelibly memorable, as in this clip from early in the story, featuring Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie.

Stephen King: The Mist (2007)

As the years passed, Frank Darabont became the preeminent adapter of Stephen King stories for the big screen (The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile), topping himself with a wrenching horror film that saw the citizens of a small town turn against themselves after a mysterious mist appears.

Clive Barker: Hellraiser (1987)

Barker rose quickly in the 1980s, thanks to his Books of Blood series, which established him as a distinctively diabolical horror writer. Unhappy with how his first two scripts turned out in the hands of others, he wrote and directed his debut feature to well-deserved acclaim.

H.P. Lovecraft: Re-Animator (1985)

The great and influential dark fantasist, little known in his own day (early 20th century), inspired many contemporary writers and filmmakers, though we'd argue that Stuart Gordon has proven most adept at bringing his tales to modern life. His first attempt, loosely based on a Lovecraft novella, was a heady brew of horror, comedy and gore so extreme that the awesome trailer is very much NSFW.

Edgar Allan Poe: House of Usher (1960)

The 19th century writer blazed a trail that may not have been financially rewarding, but allowed him to leave behind a rich treasure of work. Universal Studios adapted several Poe stories but it was Roger Corman's adaptations in the 1960s that gave Poe a new life, starting with a version of The Fall of the House of Usher, starring Vincent Price.