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Top 20 Favorite Treehouse of Horror SegmentsHappy October everyone! I hope you’re all having a month filled with thrills and scares. I have a very special journal today. Today is the 30th anniversary of the premiere of the very first "Treehouse of Horror" episode from "The Simpsons", so I’m sharing with you my top 20 favorite “Treehouse of Horror” segments.Most people would agree that the early TOH episodes are some of the best episodes in the show’s history. They are just filled with so much creativity and are great to watch around Halloween time. I am listing what I think are the best of the best.NOTE: You may notice that all of the entries on my list are from the first 9 TOH episodes. Please know that I have NOT restricted myself to only listing the segments from the early ones. It’s just that the early ones were the best, plain and simple. I didn’t care for the majority of the ones from the later seasons. I just needed to be honest with my opinions.20. THE THING AND I - "Treehouse of Horror VII"This is a pretty famous TOH segment, and for good reason. This is a good example of how not having to follow the series’ continuity can allow for interesting alternative stories. The backstory behind Hugo and the build-up to his appearance was well-done, and the character is voiced excellently by Nancy Cartwright. It’s also known for the twist that reveals Bart to be the evil twin (not like anyone was surprised by that).19. HELL TOUPEE - "Treehouse of Horror IX"Snake being one of my favorite “Simpsons” villains plays a role in my enjoyment of this segment. I thought the idea of Snake possessing Homer from beyond the grave because Homer put on his scalp was creative and creepy; it felt kind of like “Jekyll and Hyde”. The ways that Apu and Moe were killed were pretty brutal, and the climax was exciting and was followed by a heartwarming moment (which sadly was ruined by that tired “strangling” gag).18. BART'S NIGHTMARE - "Treehouse of Horror II"As one of many “Twilight Zone” parodies in the series, this segment had a lot of great stuff with Bart being able to control everything and everyone. Homer being transported onto a football field and later on being turned into a jack-in-the-box are some of my favorites. The scenes with Homer and Bart bonding and spending time together were genuinely heartwarming, ending with them hugging and Homer being turned back to normal. The fact that Bart was horrified by the way the dream ended made it all the more hilarious.17. NIGHTMARE CAFETERIA - "Treehouse of Horror V"This is one of the only TOH segments where nothing supernatural happens. The teachers simply go crazy and start cooking and eating the students one by one. Despite this, it still remains one of the most disturbing and unsettling TOH segments. None of the killings were shown on-screen, which leaves them to the imagination and makes them more terrifying. It all goes at a fast pace, and there is a real sense of dread that increases as the episode progresses.16. EASY-BAKE COVEN - "Treehouse of Horror VIII"I liked how this segment gave us a 1649 reimagining of Springfield to use as a stand-in for Salem. It was so interesting seeing what it would be like if these characters lived in that time period. Marge and her sisters being witches was a fun idea to play with, and it made for a clever and unique origin story on how Halloween got started. Plus, that final joke about them already having harvested on the children was pretty dark.15. BAD DREAM HOUSE - "Treehouse of Horror I"This is the very first TOH segment ever, and it starts the series off on a great note. It’s a pretty basic haunted house story, but it has an uncanny atmosphere and plenty of disturbing visuals to keep you engaged. The house itself was an interesting entity, and I thought it was pretty funny that it decided to destroy itself instead of have the Simpsons live there. It set the stage for what was to come, that’s for sure.14. HOMER'S NIGHTMARE - "Treehouse of Horror II"This is definitely my favorite of the three nightmares from “Treehouse of Horror II”. “Frankenstein” was a no-brainer for a TOH parody, and it’s done really well here. Mr. Burns was the right choice to be a stand-in for Frankenstein, and we got some really funny stuff from Homer’s brain being put into a robot. Most memorable, however, is the ending where Mr. Burns’ head gets sewed next to Homer’s head. Geez!13. CITIZEN KANG - "Treehouse of Horror VII"You’re probably surprised this isn’t higher. Don’t get me wrong, though, I really do like it. This is looked back on as one of the most essential pieces of political satire in the show’s history, and it’s easy to see why. It cleverly satirizes the idea that whichever side you’re on, campaign promises mean nothing, that you’re screwed either way. It’s pretty hard not to view politics this way to some extent. Also, Kang and Kodos are as entertaining and sinister as ever in this one.12. THE RAVEN - "Treehouse of Horror I"They did real justice to Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem with this segment while at the same time adding their own style to it. Bart was a great choice for the raven, Homer was surprisingly good as the lead character, and James Earl Jones could not have been a more perfect narrator. On top of that, the visuals and atmosphere were top-notch. A great ending to the original TOH episode.11. HOMER3 - "Treehouse of Horror VI"Homer steps into the third dimension in this one, and while the CGI effects are pretty dated now, they were revolutionary for 1995. The third dimension itself was an interesting setting, and it was hilarious when a bunch of characters got involved in trying to get Homer out of there. The jokes in this one are pretty spot-on; the “Tron” reference was a classic. It’s also notable for Homer entering the real world in the end.10. TERROR AT 5 ½ FEET - "Treehouse of Horror IV"This was a well-done parody of a famous “Twilight Zone” episode and a great segment in its own right. The gremlin that only Bart could see had a nice design to him and was a vicious creature. The suspense in this episode is built up really well, with the gremlin intending to kill everyone on the bus and nobody believing Bart. There were some funny moments with the other kids on the bus, and it has a pretty sick ending with Ned Flanders being decapitated by the gremlin.9. ATTACK OF THE 50-FOOT EYESORES - "Treehouse of Horror VI"The idea of giant advertising statues coming to life is a pretty neat idea, and the result is a lot of chaotic fun. The many different advertising icons in the episode were colorful and creative, and they terrorize Springfield in their own unique ways. The townspeople taking away the monsters’ powers by not paying attention to them, while unorthodox, was an interesting way to defeat them that made sense.8. HΩMEGA MAN - "Treehouse of Horror VIII"The set-up with Springfield being in a post-apocalyptic state after getting hit with a nuclear missile was really cool and made for some funny moments. Comic Book Guy’s line “Oh, I’ve wasted my life” is legendary, and the scenes with Homer taking advantage of being the only man left were really entertaining. I also enjoyed the stuff with the mutants, and Homer’s family taking them out with shotguns was a genuinely surprising moment.7. BART SIMPSON'S DRACULA - "Treehouse of Horror IV"Mr. Burns as a vampire is one of my favorite roles in a TOH episode, as it fits his personality so well. The scenes at his castle are pretty creepy and have a nice unease to them. The scene where Bart as a vampire tried to bite Lisa was a very memorable moment, and I also loved it when Homer killed Mr. Burns with a stake and got fired for it before Burns dissolved. The twist with Marge being the head vampire wrapped things up in an appropriately bizarre fashion.6. DIAL "Z" FOR ZOMBIES - "Treehouse of Horror III"While they’d give us another zombie story in “Treehouse of Horror XX”, it couldn’t even touch this one. This is just a fun and exciting ride from start to finish, with the Simpsons trying to end this zombie attack on Springfield. The zombies themselves were pretty scary, and the inclusion of several celebrities (Washington, Einstein, and Shakespeare), while bizarre, was really cool. Plus, the scene where Homer shoots down Ned Flanders without realizing he was a zombie is one of my favorite jokes in the whole show.5. CLOWN WITHOUT PITY - "Treehouse of Horror III"For such a simple premise, this segment sure packs a wallop. The evil Krusty The Clown doll was a delight to watch while also managing to be a creepy and menacing foe that is clearly supposed to be a parody of Chucky. The several scenes of it trying to kill Homer were absolute comedy gold, and I also enjoyed the scene with the shopkeeper. The reveal at the end that the doll was set to “evil” mode the whole time was pretty ingenious and is a much better twist than what we get in most modern horror movies.4. TIME AND PUNISHMENT - "Treehouse of Horror V"A story playing with the idea of the butterfly effect allows for a lot of creativity, and they take full advantage of it here. The many different futures that Homer ends up creating are all interesting and creative. The one where Ned Flanders is the supreme ruler is by far the scare-diddly-ariest. Equally entertaining are the scenes where Homer is in prehistoric times and tries not to touch anything so that he doesn’t mess up the future more, but still keeps doing so. This one has so much great stuff and is definitely a must-watch.3. THE DEVIL AND HOMER SIMPSON - "Treehouse of Horror IV"This is definitely one of the funniest and most entertaining TOH segments. Ned Flanders as The Devil was an idea that worked amazingly well, and the set-up with Homer selling his soul for a doughnut was great because it was such a “Homer” thing to do. It features one of the coolest depictions of Hell I’ve ever seen. The court scene played out in a clever way, and the resolution with Marge actually owning Homer’s soul was very sweet. The ending with Homer’s head being turned into a doughnut was a nice touch.2. NIGHTMARE ON EVERGREEN TERRACE - "Treehouse of Horror VI"Just barely missing the top spot, this is easily one of the best parodies the show has ever done and one of the most well-crafted TOH segments. Groundskeeper Willie’s role as Freddy Kruger could not have been more perfect. His backstory was very creepy, as were the dream scenes of him attempting to kill the children. The climax with Bart and Lisa going up against Willie was a lot of fun, with Maggie saving the day. Thrown in some great jokes and a surreal atmosphere, and you got a classic TOH episode.1. THE SHINNING - "Treehouse of Horror V"This may be the cliché pick for the top spot, but it’s also the right pick. This parody was perfect in virtually every way. The characters fitted seamlessly into their roles, and nearly every scene pays perfect tribute to “The Shining” while also managing to be great comedy. From the opening scenes to Homer losing his mind to the final moments, there are simply too many great parts to name. This is a fine example of “The Simpsons” at its best. Just remember one thing: no TV and no beer make Homer go crazy. Got it? Good.What are your favorite "Treehouse of Horror" segments? Leave it in the comments!
Top 20 Favorite Treehouse of Horror SegmentsHappy October everyone! I hope you’re all having a month filled with thrills and scares. I have a very special journal today. Today is the 30th anniversary of the premiere of the very first "Treehouse of Horror" episode from "The Simpsons", so I’m sharing with you my top 20 favorite “Treehouse of Horror” segments.Most people would agree that the early TOH episodes are some of the best episodes in the show’s history. They are just filled with so much creativity and are great to watch around Halloween time. I am listing what I think are the best of the best.NOTE: You may notice that all of the entries on my list are from the first 9 TOH episodes. Please know that I have NOT restricted myself to only listing the segments from the early ones. It’s just that the early ones were the best, plain and simple. I didn’t care for the majority of the ones from the later seasons. I just needed to be honest with my opinions.20. THE THING AND I - "Treehouse of Horror VII"This is a pretty famous TOH segment, and for good reason. This is a good example of how not having to follow the series’ continuity can allow for interesting alternative stories. The backstory behind Hugo and the build-up to his appearance was well-done, and the character is voiced excellently by Nancy Cartwright. It’s also known for the twist that reveals Bart to be the evil twin (not like anyone was surprised by that).19. HELL TOUPEE - "Treehouse of Horror IX"Snake being one of my favorite “Simpsons” villains plays a role in my enjoyment of this segment. I thought the idea of Snake possessing Homer from beyond the grave because Homer put on his scalp was creative and creepy; it felt kind of like “Jekyll and Hyde”. The ways that Apu and Moe were killed were pretty brutal, and the climax was exciting and was followed by a heartwarming moment (which sadly was ruined by that tired “strangling” gag).18. BART'S NIGHTMARE - "Treehouse of Horror II"As one of many “Twilight Zone” parodies in the series, this segment had a lot of great stuff with Bart being able to control everything and everyone. Homer being transported onto a football field and later on being turned into a jack-in-the-box are some of my favorites. The scenes with Homer and Bart bonding and spending time together were genuinely heartwarming, ending with them hugging and Homer being turned back to normal. The fact that Bart was horrified by the way the dream ended made it all the more hilarious.17. NIGHTMARE CAFETERIA - "Treehouse of Horror V"This is one of the only TOH segments where nothing supernatural happens. The teachers simply go crazy and start cooking and eating the students one by one. Despite this, it still remains one of the most disturbing and unsettling TOH segments. None of the killings were shown on-screen, which leaves them to the imagination and makes them more terrifying. It all goes at a fast pace, and there is a real sense of dread that increases as the episode progresses.16. EASY-BAKE COVEN - "Treehouse of Horror VIII"I liked how this segment gave us a 1649 reimagining of Springfield to use as a stand-in for Salem. It was so interesting seeing what it would be like if these characters lived in that time period. Marge and her sisters being witches was a fun idea to play with, and it made for a clever and unique origin story on how Halloween got started. Plus, that final joke about them already having harvested on the children was pretty dark.15. BAD DREAM HOUSE - "Treehouse of Horror I"This is the very first TOH segment ever, and it starts the series off on a great note. It’s a pretty basic haunted house story, but it has an uncanny atmosphere and plenty of disturbing visuals to keep you engaged. The house itself was an interesting entity, and I thought it was pretty funny that it decided to destroy itself instead of have the Simpsons live there. It set the stage for what was to come, that’s for sure.14. HOMER'S NIGHTMARE - "Treehouse of Horror II"This is definitely my favorite of the three nightmares from “Treehouse of Horror II”. “Frankenstein” was a no-brainer for a TOH parody, and it’s done really well here. Mr. Burns was the right choice to be a stand-in for Frankenstein, and we got some really funny stuff from Homer’s brain being put into a robot. Most memorable, however, is the ending where Mr. Burns’ head gets sewed next to Homer’s head. Geez!13. CITIZEN KANG - "Treehouse of Horror VII"You’re probably surprised this isn’t higher. Don’t get me wrong, though, I really do like it. This is looked back on as one of the most essential pieces of political satire in the show’s history, and it’s easy to see why. It cleverly satirizes the idea that whichever side you’re on, campaign promises mean nothing, that you’re screwed either way. It’s pretty hard not to view politics this way to some extent. Also, Kang and Kodos are as entertaining and sinister as ever in this one.12. THE RAVEN - "Treehouse of Horror I"They did real justice to Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem with this segment while at the same time adding their own style to it. Bart was a great choice for the raven, Homer was surprisingly good as the lead character, and James Earl Jones could not have been a more perfect narrator. On top of that, the visuals and atmosphere were top-notch. A great ending to the original TOH episode.11. HOMER3 - "Treehouse of Horror VI"Homer steps into the third dimension in this one, and while the CGI effects are pretty dated now, they were revolutionary for 1995. The third dimension itself was an interesting setting, and it was hilarious when a bunch of characters got involved in trying to get Homer out of there. The jokes in this one are pretty spot-on; the “Tron” reference was a classic. It’s also notable for Homer entering the real world in the end.10. TERROR AT 5 ½ FEET - "Treehouse of Horror IV"This was a well-done parody of a famous “Twilight Zone” episode and a great segment in its own right. The gremlin that only Bart could see had a nice design to him and was a vicious creature. The suspense in this episode is built up really well, with the gremlin intending to kill everyone on the bus and nobody believing Bart. There were some funny moments with the other kids on the bus, and it has a pretty sick ending with Ned Flanders being decapitated by the gremlin.9. ATTACK OF THE 50-FOOT EYESORES - "Treehouse of Horror VI"The idea of giant advertising statues coming to life is a pretty neat idea, and the result is a lot of chaotic fun. The many different advertising icons in the episode were colorful and creative, and they terrorize Springfield in their own unique ways. The townspeople taking away the monsters’ powers by not paying attention to them, while unorthodox, was an interesting way to defeat them that made sense.8. HΩMEGA MAN - "Treehouse of Horror VIII"The set-up with Springfield being in a post-apocalyptic state after getting hit with a nuclear missile was really cool and made for some funny moments. Comic Book Guy’s line “Oh, I’ve wasted my life” is legendary, and the scenes with Homer taking advantage of being the only man left were really entertaining. I also enjoyed the stuff with the mutants, and Homer’s family taking them out with shotguns was a genuinely surprising moment.7. BART SIMPSON'S DRACULA - "Treehouse of Horror IV"Mr. Burns as a vampire is one of my favorite roles in a TOH episode, as it fits his personality so well. The scenes at his castle are pretty creepy and have a nice unease to them. The scene where Bart as a vampire tried to bite Lisa was a very memorable moment, and I also loved it when Homer killed Mr. Burns with a stake and got fired for it before Burns dissolved. The twist with Marge being the head vampire wrapped things up in an appropriately bizarre fashion.6. DIAL "Z" FOR ZOMBIES - "Treehouse of Horror III"While they’d give us another zombie story in “Treehouse of Horror XX”, it couldn’t even touch this one. This is just a fun and exciting ride from start to finish, with the Simpsons trying to end this zombie attack on Springfield. The zombies themselves were pretty scary, and the inclusion of several celebrities (Washington, Einstein, and Shakespeare), while bizarre, was really cool. Plus, the scene where Homer shoots down Ned Flanders without realizing he was a zombie is one of my favorite jokes in the whole show.5. CLOWN WITHOUT PITY - "Treehouse of Horror III"For such a simple premise, this segment sure packs a wallop. The evil Krusty The Clown doll was a delight to watch while also managing to be a creepy and menacing foe that is clearly supposed to be a parody of Chucky. The several scenes of it trying to kill Homer were absolute comedy gold, and I also enjoyed the scene with the shopkeeper. The reveal at the end that the doll was set to “evil” mode the whole time was pretty ingenious and is a much better twist than what we get in most modern horror movies.4. TIME AND PUNISHMENT - "Treehouse of Horror V"A story playing with the idea of the butterfly effect allows for a lot of creativity, and they take full advantage of it here. The many different futures that Homer ends up creating are all interesting and creative. The one where Ned Flanders is the supreme ruler is by far the scare-diddly-ariest. Equally entertaining are the scenes where Homer is in prehistoric times and tries not to touch anything so that he doesn’t mess up the future more, but still keeps doing so. This one has so much great stuff and is definitely a must-watch.3. THE DEVIL AND HOMER SIMPSON - "Treehouse of Horror IV"This is definitely one of the funniest and most entertaining TOH segments. Ned Flanders as The Devil was an idea that worked amazingly well, and the set-up with Homer selling his soul for a doughnut was great because it was such a “Homer” thing to do. It features one of the coolest depictions of Hell I’ve ever seen. The court scene played out in a clever way, and the resolution with Marge actually owning Homer’s soul was very sweet. The ending with Homer’s head being turned into a doughnut was a nice touch.2. NIGHTMARE ON EVERGREEN TERRACE - "Treehouse of Horror VI"Just barely missing the top spot, this is easily one of the best parodies the show has ever done and one of the most well-crafted TOH segments. Groundskeeper Willie’s role as Freddy Kruger could not have been more perfect. His backstory was very creepy, as were the dream scenes of him attempting to kill the children. The climax with Bart and Lisa going up against Willie was a lot of fun, with Maggie saving the day. Thrown in some great jokes and a surreal atmosphere, and you got a classic TOH episode.1. THE SHINNING - "Treehouse of Horror V"This may be the cliché pick for the top spot, but it’s also the right pick. This parody was perfect in virtually every way. The characters fitted seamlessly into their roles, and nearly every scene pays perfect tribute to “The Shining” while also managing to be great comedy. From the opening scenes to Homer losing his mind to the final moments, there are simply too many great parts to name. This is a fine example of “The Simpsons” at its best. Just remember one thing: no TV and no beer make Homer go crazy. Got it? Good.What are your favorite "Treehouse of Horror" segments? Leave it in the comments!
Top 20 Favorite Treehouse of Horror SegmentsHappy October everyone! I hope you’re all having a month filled with thrills and scares. I have a very special journal today. Today is the 30th anniversary of the premiere of the very first "Treehouse of Horror" episode from "The Simpsons", so I’m sharing with you my top 20 favorite “Treehouse of Horror” segments.Most people would agree that the early TOH episodes are some of the best episodes in the show’s history. They are just filled with so much creativity and are great to watch around Halloween time. I am listing what I think are the best of the best.NOTE: You may notice that all of the entries on my list are from the first 9 TOH episodes. Please know that I have NOT restricted myself to only listing the segments from the early ones. It’s just that the early ones were the best, plain and simple. I didn’t care for the majority of the ones from the later seasons. I just needed to be honest with my opinions.20. THE THING AND I - "Treehouse of Horror VII"This is a pretty famous TOH segment, and for good reason. This is a good example of how not having to follow the series’ continuity can allow for interesting alternative stories. The backstory behind Hugo and the build-up to his appearance was well-done, and the character is voiced excellently by Nancy Cartwright. It’s also known for the twist that reveals Bart to be the evil twin (not like anyone was surprised by that).19. HELL TOUPEE - "Treehouse of Horror IX"Snake being one of my favorite “Simpsons” villains plays a role in my enjoyment of this segment. I thought the idea of Snake possessing Homer from beyond the grave because Homer put on his scalp was creative and creepy; it felt kind of like “Jekyll and Hyde”. The ways that Apu and Moe were killed were pretty brutal, and the climax was exciting and was followed by a heartwarming moment (which sadly was ruined by that tired “strangling” gag).18. BART'S NIGHTMARE - "Treehouse of Horror II"As one of many “Twilight Zone” parodies in the series, this segment had a lot of great stuff with Bart being able to control everything and everyone. Homer being transported onto a football field and later on being turned into a jack-in-the-box are some of my favorites. The scenes with Homer and Bart bonding and spending time together were genuinely heartwarming, ending with them hugging and Homer being turned back to normal. The fact that Bart was horrified by the way the dream ended made it all the more hilarious.17. NIGHTMARE CAFETERIA - "Treehouse of Horror V"This is one of the only TOH segments where nothing supernatural happens. The teachers simply go crazy and start cooking and eating the students one by one. Despite this, it still remains one of the most disturbing and unsettling TOH segments. None of the killings were shown on-screen, which leaves them to the imagination and makes them more terrifying. It all goes at a fast pace, and there is a real sense of dread that increases as the episode progresses.16. EASY-BAKE COVEN - "Treehouse of Horror VIII"I liked how this segment gave us a 1649 reimagining of Springfield to use as a stand-in for Salem. It was so interesting seeing what it would be like if these characters lived in that time period. Marge and her sisters being witches was a fun idea to play with, and it made for a clever and unique origin story on how Halloween got started. Plus, that final joke about them already having harvested on the children was pretty dark.15. BAD DREAM HOUSE - "Treehouse of Horror I"This is the very first TOH segment ever, and it starts the series off on a great note. It’s a pretty basic haunted house story, but it has an uncanny atmosphere and plenty of disturbing visuals to keep you engaged. The house itself was an interesting entity, and I thought it was pretty funny that it decided to destroy itself instead of have the Simpsons live there. It set the stage for what was to come, that’s for sure.14. HOMER'S NIGHTMARE - "Treehouse of Horror II"This is definitely my favorite of the three nightmares from “Treehouse of Horror II”. “Frankenstein” was a no-brainer for a TOH parody, and it’s done really well here. Mr. Burns was the right choice to be a stand-in for Frankenstein, and we got some really funny stuff from Homer’s brain being put into a robot. Most memorable, however, is the ending where Mr. Burns’ head gets sewed next to Homer’s head. Geez!13. CITIZEN KANG - "Treehouse of Horror VII"You’re probably surprised this isn’t higher. Don’t get me wrong, though, I really do like it. This is looked back on as one of the most essential pieces of political satire in the show’s history, and it’s easy to see why. It cleverly satirizes the idea that whichever side you’re on, campaign promises mean nothing, that you’re screwed either way. It’s pretty hard not to view politics this way to some extent. Also, Kang and Kodos are as entertaining and sinister as ever in this one.12. THE RAVEN - "Treehouse of Horror I"They did real justice to Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem with this segment while at the same time adding their own style to it. Bart was a great choice for the raven, Homer was surprisingly good as the lead character, and James Earl Jones could not have been a more perfect narrator. On top of that, the visuals and atmosphere were top-notch. A great ending to the original TOH episode.11. HOMER3 - "Treehouse of Horror VI"Homer steps into the third dimension in this one, and while the CGI effects are pretty dated now, they were revolutionary for 1995. The third dimension itself was an interesting setting, and it was hilarious when a bunch of characters got involved in trying to get Homer out of there. The jokes in this one are pretty spot-on; the “Tron” reference was a classic. It’s also notable for Homer entering the real world in the end.10. TERROR AT 5 ½ FEET - "Treehouse of Horror IV"This was a well-done parody of a famous “Twilight Zone” episode and a great segment in its own right. The gremlin that only Bart could see had a nice design to him and was a vicious creature. The suspense in this episode is built up really well, with the gremlin intending to kill everyone on the bus and nobody believing Bart. There were some funny moments with the other kids on the bus, and it has a pretty sick ending with Ned Flanders being decapitated by the gremlin.9. ATTACK OF THE 50-FOOT EYESORES - "Treehouse of Horror VI"The idea of giant advertising statues coming to life is a pretty neat idea, and the result is a lot of chaotic fun. The many different advertising icons in the episode were colorful and creative, and they terrorize Springfield in their own unique ways. The townspeople taking away the monsters’ powers by not paying attention to them, while unorthodox, was an interesting way to defeat them that made sense.8. HΩMEGA MAN - "Treehouse of Horror VIII"The set-up with Springfield being in a post-apocalyptic state after getting hit with a nuclear missile was really cool and made for some funny moments. Comic Book Guy’s line “Oh, I’ve wasted my life” is legendary, and the scenes with Homer taking advantage of being the only man left were really entertaining. I also enjoyed the stuff with the mutants, and Homer’s family taking them out with shotguns was a genuinely surprising moment.7. BART SIMPSON'S DRACULA - "Treehouse of Horror IV"Mr. Burns as a vampire is one of my favorite roles in a TOH episode, as it fits his personality so well. The scenes at his castle are pretty creepy and have a nice unease to them. The scene where Bart as a vampire tried to bite Lisa was a very memorable moment, and I also loved it when Homer killed Mr. Burns with a stake and got fired for it before Burns dissolved. The twist with Marge being the head vampire wrapped things up in an appropriately bizarre fashion.6. DIAL "Z" FOR ZOMBIES - "Treehouse of Horror III"While they’d give us another zombie story in “Treehouse of Horror XX”, it couldn’t even touch this one. This is just a fun and exciting ride from start to finish, with the Simpsons trying to end this zombie attack on Springfield. The zombies themselves were pretty scary, and the inclusion of several celebrities (Washington, Einstein, and Shakespeare), while bizarre, was really cool. Plus, the scene where Homer shoots down Ned Flanders without realizing he was a zombie is one of my favorite jokes in the whole show.5. CLOWN WITHOUT PITY - "Treehouse of Horror III"For such a simple premise, this segment sure packs a wallop. The evil Krusty The Clown doll was a delight to watch while also managing to be a creepy and menacing foe that is clearly supposed to be a parody of Chucky. The several scenes of it trying to kill Homer were absolute comedy gold, and I also enjoyed the scene with the shopkeeper. The reveal at the end that the doll was set to “evil” mode the whole time was pretty ingenious and is a much better twist than what we get in most modern horror movies.4. TIME AND PUNISHMENT - "Treehouse of Horror V"A story playing with the idea of the butterfly effect allows for a lot of creativity, and they take full advantage of it here. The many different futures that Homer ends up creating are all interesting and creative. The one where Ned Flanders is the supreme ruler is by far the scare-diddly-ariest. Equally entertaining are the scenes where Homer is in prehistoric times and tries not to touch anything so that he doesn’t mess up the future more, but still keeps doing so. This one has so much great stuff and is definitely a must-watch.3. THE DEVIL AND HOMER SIMPSON - "Treehouse of Horror IV"This is definitely one of the funniest and most entertaining TOH segments. Ned Flanders as The Devil was an idea that worked amazingly well, and the set-up with Homer selling his soul for a doughnut was great because it was such a “Homer” thing to do. It features one of the coolest depictions of Hell I’ve ever seen. The court scene played out in a clever way, and the resolution with Marge actually owning Homer’s soul was very sweet. The ending with Homer’s head being turned into a doughnut was a nice touch.2. NIGHTMARE ON EVERGREEN TERRACE - "Treehouse of Horror VI"Just barely missing the top spot, this is easily one of the best parodies the show has ever done and one of the most well-crafted TOH segments. Groundskeeper Willie’s role as Freddy Kruger could not have been more perfect. His backstory was very creepy, as were the dream scenes of him attempting to kill the children. The climax with Bart and Lisa going up against Willie was a lot of fun, with Maggie saving the day. Thrown in some great jokes and a surreal atmosphere, and you got a classic TOH episode.1. THE SHINNING - "Treehouse of Horror V"This may be the cliché pick for the top spot, but it’s also the right pick. This parody was perfect in virtually every way. The characters fitted seamlessly into their roles, and nearly every scene pays perfect tribute to “The Shining” while also managing to be great comedy. From the opening scenes to Homer losing his mind to the final moments, there are simply too many great parts to name. This is a fine example of “The Simpsons” at its best. Just remember one thing: no TV and no beer make Homer go crazy. Got it? Good.What are your favorite "Treehouse of Horror" segments? Leave it in the comments!
Top 20 Favorite Treehouse of Horror SegmentsHappy October everyone! I hope you’re all having a month filled with thrills and scares. I have a very special journal today. Today is the 30th anniversary of the premiere of the very first "Treehouse of Horror" episode from "The Simpsons", so I’m sharing with you my top 20 favorite “Treehouse of Horror” segments.Most people would agree that the early TOH episodes are some of the best episodes in the show’s history. They are just filled with so much creativity and are great to watch around Halloween time. I am listing what I think are the best of the best.NOTE: You may notice that all of the entries on my list are from the first 9 TOH episodes. Please know that I have NOT restricted myself to only listing the segments from the early ones. It’s just that the early ones were the best, plain and simple. I didn’t care for the majority of the ones from the later seasons. I just needed to be honest with my opinions.20. THE THING AND I - "Treehouse of Horror VII"This is a pretty famous TOH segment, and for good reason. This is a good example of how not having to follow the series’ continuity can allow for interesting alternative stories. The backstory behind Hugo and the build-up to his appearance was well-done, and the character is voiced excellently by Nancy Cartwright. It’s also known for the twist that reveals Bart to be the evil twin (not like anyone was surprised by that).19. HELL TOUPEE - "Treehouse of Horror IX"Snake being one of my favorite “Simpsons” villains plays a role in my enjoyment of this segment. I thought the idea of Snake possessing Homer from beyond the grave because Homer put on his scalp was creative and creepy; it felt kind of like “Jekyll and Hyde”. The ways that Apu and Moe were killed were pretty brutal, and the climax was exciting and was followed by a heartwarming moment (which sadly was ruined by that tired “strangling” gag).18. BART'S NIGHTMARE - "Treehouse of Horror II"As one of many “Twilight Zone” parodies in the series, this segment had a lot of great stuff with Bart being able to control everything and everyone. Homer being transported onto a football field and later on being turned into a jack-in-the-box are some of my favorites. The scenes with Homer and Bart bonding and spending time together were genuinely heartwarming, ending with them hugging and Homer being turned back to normal. The fact that Bart was horrified by the way the dream ended made it all the more hilarious.17. NIGHTMARE CAFETERIA - "Treehouse of Horror V"This is one of the only TOH segments where nothing supernatural happens. The teachers simply go crazy and start cooking and eating the students one by one. Despite this, it still remains one of the most disturbing and unsettling TOH segments. None of the killings were shown on-screen, which leaves them to the imagination and makes them more terrifying. It all goes at a fast pace, and there is a real sense of dread that increases as the episode progresses.16. EASY-BAKE COVEN - "Treehouse of Horror VIII"I liked how this segment gave us a 1649 reimagining of Springfield to use as a stand-in for Salem. It was so interesting seeing what it would be like if these characters lived in that time period. Marge and her sisters being witches was a fun idea to play with, and it made for a clever and unique origin story on how Halloween got started. Plus, that final joke about them already having harvested on the children was pretty dark.15. BAD DREAM HOUSE - "Treehouse of Horror I"This is the very first TOH segment ever, and it starts the series off on a great note. It’s a pretty basic haunted house story, but it has an uncanny atmosphere and plenty of disturbing visuals to keep you engaged. The house itself was an interesting entity, and I thought it was pretty funny that it decided to destroy itself instead of have the Simpsons live there. It set the stage for what was to come, that’s for sure.14. HOMER'S NIGHTMARE - "Treehouse of Horror II"This is definitely my favorite of the three nightmares from “Treehouse of Horror II”. “Frankenstein” was a no-brainer for a TOH parody, and it’s done really well here. Mr. Burns was the right choice to be a stand-in for Frankenstein, and we got some really funny stuff from Homer’s brain being put into a robot. Most memorable, however, is the ending where Mr. Burns’ head gets sewed next to Homer’s head. Geez!13. CITIZEN KANG - "Treehouse of Horror VII"You’re probably surprised this isn’t higher. Don’t get me wrong, though, I really do like it. This is looked back on as one of the most essential pieces of political satire in the show’s history, and it’s easy to see why. It cleverly satirizes the idea that whichever side you’re on, campaign promises mean nothing, that you’re screwed either way. It’s pretty hard not to view politics this way to some extent. Also, Kang and Kodos are as entertaining and sinister as ever in this one.12. THE RAVEN - "Treehouse of Horror I"They did real justice to Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem with this segment while at the same time adding their own style to it. Bart was a great choice for the raven, Homer was surprisingly good as the lead character, and James Earl Jones could not have been a more perfect narrator. On top of that, the visuals and atmosphere were top-notch. A great ending to the original TOH episode.11. HOMER3 - "Treehouse of Horror VI"Homer steps into the third dimension in this one, and while the CGI effects are pretty dated now, they were revolutionary for 1995. The third dimension itself was an interesting setting, and it was hilarious when a bunch of characters got involved in trying to get Homer out of there. The jokes in this one are pretty spot-on; the “Tron” reference was a classic. It’s also notable for Homer entering the real world in the end.10. TERROR AT 5 ½ FEET - "Treehouse of Horror IV"This was a well-done parody of a famous “Twilight Zone” episode and a great segment in its own right. The gremlin that only Bart could see had a nice design to him and was a vicious creature. The suspense in this episode is built up really well, with the gremlin intending to kill everyone on the bus and nobody believing Bart. There were some funny moments with the other kids on the bus, and it has a pretty sick ending with Ned Flanders being decapitated by the gremlin.9. ATTACK OF THE 50-FOOT EYESORES - "Treehouse of Horror VI"The idea of giant advertising statues coming to life is a pretty neat idea, and the result is a lot of chaotic fun. The many different advertising icons in the episode were colorful and creative, and they terrorize Springfield in their own unique ways. The townspeople taking away the monsters’ powers by not paying attention to them, while unorthodox, was an interesting way to defeat them that made sense.8. HΩMEGA MAN - "Treehouse of Horror VIII"The set-up with Springfield being in a post-apocalyptic state after getting hit with a nuclear missile was really cool and made for some funny moments. Comic Book Guy’s line “Oh, I’ve wasted my life” is legendary, and the scenes with Homer taking advantage of being the only man left were really entertaining. I also enjoyed the stuff with the mutants, and Homer’s family taking them out with shotguns was a genuinely surprising moment.7. BART SIMPSON'S DRACULA - "Treehouse of Horror IV"Mr. Burns as a vampire is one of my favorite roles in a TOH episode, as it fits his personality so well. The scenes at his castle are pretty creepy and have a nice unease to them. The scene where Bart as a vampire tried to bite Lisa was a very memorable moment, and I also loved it when Homer killed Mr. Burns with a stake and got fired for it before Burns dissolved. The twist with Marge being the head vampire wrapped things up in an appropriately bizarre fashion.6. DIAL "Z" FOR ZOMBIES - "Treehouse of Horror III"While they’d give us another zombie story in “Treehouse of Horror XX”, it couldn’t even touch this one. This is just a fun and exciting ride from start to finish, with the Simpsons trying to end this zombie attack on Springfield. The zombies themselves were pretty scary, and the inclusion of several celebrities (Washington, Einstein, and Shakespeare), while bizarre, was really cool. Plus, the scene where Homer shoots down Ned Flanders without realizing he was a zombie is one of my favorite jokes in the whole show.5. CLOWN WITHOUT PITY - "Treehouse of Horror III"For such a simple premise, this segment sure packs a wallop. The evil Krusty The Clown doll was a delight to watch while also managing to be a creepy and menacing foe that is clearly supposed to be a parody of Chucky. The several scenes of it trying to kill Homer were absolute comedy gold, and I also enjoyed the scene with the shopkeeper. The reveal at the end that the doll was set to “evil” mode the whole time was pretty ingenious and is a much better twist than what we get in most modern horror movies.4. TIME AND PUNISHMENT - "Treehouse of Horror V"A story playing with the idea of the butterfly effect allows for a lot of creativity, and they take full advantage of it here. The many different futures that Homer ends up creating are all interesting and creative. The one where Ned Flanders is the supreme ruler is by far the scare-diddly-ariest. Equally entertaining are the scenes where Homer is in prehistoric times and tries not to touch anything so that he doesn’t mess up the future more, but still keeps doing so. This one has so much great stuff and is definitely a must-watch.3. THE DEVIL AND HOMER SIMPSON - "Treehouse of Horror IV"This is definitely one of the funniest and most entertaining TOH segments. Ned Flanders as The Devil was an idea that worked amazingly well, and the set-up with Homer selling his soul for a doughnut was great because it was such a “Homer” thing to do. It features one of the coolest depictions of Hell I’ve ever seen. The court scene played out in a clever way, and the resolution with Marge actually owning Homer’s soul was very sweet. The ending with Homer’s head being turned into a doughnut was a nice touch.2. NIGHTMARE ON EVERGREEN TERRACE - "Treehouse of Horror VI"Just barely missing the top spot, this is easily one of the best parodies the show has ever done and one of the most well-crafted TOH segments. Groundskeeper Willie’s role as Freddy Kruger could not have been more perfect. His backstory was very creepy, as were the dream scenes of him attempting to kill the children. The climax with Bart and Lisa going up against Willie was a lot of fun, with Maggie saving the day. Thrown in some great jokes and a surreal atmosphere, and you got a classic TOH episode.1. THE SHINNING - "Treehouse of Horror V"This may be the cliché pick for the top spot, but it’s also the right pick. This parody was perfect in virtually every way. The characters fitted seamlessly into their roles, and nearly every scene pays perfect tribute to “The Shining” while also managing to be great comedy. From the opening scenes to Homer losing his mind to the final moments, there are simply too many great parts to name. This is a fine example of “The Simpsons” at its best. Just remember one thing: no TV and no beer make Homer go crazy. Got it? Good.What are your favorite "Treehouse of Horror" segments? Leave it in the comments!
Top 20 Favorite Treehouse of Horror SegmentsHappy October everyone! I hope you’re all having a month filled with thrills and scares. I have a very special journal today. Today is the 30th anniversary of the premiere of the very first "Treehouse of Horror" episode from "The Simpsons", so I’m sharing with you my top 20 favorite “Treehouse of Horror” segments.Most people would agree that the early TOH episodes are some of the best episodes in the show’s history. They are just filled with so much creativity and are great to watch around Halloween time. I am listing what I think are the best of the best.NOTE: You may notice that all of the entries on my list are from the first 9 TOH episodes. Please know that I have NOT restricted myself to only listing the segments from the early ones. It’s just that the early ones were the best, plain and simple. I didn’t care for the majority of the ones from the later seasons. I just needed to be honest with my opinions.20. THE THING AND I - "Treehouse of Horror VII"This is a pretty famous TOH segment, and for good reason. This is a good example of how not having to follow the series’ continuity can allow for interesting alternative stories. The backstory behind Hugo and the build-up to his appearance was well-done, and the character is voiced excellently by Nancy Cartwright. It’s also known for the twist that reveals Bart to be the evil twin (not like anyone was surprised by that).19. HELL TOUPEE - "Treehouse of Horror IX"Snake being one of my favorite “Simpsons” villains plays a role in my enjoyment of this segment. I thought the idea of Snake possessing Homer from beyond the grave because Homer put on his scalp was creative and creepy; it felt kind of like “Jekyll and Hyde”. The ways that Apu and Moe were killed were pretty brutal, and the climax was exciting and was followed by a heartwarming moment (which sadly was ruined by that tired “strangling” gag).18. BART'S NIGHTMARE - "Treehouse of Horror II"As one of many “Twilight Zone” parodies in the series, this segment had a lot of great stuff with Bart being able to control everything and everyone. Homer being transported onto a football field and later on being turned into a jack-in-the-box are some of my favorites. The scenes with Homer and Bart bonding and spending time together were genuinely heartwarming, ending with them hugging and Homer being turned back to normal. The fact that Bart was horrified by the way the dream ended made it all the more hilarious.17. NIGHTMARE CAFETERIA - "Treehouse of Horror V"This is one of the only TOH segments where nothing supernatural happens. The teachers simply go crazy and start cooking and eating the students one by one. Despite this, it still remains one of the most disturbing and unsettling TOH segments. None of the killings were shown on-screen, which leaves them to the imagination and makes them more terrifying. It all goes at a fast pace, and there is a real sense of dread that increases as the episode progresses.16. EASY-BAKE COVEN - "Treehouse of Horror VIII"I liked how this segment gave us a 1649 reimagining of Springfield to use as a stand-in for Salem. It was so interesting seeing what it would be like if these characters lived in that time period. Marge and her sisters being witches was a fun idea to play with, and it made for a clever and unique origin story on how Halloween got started. Plus, that final joke about them already having harvested on the children was pretty dark.15. BAD DREAM HOUSE - "Treehouse of Horror I"This is the very first TOH segment ever, and it starts the series off on a great note. It’s a pretty basic haunted house story, but it has an uncanny atmosphere and plenty of disturbing visuals to keep you engaged. The house itself was an interesting entity, and I thought it was pretty funny that it decided to destroy itself instead of have the Simpsons live there. It set the stage for what was to come, that’s for sure.14. HOMER'S NIGHTMARE - "Treehouse of Horror II"This is definitely my favorite of the three nightmares from “Treehouse of Horror II”. “Frankenstein” was a no-brainer for a TOH parody, and it’s done really well here. Mr. Burns was the right choice to be a stand-in for Frankenstein, and we got some really funny stuff from Homer’s brain being put into a robot. Most memorable, however, is the ending where Mr. Burns’ head gets sewed next to Homer’s head. Geez!13. CITIZEN KANG - "Treehouse of Horror VII"You’re probably surprised this isn’t higher. Don’t get me wrong, though, I really do like it. This is looked back on as one of the most essential pieces of political satire in the show’s history, and it’s easy to see why. It cleverly satirizes the idea that whichever side you’re on, campaign promises mean nothing, that you’re screwed either way. It’s pretty hard not to view politics this way to some extent. Also, Kang and Kodos are as entertaining and sinister as ever in this one.12. THE RAVEN - "Treehouse of Horror I"They did real justice to Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem with this segment while at the same time adding their own style to it. Bart was a great choice for the raven, Homer was surprisingly good as the lead character, and James Earl Jones could not have been a more perfect narrator. On top of that, the visuals and atmosphere were top-notch. A great ending to the original TOH episode.11. HOMER3 - "Treehouse of Horror VI"Homer steps into the third dimension in this one, and while the CGI effects are pretty dated now, they were revolutionary for 1995. The third dimension itself was an interesting setting, and it was hilarious when a bunch of characters got involved in trying to get Homer out of there. The jokes in this one are pretty spot-on; the “Tron” reference was a classic. It’s also notable for Homer entering the real world in the end.10. TERROR AT 5 ½ FEET - "Treehouse of Horror IV"This was a well-done parody of a famous “Twilight Zone” episode and a great segment in its own right. The gremlin that only Bart could see had a nice design to him and was a vicious creature. The suspense in this episode is built up really well, with the gremlin intending to kill everyone on the bus and nobody believing Bart. There were some funny moments with the other kids on the bus, and it has a pretty sick ending with Ned Flanders being decapitated by the gremlin.9. ATTACK OF THE 50-FOOT EYESORES - "Treehouse of Horror VI"The idea of giant advertising statues coming to life is a pretty neat idea, and the result is a lot of chaotic fun. The many different advertising icons in the episode were colorful and creative, and they terrorize Springfield in their own unique ways. The townspeople taking away the monsters’ powers by not paying attention to them, while unorthodox, was an interesting way to defeat them that made sense.8. HΩMEGA MAN - "Treehouse of Horror VIII"The set-up with Springfield being in a post-apocalyptic state after getting hit with a nuclear missile was really cool and made for some funny moments. Comic Book Guy’s line “Oh, I’ve wasted my life” is legendary, and the scenes with Homer taking advantage of being the only man left were really entertaining. I also enjoyed the stuff with the mutants, and Homer’s family taking them out with shotguns was a genuinely surprising moment.7. BART SIMPSON'S DRACULA - "Treehouse of Horror IV"Mr. Burns as a vampire is one of my favorite roles in a TOH episode, as it fits his personality so well. The scenes at his castle are pretty creepy and have a nice unease to them. The scene where Bart as a vampire tried to bite Lisa was a very memorable moment, and I also loved it when Homer killed Mr. Burns with a stake and got fired for it before Burns dissolved. The twist with Marge being the head vampire wrapped things up in an appropriately bizarre fashion.6. DIAL "Z" FOR ZOMBIES - "Treehouse of Horror III"While they’d give us another zombie story in “Treehouse of Horror XX”, it couldn’t even touch this one. This is just a fun and exciting ride from start to finish, with the Simpsons trying to end this zombie attack on Springfield. The zombies themselves were pretty scary, and the inclusion of several celebrities (Washington, Einstein, and Shakespeare), while bizarre, was really cool. Plus, the scene where Homer shoots down Ned Flanders without realizing he was a zombie is one of my favorite jokes in the whole show.5. CLOWN WITHOUT PITY - "Treehouse of Horror III"For such a simple premise, this segment sure packs a wallop. The evil Krusty The Clown doll was a delight to watch while also managing to be a creepy and menacing foe that is clearly supposed to be a parody of Chucky. The several scenes of it trying to kill Homer were absolute comedy gold, and I also enjoyed the scene with the shopkeeper. The reveal at the end that the doll was set to “evil” mode the whole time was pretty ingenious and is a much better twist than what we get in most modern horror movies.4. TIME AND PUNISHMENT - "Treehouse of Horror V"A story playing with the idea of the butterfly effect allows for a lot of creativity, and they take full advantage of it here. The many different futures that Homer ends up creating are all interesting and creative. The one where Ned Flanders is the supreme ruler is by far the scare-diddly-ariest. Equally entertaining are the scenes where Homer is in prehistoric times and tries not to touch anything so that he doesn’t mess up the future more, but still keeps doing so. This one has so much great stuff and is definitely a must-watch.3. THE DEVIL AND HOMER SIMPSON - "Treehouse of Horror IV"This is definitely one of the funniest and most entertaining TOH segments. Ned Flanders as The Devil was an idea that worked amazingly well, and the set-up with Homer selling his soul for a doughnut was great because it was such a “Homer” thing to do. It features one of the coolest depictions of Hell I’ve ever seen. The court scene played out in a clever way, and the resolution with Marge actually owning Homer’s soul was very sweet. The ending with Homer’s head being turned into a doughnut was a nice touch.2. NIGHTMARE ON EVERGREEN TERRACE - "Treehouse of Horror VI"Just barely missing the top spot, this is easily one of the best parodies the show has ever done and one of the most well-crafted TOH segments. Groundskeeper Willie’s role as Freddy Kruger could not have been more perfect. His backstory was very creepy, as were the dream scenes of him attempting to kill the children. The climax with Bart and Lisa going up against Willie was a lot of fun, with Maggie saving the day. Thrown in some great jokes and a surreal atmosphere, and you got a classic TOH episode.1. THE SHINNING - "Treehouse of Horror V"This may be the cliché pick for the top spot, but it’s also the right pick. This parody was perfect in virtually every way. The characters fitted seamlessly into their roles, and nearly every scene pays perfect tribute to “The Shining” while also managing to be great comedy. From the opening scenes to Homer losing his mind to the final moments, there are simply too many great parts to name. This is a fine example of “The Simpsons” at its best. Just remember one thing: no TV and no beer make Homer go crazy. Got it? Good.What are your favorite "Treehouse of Horror" segments? Leave it in the comments!
Happy 30th Anniversary, The Simpsons