Castle Rock: Stephen King in the Horror Universe, TVCU, and the Cineverse!

I wrote this in 2017.  But then a few of the TVCU crewsies said they'd be upset if they didn't like it.  So I challenged them to complete it to their standard.  But they never touched it.  So it's been sitting in the draft section for four years.  So it's incomplete but I'm posting it now.  The challenge still stands for other TVCU Crewsies to complete this.  

So every Thursday I post excerpts from the Horror Crossover Encyclopedia, related to a particular film or television series.  Sometimes I supplement those excerpts with additional information not found in the book.

Today I'm covering Stephen King, but to be true to the theme of the Television Crossover Universe, I'm only covering King's stories that have been adapted to or written for the screen.  I will talk about the original stories, which are part of the Horror Universe (or Television Crossover Universe), and then go on to discuss the films that were made based on those stories.

For a more in-depth look at all the interconnected Stephen King stories, check out the Horror Crossover Encyclopedia, written by Robert E. Wronski, Jr., published by 18thWall Productions, available at Amazon.com.

Note that those entries completely in blue are only in the Cineverse, and not necessarily in the Horror Universe or TVCU.

Entries in red indicate they are set in other realities within the King Multiverse (or the Horror Multiverse or Television Crossover Multiverse.)

NIGHTSHIFT COLLECTION "JERUSALEM'S LOT (STORY BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: February, 1978 (Setting is 1789 and 1850)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

Horror Crosses: Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos

The Story: A man returns to his family's ancestral home in Chapelwaite. Maine and discovers a dark connection to the history of nearby Jerusalem's Lot.

Notes: This story is a prequel to the 1875 King novel Salem's Lot and the short stories "One For the Road" and "Night Flier", and makes direct reference to De Vermis Mysteriis, a fictional occult tome from Robert Block's 1935 story "The Shambler from the Stars", itself a significant crossover with Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos. Multiple comments are made suggesting there are "rats in the walls", which are references to Lovecraft’s own "The Rats in the Walls" as well as "The Dreams in the Witch-House". Though this story has not been adapted to television or film, it has been depicted in comic book form.

DIFFERENT SEASONS “RITA HAYWORTH AND THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION” (STORY BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: August 27, 1982 (Setting is 1948 to 1977)

Series: “Stephen King Universe” (The Works of Stephen King)

The Story; A man in prison, who is a little different than the others, finds unique ways to manage until eventually, well, spoilers.

Notes: Though King is best known for horror, he occasionally does something different and still does it well. This excellent short story from this anthology was later made into the film The Shawshank Redemption. Though there are no crossovers in this story to works outside the King universe, this story does have a couple of connections that show that this story is part of the interconnected world of King. (Other entries in this reference guide show King’s connection to the Horror Universe.) This story references Castle Rock, a fictional town in Maine that figures as a setting for many King stories, and Shawshank prison is also often referenced in other King works as well as the stories of his son Joe Hill. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1994 film is in the Cineverse. The 1994 film has references to La Grande Illusion, Brute Force, Harvey and other films, which are not valid crossovers.  The film has also been referenced numerous times, including in The Simpsons, The Nanny, and Seinfeld.  Those references don't count as crossovers, but the film has also been referenced in other King cinematic adaptations such as Dolores Claiborne (1995), Hearts in Atlantis, Shawshank, Haven, and The Green Mile, which confirm it's placement within a "King Cineverse".  It was also spoofed many times, including in Duke Nukem 3D, Spy Hard, Family Guy, and Half Baked.  

IT (NOVEL BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: September 15, 1986 (Setting is 1957 - 1958 and 1984 - 1985)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

Horror Crosses: Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos

The Story: In the town of Derry, in the 1950s, a supernatural entity terrorizes until a group of children band together to defeat it. In the 1980s, those former children must again stop the entity.

Notes: This story has references that link it to Lovecraft’s Pickman’s Model. It also has references to The Stand, Children of the Corn, Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, The Dead Zone, The Tommyknockers, the Dark Tower, The Shining, and Christine. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1990 TV mini-series is in the Cineverse. The 1990 series has references to The Lone Ranger and Dr. Kildare, which are not valid crossovers.  The series has also been referenced numerous times, including in Mystery Science Theater 3000, The Tick and Duckman.  It was also spoofed many times, including in Muppet Treasure Island, Animaniacs and Six-String Samurai.

DIFFERENT SEASONS “THE BODY” (STORY BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: August 27, 1982 (Setting is 1960)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: Four boys hear that there is a dead body in the woods, and go to look for it.

Notes: The story takes place in Castle Rock, Maine, the setting of many Stephen King stories (the movie version is set in Castle Rock, Oregon). The story synopsis is very simplified, but it’s a great coming of age story that later became the film Stand by Me in 1986. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1986 film is in the Cineverse. The 1986 film has references to Citizen Kane, The Mouse of Tomorrow, Dragnet and other films, television shows, and animated shorts, which are not valid crossovers.  The film has also been referenced numerous times, including in It's Garry Shandling's Show, Death Wish 4, and Mystery Science Theater 3000.  It was also spoofed many times, including in The Sandlot, Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood, The Simpsons, and Jane Austen's Mafia!  

GALLERY "THE MAN WHO LOVED FLOWERS" (SHORT STORY BY STEPHEN KING)
Release Date:  August 1977 (Setting is May 1963)
Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)
The Story: A serial killer murders any woman who isn't his Norma.
Notes: There are no crossovers, though the bulk of King's work demonstrates an intention from the writer that all his works belong to the same shared reality. This story was adapted to screen in 1996. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1996 film is in the Cineverse.  The film was remade in 2010 and then again as MAXWELL EDISON in 2012.  

CAVALIER "GRAVEYARD SHIFT" (SHORT STORY BY STEPHEN KING)
Release Date:  October 1970 (Contemporary Setting)
Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)
The Story: A man is hired to rid a basement of mutated rats!
Notes: There are no crossovers, though the bulk of King's work demonstrates an intention from the writer that all his words belong to the same shared reality. This story was adapted to screen in 1990. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1990 film is in the Cineverse.  The film references Star Search and The 'Burbs, neither of which are valid crossovers.  The film has also been referenced in Benny's Video, Jeepers Creepers II, and JonTron, but again, none of those are valid crossovers.

CAVALIER "BATTLEGROUND" (SHORT STORY BY STEPHEN KING)
Release Date:  September 1972 (Contemporary Setting)
Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)
The Story: After killing a toymaker, a hit man finds himself being attacked by killer toys.
Notes: There are no crossovers, though the bulk of King's work demonstrates an intention from the writer that all his words belong to the same shared reality. This story was adapted to screen in 1986 (as SRAZHENIE). The film was remade again in 2003, 2004 and 2006. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1986 film is in the Cineverse.  

CAVALIER "THE BOOGEYMAN" (SHORT STORY BY STEPHEN KING)
Release Date:  March 1973 (Contemporary Setting)
Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)
The Story: A man relates to his psychiatrist his belief that his children were all killed by some monster.
Notes: There are no crossovers, though the bulk of King's work demonstrates an intention from the writer that all his words belong to the same shared reality. This story was adapted to screen in 1982. The film was remade again in 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1982 film is in the Cineverse. The film has also been referenced in Hearts in Atlantis, which is a valid crossover within the Cineverse between two of King's screen adaptations.  The 1982 film is also available on video as part of THE NIGHTSHIFT COLLECTION.  

CAVALIER "TRUCKS" (SHORT STORY BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: June 1973 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: Trucks come to life and menace those at a truck stop.

Notes: There are no crossovers, though the bulk of King's work demonstrates an intention from the writer that all his words belong to the same shared reality. This film was adapted to the screen in 1986's MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE.  This film does not connect to the Horror Universe/TVCU, but does connect to the Cineverse. The film was remade in 1997 as TRUCKS. The 1986 film has references to Psycho, The Birds and The Breakfast Club, which are not valid crossovers.  The film has also been referenced numerous times, including in There's Nothing Out There, The Simpsons, and Undergrads, which are not valid crossovers.  The 1997 remake references The Twilight Zone and is referenced in Pop Culture Beast's Halloween Horror Picks, but neither of those are valid crossover connections.  Likely the remake is in the "Cineverse 2".

CAVALIER "SOMETIMES THEY COME BACK" (SHORT STORY BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: March 1974 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: A street gang that killed a teacher's brother back in the 1950s seem to return from the dead to kill off the teacher's students.

Notes: There are no crossovers, though the bulk of King's work demonstrates an intention from the writer that all his words belong to the same shared reality. This story was adapted to screen in 1991. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1991 film, which had two sequels, is in the Cineverse.

CARRIE (NOVEL BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: April 5, 1974 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: A woman who is raised by a crazy, abusive mother, is bullied at school for being odd, introverted, and very sheltered. However, when she develops telekinesis, she gets her revenge.

Notes: Carrie’s mother works for the Blue Ribbon Laundry, which is from the story The Mangler also by Stephen King. This story was adapted to screen in 1976. The film has a sequel, THE RAGE: CARRIE 2. The film was remade again in 2002, 1997 and 2013. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1976 film is in the Cineverse, as is the sequel, which mentions Arkham Asylum from Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos (a valid crossover but not for the TVCU). The 1976 film has references to Battleship Potemkin, Psycho, Lord of the Flies and other films,  which are not valid crossovers.  The film has also been referenced numerous times, including in Alucarda, Saturday Night Live and Rabid.  It was also spoofed many times, including in H.O.T.S., Friday the 13th, and Student Bodies.

CAVALIER "THE CAT FROM HELL" (SHORT STORY BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: March and June 1977 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: A hitman is hired to kill a cat. But this is no ordinary cat. This feline has already been implicated in three murders, and is bent on revenge against a company that tortured cats for research.

Notes:  There are no crossovers, though the bulk of King's work demonstrates an intention from the writer that all his words belong to the same shared reality. This story was adapted to screen in 1990 as a segment for TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE: THE MOVIE. The film is of course a continuation of the television series, which was originally conceived of as a television continuation of the CREEPSHOW FILMS. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1990 film is in the Cineverse. The film references Kwaidan and is referenced in Nightmares in Foam Rubber, but neither of those are valid crossovers.  

DIFFERENT SEASONS “APT PUPIL” (STORY BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: August 27, 1982 (Setting is 1974)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: A boy accuses his neighbor of being a Nazi war criminal and blackmails him into telling him stories of his time with the Third Reich.

Notes: Andy Dufresne, the main character of the Shawshank Redemption, is mentioned. This story was adapted to screen in 1987. The film was remade again in 1998. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1987 film is in the Cineverse.

CAVALIER "THE LAWNMOWER MAN" (SHORT STORY BY STEPHEN KING)
Release Date: May 1975 (Contemporary Setting)
Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)
The Story: A man hires a lawnmowing service that is more than he bargained for.
Notes: There are no crossovers, except to Greek mythology, though the bulk of King's work demonstrates an intention from the writer that all his words belong to the same shared reality. This story was adapted to screen in 1987. The film was remade again in 1992. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1987 film is in the Cineverse. However, though the 1987 film is a closer adaptation, the 1992 film is probably most likely in the Cineverse as it has a larger film presence due to it's fame and sequels. It was so different, that King sued to have his name removed from the credits. That film's sequel is LAWNMOWER MAN 2: BEYOND CYBERSPACE. The 1992 film has references to Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, THX 1138, TRON, and Terminator 2: Judgment Day, which are not valid crossovers.  However, it also has a reference to Firestarter (specifically The Shop) which indeed is a valid crossover to connect it to the King Cineverse, whether King likes it or not.  The 1992 film has also been referenced numerous times, including in The Ben Stiller Show, Beyond the Mind's Eye, and Hackers, but those are not valid crossovers.  On the other hand, the film has also been referenced in The Night Flier, which is a valid connection again confirming this film's placement in the King Cineverse.  This second film has also been spoofed numerous times, including in Lawnmower Woman, Virtual Bart, and Rick and Morty.

SALEM’S LOT (NOVEL BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: October 17, 1975 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: A writer returns to the town he lived in as a child, only to find that the residents are turning into vampires.

Notes: The town is actually called Jerusalem’s Lot, but people called it Salem’s Lot for short. In the real world, Stephen King wanted to call the book Second Coming, but his wife Tabitha thought that sounded like a bad erotic novel, so he changed it to Jerusalem’s Lot. But then the publishers thought that sounded too religious so they shortened it to ‘Salem’s Lot. In the 1978 anthology Night Shift, the town will appear in two of the stories in that anthology: Jerusalem’s Lot and One for the Road. This story was adapted to screen in 1979. The novel also plays a large role in King's The Dark Tower series. The film has a sequel, A RETURN TO SALEM'S LOT. The film was remade again in 2004. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1979 film is in the Cineverse. The 1979 film has references to Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man and other films, which are not valid crossovers.  The film has also been referenced numerous times, including in Fright Night, The Lost Boys and Father Ted.  It was also spoofed many times, including in Student Bodies, The Evil Dead, and Pandemonium.  

THE SHINING (NOVEL BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: January 28, 1977 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: A writer and his family take on the job of looking after a hotel off-season. Being snowed in and isolated over the winter seems to be having a psychological effect on the writer, or is the hotel haunted?

Notes: Part of the overall Stephen King Universe, thus part of Horror Universe. This story was adapted to screen in 1980. The film was remade again in 1997 and 2004. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1980 film is in the Cineverse. The book has a sequel, Doctor Sleep, published in 2013, that continues the story of Danny Torrence. The 1980 film has references to Broken Blossoms or The Yellow Man and the Girl, The Phantom Carriage, Bugs Bunny, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and other films, which are not valid crossovers.  The film has also been referenced numerous times, including in He Knows You're Alone, And When She Was Bad and The House by the Cemetery.  It was also spoofed many times, including in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Simpsons, and South Park.  In 1997, the classic film was remade as a TV mini-series.  That would probably be the Toobworld version of events.  The mini-series has been referenced in Angel, Supernatural, Yes Man, and others, but none of them are valid crossover connections.  The mini-series was also spoofed in The Chickening.

NIGHT SHIFT “CHILDREN OF THE CORN” (SHORT STORY BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: February 1978 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: A couple find themselves in a seeming ghost town and soon find it inhabited by a cult that worships a demonic being who demands all those who have reached their 19th birthdays or older be sacrificed.

Notes: The story actually was first published in a 1977 issue of Penthouse, but since I listed all the other Night Shift stories, I felt it better to place this here. This story was adapted to screen in 1983 (in the short, DISCIPLES OF THE CROW). DISCIPLES OF THE CROW can be found on video as part of THE NIGHTSHIFT COLLECTION. The film was remade again in 1984 and 2009. The more famous adaptation is the 1984 film, CHILDREN OF THE CORN. The 1984 remake fits better in the main Cineverse, as it has had several sequels, starting with Children of the Corn II: The Final Sacrifice in 1992, and most recently Children of the Corn: Genesis (2011).  The 1984 film has many references, including to The Wizard of Oz, Star Trek, and Who Can Kill a Child?, which are not valid crossovers.  However, there is also a reference to The Shining (1980), which is a valid crossover within the Cineverse.  The 1984 film has also been referenced numerous times, including in Mystery Science Theater 3000, Married with Children, and For Richer or Poorer.  Those are not valid crossovers.  They are simply homages.  However, the 1984 film has also been referenced in The Night Flier (1997) and Haven, and those are valid crossovers within the Cineverse.  The film has also been spoofed numerous times, such as in Wrongfully Accused, Landspeed, and South Park.

NIGHT SHIFT “THE MANGLER” (SHORT STORY BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: February 1978 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

Horror Crosses: Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos

The Story: A factory has an evil machine.

Notes: The story mentions Hastur, he who must not be named, even though I just did, from the Lovecraft mythos. This story was adapted to screen in 1995. The film has two sequels. The 1995 film fits in the main Cineverse, especially with its sequels, starting with The Mangler 2 (2002), and most recently The Mangler Reborn (2005).  The 1995 film has also been referenced numerous times, including in Texas Chain Saw Massacre: The Shocking Truth, The House That Freddy Built, and Scream: The Inside Story.  Those are not valid crossovers.  They are simply homages.  

NIGHT SHIFT "THE WOMAN IN THE ROOM" (SHORT STORY BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: 1978 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (works of Stephen King)

The Story: The story revolves around a man who chooses to euthanize his mother with painkillers.

Notes: No crossovers, but demonstrated by writer's intent to be part of a shared reality. This story was adapted to screen in 1983. The film was remade again in 2005. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1983 film is in the Cineverse. The film has also been referenced in Shawshank, which is a valid cross within the Cineverse.  The 1983 film is also available on video in THE NIGHTSHIFT COLLECTION.  

NIGHT SHIFT "THE LAST RUNG ON THE LADDER" (SHORT STORY BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: 1978 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (works of Stephen King)

The Story: A man reflects on his sister's recent suicide.
Notes. No crossovers, but demonstrated by writer's intent to be part of a shared reality. This story was adapted to screen in 1987. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1987 film is in the Cineverse.

THE DEAD ZONE (NOVEL BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: August 1979 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (works of Stephen King)

The Story: A man gains the power to see the future of people that he touches, and when he sees a man who is running for president will bring about the end of the world, he takes matters to change the future, by any means necessary.

Notes: Most of the story takes place in Castle Rock, but Jerusalem’s Lot is also mentioned. The events of this story are referenced numerous times in the 1987 King novel The Tommyknockers. This story was adapted to screen in 1983. The film was remade again in 2002. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1983 film is in the Cineverse. The 1983 film has references to The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Blow Out, which are not valid crossovers.  The film has also been referenced numerous times, including in Final Mission, The Flying Doctors and Speaking Parts.  It was also spoofed many times, including in Cheers, Scary Movie and Saturday Night Live.  

NEW TERRORS "BIG WHEELS:  A TALE OF THE LAUNDRY GAME (MILKMAN NO. 2)" (SHORT STORY BY STEPHEN KING)
Release Date:  1980 (Contemporary Setting)
Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)
The Story: Some drunks find their lives threatened by a murderous milkman.
Notes: There are no crossovers necessarily in this one, but this is a sequel to "Morning Deliveries (Milkman # 1)", which actually did not get published until 1985's anthology Skeleton Crew. The Milkman was an unfinished novel by King that instead became a series of short stories. All of King's work presumably belongs in the same shared reality, as demonstrated by the bulk of his work, and for our purposes, that is the Horror Universe or Television Crossover Universe. This story has not yet been adapted to screen, but there is a kickstarter to make it happen. See the video below. The film will be called THE MILKMAN.



THE STAND (NOVEL BY STEPHEN KING)
Release Date:  September 1978 (Setting is 1980; see notes)
Series:  Stephen King Multiverse (the works of Stephen King)
The Story:  A virus wipes out most of the world, and the survivors are split among good and evil.
Notes:  When originally presented, this story, published in 1978, was set in 1980.  When released in paperback in 1982, it was edited to be set in 1984.  When re-released in 1990, the setting was also changed to 1990, with a rewriting to include more modern pop culture and technology references (all of these variations are considered to exist within separate realities of the Stephen King Multiverse).  No crosses (except for recurring villain Randolph Flagg, who is referred to as Nyarlothotep in this story) in this story, but The Shop, an organization that first appeared in the novel Firestarter is mentioned, though this would have to be a counterpart that exists in the alternate timeline(s) of The Stand, which of course brings it also into the Horror Multiverse, and this is confirmed when the world of The Stand is visited by the main characters of The Dark Tower saga in Wizard And Glass. This story was adapted to screen in 1994. While the story is in the Horror Multiverse/TVCM, the 1994 television mini-series is in the Cinemultiverse. The mini-series was remade in 2002 as a film called NIGHT SURF. The 1994 mini-series has references to The Jazz Singer, The Wizard of Oz, Bonanza, and numerous other films and television shows, which are not valid crossovers.  The mini-series has also been referenced numerous times, including in The Day of the Beast, Family Guy, and Bollywood Hero, which are not valid crossovers.  But it has also been referenced by King Cinematic films such as Storm of the Century, Dreamcatcher, and Mercy, which confirms the mini-series within the King Cinematic Multiverse.  It was also spoofed many times, including in Scary Movie and South Park.  

FIRESTARTER (NOVEL BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: September 29, 1980 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: A man with psychic powers and his daughter with pyrokinesis are abducted by the Shop.

Notes: The Shop is a recurring top secret government organization within the works of King. It also appears in the television mini-series the Golden Years, the film version of the Lawnmower Man, and the novel The Tommyknockers. It’s also been hinted in the Mist that the shop may be responsible for the events that occur there. The Shop is also mentioned in the film version of the Langoliers. In the alternate timeline of the Stand, the Shop is trying to stop the super flu outbreak. This story was adapted to screen in 1984. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1984 film is in the Cineverse. This film has a sequel, FIRESTARTER 2: REKINDLED. The 1984 film has references to Fahrenheit 451, which are not valid crossovers.  The film has also been referenced numerous times, including in There's Nothing Out There, Pyrates, and Wilder Napalm, which are not valid crossovers.  However, it has also been referenced in The Lawnmower Man and Christine, and those are valid crossovers within the Cineverse.  It was also spoofed many times, including in South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut and Saturday Night Live.  

CUJO (NOVEL BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: January 1, 1981 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: A dog gets Rabies and becomes a vicious killer.

Notes: The story takes place in Castle Rock, Maine, the setting for many of King’s stories. This story was adapted to screen in 1983. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1983 film is in the Cineverse. The 1983 film has references to Night of the Living Dead and Jaws, which are not valid crossovers.  The film has also been referenced numerous times, including in Remington Steele, Moving Violations and Fletch, which are not valid crossovers.  However, it has also been referenced in Cat's Eye and Salem's Lot, and those are valid crossovers within the Cineverse.  It was also spoofed many times, including in Teeth, Scary Movie 2 and Stan Helsing.  

CREEPSHOW “THE CRATE” (FILM)

Release Date: May 1982 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Creepshow

The Story: A college janitor accidentally discovers a crate that had been hidden away under a set of stairs for 148 years. He notifies a professor and they decide to open it, finding a small but deadly yeti. People die.

Notes: No crossovers in this story, but this story has crossed five times in other stories. The Crate itself appears in Jason Goes to Hell as well as episode 1 of The Walking Dead season 5, which takes place in a divergent timeline. Two characters from this story appear again in Stephen King’s the Dark Half. And finally, in Creepshow 2 story “The Raft”, a girl is wearing a shirt from Horlick University, the college featured in this story as well as playing a large role in the novel Christine.

The Walking Dead season 5 episode 1

CREEPSHOW “THE LONESOME DEATH OF JORDY VERRILL” (FILM)

Release Date: May 1982 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Creepshow

Horror Crosses: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: A country man finds a meteorite which causes a plant to grow over his skin at a rapid rate.

Notes: Creepshow (like its sequels) is an anthology film. It consists of five stories, plus a framing sequence. This story is written by King (who based it on one of his short stories, Weeds, from the May 1976 issue of Cavalier Magazine). In this film version, there are references to Castle Rock, Maine. Thus this story is connected to the Stephen King Universe and the Horror Universe. The crossover only brings this story in, and not the entire film, since they are independent stories.

CREEPSHOW 2 “THE RAFT” (FILM)

Series: Creepshow

Horror Crosses: The Crate (Creepshow)

The Story: Some teens swim out to an abandoned wooden raft in the middle of the lake, only to find themselves hunted by a creature in the water.

Notes: One of the girls wears a shirt from Horlicks University, which is a fictional school that was featured in the Crate and Christine. The Crate was one of the stories from the first Creepshow film, and the crate which is the subject of that story later appears in Jason Goes To Hell: The Final Friday and in The Walking Dead's season 5 premiere episode, while characters from that story later show up in The Dark Half. This segment is based on a short story by King from 1982's Gallery magazine, but I make an exception here and include the film version in the Horror Universe/TVCU.

PLAYBOY "THE WORD PROCESSOR" (SHORT STORY BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: January 1983 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: A writer, disenchanted with his own life, discovers a word processor that can alter reality.

Notes: This has no crossovers, other than the main crossover that all of King's work is meant to exist in the same reality. This story was adapted to screen in 1985 (as one segment in STEPHEN KING'S GOLDEN TALES). While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1985 film is in the Cineverse. The story was remade in a 1984 episode of TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE, which may be the events as seen in TOOBWORLD? In that episode, the story is called "The Word Processor of the Gods", which is also an alternate title used sometimes when the prose story is reprinted.

CHRISTINE (NOVEL BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: April 29, 1983 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: A teen buys an evil car.

Notes: Horlick University is featured in this story, which was used in other King stories The Crate and The Raft, which add it to the King Universe (which of course brings it also into the Horror Universe). Several print stories by King have referenced the events of this book afterwards, both as events that happened and as works of fiction. This story was adapted to screen in 1983. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1983 film is in the Cineverse. The 1983 film has references to The Twilight Zone and American Graffiti, which are not valid crossovers.  The film has also been referenced numerous times, including in Final Mission, My Science Project and Video Violence, which are not valid crossovers.  However, it has also been referenced in Cat's Eye, The Rage: Carrie 2, and 11.22.63, and those are valid crossovers within the Cineverse.  It was also spoofed many times, including in Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the Thirteenth, Malcolm in the Middle and Eureka.  

CYCLE OF THE WEREWOLF (NOVEL BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: 1983 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: An 11-year-old boy who is in a wheelchair finds himself investigating the town’s murders, which occur every full moon.

Notes: The story takes place over a year’s time, and King admits he took liberties with the lunar cycles for the sake of storytelling. The GS&WM Railroad line runs through both Tarker’s Mill, Maine (the story’s setting), and Castle Rock, Maine (as seen in The Body). This story was adapted to screen in 1985 as SILVER BULLET. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1985 film is in the Cineverse. The 1985 film has references to Dumbo, The Lone Ranger, and Rebel Without a Cause, which are not valid crossovers.  The film has also been referenced numerous times, including in Demon Queen, There's Nothing Out There, and Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy, which are not valid crossovers.  

PET SEMATARY (NOVEL BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: November 14, 1983 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: A new family in the neighborhood loses their cat when it’s hit by a truck, but a neighbor shows the father an ancient burial ground where you can bury a pet and it will return to life. He does so and the cat indeed comes back, but it doesn’t act right. Later, when their child is also hit by a truck, the father buries his little boy there as well, and he also comes back, but not quite right.

Notes: The events of Cujo are mentioned, and Derry is also mentioned. This story was adapted to screen in 1989. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1989 film is in the Cineverse. The film has a sequel, PET SEMATARY II. The 1989 film has references to Peter Pan, The Omen, Anthropophagus, and numerous other films, which are not valid crossovers.  The film has also been referenced numerous times, including in Resident Alien, Wayne's World, and Pumpkinhead II: Blood Wings, which are not valid crossovers.  The film has also been spoofed numerous times, including in Madhouse, The Simpsons, and South Park.

WEIRDBOOK 19 “GRAMMA” (STORY BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: Spring 1984 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

Horror Crosses: Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos

The Story: A boy is left alone with his sick grandmother, a witch who manages to possess the boy upon passing away.

Notes: The events are in Castle Rock. The witch spoke of Yos-soth-oth and Hastur, and had books implied to be those of the Cthulhu Mythos. This story was adapted to screen in 1986 as an episode of THE TWILIGHT ZONE. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1986 episode is in the Cineverse. "Gramma" was adapted again in the 2014 film, MERCY. The 1986 episode has references to Gunsmoke, Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, Mod Squad, and other television shows, which are not valid crossovers.  

ROLLING STONE "THE REVELATIONS OF 'BECKA PAULSON" (SHORT STORY BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date:  July - August 1984 (Contemporary Setting)

The Story:  Becka Paulson accidentally shoots herself in the head.  Not only does she survive, but she also becomes far more intelligent.

Notes:  Becka Paulson is a character in THE TOMMYKNOCKERS, and this story is also a sub-plot within that larger novel.  This story was adapted to screen in 1997 as an episode of THE OUTER LIMITS. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1997 episode is in the Cineverse.

THINNER (NOVEL BY STEPHEN KING AS RICHARD BACHMAN)

Release Date: November 19, 1984 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: A man is cursed by gypsies after killing one of them with his car.

Notes: No crosses in this story, but brought in by later crosses which add it to the King Universe (which of course brings it also into the Horror Universe). This story was adapted to screen in 1996. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1996 film is in the Cineverse. The 1996 film has references to Shock Theater and The Godfather, which are not valid crossovers.  The film has also been referenced numerous times, including in Daria in 'Is It College Yet?', Mr. Deeds, and The Sopranos, which are not valid crossovers.  However, it has also been referenced in The Night Flier (1997), and that is a valid crossover within the Cineverse.  It was also spoofed many times, including in Scary Movie, Scary Movie 2 and Saturday Night Live.  

CAT'S EYE (FILM)

Release Date:  April 12, 1985 (Contemporary Setting)

Series:  Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King) [see notes)

The Story: This film consists of separate short stories that share the same overall universe due to the common presence of a stray cat in all three.

Notes: This is a film by Stephen King that was not adapted from his prose. This film does not connect to the Horror Universe/TVCU, but does connect to the Cineverse. The 1985 film has references to The Uncanny, The Girl, the Gold Watch & Everything, Shirt Tales, and Muppet Babies, which are not valid crossovers.  However, the film also has references to Cujo and Christine which are valid crossovers within the Cineverse.  The film has also been referenced numerous times, including in Monsters, Inc., The Hole and Rewind This!, which are not valid crossovers.  It was also spoofed many times, including in Hot to Trot and Robot Chicken.  

A RETURN TO SALEM'S LOT (FILM)
Release Date:  May 1987 (Contemporary Setting)
Series:  Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King) [see notes)
The Story: A father and son vacation in Salem's Lot.
Notes: This is a sequel to the film which takes place in the Cineverse, not to the original story that is part of the Horror Universe/TVCU.

MISERY (NOVEL BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: June 8, 1987 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: An author finds himself held prisoner by a deranged fan.

Notes: There are references to the Overlook Hotel and the events of the Shining. This story was adapted to screen in 1990. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1990 film is in the Cineverse. The 1990 film was remade in 2003 as Julie Ganapathy.  The 1990 film has references to King of the Rocket Men, The Collector, Barry Lyndon, and numerous other film, which are not valid crossovers.  The film has also been referenced numerous times, including in The Art of Dying, Zombie Cop and Who's the Boss?, which are not valid crossovers.  It was also spoofed many times, including in Saturday Night Live, Ecstacy and All's Well, Ends Well.  

THE TOMMYKNOCKERS (NOVEL BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: November 10, 1987 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

Non-Horror Crosses: Forbidden Planet

The Story: An alien object buried beneath the Earth gives the people of a small town genius level intellect mixed with psychotic tendencies towards violence.

Notes: One child, with his new intellect and evil intent, creates a teleporter and sends his brother to a planet identified as Altair 4, the setting of Forbidden Planet. Forbidden Planet has also been linked to Gremlins, so it clearly exists in one of the many possible future timelines of the Horror Universe. The story ends with the Shop personnel, along with FBI and CIA, swooping in. The Shop is from Firestarter, the Langoliers, and others. There are also links to King’s The Talisman, the Dead Zone, and It. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1993 TV mini-series is in the Cineverse. The 1993 series has references to Frankenstein, The Twilight Zone, Star Search, and G.I. Joe, which are not valid crossovers.  The series has also been referenced in Adjust Your Tracking, which was not a valid crossover, but also in Dreamcatcher (2003) and Haven, which are valid crossovers within the King Cineverse.  It was also spoofed many times, including in Tomi Knockers.

PRIME EVIL: NEW STORIES BY THE MASTERS OF MODERN HORROR “THE NIGHT FLYER” (SHORT STORY BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: 1988 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

Non-Horror Crosses: The works of Kim Newman

The Story: Reporter Richard Dees of the Inside View is investigating a serial killer who turns out to be a vampire.

Notes: Dees had appeared in the Dead Zone previously. The vampire of this story is the grandfather from Popsy. He also appears, named Andrews, in Kim Newman’s You Are the Wind Beneath My Wings, working for the Shop and teamed with Rainbird from Firestarter. The Inside View is a rag that appears often in King’s works. The small, mostly deserted town of Jerusalem’s Lot is also mentioned in this story. This story was adapted to screen in 1997, with the spelling changed to THE NIGHT FLIER. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1997 film is in the Cineverse. The 1997 film has references to Dracula and Superman, which are not valid crossovers.  But is also has references to Children of the Corn (1984), The Lawnmower Man (1992), Needful Things (1993), and Thinner (1996), which are valid crossovers within the King Cineverse.  The film has also been referenced in Adjust Your Tracking, which is not a valid crossover.  

THE DARK HALF (NOVEL BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: October 20, 1989 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe

The Story: A writer is unsuccessful under his own name, but the crime stories he writes under a pseudonym are widely successful. When his dual identity is outed, he jokingly puts on a mock funeral for his pseudonym. But then, some time later, the pseudonym manifests himself as a living duplicate of the writer, and digs out of the previously empty grave and goes on a killing spree.

Notes: Two characters in this story had previously appeared in The Crate. A large portion of the story takes place in Castle Rock. The events of Cujo and the Dead Zone are referenced. This story was adapted to screen in 1993. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1993 film is in the Cineverse. Needful Things (1993) is a cinematic sequel to the the film adaptation of THE DARK HALF.  The 1993 film has references to Duck Soup, which is not a valid crossover.  But is also has a reference to Misery (1990), which is a valid crossover within the King Cineverse.  The film has also been referenced numerous times, including in The Crow, Alan Wake and Found, which are not valid crossovers.  It was also spoofed many times, including in The Venture Bros.  

FOUR PAST MIDNIGHT “THE LANGOLIERS” (NOVELLA BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: September 1990 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: Ten passengers on a plane wake up to find everyone else has vanished.

Notes: The Shop is mentioned, which is from other King works like Firestarter and the Tommyknockers. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1995 TV mini-series is in the Cineverse. The 1995 series has references to Star Trek, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Quantum Leap, which are not valid crossovers.  The series has also been referenced numerous times, including in Doctor Who, Ask That Guy with the Glasses, and Nostalgia Critic.  It was also spoofed many times, including in The Chubbchubbs!.

THE MAGAZINE OF FANTASY & SCIENCE FICTION "THE MOVING FINGER" (SHORT STORY BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: December 1990 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: A weird, inhuman finger comes out of the sink drain to terrorize a man.

Notes: No crosses in this story, but still by writer's intent part of the King Universe (which of course brings it also into the Horror Universe). This story was adapted to screen in 1991 in an episode of MONSTERS. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1991 episode is in the Cineverse.

THE GOLDEN YEARS (TELEVISION MINI-SERIES)

Release Date: July 16 - August 22, 1991 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: An elderly janitor gets caught in a laboratory explosion and starts aging in reverse. This brings him to the attention of the Shop, a secret government organization that wants to capture him for study.

Notes: The Shop of course appears frequently in the works of Stephen King, such as Firestarter and the Tommyknockers. During the final credits for the Simpsons episode “Replaceable You”, the theme song for this series is played.

NEEDFUL THINGS (NOVEL BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: October 1991 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

Horror Crosses: Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos

The Story: A new shop opens in Castle Rock, Maine called Needful Things. The owner, Leland Gaunt, seems to always have the perfect item for anyone who enters, and will sell for an extremely low price. All he asks is that the customer also play a prank on someone else in the town. Gaunt seems to also know about all the problems, jealousies, and rivalries of the town, and uses that knowledge to escalate things and create controlled chaos.

Notes: This was billed as the last Castle Rock story, and indeed it was, except for an epilogue to this story, It Grows on You, in 1993’s Nightmares & Dreamscapes. It’s implied in the story that Gaunt may be the devil. A devil figure also appears in the Stand by King, as a very different figure. Gaunt is likely not really Lucifer, but is more of a deal making demon. This story also makes references to The Library Policeman, the Dead Zone, the Body, and Cujo. Also, some graffiti on a wall says “Yog-Sothoth Rules!” Clearly, the town has problems with teens who worship Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos. This story was adapted to screen in 1993. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1993 film is in the Cineverse. Needful Things (1993) is a cinematic sequel to the the film adaptation of THE DARK HALF.  The film has also been referenced numerous times, including in Seinfeld, The Devil's Advocate, and The Simpsons, which are not valid crossovers.  But it was also referenced in The Night Flier (1997), connecting it to the King Cineverse.  It was also spoofed many times, including in Rick and Morty.  

SLEEPWALKERS (FILM)

Release Date: April 10, 1992 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: Incestuous shapeshifters are the problem a teenage girl is faced with.

Notes: This is a film by Stephen King that was not adapted from his prose. This film does not connect to the Horror Universe/TVCU, but does connect to the Cineverse. The film has also been referenced numerous times, including in Das war der wilde Osten, Married with Children, and Last Action Hero, which are not valid crossovers.  

CEMETERY DANCE "CHATTERY TEETH" (SHORT STORY BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: 1992 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe

The Story: A man buys some novelty teeth that become his protector.

Notes: No crosses in this story, but still by writer's intent part of the King Universe (which of course brings it also into the Horror Universe). This story was adapted to screen in 1997 as QUICKSILVER HIGHWAY. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1997 film is in the Cineverse. The film has references to Scanners and The Addams Family, neither of which are valid crossover connections.  

DOLORES CLAIBORNE (NOVEL BY STEPHEN KING)

Release Date: November 1992 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe

The Story: While being interrogated about the death of her employer, Dolores Claiborne denies murdering her, but confesses to killing her husband many years earlier. She then goes on to tell her entire life story to the investigators.

Notes: During the story, there is one moment during a solar eclipse that links to King’s other story, Gerald’s Game. There are also references to Derry, Maine. This story was adapted to screen in 1995. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU, the 1995 film is in the Cineverse. The film references The Shawshank Redemption, connecting it to the King Cineverse.  For further confirmation that this film is in the King Cineverse, the film has been referenced in Storm of the Century (1999).  Other references in other films and shows that don't count for crossovers include The Ring (2002), Secret Window (2004), and American Dad!  

CHILDREN OF THE CORN II: THE FINAL SACRIFICE (FILM)

Release Date: January 29, 1993 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: A journalist takes his son along for a road trip to investigate the mysterious town of Gaitlin.

Notes: This is a sequel to the film which takes place in the Cineverse, not to the original story that is part of the Horror Universe/TVCU. It follows Children of the Corn (1984), and is followed by Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest (1995).  It has references to The Wizard of Oz and is referenced in Bad Movie Beatdown.  Neither are valid crossovers.  

CHILDREN OF THE CORN III:  URBAN HARVEST (FILM)

Release Date:  September 12, 1995 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: Two of the young cult members are adopted by a family.

Notes: This is a sequel to the film which takes place in the Cineverse, not to the original story that is part of the Horror Universe/TVCU. It follows Children of the Corn II: The Final Sacrifice (1992), and is followed by Children of the Corn: The Gathering (1996).  It has references to The Howdy Doody Show, Gomer Pyle: USMC, and The Pelican Brief, and is referenced in Cinemassacre's Monster Madness and Bad Movie Beatdown.  None of these are valid crossovers.  

SOMETIMES THEY COME BACK... AGAIN (FILM)

Release Date:  September 3, 1996 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: A man returns to his hometown to be haunted by death teenagers, because sometimes they come back... again!

Notes: This is a sequel to the film which takes place in the Cineverse, not to the original story that is part of the Horror Universe/TVCU. It follows Sometimes They Come Back (1991), and is followed by Sometimes They Come Back... for More (1998).  It has references to Speed Racer which is not a valid crossover.  

CHILDREN OF THE CORN:  THE GATHERING (FILM)

Release Date:  October 8, 1996 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: Kids in town are possessed by the now deceased members of the original cult.

Notes: "Do you have any quarters?" I've seen this movie, and all the others of this series, numerous times. I love them. I can't help myself. They are all on Netflix, and SyFy plays them often as well. This is a sequel to the film which takes place in the Cineverse, not to the original story that is part of the Horror Universe/TVCU. It follows Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest (1995), and is followed by Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror (1998).  It has references to The Brady Bunch, The Exorcist and The Oprah Winfrey Show, and is referenced in A Conversation with Quentin Tarantino & Scott Spiegel and Maybe Tomorrow, which are not valid crossovers.  

GHOSTS (FILM)

Release Date:  May 9, 1997 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: A maestro is being forced out of town by a mob led by the town's mayor.

Notes: This is a film by Stephen King that was not adapted from his prose. This film does not connect to the Horror Universe/TVCU, but does connect to the Cineverse.

THE X-FILES (TELEVISION SERIES)

Release Date: September 10, 1993 - May 19, 2002 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: X-Files

The Story: FBI Agent Fox Mulder had an impressive career due to his ability to track serial killers. He used that to get himself transferred to the X-Files Division, in order to pursue his true passion. The X-Files were cases that were unsolved, usually involving potential paranormal explanations. Mulder himself had witnessed his sister abducted by aliens when he was a child, and pursued evidence to prove the existence of extraterrestrial abductions. As quickly as he had gained fame for his knack in catching serial killers, he gained infamy and notoriety in the agency for chasing UFOs. For this reason, Mulder was assigned Agent Dana Scully as his partner, so that she could discredit the X-Files and Mulder.

Notes: Though there are some episodes that are closer to the horror genre, overall I consider this to be a sci-fi series.

SEASON 5 EPISODE 10 “CHINGA”

Release Date: February 8, 1998 (Contemporary Setting)

Horror Crosses: Stephen King Universe

The Story: Agent Scully is on vacation in Maine where she comes upon an incident with a killer doll.

Notes: The local police captain is named Jack Bonsaint. This is significant since Stephen King wrote this episode. King has stated before that names are significant in his stories and imply familial relationships between his characters. In King’s Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, there is a Paul Bonsaint and in King’s N, there is a John Bonsaint and Sheila Bonsaint LeClaire.

CHILDREN OF THE CORN V: FIELDS OF TERROR (FILM)

Release Date: June 21, 1998 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)

The Story: A group of college students uncover the cult of children. They risk their lives to try to rescue the children.

Notes: I've seen this movie, and all the others of this series, numerous times. I love them. I can't help myself. They are all on Netflix, and SyFy plays them often as well. This is a sequel to the film which takes place in the Cineverse, not to the original story that is part of the Horror Universe/TVCU. It follows Children of the Corn: The Gathering (1996), and is followed by Children of the Corn 666: Isaac's Return (1999).  It is referenced in Jersey Girl, which is not a valid crossover.  

THE RUNNING MAN (NOVEL BY STEPHEN KING AS RICHARD BACHMAN)

Release Date: May 1982 (Setting is 2025)
Series:  Stephen King Universe (the works of Stephen King)
The Story: In a dystopian future, a man enters a dangerous game show in order to raise money for his family.
Notes: No crosses in this story, but still by writer's intent part of the King Universe (which of course brings it also into the Horror Universe). This story was adapted to screen in 1987. While the story is in the Horror Universe/TVCU (or at least one if it's possible future timelines), the 1987 film is in the Cineverse (or, again, one of its possible future timelines). The 1987 film has references to Gilligan's Island, Star Trek, Funny Girl, and numerous other films and television shows, which are not valid crossovers.  The film has also been referenced numerous times, including in Survivor Series, Deathrow Gameshow, and Saturday Night Live, which are not valid crossovers.  It was also spoofed many times, including in Robot Chicken and Mutantit.