The Shining (1979)

The Film: Frustrated caretaker with writer’s block goes into typewriter rage in a deserted mountain Travelodge, torments his missus and son for a while, opens a door with an axe and freezes to death.

Why it works as a stand-alone feature: One of the greatest horror films ever made, The Shining leaves just the right amount of questions unanswered, giving the film a sense of the unknown which has thrilled audiences for decades.

Where the franchise could have gone: At the end of The Shining Jack may be indeed dead, but the hotel is still haunted, leaving all sorts of possibilities for future guests…

The Shining, Part II: A news documentary crew comes to investigate the disppearance of the Torrence family, this tape is all that was left.

The Shining, Part III: The Hilton family buy the infamous hotel, determined to turn it into another of their generic bed and breakfasts. Paris and Nicky are sent to plan the re-fit, accompanied by their young and beautiful friends.

Madness ensues, though there is a happy ending – Paris gets an axe to the face.

The Shining: The Beginning – The franchise gets a reboot with a trip back to the 1920s, and an explanation as to why Jack Torrance is in a picture in the foyer.

Next: Fight Club