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NBC’s Hannibal is a modern classic of the horror genre, adored by fans for its take on genre tropes that feel fresh in the hands of stars Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy — but what do those two consider their favorite horror stories themselves?

It was a question that stumped both actors initially, when asked during their appearance at Emerald City Comic Con 2025. “In general? Of all horror things? Wow,” Mikkelsen said, playing for time.

Dancy offered a couple of his favorites. “I mean, The Shining, sure,” he started, going for the classic Stephen King/Stanley Kubrick collaboration. Of course, if we’re talking ‘classic,’ he doubled down with his second selection: “The original Nosferatu.” We’re here for the F.W. Murnau fandom, what can we say? (The 1922 movie is technically called Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, but that’s just nitpicking.)

Mikkelsen also chose something iconic.

“For me, it was the first Halloween film,” he said, referring to John Carpenter’s 1978 masterpiece. “I snuck into the movies when I was too young for it, and my brother had seen it and he just pitched it to me, like, 50 times and I was just listening to him. And then I eventually, when I came in and saw it… I was frozen in the seat even though I knew everything that was happening.”

With that kind of childhood, no wonder Mikkelsen went on to become the beloved monster he is today. (On-screen as Hannibal, I mean; off-screen, he’s very lovely and charming and not monstrous at all.)

You can watch A Taste for the Unforgettable: Hannibal Reunion with Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy from ECCC 2025's Main Stage powered by Xfinity for yourself right here. Be there from anywhere.

In the immortal words of Danny Elfman, "Life's no fun without a good scare." We couldn't agree more, which is why we've cobbled together a couple pieces to send a chill up your spine. Join Popverse as we explore:

• The best horror movies of all time, according to horror aficionado Greg Silber
• The most underrated horror movies from the past couple years
• All the new and upcoming horror movies for 2025 and beyond

And much gore. Er, more. Much more.