Not so with the Simpsons. They've been making their Treehouse of Horror specials for 27 years now, an annual trilogy of tales that satire horror movies, surreal TV, and even classic literature.

Imitation and parody are two of the highest forms of praise, and The Simpsons paid homage to Kubrick’s masterpiece in 1994.

The Simpsons' Treehouse of Horror has been a Halloween staple for more than three decades. The first installment paid perfect ...