Horror is an immensely popular genre, but it’s usually restricted to movies; for some reason, it just doesn’t always work in a serial format, but that hasn’t stopped television from trying. Fortunately, a bunch of shows have managed to be pretty good, bringing new takes on the genre and delivering scares in a way that cinema could never do. There have been a lot of these shows over the years, and though many are good, some are just downright amazing.
Fans of horror movies usually flock to these shows in droves to satisfy their hankering for fear. Whereas horror movies end, TV shows are something that can make people scared again and again before they come to a close. The worlds of horror cinema and horror television are vastly different but equally worth exploring, especially the best horror series of all time. These horror shows are among the best on television, offering compelling narratives enhanced by genuinely chilling frights.
20 ‘Ash vs Evil Dead’ (2015-2018)
Created by Sam Raimi, Ivan Raimi, and Tom Spezialy
Although, given its comedic elements, Ash vs Evil Dead is not your conventional scary TV show, the Sam Raimi series still fits into the category and is understandably a fan-favorite. The high-rated horror-comedy follows Bruce Campbell‘s Ash, who has become a total loner who avoids responsibility thirty years after the events of Evil Dead. That is until a Deadite plague emerges and threatens to wipe out the whole human race, and he is forced to get back to action.
Despite not being considered horror to some for its somewhat lighthearted and comical premise, Ash vs Evil Dead still falls under the category and ranks among the best in the genre — especially if you’re a fan of the franchise. However, we’re sad to say that Ash vs Evil Dead was prematurely canceled, even though it succeeded in appealing to most audiences and fans of the fictional universe, whether that was thanks to its performances or its high nostalgic value.
Watch on Hulu
19 ‘Archive 81’ (2022)
Created by Daniel Powell and Marc Sollinger
In Netflix’s Archive 81, an archivist (played by Mamoudou Athie) accepts a job repairing damaged videotapes only to find himself sucked into a case involving a demonic cult and a missing director (Dina Shihabi) who was uncovering it in the first place.
Like Ash vs Evil Dead, Archive 81 came to a premature ending. Unfortunately, this was the fate of many canceled Netflix series in 2022. Still, the haunting Marc Sollinger horror show still makes it worth your while, with worldwide not being able to recommend it enough. With plenty of psychological thrills, supernatural elements, and a genuinely unsettling mystery narrative at its center (it will have audiences biting their nails throughout), Archive 81 is guaranteed to send chills down the audience’s spine.
18 ‘The Terror’ (2018-2019)
Created by David Kajganich
This semi-historical horror anthology show by David Kajganich, Max Borenstein, and Alexander Woo features two seasons inspired by different mysterious real-life historical tragedies. The first season, which many believe to be the best, focuses on a dangerous expedition by the Royal Navy into unfamiliar terrain as the crew looks for the Northwest Passage.
The Terror often does not get enough praise despite being a phenomenal show in the category. While it counts on immersive narratives, it also benefits from great acting and the intriguing combination of a historical drama with aspects of suspense and psychological horror. Overall, The Terror is an outstanding, highly atmospheric series that, despite leaning toward the psychological horror genre more, still manages to do its name justice and deliver a thought-provoking, terrifying viewing experience.
17 ‘Midnight Mass’ (2021 – )
Created by Mike Flanagan
This haunting seven-part limited series by Mike Flanagan is set in a remote island community. It follows the aftermath of a mysterious and intriguing young priest’s (Hamish Linklater) entrance, who eventually begins to witness miraculous occurrences and unsettling omens, and Zach Gilford’s disgraced young man who had been imprisoned. At its core, Midnight Mass is a wonderfully crafted meditation on grief and faith and a fantastic supernatural drama that will give anyone the creeps.
While the visually stunning Midnight Mass may not be the frightening show audiences initially expect when they spot “horror” in its thematic category, it is undoubtedly a worthwhile watch that blends horror and religious elements to great results, sticking with audiences long after they have seen it. Those keen on unconventional vampire stories may want to give the engaging and existentialist Midnight Mass a go, as the trope is presented in a unique, truly compelling way.
16 ‘From’ (2022 – )
Created by John Griffin
From is set in a cursed town in Middle America, which traps those who come in and makes it nearly impossible for the inhabitants to leave. Depicting the residents’ struggle to stay alive as they are faced with terrifying creatures from the forest, this gripping post-apocalyptic series is likely to keep viewers invested.
Anyone not yet familiar with From should make sure to give this exciting 2022 John Griffin horror series a go; not only does it count on a good dose of gore and incredible world-building, but also features a thoroughly engrossing narrative that deals with isolation and the panic that comes with being trapped in such a nightmarish situation. While it is definitely more of a psychological horror series, From is a scary show filled with mysteries that slowly unravel over time, keeping audiences on edge.
15 ‘Channel Zero’ (2016 – 2018)
Created by Nick Antosca
Based on popular Internet Creepypastas “Candle Cove,” “The No-End House,” “Butcher’s Block,” and “The Dream Door,” Channel Zero is a highly creative anthology series by Nick Antosca that makes for an entertaining and never-seen-before watch.
When it comes to top-notch scary TV shows, Channel Zero immediately comes to mind. “Butcher’s Block”, in particular, is considered one of the singular most horrifying stories on the small screen. Furthermore, many seem to agree that the first season reigns superior over the rest, especially for the way it manages to build tension and dread. Instead of relying on jumpscares, Channel Zero keeps audiences invested through a creepy premise, which is guaranteed to appeal to those who enjoy slow-burn horror.
14 ‘The Exorcist’ (2016 – 2018)
Created by Jeremy Slater
As the name suggests, Jeremy Slater‘s horror series The Exorcist centers on two priests (Ben Daniels and Alfonso Herrera) as they handle cases of a sinister presence in a battle against an ancient force of evil threatening a family and foster home.
Based on the groundbreaking film of the same name, which was in turn adapted from William Peter Blatty‘s novel, The Exorcist is set decades later, introducing new characters while also paying homage to the original movie. While it is quite disappointing that it only lasted two seasons, The Exorcist is still worth watching, whether for the incredible way it was executed or the great acting performances. Fans of demonic possession and exorcisms in media, particularly horror, are likely to enjoy the supernatural elements of this must-see horror TV show.
13 ‘Marianne’ (2019)
Created by Samuel Bodin
In the absolutely terrifying Netflix original horror series Marianne, viewers are introduced to Victoire Du Bois‘ Emma, a famous horror writer who discovers that the evil spirit that haunts her dreams is also present in real life when she returns to her hometown.
The perfect pick for those who enjoy adrenaline-inducing watches, Samuel Bodin‘s French horror series is guaranteed to blow many minds. Like many other shows on this list, Marianne was prematurely brought to an end, but that does not mean it isn’t worth checking: Bodin’s show is one of the scariest horror series available for streaming. The flawless way Marianne creates tension will certainly send chills down audiences’ spines, and the fact that it is a French show will appeal to fans of international horror.
12 ‘Penny Dreadful’ (2014 – 2016)
Created by John Logan
Set in Victorian London, John Logan‘s well-written gothic series Penny Dreadful centers on Sir Malcolm Murray (Timothy Dalton), American gunslinger Ethan Chandler (Josh Hartnett), scientist Victor Frankenstein (Harry Treadaway), and medium Vanessa Ives’ (Eva Green) alliance to fight otherworldly perils.
Penny Dreadful is also known for its shared monster universe and is a great pick for those who have checked and enjoyed Netflix’s recent release, The Fall of the House of Usher. While some agree that the show was unfortunately cut down in its prime, many also believe that the series was fantastic and worth watching despite its rushed and overall disappointing ending. Penny Dreadful is often celebrated for its great writing and engaging performances, featuring an immersive atmosphere that engulfs audiences.
11 ‘Are You Afraid of the Dark?’ (1990-2022)
Created by D. J. MacHale and Ned Kandel
Are You Afraid of the Dark? is a children’s horror series produced by Nickelodeon and the first of its kind. Very few other shows had presented child-friendly horror stories in such a way before. An anthology series, the show features a new story every episode framed around a group of kids known as the Midnight Society telling each other the stories while sitting around a campfire.
While other shows, such as R. L. Stine‘s Goosebumps, have tried to live up to the success of Are You Afraid of the Dark? few have ever come close to the legacy that it left behind. The reason behind its iconic status is its kitschy yet still really creepy vibe, which turns ordinary scary stories into true works of eerie horror. Even adults have admitted to finding certain episodes to be downright terrifying. It was actually so popular that it was brought back for a revival series on two separate occasions, most recently in 2022. Are You Afraid of the Dark? is where many horror fans got their first taste of the genre, further cementing its impressive standing.
10 ‘American Horror Story’ (2011-)
Created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk
American Horror Story is the anthology series of the 21st century and the go-to option for many horror fans. Its popularity has decreased in recent years, but it’s showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. AHS‘s success can be attributed to just how varied it is; it covers more than just ghosts and ghouls, but it even takes the occasional dive off the deep end to explore some really wacky topics while still retaining its fear factor.
This may just be one of the longest-running horror shows of all time and if it isn’t yet, it will be soon enough. Unlike typical anthology series, the cast of characters, along with the setting and the plotline, changes every season rather than every episode. But this actually works because it gives the scary aspects more time to develop and shine. Some seasons have been received better than others, but American Horror Story remains a staple of modern television and a true before-and-after for horror on the small screen.
9 ‘Tales From the Crypt’ (1989-1996)
Created by William Gaines and Steven Dodd
Tales From the Crypt is a horror anthology series featuring the Cryptkeeper, a freaky puppet who tells viewers horror stories. Each episode follows the same basic format, yet it still manages to keep surprising viewers at every turn. The Cryptkeeper makes for a creepy yet charismatic host and is easily the best part of the show.
Based on a comic series by William Gaines (who also created the show), Tales From the Crypt features many episodes that are chock-full of scares. The show was so wildly popular that it spawned multiple spin-offs, including movies and an animated cartoon for children. The best part is that because it came courtesy of HBO, the showrunners weren’t required to adhere to the guidelines of cable TV, meaning they could get away with showing more risqué content. It’s the show’s boundary-pushing and its frightening effectiveness that really make it a gem in the world of horror shows.
Buy on Amazon
8 ‘The Walking Dead’ (2010-2022)
Developed by Frank Darabont
The Walking Dead is a true TV phenomenon. Adapted from an enormous collection of graphic novels of the same name, The Walking Dead is the quintessential zombie survival series that has become a staple of its genre. Of course, there can’t be a zombie series without some decently creepy moments, too. It features a huge cast of characters and plotlines and lasted 11 seasons on the air before coming to a close.
Unlike its titular monsters, The Walking Dead is still very much alive thanks to a series of high-profile spin-offs. Since the show became such a huge success, the franchise has spawned a huge multimedia empire, which eventually broke into other forms of entertainment, such as video games. The Walking Dead encapsulates all the necessary tropes of zombie films or shows that fans love, which is why many can’t seem to get enough of it.
7 ‘Hannibal’ (2013-2015)
Developed by Bryan Fuller
Hannibal tells a prequel story to a highly-revered psychological horror classic. The movie in question is The Silence of the Lambs, starring Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a former psychologist turned cannibalistic serial killer. In Hannibal, the titular character is played by the equally amazing Mads Mikkelsen, who brings a fresh take on the timeless horror villain.
It’s hard to beat Hopkins’ timeless portrayal of Hannibal Lecter, and while Mikkelsen doesn’t compare in quite the same way, he manages to make the character his own. This show explores Dr. Lecter’s days as a psychiatrist and his complex, ever-evolving relationship with detective Will Graham. By examining how and why he ends up becoming a serial killer, Hannibal takes a trip into the darkest corners of the human mind with unsettling results. It’s a much-needed origin story to one of the most cryptic characters horror has to offer.
6 ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ (2018)
Created by Mike Flanagan
One of the scariest TV shows of all time, The Haunting of Hill House is a limited series that, in theory, is based on the revolutionary novel by Shirley Jackson. However, the show is largely disconnected from the original book and only retains a few basic plot elements along with certain character names. That said, it’s still just as exceptional and frightening as the book is. The show took quite an unorthodox approach to television as it tells the story via time jumps between the past and the present, many of which are out of order, leaving the audience to piece the story together on their own.
The Haunting of Hill House is a true horror masterpiece, blending a compelling story about trauma and psychological pain with some of the most genuinely terrifying visuals in television history. The show was received extremely well by horror fans, which warranted a sequel series, The Haunting of Bly Manor, released in 2020. Any fans of supernatural horror will appreciate this limited series, with its tales of ghosts and a family plagued by non-stop paranormal intervention. Even if it is vastly different from the book, it still manages to maintain the same energy, if not the same plot.
5 ‘Kingdom’ (2019-2021)
Created by Kim Eun-hee
Image via AStory
Kingdom is a South Korean historical drama/horror series released by Netflix. While reviews were excellent, it sadly remains in a state of limbo, as Netflix has yet to officially cancel or renew the show. Taking place in the Kingdom of Joseon at the tail end of the Middle Ages, Kingdom explores a political struggle for power between two families, one of whom accidentally unleashes a zombie horde while trying to resurrect a deceased member of the clan.
The zombies in Kingdom make The Walking Dead look like Sesame Street. They are absolutely terrifying, not just in the way they look but in the way they behave, swarming their prey, with thirty zombies sometimes seen feasting on the same person. Unlike typical zombies, they cannot be truly killed except by fire. Aside from its unique premise, Kingdom features a cast of memorable characters that up the stakes and make the whole deal even more exciting. This is one no zombie fan will want to miss.
4 ‘Stranger Things’ (2016-)
Created by The Duffer Brothers
Stranger Things is arguably Netflix’s most successful show to date. It’s a series that has pulled in millions upon millions of fans with its tense atmosphere, creepy plotline, and stories about extra-terrestrials. Even though each season takes a few years to come out, fans don’t seem to mind too much because they know they’ll be rewarded well for their patience. Indeed, each new season proves bigger and better than the one before it.
One of its most endearing attributes is the fact that its cast is primarily made up of young actors, and its style is distinctively influenced by ’80s sensibilities. It’s a tale not only of terrifying beings from another dimension but about friendship and childhood, two of the most valued things in life. Stranger Things is likely to go down in history as one of the greatest sci-fi/horror shows of all time, thanks to its numerous qualities and careful execution.
3 ‘The X-Files’ (1993 – 2018)
Created by Chris Carter
One of the best horror shows to date is obviously the iconic The X-Files, which effortlessly blends the genre with crime and mystery to flawless results. Considered an “anti-conspiracy show” by some, the series focuses on the professional lives of two FBI special agents (David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson in their most memorable roles to date) as they investigate unusual, paranormal cases.
A classic and I’d like to believe it holds up today with great quality acting performances and intelligent, innovative writing, the Chris Carter show remains a huge part of pop culture after all these years, and a highly referenced series with many people still electing it as one of the best in the genre. The genre-bending narrative throws science fiction, horror, and romance into the mix with great results.
2 ‘Twin Peaks’ (1990-2017)
Created by Mark Frost and David Lynch
Always included in discussions of the top horror series of all time, Twin Peaks is among the most genuinely unsettling and creepiest shows on television, delving into the horror genre through David Lynch‘s unique vision. It mainly employs surrealism to evoke fear; Twin Peaks has many episodes that go completely off the rails and break the bounds of reality to the point that it’s unnerving to see it all unfold. While it only lasted for two seasons, it was eventually brought back in 2017 for a revival series, thanks to its popularity.
Unlike other horror shows, this is not an anthology series. Each episode features the same characters and basic plot as the one before it. Confusion seems to be Lynch’s signature style, and it really shines through in this unique, daring show. Aside from the bizarre horror, Twin Peaks is also a great crime show, as much of the plot revolves around a murder mystery. Eerie, enthralling, and narratively complex, Twin Peaks is a true before-and-after in horror television, pushing the boundaries of what’s known and producing a singular work of art that mixes visceral chills with ambitious thrills.
1 ‘The Twilight Zone’ (1959-1964)
Created by Rod Serling
The Twilight Zone is nearly 70 years old, yet it still holds up just as much as it did then. Though it’s been revived several times, none of these revivals have ever held a candle to the original. The show specializes in featuring a bunch of ordinary people unwillingly thrust into not-so-ordinary situations, with many episodes taking a bizarre and mind-bending turn.
Being an anthology show, the themes of the episodes range from the fantastical to the extra-terrestrial, blurring the lines between sci-fi, fantasy, and horror and mashing them together into one terrifying package. The Twilight Zone is creepy yet thought-provoking; there isn’t a single second of any original episode that’s wasted or unnecessary, and every frame is curated with so much care that it’s a real wonder it only lasted five seasons initially. Thanks to its vast array of concepts, as well as how revolutionary it was in its prime, The Twilight Zone is the best horror show out there, no question about it.
Watch on Pluto
