Best Horror TV Shows

by

If you enjoy scary stories and horror on television, you’ve probably explored a lot of what’s out there. But if you’re still looking for something to frighten you, or just want to build up your Halloween viewing list, here are some top horror TV shows.

What are the best horror TV shows as of 2025?

There’s a unique appeal to watching scary stories unfold on TV, from classics like The Twilight Zone and The X-Files to newer shows like Alien: Earth and the upcoming It: Welcome to Derry. While many great horror TV shows exist, the ones we’ve chosen are based on our own preferences.

We’ve probably already thought about any horror show not mentioned here. We left out American Horror Story simply because it’s so well-known – though the early seasons are definitely worth watching, it gets a bit over-the-top later on. We aimed to include a variety of horror subgenres in our list.

The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

Considered by many to be one of the greatest horror series ever made, The Haunting of Hill House is a fresh take on Shirley Jackson’s famous novel. The story begins in 1992, with a family moving into a historic mansion their parents intend to fix up and sell. However, the siblings quickly realize the house holds disturbing secrets. What begins as unsettling incidents gradually escalates into sheer terror and ultimately, a heartbreaking event. Years later, a family loss forces the siblings to reunite and confront their past—and return to Hill House.

The Haunting of Hill House skillfully jumps between the present and the past, gradually revealing the events of 1992 and what’s currently unfolding. While it’s incredibly suspenseful, with creepy visuals and impressive camera work – including a particularly chilling scene in a funeral home – the show’s strong writing is what truly sets it apart. Featuring performances from Michiel Huisman, Elizabeth Reaser, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Kate Siegel, Victoria Pedretti, Carla Gugino, and Henry Thomas, it’s arguably a perfect horror series. If you enjoy this, you should also watch The Haunting of Bly Manor and Fall of the House of Usher.

Midnight Mass (2021)

Midnight Mass, the latest series from Mike Flanagan, shifts away from traditional ghosts and focuses on a growing sense of unease and the dangers of extreme religious devotion. The story unfolds on the remote Crockett Island, beginning with the return of Riley Flynn (Zach Gilford) after serving a prison sentence for a tragic drunk driving accident. Shortly after, a new priest, Father Paul (Hamish Linklater), arrives and revitalizes the town’s faith. However, a series of seemingly miraculous events soon take a frightening direction.

Mike Flanagan, the creator of several popular horror series, faced a lot of hurdles getting his show Midnight Mass made. He first pitched the idea to studios like Netflix way back in 2014, but it wasn’t until his success with The Haunting of Hill House that anyone took a chance on his vision. Midnight Mass is a deeply personal project for Flanagan, inspired by his Catholic upbringing and his own path to recovery. While it starts slowly, the series quickly builds momentum and is ultimately very rewarding.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997)

As a huge Buffy fan, this one hits close to home! It was seriously horror-comedy perfection – a totally unique vibe compared to other scary shows. It’s a ‘90s TV classic and honestly, one of the most important supernatural series ever made. Buffy had everything – goofy vampires, terrifying demons, creepy cheerleaders, giant bugs, and surprisingly complex characters. Even if you’re not a fan of Joss Whedon, you have to admit the guy was brilliant. Buffy will always be a pop culture icon, in my opinion.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer follows Buffy Summers, a high school student who moves to Sunnydale after accidentally destroying her previous school – and a lot of vampires – in a fire. While trying to navigate typical teenage problems, Buffy secretly fights monsters every night. Luckily, she’s not alone. With the help of her friends Willow, Xander, and her Watcher, Giles, Buffy and her team constantly battle the forces of darkness in Sunnydale, a town built on top of a gateway to hell. There’s never a dull moment!

Buy it on Amazon

Bates Motel (2017)

Even if you’re not familiar with Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, you’ll likely enjoy Bates Motel. The series, named after the famous motel from the 1960 film, is a modern prequel. It begins when Norma Bates (Vera Farmiga) purchases a rundown motel by the sea in Oregon and decides to fix it up and reopen. Hoping for a new beginning after a family tragedy, she and her teenage son, Norman (Freddie Highmore), soon find their plans complicated by suspicious activity in town, violent events, and an unsettlingly close relationship. Just be warned: this show can be quite graphic and includes a lot of violence.

Buy it on Amazon

Interview with a Vampire (2022)

AMC’s ‘Interview with the Vampire,’ adapted from Anne Rice’s novel, centers on Louis de Pointe du Lac, a vampire grappling with deep unhappiness. The story, like the original film, unfolds as Louis recounts his life to a journalist. Beginning in 1910, Louis falls for and is turned into a vampire by the captivating but dangerous Lestat. This new series offers a noticeably more queer perspective on the tale compared to the 1994 movie. The show has received widespread acclaim – with a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s safe to say many viewers are enjoying it.

How we picked the best Horror TV shows

With so many fantastic horror series available, it was tough to pick just a few! We wanted to showcase a variety of styles – from classic ghost stories and mind-bending psychological thrillers to fun, over-the-top horror, historical vampire tales, and unsettling cult dramas. We could have easily included other shows, but we especially love ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ and knew it had to be on the list.

Read More

2025-10-29 06:28