Horror has long haunted the small screen, evolving from eerie anthology tales to serialized psychological terror that lingers well after the credits roll. Whether it’s supernatural suspense, gruesome monsters, or the slow, creeping dread of the unknown, television has delivered some of the most unforgettable scares across decades. This list explores the greatest horror TV shows of all time—series that not only terrified audiences but redefined the genre for each generation. So turn down the lights, and get ready for some spine-tingling television.
These are the 50 Greatest Horror TV Shows of All Time.
50. Two Sentence Horror Stories (2019–22)
If you’re a sucker for anything horror, Two Sentence Horror Stories is a must add to your ever-growing Netflix list. This horror anthology series, inspired by popular online fanfic, has something to fit every horror fan’s taste. Vampires, demonic possession, ghosts, creepy porcelain dolls, virus outbreaks, and even a life-threatening plant are just some of the fun and captivating subjects that will get you in the mood for spooky season. This series also does a great job of representing the LGBTQ+ community by depicting several same-sex relationships throughout the series without being offensive. With three seasons of episodes running around 20 minutes each, this is the perfect show to sit and binge with a bowl full of popcorn, a big blanket, and a partner to cling to when things get a little too scary.
–Ricky Ratt
49. A Ghost Story for Christmas (1971 – Present)
Telling supernatural tales at Christmas is a British tradition that dates all the way back to the work of Charles Dickens and M. R. James. Their popularity was so enormous, their work would go on to be associated with the holiday for all time. The BBC eventually realized they were leaving money on the table and quickly started producing TV movies based on their work. The network would produce 18 specials over the course of 54 years, most of which still hold up today. The two most popular stories are Whistle and I’ll Come to You and A Warning to the Curious, both of which are methodically paced, dread-inducing stories that involve someone meddling with something they shouldn’t which inevitably ends with a supernatural comeuppance. While they may feel old and starchy by today’s standards, the films have nevertheless remained classics and are responsible for shaping the look and feel of modern British horror films.
–Sailor Monsoon
48. Corpse Party: Tortured Souls (2013)
Corpse Party: Tortured Souls is a four-episode original video animation (OVA) based on the popular survival horror video game of the same name. Known for its unapologetically gruesome horror, disturbing imagery, and psychological torment, the show stays relatively faithful to the spirit and events of the game. The story follows a group of high school students who perform a seemingly innocent friendship charm called the “Sachiko Ever After.” However, this ritual unexpectedly transports them to the nightmarish alternate dimension haunted by the vengeful spirits of murdered children.
Once inside, the students are separated and subjected to supernatural horrors, betrayals, and gruesome deaths as they desperately try to survive and uncover the dark history behind the school. Corpse Party: Tortured Souls is not for the faint of heart. It’s a brutally effective horror anime that caters primarily to fans of the original game and hardcore horror enthusiasts. While its storytelling can feel rushed or disjointed at times, its nightmarish imagery and oppressive tone leave a lasting impression. If you’re seeking an anime that dives headfirst into despair, mutilation, and ghostly vengeance, this OVA is a bloody and unforgettable ride.
–Sailor Monsoon
47. Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace (2004)
Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace is so meta, people know whether or not it’s for them without ever having to watch it. A plot synopsis is more than enough to decide if you’re in it not. The series is framed as a long-lost horror-drama created by the fictional author Garth Marenghi (played by co-creator Matthew Holness), who describes himself as a “dream weaver, visionary, plus actor.” According to the show’s meta-narrative, Darkplace was made in the 1980s but deemed too controversial and powerful to air until now. Set in the fictional Darkplace Hospital in Romford, the show follows Dr. Rick Dagless, M.D. (also played by Marenghi), as he battles supernatural phenomena that threaten the very fabric of reality—all while dealing with hospital politics and personal tragedy. A bizarre mashup of The Kingdom and Dark Shadows, Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace is a brilliant parody whose target is laser specific, which will alienate most viewers, but if you get the joke, you’ll never stop recommending it.
–Sailor Monsoon
46. Reaper (2007–09)
I’m still sad this one got cancelled. Reaper follows Sam, who just turned 21 and is informed (rather suddenly) that his parents sold his soul to the Devil and he’ll need to work for him as a Grim Reaper. Everything about this show is hilarious and turns a fun concept into a genuinely great horror comedy. Little details like the “reaping” devices being mundane objects like a mini vac, to the portal to Hell being located in the DMV create some genuine comedic moments from a cast with a lot of natural chemistry. That’s saying nothing of the legend Ray Wise playing the Devil himself, and his performance alone takes the show from good to great. Sadly, there are only two seasons, but they’re super fun and worth a watch (or rewatch).
–Val Morreale
45. Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared (2022)
God, this web series ruined my life in college. For the uninitiated, Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared was originally a YouTube series starring three unnamed characters (two puppets and a guy in a costume) who are addressed, typically in song, by a new character demonstrating a basic idea like time, creativity, or love. The videos always devolved into something otherworldly and disturbing by the end, and if this explanation makes no sense, I highly recommend you just go watch an episode for yourself. The show expands on this idea, and while I was skeptical they could pull it off with the longer runtime, they do, and it’s just as good if not better. It’s hilarious, disturbing, and messed up in the best way.
–Val Morreale
44. Brand New Cherry Flavor (2021)
Set in early 1990s Los Angeles, Brand New Cherry Flavor follows Lisa Nova (Rosa Salazar), an ambitious young filmmaker who comes to Hollywood hoping to direct her first movie. After being betrayed by powerful producer Lou Burke (Eric Lange), Lisa turns to a mysterious witch named Boro (Catherine Keener) to exact revenge. What starts as a simple curse soon spirals into a fever dream of hallucinations, ritual magic, gruesome transformations, and grotesque manifestations—complete with regurgitated kittens and flesh portals. Despite (or perhaps because of) its niche appeal, the show has garnered a cult following for its fearless approach to body horror and its subversive twist on revenge narratives. It’s rare for something to be both extreme and surreal, to merge the grotesque body horror of David Cronenberg with the dreamlike narrative structure of David Lynch and while some argue Brand New Cherry Flavor never quite pulls it off, it definitely gets points for trying. It is unapologetically weird.
–Sailor Monsoon
43. Wednesday (2022 – Present)
Taking the iconic Wednesday Addams character from The Addams Family and putting her in a modern, YA (young adult) mystery-drama format sounds like a disaster on paper, but somehow Tim Burton pulled off the impossible. The series follows Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) as she is sent to Nevermore Academy, a boarding school for outcasts, vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural beings. After a violent incident at her previous school, her parents Morticia and Gomez believe Nevermore might help her find belonging. But Wednesday isn’t interested in fitting in—she’s more concerned with uncovering the truth behind a monstrous killing spree and a family mystery that ties back to her own heritage. Combining gothic aesthetics with a boarding school drama, Wednesday balances murder mystery, supernatural horror, and sardonic humor. It single-handedly turned Jenna Ortega into the next big thing and introduced the characters to a brand new generation of viewers. Hopefully, the new season is worth the wait.
–Sailor Monsoon
42. Salem’s Lot (1979)
Novelist Ben Mears (David Soul) returns to his hometown of Salem’s Lot, Maine, to research and write about the ominous Marsten House. The hilltop property has recently been purchased by the mysterious Richard Straker (James Mason) under the guise of opening an antique shop with his absent business partner Kurt Barlow. In short order, disappearances and deaths begin to plague the town — only, the dead don’t stay that way. Mears and a few of the townsfolk gather their crosses and holy water to fight back against Barlow and his fresh horde of vampire children.
I vividly remember reading Salem’s Lot when I was in college. When the sun went down, I was so creeped out that I made my roommate sit in the living room with me, all the lights on, while I read into the wee hours of the night. The movie doesn’t pack quite that same punch, but it’s still a respectable horror flick for its time and feels like a decently realistic portrayal of how a small town in Maine might handle a vampire invasion. Cheesy late ’70s special effects notwithstanding, it’s definitely worth watching at least once.
–R.J. Mathews
41. Scream (2015–19)
Full disclosure, this show was my first experience with Scream as a franchise and with the Ghost Face killer. Having seen the original movie now, I think that’s kind of a shame, but I still enjoyed myself watching this. The show is mostly a CW-like drama with a slasher killer thrown in for some extra pizazz. Willa Fitzgerald stars as lead character Emma Duval, and I’m happy to see she’s gotten work in better projects because she’s fantastic. The rest of the cast are fine, but don’t go in expecting anything akin to the movies. It’s completely its own thing, but if you want a soap-y slasher adjacent show that’s light on gore and heavy on drama, check this one out.
–Val Morreale
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What’s your favorite horror TV show? Maybe it will show up later in the list!