The Best Horror TV Shows for Those Who Aren't Afraid

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Horror films are great for movie night, but a good series that can frighten us in the span of weeks on end really hits the spot. We're not talking about your favorite TV shows that just happen to have a Halloween episode or two, either. We mean series with entire plots that have us biting our nails and hiding behind our blankets. If you're in search for your next blood-curdling binge, read on for our list of best horror TV shows to stream right now.

Fans of true crime, zombies, and supernatural forces will find something on this list of television series. And if you're a lover of fantasy, you'll enjoy shows like True Blood and Penny Dreadful, bringing your wildest dreams to life. Of course, there’s the hauntingly popular series, American Horror Story, that helped transform the genre by adding mainstream powerhouses into their work. (Who knew Kathy Bates had it in her?) Plus, you’ll even find kid-friendly shows like Gravity Falls, appealing to those who want to introduce mysterious tales to their younger companions without giving them too much of a scare.

Whatever the case may be, watching TV has never been more spine-chilling. Even if you’re not a traditional horror fan—you may just find your next binge-worthy show.

Castle Rock

If you know anything about Stephen King, you know that his stories are ones that you never want to experience yourself. Castle Rock focuses on tales inspired by King, taking many of the characters from a variety of his books, and having them meet for a twisted crossover.

Nancy Drew

Everyone knows that Nancy Drew can get to the bottom of just about any crime, no questions asked. But when her mother passes away, her mind drifts, causing her investigative senses to be off a bit. Will this throw her off enough to leave the case of a murdered popular girl in her town unsolved?

Scream Queens

A college sorority is the target of a mass serial killer, with the perpetrator taking out its' victims in the most peculiar ways. While this is definitely a horror series, there's some witty and dark humor involved. Scream Queens features an all-star cast made up of the likes of Ariana Grande, Emma Roberts, Nick Jonas, and more!

Servant

A young couple decides to hire a nanny to look after their infant son. The thing is, their son is actually a fake doll, essentially a replica of their deceased baby (which was the mother's idea). The nanny doesn't seem to mind, though—"playing" along with it all. The nanny's strange behavior unnerves the baby's father, concerned that his secrets might soon be revealed.

Bates Motel

Acting as prequel series to the movie Pyscho, the show follows a young Norman Bates and the life he shares with his mom Norma. You'll realize pretty quickly just why Norman became the sinister character he is.

Are You Afraid of the Dark?

Any 90's kid will remember this one, though they probably wish they didn't. One night of camping with this notorious group of teenage friends (who deem themselves "The Midnight Society") will be enough to spark your inner storyteller or give you nightmares for days!

American Horror Story

No one does horror like Ryan Murphy. His original FX series spans ten seasons (and counting) and has produced some of the haunting tropes of horror. Think: killer clowns, vindictive witches, and not-so-holy nuns. The show's popularity acquired the likes of powerhouse celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Kathy Bates, Angela Basset, and more.

The Walking Dead

A plot surrounding zombies is already enough to entice the likes from fans of fantasy and gore. But The Walking Dead is unmatched in the way it exhibits man’s inhumanity to man while still adding in fight scenes filled with bloodshed. The show, which is on its 11th and last season, is a work of art and one of the most popular series produced by AMC.

Black Mirror

Horror and science fiction are both prevalent in this British Netflix series. Black Mirror uses its craft to highlight the power (and danger) of modern technology while also bringing to light societal norms that aren't so normal.

Twin Peaks

A murder in a small town calls for the wits of Special Agent Dale Cooper. The further he gets into his investigation, the more he realizes the town is not what it seems.

True Blood

If you think this is anything like the Twilight Saga, you're mistaken. True Blood offers more to bite with it's bloody spills and heated romances.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Buffy is exactly what the title of the show states: a vampire slayer. In an attempt to escape the horrors of her hometown, Buffy moved to a small town in California. Though, she doesn't expect to meet people who will remind her of her true destiny.

Gravity Falls

Yes, this is a show targeted toward children. But the creatives behind this masterpiece somehow successfully introduce cosmic horror in a way still suitable to Disney audiences. You won't be too scared watching this but you will be left misted at the mystical adventures this brother and sister duo embark in.

The X-Files

"The truth is out there." Followers of extraterrestrial life will be keen on tuning into this series about UFO sightings, alien encounters, and abductions.

The Twilight Zone

The name of this show has become a metaphor for strange happenings in everyday life. Take a stroll and visit the many alternate dimensions (some more horrifying than others) that this classic provides.

Alfred Hitchcock Presents

The theme song is already enough to creep anyone out. But this Emmy-wining series went further by producing weekly episodes designed to haunt and mystify its viewers. Anyone familiar with Alfred Hitchcock knows what they're getting into with this one.

Dark Shadows

Yes, this is another vampire show. No, it's not like the others. Hear us out: It's a show about a vampire who was released—after being confined for over 200 years—into the modern world where he finds love, friendships (with other mystical creatures), and a newfound mission to be present.

Goosebumps

R.L. Stine wrote a multitude of kid-friendly evocative tales that came to life in this 1995 series. These classics might have given you nightmares as a kid, but you can safely reminisce on them now by streaming Goosebumps on Netflix.

Penny Dreadful

Dr. Frankenstein, Dorian Gray, Dracula, and more characters associated with the horror fantasy genre band together to offer their viewers something they haven't quite seen before. Let's just say... new fears will be unlocked.

Stranger Things

You're probably familiar with this crew from Hawkins, Indiana. When one of them goes missing during their early middle school days, they realize the town has secrets that go beyond what the mortal mind can comprehend. Watch them grow up and learn to use their new skills as they navigate what we know as "The Upside Down."

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