Most Bingeworthy Scary Shows Of All Time
A revolution has swept television in recent years, both in terms of content and presentation. With a plethora of shows to watch on every device, audiences have become harder to please. This has forced creators to push the envelope in every respect, from writing to directing. Edgier, smarter, and just plain weirder shows have emerged in almost every category, as a result. TV is straight-up better than it's ever been.
One genre that has always been a source of innovation is horror. As early as the 1950s, televised horror (often crossing over with science fiction) was providing viewers with pioneering storytelling. This is evident in classic shows like "The Twilight Zone" and "The Outer Limits," both of which challenge audiences with controversial concepts. Over the years, small-screen horror shows evolved along with audience tastes. Today, the streaming age has catapulted the genre into new heights of quality.
From self-contained tales to ongoing narratives, and from antenna TVs to streaming services, horror television is an ever-changing beast. Looking to send some shivers down your spine? These scary shows are the most bingeworthy of all time.
Stranger Things
"Stranger Things," the Duffer brothers' ode to 1980s pop culture and the mysteries of small-town America, quickly became a bonafide hit. It follows a group of kids living in Hawkins, Indiana whose world is turned upside down when their friend Will goes missing. Taking direct influence from the likes of John Carpenter, Steven Spielberg, and Stephen King (via IGN), "Stranger Things" offers everything from telekinesis to teen romance.
Though other shows might have found blending science fiction and horror a trial, "Stranger Things" makes it look easy, while also being hilarious and heartwarming. As the series progresses, we are shown everything from alternate dimensions to horrific monstrosities to weirdly-timed duets. The series' success has propelled its young breakout stars to fame, especially Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard. It's also reintroduced long-standing actors to the mainstream consciousness, including David Harbour and Sean Astin. "Stranger Things" isn't just one of Netflix's flagship shows — it's well on its way to becoming a generational touchstone.
The Walking Dead
"The Walking Dead" is considered by many to be the epicenter of modern horror television. When this zombie show debuted in 2010, it immediately became Monday morning water cooler conversation fodder for an ever-growing fanbase. As the years have wound on, its popularity has swelled, ultimately making it one of the biggest shows on TV.
"The Walking Dead" follows police officer Rick Grimes, who awakens from a coma to find the world has been overrun by the titular walking dead. Rick eventually reunites with his family and other survivors — but that's just the beginning of their journey. What ensues is chock-full of twists, turns, betrayals, various undead horrors, and increasingly sadistic antagonists.
"The Walking Dead" is infamous for breaking its viewers' hearts. Any fan can tell you that the number-one rule of watching the show is to never get too attached to anyone. The series' success has resulted in video games, novels, and spin-off shows. Its legacy is perhaps best represented, however, by the plethora of emotional reaction videos it has spawned.
The Twilight Zone
"The Twilight Zone" redefined the power of television. It also crosses genre lines like few series ever have, before or since: Horror, science fiction, fantasy, and action are all in the mix in this groundbreaking show, as well as a hefty dose of social commentary. Its spookiest episodes remain spine-tingling to this day — and notably, they tend to derive their power from exploring existential mysteries, rather than covering everything in gore . Watching a child with the powers of a god slowly drive his neighbors insane in Episode 73, "It's a Good Life," is as terrifying as TV gets.
"The Twilight Zone" spans five seasons, comprising an impressive 156 episodes. It has too many amazing installments to recount here, but really, take it from us: Just about any episode is worth your time. Rod Serling, the series' legendary creator and presenter, had his finger on the pulse in regards to everything from racism to space travel. Its messages still ring true today. No wonder the series is widely considered to be one of the greatest TV shows of all time.
Creepshow
Just about anything can happen in horror, and "Creepshow" is proof. Based on the 1982 anthology film of the same name, the 2019 Shudder series continues its tradition of self-contained horror vignettes. "Creepshow" boasts an impressive roster of talent: Actors including Tobin Bell, Adrienne Barbeau, Barbara Crampton, and Justin Long offer impassioned performances, while effects legends like Tom Savini and Greg Nicotero operate behind the scenes.
Much like its cinematic counterpart, the series is a tribute to classic horror comics such as "Tales from the Crypt." Every installment features a staple of the horror genre, be it werewolves, mutant abominations, the undead, or curses. Notably, a few episodes adapt some of Stephen King's most beloved short stories. That's quite fitting, since King served as the scribe for the original 1982 film. The series has been warmly received, resulting in multiple seasons and holiday specials. "Creepshow" is pure pulpy popcorn horror, and it revels in every single moment of its own madness.
Channel Zero
If you've been online long enough, you've probably come across creepypastas. Creepypastas are original horror stories that have gone viral, Slender Man serving as the form's most famous creation. "Channel Zero" adapts one popular creepypasta per season, kicking things off with Kris Straub's infamous "Candle Cove." This inaugural season starts the show off strong, focusing on a psychiatrist returning to his childhood home in search of answers. Murderous children, a supernatural family dispute, and a horrific creature made of teeth ensue.
Three subsequent seasons were made, all of which are worth your time. Season 2, "No-End House," follows a group of friends stuck in a haunted house. Season 3, "Butcher's Block," centers around a sibling duo who move to a new town and enter a nightmare. Season 4, "The Dream Door," serves as a splendid finale with its terrifying exploration of childhood memories. You will never forget the disturbing supernatural creature known as Pretzel Jack.
Ash vs Evil Dead
Sam Raimi's "Evil Dead" movies make up one of horror's most beloved franchises. For years, fans clamored for a fourth installment in the series. Though various video games, comic books, and even a quality 2013 reboot were made, the story of Ashley Williams remained unfinished ... until 2014, when Raimi announced an upcoming "Evil Dead" series. "Ash vs Evil Dead" made its television debut the following year, and there was much rejoicing.
"Ash vs Evil Dead" focuses on a middle-aged Ash, who awakens a sinister curse through classic incompetence. Joined by Pablo and Kelly, two Value Stop employees turned sidekicks, Ash gets back to what he's best at — grabbing his Boomstick and killing Deadites, the demonic zombies determined to rule the world. The series expands upon the lore set up in the original trilogy, and introduces new monsters for Ash to battle. It also contains ample practical gore effects and creepy creature designs perfectly in line with the spirit of the original films. For hardcore fans, this series is a dream come true.
The Haunting of Hill House
Loosely based on Shirley Jackson's classic 1959 novel of the same name, "The Haunting of Hill House" is a masterclass in horror pacing. The series explores the lives of the Crain family, who once lived in the wind-warping Hill House. Each member of the family has responded differently to their experiences: Some have cashed in on them, while others have become mired in tragic adulthoods.
Though they're knit together by an overarching story, every episode of "Hill House" feels like its own self-contained tale, balancing time-tested horror tropes and mind-bending innovation. Each character enjoys ample development and powerhouse dramatic moments, resulting in a story that feels truly fleshed out. Perhaps most terrifyingly, the denizens of Hill House – and by extension, the viewers — constantly question if what they are seeing is real or a mental fabrication. Spectacular cinematography enhances this eerie effect. What results is an impressive series, both in terms of drama and good old-fashioned scares.
Supernatural
They say it's about the journey, not the destination. Boy, is "Supernatural" one epic journey. When "Supernatural" debuted on television in the fall of 2005 to solid reviews and ratings, no one could have imagined how far Sam and Dean Winchester would go. Their never-ending battle against things that go bump in the night went on to span an impressive 15 seasons, comprising a staggering 327 episodes.
Traveling across the United States in their now-iconic 1967 Chevy Impala, Sam and Dean encounter countless urban legends, monsters, ghosts, spirits, and sundry other supernatural entities. These creepy-crawlies truly run the gamut: Bloody Mary, witches, wendigos, shapeshifters, and, no joke, a racist ghost truck are all featured. "Supernatural" also pulls off multiple crossovers with the likes of "Scooby-Doo" and "Legends of Tomorrow." If there's one thing the series is most famous for, however, it's amassing one of pop culture's most loyal fanbases. "Supernatural" fans love their show like there's no tomorrow — and it's not hard to see why.
Castlevania
From "Dracula" to "The Lost Boys" to "What We Do In The Shadows," pop culture never grows tired of vampires. Netflix's "Castlevania" is the latest entry in this long and bloodthirsty history. The "Castlevania" series is one of gaming's longest-running franchises, dating back to 1986. The animated series, which hit Netflix in 2017, is an adaptation of various entries in the franchise, including "Dracula's Curse," "Curse of Darkness," and "Symphony of the Night." Elements from these games are woven together into a singular narrative, which is spectacularly portrayed through anime-influenced animation and stellar voice work.
"Castlevania" focuses on outcast monster hunter Trevor Belmont and his ongoing quest to defeat the legendary Count Dracula. Along the way, he is joined by others, including a magician named Sypha and Dracula's own son, Count Alucard. The series is dramatic, violent, and incredibly stylish — all in all, a true testament to how good adult animation can be.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
"Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" was an instant favorite when it debuted on Netflix in 2018. A dramatic departure from the endearingly corny '90s series starring Melissa Joan Hart, "Chilling Adventures" follows precocious Sabrina Spellman (Kiernan Shipka) as she balances her mortal and magical lives. This means contending with monsters, demonic forces, other witches, and high school shenanigans.
Not limited by the TV standards of its CW-bound cousin "Riverdale," "Chilling Adventures" is an outright violent affair. The show features dismemberment, Cronenberg-style body horror, and rampant Satanic imagery, all taking place within gloriously designed sets. Additionally, the series is peppered with references to both classic horror media and the Archie Comics canon. Though controversy accompanied the series — the Satanic Temple even launched a lawsuit — it completed a respectable four seasons before Netflix pulled the plug. "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" is a unique blend of old-school tropes, vintage visuals, and modern storytelling sensibilities worth any horror fan's time.
The X-Files
Back in the 1990s, "The X-Files" ruled the airwaves. Though it's best described as a science fiction series, it delves into the realm of the creepy and disturbing quite frequently. It can't be overstated just how dramatically "The X-Files" influenced TV: Its legacy is evident in everything from supernatural dramas like "Lost" to cartoons like "Gravity Falls."
"The X-Files" operates from a fairly simple premise: Two FBI agents, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, go around solving strange paranormal cases. Over the course of its run, it balances an ongoing narrative with various monsters-of-the-week to tremendous success. The duo encounter just about everything that lurks in the shadows: Grotesque parasites, demonic entities, fiendish families, extraterrestrial threats, and government conspiracies are all looking to take our favorite FBI agents down. Additionally, Mulder and Scully's partnership eventually develops into a romance that still ranks as one of TV's most beloved pairings. "The X-Files" launched spin-offs, countless merchandise, and two feature films. But its greatest legacy is the place it holds in its fans' hearts.
American Horror Story
When it comes to modern horror TV, "American Horror Story" reigns supreme. Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk's ongoing ode to American myths, monsters, and mayhem has amassed an immense following. An anthology series, every season of "American Horror Story" tells a different tale. Its first season, "Murder House," immediately sets the stage for the rest of the show by managing to feature ghosts, a mysterious rubber man, a disturbing school shooting, and a haunted house. Somehow, it never feels crowded, only intensely and innovatively scary.
Things don't get any less bonkers in succeeding seasons. "American Horror Story" has covered just about every horror trope in history: Glamorous vampires, secretive witches, sinister circuses, and fearsome asylums have all occupied center stage at one point or another. Beyond its subject matter, "American Horror Story" is most distinguished by its absolutely spectacular cast. The legendary likes of Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, and Angela Bassett grace the series, alongside stars like Emma Roberts, Evan Peters, and Sarah Paulson. Whether they're playing ghosts, maniacs, or cult leaders, these talents never fail to dazzle.