In recent years, there has been a rise in the amount of horror content across all of television, making it challenging to pick out some of the best horror tv shows, and the reason for this is not difficult to comprehend.
Because of its capacity to enthrall and excite viewers, the horror genre has established itself as a mainstay in television.
From psychological thrillers to supernatural spookfests, there’s something for everyone in the horror TV genre.
This listicle will examine the 17 best horror TV shows you can’t miss.
1. American Horror Story (2011-present)
- Creators: Brad Falchuk and Ryan Murphy.
- Star Cast: Sierra McCormick, Paris Jackson, and Merrin Dungey.
- IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
It is not difficult to understand why American Horror Story has become a standard in the horror genre.
In addition, The anthology television show has been on the air for nine seasons, and each season focuses on a different narrative arc.
Consequently, each season is its own self-contained story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, beginning with the haunted house in the first season and moving on to the hotel in the fifth season.
The show is known for its twisted and disturbing storylines and its amazing cast of characters, making it one of the best horror TV shows out there.
2. The Walking Dead (2010–2022)
- Creators: Frank Darabont.
- Star Cast: Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, and Melissa McBride.
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
The Walking Dead is a long-running and critically acclaimed horror series that has entertained viewers for over a decade.
The show’s plot revolves around a band of people who stay alive in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies.
The show is well-known for having compelling and tense narratives, characters, and action sequences that are easy to remember and keep the audience’s attention, making it one of the best horror TV shows.
Furthermore, anyone who enjoys horror should make it a point to catch up on The Walking Dead, which is currently in its tenth season and has already aired nine of them.
3. Stranger Things (2016–2024)
- Creators: Netflix
- Star Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, and Winona Ryder.
- IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
The television show Stranger Things blends science fiction and horror set in the 1980s.
The plot of the show centers on a group of friends as they investigate the mysterious and terrifying occurrences that have been taking place in their hometown.
Furthermore, Stranger Things stands out in the horror genre and has become one of the most cherished shows due to its combination of supernatural elements and storyline heavily influenced by nostalgia.
4. The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
- Creators: Mike Flanagan
- Star Cast: Michiel Huisman, Carla Gugino, and Henry Thomas.
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
For this Best Horror TV Shows, The Haunting of Hill House is a modern take on the classic horror novel by Shirley Jackson.
The Haunting of Hill House is a supernatural series that follows a family navigating their experiences in the infamous Hill House.
In addition to its suspenseful and eerie storyline, The Haunting of Hill House is a standout in the horror genre and a must-watch for fans of supernatural horror.
5. The Exorcist (2016–2018)
- Creators: Jeremy Slater
- Star Cast: Alfonso Herrera, Ben Daniels, and Kurt Egyiawan.
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
The Exorcist is an adaptation of the classic horror movie made for television, which lives up to its reputation.
The show’s plot revolves around two priests fighting against the forces of evil to free a family from the demon’s possession.
The Exorcist is a standout in the horror genre and a film that fans of the original film must watch.
This series’ storyline is intense and frightening, making it one of the best horror TV shows.
6. Bates Motel (2013–2017)
- Creators: Anthony Cipriano, Carlton Cuse, and Kerry Ehrin.
- Star Cast: Vera Farmiga, Freddie Highmore, and Max Thieriot.
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
The television series Bates Motel is a psychological horror show created as a prequel to the well-known horror movie Psycho.
Additionally, A young Norman Bates and his mother are the protagonists of this show, which follows them as they navigate the world of their family-owned motel.
Bates Motel is a standout as one of the best horror TV shows and an absolute must-watch for those who are fans of psychological horror due to the suspenseful and intense plot that it follows.
7. The X-Files (1993–2018)
- Creators: Chris Carter
- Star Cast: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, and Mitch Pileggi.
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
The X-Files is revered as an all-time great in the horror subgenre and was a television mainstay in the ’90s.
The show follows two FBI agents as they investigate a variety of supernatural and paranormal occurrences.
Any person who enjoys the horror genre should make it a point to watch The X-Files, which features both suspenseful and intriguing narratives, making it one of the best horror TV shows.
8. Hannibal (2013–2015)
- Creators: Bryan Fuller
- Star Cast: Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen, and Caroline Dhavernas.
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
The psychological thriller Hannibal is set in the world of the notorious serial killer Hannibal Lecter. The story follows Lecter as he goes about his business.
Consequently, The story centers on FBI agent Will Graham and his pursuit of the infamous cannibal throughout the series.
Fans of the horror genre owe it to themselves to check out Hannibal, which stands out among other genres’ works thanks to its convoluted and unsettling narrative.
9. The Twilight Zone (2019–2020)
- Creators: Simon Kinberg, Jordan Peele, and Marco Ramirez.
- Star Cast: Jordan Peele, David Epstein, and Kelly Ann Woods.
- IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
The Twilight Zone is a classic in the horror genre and a show that has entertained audiences for decades.
Each episode’s anthology series features a different storyline, focusing on the strange and supernatural.
In fact, from its eerie atmosphere to its thought-provoking storylines, The Twilight Zone is a must-watch for horror genre fans, making it one of the best horror TV shows.
10. True Blood (2008–2014)
- Creators: Alan Ball
- Star Cast: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, and Sam Trammell.
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
True Blood is a series of supernatural horror films and television shows about the world of vampires.
Furthermore, This no. 10 from our list of best horror TV shows revolves around the main character, Sookie Stackhouse, as she deals with the complex and exciting world of the supernatural.
True Blood stands out in horror and is an absolute must-watch for people interested in the supernatural because the show has an intriguing storyline and exciting action sequences.
11. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018–2020)
- Creators: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
- Star Cast: Kiernan Shipka, Ross Lynch, and Lucy Davis.
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
The classic character of Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, has been given a fresh look in the Netflix series The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
Furthermore, The show’s plot revolves around Sabrina as she attempts to maintain her dual identities as a witch and a mortal.
The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina stands out in horror thanks to its sinister and convoluted narrative.
It is an absolute necessity for viewers interested in the paranormal. You must watch this fantastic show from my list of best horror TV shows.
12. The Leftovers (2014–2017)
- Creators: Damon Lindelof, and Tom Perrotta.
- Star Cast: Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman, and Christopher Eccleston.
- IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
The Leftovers is a supernatural television series set in a world in which two percent of the world’s total population has mysteriously vanished without a trace.
Furthermore, The town’s remaining residents are the show’s focus as they attempt to make sense of their new world.
The Leftovers stand out in the horror genre and is an absolute must-watch for people interested in the supernatural because of its unsettling and thought-provoking narrative. The leftover is a great choice from my list of best horror TV shows.
13. The Terror (2018–2019)
- Creators: David Kajganich, Max Borenstein, and Alexander Woo.
- Star Cast: Jared Harris, Derek Mio, and Tobias Menzies.
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
In “The Terror,” a series of historical horror short stories collected in anthology form, the action takes place in the 1840s.
The show’s storyline follows the exploits of a ship’s crew as they make their way through the Arctic.
The Terror is a standout in the horror genre and an absolute must-watch for those fans of historical horror because its storyline is both suspenseful and intense.
As the name already implies, the terror is a must-watch from my list of best horror TV shows.
14. Penny Dreadful (2014–2016)
- Creator: John Logan
- Star Cast: Josh Hartnett, Timothy Dalton, and Eva Green.
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Penny Dreadful is a British television series in Victorian-era England with a supernatural drama.
Consequently, The show follows a group of characters as they investigate the world of the supernatural and run into iconic horror figures like Dracula and the monster that was created in Frankenstein’s laboratory.
Penny Dreadful is a standout in the horror genre and an absolute must-watch for those fans of the supernatural because the show has an intriguing and exciting storyline.
Fans of the supernatural should not miss out on watching Penny Dreadful.
15. Salem (2014–2017)
- Creators: Brannon Braga, and Adam Simon.
- Star Cast: Janet Montgomery, Shane West, and Seth Gabel.
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Salem is a supernatural television series set during the Salem Witch Trials and takes place in Salem, Massachusetts.
Fifteenth on my list of best horror TV shows -Salem’s story follows a group of witches navigating the dangerous and thrilling world of the supernatural while attempting to maintain their coven’s existence.
In addition, Due to its convoluted and gloomy storyline, the horror film Salem stands out in the category.
It is an absolute must-watch for anybody with even the slightest interest in the supernatural.
16. The OA (2016–2019)
- Creators: Zal Batmanglij and Brit Marling.
- Star Cast: Brit Marling, Jason Isaacs, and Scott Wilson.
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Sixteenth on my list of best horror TV shows is The OA.
The OA is a supernatural television series that follows the story of a sighted woman who disappears for seven years and eventually reappears after being presumed dead.
In addition, The tv series – The OA stands out in the horror genre and is an absolute must-watch for individuals interested in supernatural horror because of its perplexing and thought-provoking narrative.
17. Van Helsing (2016–2021)
- Director: Jonathan Scarfe.
- Star Cast: Kelly Overton, Jonathan Scarfe, and Aleks Paunovic.
- IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
Finally, on my list of best horror TV shows is Van Helsing.
After being revived, Vanessa Helsing, a distant descendant of the famous vampire hunter Abraham Van Helsing, discovers that vampires have seized control of the world. Vanessa tries to fight for what is right.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the horror genre has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, and with shows like American Horror Story, The Walking Dead, and Stranger Things leading the way, it’s not hard to see why.
From supernatural thrillers to psychological horrors, horror TV has something for everyone.
So, whether you’re a genre fan or just looking for a good scare, these 15 best horror TV shows are worth checking out.
