WARNING: You may wanna read this post with the lights on.
In honor of today being Friday the 13th (scared yet?!?).
We’ve compiled a list of the 13 most terrifying TV shows of the last 25 years (now you’re scared, right?!?).
(Chris Reardon/MGM+)
The following listicle covers programs that lasted multiple seasons and some that barely lasted multiple episodes.
They involved aliens… and monsters… and rivers… and zombies… and, yes, some romance.
But we all know how frightening affairs of the heart can be, too, don’t we?
The X-Files
(Ed Araquel/FOX)
From aliens to conspiracies to so much more, the truth is out there.
So is the fear factor.
What was the most terrifying about The X-Files was how much of the series leaned heavily into the government’s actions (or inaction).
The aliens seemed like pussycats by comparison.
It makes it still prescient all these years later, and you can never beat a classic.
The Walking Dead
(Gene Page/AMC)
Zombies. Blood. Violence. Death.
Who knew at the beginning of the franchise that the really terrifying aspect would be the humans left among the dead?
There’s nothing worse than an intelligent monster, and most of those are, unfortunately, of the human variety.
The best part is that you can watch multiple spin-offs in this franchise to suit your needs.
From the original The Walking Dead to The Ones Who Live and everything in between.
Black Mirror
(Nick Wall/Netflix)
Technophobes beware. This one is for you.
Black Mirror examines the horrors of life as technology infiltrates our everyday world.
Technological advances blur the line between AI and humanity daily, and Black Mirror is here to show us the error of our ways.
What a perfect way to indulge in a different kind of spooky on Friday the 13th.
Harper’s Island
(CBS/Screenshot)
Harper’s Island took us to the scene of a gruesome series of murders.
It aired in 2009 and killed off wedding guests one by one.
You know those shows that are just so good that you have to pinch yourself while watching?
This was one of those shows.
Indulge today wherever you can stream it!
Supernatural
(The WB/Screenshot)
Supernatural.
Come for the two attractive hunters. Stay for the shocking deaths and suspense.
But more importantly, the mythology and the long-running recurring characters that give Sam and Dean Winchester purpose.
There will never be another long-running show like Supernatural. Guaranteed.
With a glorious 15 seasons, you can binge to your heart’s content today and many days thereafter.
American Horror Story
(FX/Screenshot)
Haunted houses. Murderous Nazis. Scary aliens. Vengeful witches. Circus freaks.
The list goes on and on.
Some seasons of American Horror Story were far more successful than others.
But you can, at the very least, count on being extremely uncomfortable while watching.
All seasons are available to stream on Hulu.
Hannibal
(Brooke Palmer/NBC)
Hannibal may mess with viewers’ minds more than any show in TV history.
It lives up to and expands upon the novels and film history that came before it.
A monster like Hannibal Lecter is unprecedented and unmatched before or since.
And it’s the PERFECT binge watch, so when you finish with this list, hop to it!
The Exorcist
(Jean Whiteside/Fox)
Could TV do justice to the most frightening movie of all time?
The answer to that, my dear friends, is a resounding: Yes!
Running only two woefully short seasons, The Exorcist continued the battle against demonic possession with carefully crafted stories and some truly chilling moments.
It’s a true work of art and an enjoyable watch.
Stranger Things
(Atsushi Nishijima/Netflix)
A nostalgic homage to 80s horror and science fiction blends the supernatural, government conspiracies, and a group of kids facing terrifying creatures from another dimension.
Each element on its own is scary enough, but when all wrapped together in one show, Stranger Things is undeniably one of the best horror shows TV has ever offered.
OK, to be honest, it’s hit some bumps in the road, and it hasn’t always been perfect.
But overall, its effect on the genre remains undeniable.
Mixed feelings about the final season notwithstanding.
Channel Zero
(Allen Fraser/Syfy)
What’s a pasta you don’t want to eat? Creepypasta!
The internet is filled with gloriously macabre minds, and this series is inspired by the best.
It brings to life the internet horror’s origins in a truly unsettling anthology series.
And Channel Zero is the perfect horror series to curl up and watch, as long as you keep the lights on.
The Haunting of Hill House
(Steve Dietl/Netflix)
Mike Flanagan has a knack for bringing classic horror tales to life in stunning detail.
The Haunting of Hill House was his first, introducing us to his eerie filmmaking style and a cast that morphs from series to series at his urging.
It also led us to other various of the series.
If you want to watch them both, stream on Netflix!
From
(MGM+/Chris Reardon)
Have you ever imagined getting lost and never finding your way back home?
FROM examines that scenario as unwitting travelers veer to a creepy, otherwise abandoned town filled with monsters who want to do very bad things to you.
As resources dwindle, the monsters aren’t the only ones to fear.
And From is easily one of the best horror series currently still airing, and most of us are eagerly awaiting the new season.
Catch up on this so you can follow along when it premieres!
The Terror
(Aidan Monaghan/AMC)
Was The Terror appropriately titled?
Well, first, it was based on a book, so there wasn’t a lot of wiggle room.
But second, YES!
The series adapts real-life historical events, bringing to light the truly savage reality that we live in — especially when answers are few and far between.
The first season is the best of the two, but you have a treat in store regardless of when you tune into this series!
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