As the spooky season draws near, you might find yourself wanting to watch shows that fit the ominous atmosphere. With multiple streaming platforms available to consumers offering a wide range of haunting delights for your perusal, there’s definitely a show out there to strike a chill into your bones. If you’re looking for a show to binge that’ll hit that Halloween sweet spot, but have no idea where to start, fear not: here are 11 creepy shows to keep you entertained this Halloween season.
1. The Haunting of Hill House
A modern horror classic, The Haunting of Hill House (2018) is a miniseries adaptation of a horror novel with the same title from 1959. Jumping between two timelines, the series follows the Crain family as they experience all manner of disturbing events in the titular house in 1992 and how these experiences still affect them, 26 years later in the present. Keep a lookout for ghosts in the background of shots – every episode has at least one, just out of focus, for the intrepid fan to see catch on your phone screen.
2. The Haunting of Bly Manor
When you’re done with the first instalment, you can go ahead and watch the second part of the Haunting anthology series, The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020). Adapting The Turn of the Screw by Henry James while also adopting certain elements of his other works, The Haunting of Bly Manor tells a beautiful story of love and loss. It is anchored by stunning performances by the cast, particularly Victoria Pedretti as Danielle ‘Dani’ Clayton, the American protagonist in the haunted British manor.
3. American Horror Story
An anthology series that shifts setting and focus with each new season, American Horror Story (2011–) has solidified its place in the horror canon since the release of its first season. The tonal shifts between seasons mean there’s bound to be a season you’ll enjoy. If you’re into lighter fare, a season like Coven might be more up your alley. In contrast, more hardcore horror fans might enjoy seasons like Asylum- either way, the gory horror of the show will definitely leave you squirming in front of your iPad.
4. Scream Queens
From the creators of American Horror Story comes this comedy-horror classic that mixes heavy laughs with campy horror fit for any B-movie tribute. Scream Queens (2015-2016) follows the Kappa Kappa Tau (KKT) sorority as its members are harassed by a serial killer dressed as their university’s Red Devil mascot. The show makes great use of its comedic talents, with Emma Roberts spearheading the laughs as Chanel #1, our leading lady and the head of a delightfully catty clique known as the Chanels.
5. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
A more horror-influenced take on the classic 90s character, the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018-2020) draws heavily influences from the comic book series of the same name. The series follows Sabrina Spellman as she comes of age into her witchcraft and having to navigate the world as a half-witch half-mortal unwilling to give either side of her personality up. This show doesn’t shy away from the creepier aspects of witchcraft and depicts the gruesome consequences of meddling with dark powers.
6. Midnight Mass
From the creator of the Haunting anthology, Midnight Mass (2021) takes a similar approach to its usage of horror tropes, trading in cheap scares for an endlessly haunting atmosphere. Focusing on the impoverished community of Crockett Island, this show follows the community as strange happenings occur to its members, starting with the arrival of a mysterious new priest. The show turns many older tropes on their heads as it tells a story of religion, faith, and power.
7. Over the Garden Wall
A critically-acclaimed animated mini-series, Over the Garden Wall (2014) tells the emotional story of a pair of siblings, Wirt and Greg. It follows their journey across a mysterious land known only as the Unknown that seems frozen in the fall or Halloween season and face countless perils, both natural and supernatural in nature. The art style of the show is particularly appealing, as its autumn-hued backgrounds are illustrated to resemble the grisaille style of painting.
8. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
A 90s classic, Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003) provides a witty, feminist take on the horror genre at large, and changed it forever when it first landed on television screens. The series follows the titular Buffy Summers, portrayed by Sarah Michelle Gellar, as she faces the unique trials and tribulations of being the Slayer, a teenage girl bestowed with mystical powers to fight the forces of evil. With dialogue that’ll make your head spin, this binge-worthy show is sure to keep you glued to your MacBook screen.
9. What We Do in the Shadows
A television series adaptation of a Taika Waititi film of the same name, What We Do in the Shadows (2019–), is a horror-comedy styled as a mockumentary. The series follows a group of vampire roommates residing in Staten Island as they adjust to modern living, with all the baggage that typically weighs down supernatural creatures in this day and age. Darkly comedic and unafraid to embrace the campier side of horror, What We Do in the Shadows is sure to get in a few laughs from any viewer.
10. Teen Wolf
A loose adaptation of an 80s film, Teen Wolf (2011-2017) follows the life of Scott McCall, a high schooler in a California town whose life is forever changed when he encounters a werewolf and gets bitten. As Scott navigates pack politics and his own changing body, the series explores themes of adolescence, community, and facing the animal instinct inside of you. The show’s popularity doesn’t just hinge on its attractive cast of young actors – their performances are solid, and the writing can surprise you.
11. Stranger Things
Perhaps Netflix’s biggest success and certainly one of its most famous original offerings, Stranger Things (2016–), is a science fiction horror drama that borrows many tropes from the horror stories of the 80s. Set in the 80s in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, the series follows a group of children and teenagers as supernatural occurrences threaten the town’s peace and quiet. The performances of the cast, particularly the younger actors, have been subject to critical acclaim.
Across these 11 chilling series, you’re sure to find one that fits your fancy – and, even if none of these does, there are still more horror shows out there for you to get your fix from. For instance, the streaming website Shudder offers all manner of horror-genre media, with some wholly unique to the platform. Regardless, whether you’re getting your scares from shows like American Horror Story or you’re feeling the autumn chill with Over the Garden Wall, there’s certainly a Halloween series out there for you.
