The Creepiest TV Series You Can't Miss: Best Horror TV Series to Give You Sleepless Nights

In the dark corners of our imaginations, there lurks a fascination with the macabre, the supernatural, and the terrifying. From restless spirits to blood-thirsty vampires, the world of horror TV series has captivated audiences for decades. Whether you enjoy the spine-chilling suspense of "Les Revenants" or the eerie charm of "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina," there is no shortage of bone-chilling tales to keep us on the edge of our seats. In this article, we delve into the realm of horror and uncover the best TV series that have left us trembling with fear and craving for more. Brace yourself, for the darkness awaits.

Les Revenants

Fast zombies versus slow zombies? Forget about it, according to Les Revenants. This French supernatural drama delves into the realm of existentialist zombies. It beautifully and poignantly explores death and grief through the concept of people returning from the grave. Set in a small mountain town, the show follows the mysterious return of the dead - some after years, some after decades - without any recollection of where they have been. Questions arise: why are they back? How did they die? And how will they navigate their new existence alongside those who loved, buried, and mourned for them?

The cast, including the haunting performance by Swann Nambotin as child returnee Victor, is exceptional. The original Canal series possesses an indescribable quality that the English adaptation failed to capture. Every aspect, from the locations to the photography to the soundtrack by Scottish post-rock band Mogwai, contributes to its stylishly shot and atmospheric ambiance. We challenge anyone to find a television show that rivals its artistic brilliance. – Louisa Mellor

In the Flesh

In the Flesh brings a distinct British twist to the zombie-horror genre by infusing Alan Bennett-style humor and political satire. The show centers around Kieren Walker, a sensitive outsider in the rural Northern village of Roarton. Years ago, corpses rose from their graves and embarked on a murderous rampage. Now, the surviving zombies, referred to as "Partially Deceased Syndrome" sufferers, have been medicated and reintegrated into the community. Will Roarton accept them, or will the hatred of the anti-"rotter" faction prevail?

BBC Three's premature cancellation due to funding issues (later reversed) left fans of In The Flesh devastated. The series, known for being the least macho but most emotionally resonant zombie story, offers a mix of humor and thought-provoking commentary on bigotry and intolerance. It's a beloved cult favorite that never received the recognition it deserved. – LM

While fairy tale adaptations have been a part of cinema for as long as we can remember, the early 2010s witnessed a surge in this genre. With shows like ABC's Once Upon a Time and movies like Snow White and the Huntsman, Mirror Mirror, Jack the Giant Slayer, and Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, the media landscape was flooded with unique takes on classic stories. NBC's Grimm, which premiered in 2011, stands out as one of the best adaptations of this period.

Grimm fearlessly embraces the darker aspects of fairy tales and folklore, presenting adaptations of The Brothers Grimm's stories without sugarcoating or sanitization. The series follows Portland detective Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli) as he discovers his family's lineage as Grimms - hunters who maintain balance between the ordinary world and the supernatural creatures hiding in plain sight. With the ability to see these creatures' true forms, even when disguised as humans, Nick explores a world where bedtime stories are not only real but deadly. While maintaining a "creature of the week" format, Grimm cleverly weaves serialized storylines to create a chilling and captivating universe. – Brynna Arens

iZombie

Based on the Vertigo comic series of the same name, iZombie presents a unique twist on the zombie apocalypse. In a world where the undead uprising is triggered by spiked drugs and energy drinks rather than a viral outbreak, medical student Olivia "Liv" Moore (Rose McIver) is bitten and turns into a zombie. Forced to abandon her promising career, Liv takes up work in the morgue, where she has easy access to brains. Unlike traditional zombies, Liv retains her humanity and intelligence, although she experiences several distinct physical changes.

iZombie breathes new life into the zombie genre by introducing the concept of zombies absorbing the memories and traits of the people they feed on. Liv uses this ability to assist the Seattle PD in solving murders. While this may sound unconventional, Rose McIver's exceptional performance and her chemistry with co-stars Rahul Kohli and Malcolm Goodwin make this "brain of the week" dynamic both engaging and entertaining. The series stands out for its fresh and captivating take on zombies. – BA

True Blood

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Vampire horror is a challenging genre to master, but True Blood effortlessly achieves it. The show, known for its explicit content, is essentially a blood-soaked spectacle. In the fictional town of Bon Temps, amidst all the "fang-banging," orgies, and impregnating fairies, True Blood captures the essence of sheer gore.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

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If you're familiar with the original Sabrina the Teenage Witch series, you won't want to miss Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. This modern-day take revolves around a young woman named Sabrina (played by Kiernan Shipka) as she navigates both the mortal world and her newfound witchcraft. On her 16th birthday, Sabrina faces a crucial decision: whether or not to pledge her loyalty to the Dark Lord, who has ulterior motives. Unlike its predecessor, this rendition of Sabrina takes on a much darker tone. Enjoy the thrill!

The Fades

Yet another British horror series subjected to an untimely demise due to BBC budget constraints (similar to In the Flesh), The Fades boasts a grandiose scale, bone-chilling scares, and a vast scope. The show introduced its audience to a stellar cast, many of whom have made a name for themselves in the realm of fantasy screen entertainment (think Tom Ellis from Lucifer, Natalie Dormer and Joe Dempsie from Game of Thrones, Iain de Caestecker from Agents of SHIELD, and Daniel Kaluuya, an Oscar-winning star from Get Out).

The story follows Paul, a teenager bestowed with the ability to see spirits trapped on Earth. Paul gradually realizes that his apocalyptic visions are not mere figments of his imagination - he is an "Angelic," locked in a celestial battle against the malevolent "Fades." Created by Jack Thorne (Skins, This is England, His Dark Materials), this six-episode series combines proper horror with convincing characters and a script filled with geeky pop culture references. It deserved more than just one season. – LM

Yellowjackets

Yellowjackets offers a rare combination of teen drama, creepy cults, hints of cannibalism, and a captivating mystery spanning both the past and present. In 1996, the Yellowjackets soccer team becomes stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. After 25 years, the survivors grapple with the trauma of their survival and the extreme measures they took to stay alive. The series skillfully traverses between 1996 and the present day, seamlessly blending psychological horror with supernatural elements. It's unclear whether a sinister force truly haunts them in the wilderness or if the eerie occurrences are a manifestation of coincidence and trauma.

The casting of both the young and adult cast members is exceptional, with their performances seamlessly bridging the gap between the two timelines. Despite knowing early on which characters survive, each flashback remains tense and suspenseful, revealing the immense challenges the Yellowjackets faced. This show is a must-watch for fans of bone-chilling mysteries. – BA

Castlevania

Castlevania is a project that comes with its fair share of complexities. Based on Konami's video game series of the same name, the show faced numerous challenges during its development. Nevertheless, it finally made its way onto Netflix in 2017, with acclaimed writer Warren Ellis leading as the creator and showrunner. However, a wave of sexual misconduct allegations against Ellis in the summer of 2020 led to the separation of the streaming service and its expanding Castlevania universe. Despite the controversy, the adult animated dark fantasy action series remains objectively outstanding.

The show follows the sarcastic monster hunter Trevor Belmont on his quest to vanquish the nihilistic Dracula and his loyal minions. As each season progresses, the story deepens, and the visuals become increasingly captivating. The sprawling cast features unforgettable performances, including Peter Stormare as the viking vampire Godbrand and Bill Nighy as the enigmatic Saint Germain. Though Castlevania offers a satisfying and enthralling experience, it carries an unpleasant aftertaste for many due to the controversies surrounding its creator. – Kirsten Howard

Lovecraft Country

Part anthology series, part epic horror-fantasy hero's journey, Lovecraft Country stands out as one of the most ambitious horror shows on this list. Created by Misha Green and executive produced by Jordan Peele and JJ Abrams, this highly cinematic series immerses viewers in the depths of Jim Crow America during the 1950s. The story revolves around Atticus "Tic" Freeman (Jonathan Majors), a war veteran who discovers his heritage as the heir to a magical legacy. Tic, alongside his family and friends, becomes entangled with a racist secret society determined to suppress his magical potential.

Combining the horrors of real-life racism with supernatural elements like haunted houses, body-swapping nightmares, and terrifying historical folklore, Lovecraft Country traverses multiple subgenres with exceptional finesse. Each episode offers something unique and captivating, ensuring there's never a dull moment. From heart-pounding tension to hair-raising scares, this show has it all. Prepare to be enthralled! – Nick Harley

Evil

Ever since the end of The X-Files in 2002 (and its subsequent revivals in 2016 and 2018), the crown for network TV procedural horror has been up for grabs. In 2019, Robert and Michelle King, the creative minds behind The Good Wife and The Good Fight, seized the opportunity with their captivating series, Evil. Although it lasted only one season on CBS before moving to Paramount+ for subsequent seasons, Evil remains one of the finest horror shows in recent memory.

The show follows a team of paranormal investigators working on behalf of the Catholic Church. David Acosta (Mike Colter), a priest-in-training, represents the believer, while Ben Shakir (Aasif Mandvi), a tech expert, is the skeptic. Bridging them is forensic psychologist Dr. Kristen Bouchard (Katja Herbers). Each week, the team dives into a new case, grappling with the fine line between supernatural occurrences and rational explanations. Evil strikes a brilliant balance between its standalone episodes and its overarching storyline, delving into the nature of evil and its origins. Prepare to be terrified! – AB

True Detective

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Certain shows are so terrifying that they demand to be watched in broad daylight, followed by several therapeutic episodes of The Office to calm the nerves. True Detective falls into this category. To this day, Matthew McConaughey's mere presence evokes screams from viewers.

The Watcher

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Prepare your detective hats and get cozy under a warm blanket because The Watcher takes you on a bone-chilling mystery that demands your attention. Inspired by a real-life unsolved case, the show unravels the saga of The Watcher, a stalker fixated on a particular house and its inhabitants. Through a series of creepy and threatening letters, The Watcher instills spine-chilling fear in the recipients. And when the events start to manifest in the real world, it becomes evident that The Watcher's wrath extends beyond the written word.

The Horror of Delores Roach

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If you have a taste for Sweeney Todd influences, then The Horror of Delores Roach is a must-watch. This Amazon series follows the newly released Dolores Roach, who starts her own massage business. However, it doesn't take long before things take a deadly turn, thrusting Dolores into a grim and terrifying world.

Chucky

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If the endless stream of Chucky movies isn't enough to satisfy your craving for killer dolls, then the Chucky TV series is a must-watch. When 14-year-old Jake buys a vintage Chucky doll at a New Jersey yard sale, little does he know that it is possessed by the soul of a serial killer. Chaos ensues as the murderous toy embarks on a killing spree, while Jake and his classmates become entangled in the deadly events.

The Outsider

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If you enjoy watching scary shows with a touch of murder mystery, "The Outsider" is a must-watch for you. The plot revolves around a small town that gets shaken by a brutal murder, with all the evidence pointing towards a single suspect. The twist? The suspect has an airtight alibi. It presents the ultimate mind puzzle that challenges your perception of everything around you.

Dead Ringers

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"Dead Ringers" is a television series based on the 1988 movie of the same name. However, this adaptation features a unique twist. The roles of the identical twin gynecologists are portrayed by a woman, Rachel Weisz. The series delves into their mission to revolutionize the way women give birth, with the story taking dark and ethically questionable turns. Brace yourself to step out of your comfort zone, but rest assured that the experience will be worth it.

Servant

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"Servant" is a captivating show that blends elements of Child's Play and The Nanny Diaries. The plot follows a couple who hires a nanny to care for their baby. However, here's the catch—the baby is a lifelike doll that they use as a substitute for their deceased 13-week-old son. As mysterious and suspicious events unfold, the focus turns towards the woman, Leanne, who lost her own child. Prepare to be intrigued as the boundaries between reality and perception blur.

Mayfair Witches

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"Mayfair Witches" explores the captivating world of witchcraft. The story revolves around Rowan Fielding, a young neurosurgeon who discovers she is the heir to a powerful family of witches. As she grapples with this newfound truth, she must confront a dark and sinister spirit that has been haunting her.

Requiem

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"Requiem" is a thrilling blend of supernatural mystery and family drama. The story centers around a Welsh cellist whose mother commits suicide. As she sifts through her mother's belongings, she embarks on a haunting journey that forces her to question her own identity.

You

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If you still haven't watched "You," you've been missing out on a captivating series. Penn Badgley's enthralling performance and the darkly twisted storyline will get under your skin. Prepare to witness a cute crush morph into something sinister and disturbing. With the third season set to be released this month, there's plenty to binge-watch, if you can handle the intensity.

Behind Her Eyes

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"Behind Her Eyes" is a psychological thriller that delves into the intriguing world of a mysterious psychiatrist. The story follows Louise, a single mother who starts an affair with her boss, only to become close friends with his wife. As the love triangle unfolds, the plot takes darker and more twisted turns, revealing long-hidden secrets.

The Purge

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If the "Purge" movies didn't terrify you enough, the TV show takes the fear factor to a whole new level. The first season follows multiple characters as they navigate the 12-hour period where all crimes, including murder, are legal. The second season explores the aftermath of the Purge night and the grim reality that follows.

Ratched

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In "Ratched," Sarah Paulson delivers a captivating performance as Nurse Ratched, the unhinged and eerie nurse from "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." This series serves as an origin story, showcasing her journey as she accepts a job at a sinister psychiatric hospital that conducts ethically questionable experiments. Witness her gradual transformation into the monster we know her to be.

Who Killed Sara?

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For fans of true crime stories, "Who Killed Sara?" is guaranteed to send shivers down your spine. This Spanish show follows a man who, after being framed for his sister's murder and spending 18 years in prison, embarks on a mission to find the true culprit and seek revenge.

The Strain

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"The Strain" presents a chilling premise of a virus outbreak that turns people into malevolent vampires. A team is called upon to investigate and ultimately save humanity from this terrifying threat. This show was already frightening, but considering recent events, it has taken on an even more spine-chilling aura.

Monsterland

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"Monsterland" is Hulu's newest anthology horror series, guaranteed to send shivers down your spine. Each story features a different monstrous entity, with one of the standout plots portraying Taylor Schilling and Roberta Colindrez as a couple whose relationship takes a disintegrating turn.

Unsolved Mysteries

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"Unsolved Mysteries," a classic series rebooted by Netflix, tackles spine-tingling true crime cases that remain unresolved. The show offers a chilling viewing experience as it explores mysteries that will keep you on the edge of your seat. However, be prepared to be enthralled by true crimes that may leave you wanting answers.

Locke & Key

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If you prefer your scary shows to be on the milder side, "Locke & Key" is the perfect choice. Similar to Netflix's "Haunting" series, this show revolves around kids exploring a creepy old house. However, the atmosphere is more PG-13 rather than intensely frightening.

The Twilight Zone

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Before "Black Mirror," there was "The Twilight Zone," one of the original anthology series that premiered in the late 1950s. Since then, the show has experienced several revivals, including the 2019 version produced by the talented creator Jordan Peele. Prepare to enter a world where eerie and mind-bending stories unfold.

The Fall

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"The Fall" features Jamie Dornan, known for his role in "Fifty Shades of Grey," as a serial murderer. While the show is definitely terrifying, the strong performance of Gillian Anderson, who plays a character in a male-dominated environment, offers a sense of empowerment. Her powerful line, "We've chosen to work in a masculine, paramilitary, patriarchal culture. Let's not let it beat us," serves as a rallying cry.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

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Although the special effects in Buffy may appear slightly dated in 2022, it doesn't diminish the show's terror. I discovered this firsthand when I innocently watched an episode while alone at home one evening. Since then, I haven't been able to sleep because I'm convinced vampires are coming to devour me.

Mindhunter

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Here's the thing about Mindhunter Seasons 1 & 2. The serial killers whose minds are being hunted? They are real-life individuals, some of whom are currently incarcerated for their heinous acts of torture, murder, and assault. It is virtually impossible to watch this show without staying up all night, gripped with fear. So, enjoy the experience and sleepless nights!

Dark

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The German series, Dark, has been described as Stranger Things for mature audiences, but the horror genre knows no age limit! The storyline revolves around the disappearance of two children in a small town, shining a spotlight on four families and their disturbing pasts, complicated relationships, and, yes, secret double lives. The show alternates between the years 2019, 1986, and 1953 (utilizing time travel for the win), yet it's vital to remember the lessons of Hawkins, Indiana. Wormholes pose significant dangers!

Silverpoint

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Silverpoint takes all the classic elements of a teen detective trope and moves them to an unsettling summer camp setting. In summary, a young boy embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of a group of four children 23 years ago in the woods. Truly, what could possibly go wrong?

The White Lotus

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Watch on YouTubeThe White Lotus is an Emmy Award-winning series that seamlessly blends murder mystery with biting social satire, which contributes to its iconic status. Of course, the stellar cast of A-list celebrities it features doesn't hurt either. The show follows the lives of various employees and guests at an exclusive Hawaiian resort, unraveling the hidden complexities of these seemingly perfect characters over the course of one transformative week. In short, be prepared to experience a rollercoaster of emotions, shifting from adoration to shock in no time.

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If you're a fan of the macabre and delight in the thrill of horror, this list of the best horror TV series is guaranteed to send shivers down your spine. From the chilling mysteries of "Les Revenants" to the spine-tingling suspense of "Chucky," these shows will keep you on the edge of your seat, craving for more scares. Whether it's supernatural creatures, psychological horrors, or blood-curdling mysteries, the wide range of options available ensure that there's something for every horror enthusiast. So, grab your favorite horror snack, turn off the lights, and prepare to be captivated by the terror that awaits you in these unforgettable TV series. Sleep tight, if you can.