10 Best Horror Anthology Series
Embarking on a thrilling journey into the macabre, the horror anthology series has forever etched its shadowy presence into the pantheon of classic television. With each episodic tale, these series delve into the depths of our darkest fears, entwining viewers in a chilling embrace of the supernatural, the unexplained, and the downright terrifying.
Here at TheReviewGeek, we’re huge horror fans and have clawed through the archies to bring you a curated list of the 10 best horror anthology series that have seamlessly blended diverse horrifying tales into singular seasons or standalone episodes.
From eerie crypts to twisted morality tales, each series on this list ventures into a unique abyss of horror. So without further ado, here are our picks:
Channel Zero
With four delightfully sinister tales to choose from, Channel Zero’s four-season run makes for really compelling viewing. However, our top pick remains season 1 which is arguably the creepiest of the bunch.
With a new spin on The Tooth Fairy (pictured above) and some seriously creepy dolls, this one is worth its weight in gold. The rest of the seasons are good too and tackle a variety of different ideas that should get your bones shivering.
You can read our thoughts on Channel Zero in our full season review here!
The Twilight Zone (1959)
The Crème de la crème of anthology series; The Twilight Zone is a classic in every sense of the word and a mainstay for any sci-fi or horror fan. Not to be confused with the lackluster 2020 reboot or the forgettable re-reboot in the 80’s, the original’s combination of horror, thought provoking ideas and sci-fi make it a wonderful show to watch.
Even after all these years, The Twilight Zone holds its own and if anthological bites of horror are your jam, this one will most certainly be worth checking out.
Black Mirror
Black Mirror is still the go-to for most people looking for a dark slice of sci-fi. While the later episodes (and seasons) do wane in quality, there’s no denying that some of the early episodes are absolutely fantastic and certainly revel in that maniacal, dread-inducing feel of horror.
Black Mirror is a very easy recommendation and one you should absolutely check out if you haven’t already.
You can read our thoughts on Black Mirror in our full season review here!
The X-Files
Arguably one of the most culturally significant shows of the 20th Century, The X-Files is undoubtedly one of the most engrossing, well written mysteries on the small screen.
Interwoven around Mulder’s sister being abducted are numerous stand-alone slices of horror and hidden gems across the 12 seasons. Whether it be the shocking body horror of “Home” or the Stephen King-written “Chinga”, there are some seriously chilling tales to sit through here. Do be aware though that the rebooted seasons are nowhere near as good as the originals though!
You can read our thoughts on The X-Files in our full season reviews here!
Goosebumps
Based on R.L. Stine’s popular children’s book series, Goosebumps is a horror anthology series aimed at kids and teens, all whilst remaining incredibly faithful to the source material. Each episode features different characters and settings, where young protagonists encounter creepy, eerie, and supernatural happenings.
Goosebumps is a fantastic entry point into the horror genre for younger viewers, providing scares that are suitable for a younger demographic while still being genuinely entertaining. The show balances its frights with fun, offering an exciting and sometimes humorous approach to spooky tales.
Cabinet of Curiosities
Cabinet of Curiosities tackles all sorts of different themes from greed and corruption to vanity and loss. All of these emotions are woven across stylistically chapters with varying degrees of horror. Some work as more allegorical tales, like an hour long chapter that looks at beauty standards for women and the fear of being abandoned. Another episode is much more interested in a claustrophobic venture into the dark underground caverns of a graveyard, inhabited by a plague of rats.
Whatever you sink your teeth into here, you’re bound to find an intriguing and spine-chilling collection of tales.
You can read our thoughts on Cabinet of Curiosities in our full season review here!
American Horror Story
American Horror Story is an anthology series, with each season exploring a new horrifying storyline and setting, ranging from a haunted house to a witch coven, an insane asylum, and more. Familiar actors reappear in different roles each season, providing a thread of continuity through disparate, spooky narratives.
The series masterfully blends various sub-genres of horror, ensuring each season feels fresh and surprising, even all these years later. Its ability to explore different eras, themes, and horror tropes, all whilst maintaining a consistent and engaging storytelling style, makes it a multifaceted gem in horror TV.
The Outer Limits
The Outer Limits is a sci-fi and horror anthology series, where each episode presents a standalone story. These are often involving bizarre, supernatural, or existential themes. The stories explore the unknown and unexplained, frequently delving into scientific experiments gone wrong, alien encounters, and paranormal events.
The Outer Limits excels at combining sci-fi with horror, exploring philosophical and ethical dilemmas alongside its chilling narratives. There’s some great thought-provoking stories here that linger long after the credits roll, leveraging both intellectual and visceral scares.
Tales from the Crypt
Hosted by the gleefully macabre Crypt Keeper, Tales from the Crypt is an anthology series based on the EC Comics of the 1950’s. Each episode tells a separate horror story, often with a darkly comic and moralistic twist. There are lots of different themes within the genre explored, including greed, betrayal, and supernatural vengeance.
The series is known for its campy, dark humor, and twisted tales that manage to be both entertaining and unsettling. This combination of horror and humor works surprisingly well, and the puppet host gives it a distinctive and memorable place in the genre.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
It would have been sacrilege not to include the great horror maestro himself in this collection right? Alfred Hitchcock himself presents short stories filled with suspense, mystery, and, more often than not, a twist ending. Hitchcock’s dry humor introduces tales of crime, morality, and irony, all with characters that often find themselves entwined in unsettling and perilous situations.
Hitchcock’s masterful understanding of suspense and psychological horror provides a timeless appeal. The series reflects his unique style of storytelling and his ability to delve into the darker aspects of human nature, crafting narratives that are both thrilling and thought-provoking.
So there we have it, our picks for the 10 best horror anthologies, which should whet the appetite for horror enthusiasts of all types! Are we missing one of your favourites? Let us know your favourite horror choices in the comments below!