Horror has always been a popular genre, having a wide spectrum of stories that will give you the spook you need. There are so many classic horror novels thanks to the horror boom. Some of the best horror stories we’ve come to know and love came from this time in history. Of course, we had to make a list of these novels. You might know some of the names on this list, and you might be surprised by a few others. If you’re looking to dip your toes into the genre, check out the list below of these greatest classic horror novels of all time!
Rosemary’s Baby by Ira Levin
Let’s begin with one of the books that kicked off the horror boom. In Ira Levin’s Rosemary’s Baby, an up-to-date young wife moves into an elegant New York apartment house with an eerie history.
However, it is only after Rosemary becomes pregnant that she starts suspecting that the building is home to a sinister group of devil worshippers versed in the dark arts of black magic and witchcraft. As a satanic conspiracy unfolds, Rosemary fears that they aim to claim not only her husband but also her unborn baby.
The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty
One of the most horrifying novels of all time, William Peter Blatty’s The Exorcist is a bone-chilling masterpiece that continues to terrify horror readers to this day.
When a young girl named Regan becomes possessed by a malevolent entity, her mother seeks the help of Father Damien Karras, a troubled priest. As Karras delves into the battle between good and evil, he confronts his own crisis of faith.
The Bad Seed by William March
We bet you are surprised to see this one on the list. The Bad Seed tells the story of the sociopathic eight-year-old Rhonda Penmark as she terrorizes those in her life, classmates, neighbours and even her own mother Christine.
As Christine uncovers the truth about her own family history, she realizes that Rhoda must be stopped before her evil tendencies escalate any further. With a sense of urgency, Christine must do whatever it takes to protect others from the growing threat of her daughter.
Psycho by Robert Bloch
Psycho tells the iconic story of Mary Crane, who finds herself seeking respite from a dark and stormy night when she stumbles upon the Bates Motel, its unlit neon sign beckoning her. Weary and desperate, Mary eagerly takes up the offer of a room for the night, craving a hot shower and a bed.
Despite the musty but clean accommodations and the seemingly pleasant yet peculiar manager, Norman Bates, Mary’s stay takes a sinister turn.
Hell House by Richard Matheson
Richard Matheson presents the Belasco House, renowned as the pinnacle of haunted dwellings, featuring a history marred by unspeakable horrors. Previous attempts to uncover its secrets ended in tragedy, with participants succumbing to murder, suicide, or madness.
Undeterred, a new investigation begins as four strangers, each motivated by personal reasons, enter the mansion’s sinister domain. As they navigate the unknown torments and temptations awaiting within the house’s walls, they question whether any soul can endure the terrifying forces at play.
Carrie by Stephen King
A modern classic of American fiction, Stephen King’s Carrie, introduces you to Carrie White, a high school girl who is misunderstood by her peers. Unbeknownst to them, Carrie possesses extraordinary telekinetic powers, living with a zealot mother and tormented by her peers at school, things come to a head and she uses her new powers to unleash a violent rampage of revenge.
Whispers by Dean Koontz
Bruno Frye has spent his life haunted by the terrifying legacy of his adopted mother, whose grip on him was suffocating and fear-inducing. Even after her death, Bruno is tormented by sinister whispers that drive him to commit murder, time and again.
Hilary Thomas becomes one of his targeted victims, unaware of the imminent danger she faces. As the chilling events unfold, Hilary discovers that even death can’t keep a truly evil man down.
The Woman in Black by Susan Hill
The Woman in Black is a classic ghost story set on an isolated causeway on the English moors. Arthur Kipps, a young solicitor, travels from London to the funeral of Mrs. Alice Drablow and is tasked with settling her affairs at Eel Marsh House.
However, he soon discovers sinister secrets lurking within the walls of the house and is haunted by a vengeful spirit known as the Woman in Black.
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Sethe, a former slave, has escaped to Ohio but finds herself burdened by the memories and traumas of her past. Haunted by the vengeful spirit of her unnamed baby, Sethe struggles to find freedom from the atrocities she endured at the plantation called Sweet Home.
As she attempts to move forward, a mysterious young woman named Beloved arrives, unravelling Sethe’s dark secret and forcing her to reckon with her past.
Drawing Blood by Poppy Z Brite (William Martin)
Finally, in Drawing Blood by Poppy Z Brite (also known as William Martin), Trevor McGee flees his North Carolina home to escape a horrifying tragedy. His father, responsible for murdering their family before taking his own life, leaves Trevor scarred and haunted.
Years later, Trevor musters the courage to confront his painful past, only to find himself ensnared by the same demons that tormented his father. As he dives deeper into his family’s dark secrets, he faces the terrifying realization that he may be following in his father’s footsteps toward madness.
There we have it! Some of the greatest classic horror novels of all time. Of course, this is just a small list and there are a ton of classic horror that didn’t make it. So, did we miss any of your favourites? Comment below and let us know!