7 Best Horror TV Shows of the 2020s, Ranked

Recent movies like Obsession and The Backrooms have pushed boundaries in horror, but great scary stories aren’t limited to the big screen. Television has consistently delivered thrilling and frightening series, and the 2020s have offered some truly exceptional options. We’ve put together a list of our favorite horror TV shows and ranked them from most to least terrifying.

7.) Chucky

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Shudder, Peacock

Chucky stands out among horror villains by successfully moving from movies to television. After a series of films, the TV show Chucky, which began in 2021, continued the story right after the Child’s Play movies. The show featured plenty of violence but also built on the existing story, bringing back familiar faces from throughout the franchise. Unlike characters like Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, and Leatherface, who haven’t had their own TV shows, Chucky set a high bar. Though the series has finished, Chucky’s story isn’t over, and a new movie is potentially in development.

6.) Something Very Bad is Going to Happen

Where to Watch: Netflix

Netflix’s Something Very Bad is Going to Happen is a surprisingly good, self-contained series. It centers around Rachel and Nicky, a couple deeply in love, who are traveling to Nicky’s family home for their wedding. The show expertly builds complex mysteries, playing with familiar horror elements to create a captivating and unpredictable plot. Just when you think you’ve figured things out, the story will surprise you, making it a standout series well worth watching.

5.) It: Welcome to Derry

Where to Watch: HBO Max

It was a challenge to create a brand new story about Pennywise, which made the series Welcome to Derry such a pleasant surprise. The show, starring Bill Skarsgård as the terrifying clown, takes place years before the events of the It movies. What makes Welcome to Derry work so well is that it builds on the original story while introducing new elements not seen in the first films. Both the young and adult characters are compelling, providing interesting contrasts to the otherworldly horror, and the series delivers plenty of frightening moments. While a second season has been announced, the first season stands perfectly well on its own as a long, satisfying film that honors Stephen King’s work.

4.) Black Summer

Where to Watch: Netflix

Perhaps the most surprising pick on our list is Black Summer. Despite being a spin-off of the more lighthearted Z-Nation and not receiving much attention, this zombie series is surprisingly effective. It stands out by creating genuinely interesting characters and delving into unique and often overlooked aspects of a zombie apocalypse – something many other zombie shows don’t do. It’s a shame it only lasted two seasons, as it consistently feels stronger than The Walking Dead.

3.) From

Where to Watch: MGM+

“From” is a gripping and scary story about people stuck in one place, and it truly captures the spirit of the show “Lost.” The characters are fascinating, the mysteries are compelling, and the dangers they face feel incredibly real. Now in its fourth season, with a fifth and final season already planned, the show is gaining a dedicated following. The premise is simple but terrifying: people find themselves on a stretch of road they can’t leave, and they’re haunted by frightening creatures at night. “From” has become a beloved show among those who know it, and it has the potential to become even more popular if the final season delivers a satisfying conclusion.

2.) Widow’s Bay

Where to Watch: Apple TV

The Apple TV+ series Widow’s Bay quickly earned its place on this list, proving just how excellent it is. Each episode cleverly blends different types of horror with both scares and humor. The show, recently renewed for a second season, centers on a cursed New England island and its struggling mayor, Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys), as he and the town’s residents face a constant barrage of supernatural problems. Widow’s Bay made a strong impression when it premiered, and we hope it has many more seasons to come. However, our top pick managed to secure its position after just one season.

1.) Midnight Mass

Where to Watch: Netflix

Michael Flanagan’s limited series, Midnight Mass, is a standout horror show, surpassed only by his earlier work, The Haunting of Hill House. Had Hill House premiered in the 2020s, it would likely top this list, but many consider Midnight Mass to be even better. It features fascinating characters and genuinely frightening creatures, creating a truly chilling experience. Beyond the scares, the show is a remarkably insightful look at the people within it. This ten-episode series is a masterpiece, and if you haven’t seen it yet, it’s a must-watch on Netflix – start with the first episode!

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2026-06-18 00:25