10 Most Terrifying TV Episodes of All Time

Fear brings about intricate and conflicting feelings, enhancing storytelling in potent manners. Screening fear can be thrilling and enjoyable, or it may be unsettling, chilling, startling, and even emotionally traumatic. Television has showcased some of the most successful methods to frighten an audience or get a viewer’s adrenaline surging. Horror enthusiasts have been fortunate for decades with a wealth of quality genre programming that explores the depths of fear and the meaning of unsettling viewers. However, it is important to note that while the horror genre may boast the most extensive collection of frightening TV episodes, terror is not exclusive to this genre alone.

This list delves into chilling television shows spanning the realms of horror, drama, and science fiction, featuring both supernatural creatures as antagonists and human characters who serve as villains in a deeply unsettling manner.

1) “Open Wide, O Earth” (Chernobyl, Episode 3)

Delving into actual-world tragedies, HBO’s miniseries “Chernobyl” portrayed the sorrowful human-made disaster that unfolded in 1986 when an explosion occurred at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant’s reactor, which was then part of the Soviet Union (currently Ukraine). Drawing inspiration from Svetlana Alexievich’s book “Voices of Chernobyl,” this five-part historical drama delves into the immediate consequences such as the probe into the explosion, the government’s efforts to conceal the truth, the sacrifices and losses of the first responders, the long-term and wide-spread effects of radiation sickness, and the brave actions taken by those who worked diligently to manage the catastrophe.

In the chilling HBO series, Chernobyl, each episode could easily be considered the most petrifying, but Episode 3, titled “Open Wide, O Earth,” stands out for its haunting moments and images. The most harrowing scene undoubtedly is watching the agonizing demise of individuals afflicted by lethal acute radiation syndrome (ARS), primarily firefighters and some plant workers. The gruesome deterioration of their bodies, both internally and externally, is nearly unbearable to watch. Moreover, anyone exposed to any level of radiation faces a terrifying fear, as they could either succumb to death or face the likelihood of cancer, among other potential illnesses and disabilities in the future. Chernobyl serves as a grim reminder that real-life events can be far more petrifying than works of fiction.

Chernobyl is available to stream on HBO Max.

2) “Screaming Meemies” (The Haunting of Hill House, Episode 9)

When queried about their favorite frightening episode from Mike Flanagan’s show The Haunting of Hill House, numerous fans often single out Episode 5, titled “The Bent-Neck Lady.” Although the concluding scene and spine-chilling images of the ominous entity that has tormented Nell Crain (Victoria Pedretti) since her youth certainly leave a lasting impression as some of the most terrifying moments in this limited series, it’s “Screaming Meemies” that is teeming with various facets of dread that burrow their way beneath your skin.

In this emotionally intense episode of Flanagan’s work, we delve into the enigma surrounding the fate of Olivia Crain (played by Carla Gugino). As the story unfolds, we see Olivia’s mental health deteriorate due to the haunting presence within Hill House. She is plagued by hallucinations, including distressing visions of her grown children who have passed away. As Olivia succumbs to these terrifying hallucinations and ghostly influences, she transforms into another ominous force in Hill House, committing a tragic act of killing an innocent child before ultimately taking her own life. The chilling visuals throughout the episode, coupled with Olivia’s isolation due to her madness, make “Screaming Meemies” the most unsettling and scary installment in The Haunting of Hill House.

The Haunting of Hill House is available to stream on Netflix.

3) “Home” (The X-Files, Season 4 Episode 2)

Discussion about the scariest television episodes frequently includes “The X-Files” Season 4’s episode titled “Home”. This episode, initially aired in 1996, left a lasting impression on viewers and became widely known for being largely prohibited from reruns on FOX.

In the given episode, FBI agents Mulder (played by David Duchovny) and Scully (portrayed by Gillian Anderson) delve into the Peacock family case after a deformed infant’s corpse is found. Stepping away from science fiction themes, “Home” concentrated on the concept of human monsters. In this instance, a twisted family residing in Pennsylvania consists of disfigured, inbred farmers who are terrorizing a nearby town. The atmosphere of the episode mirrors that of horror films like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre or The Hills Have Eyes. It’s challenging to determine which aspect disturbed viewers the most: the incestuous relationships within the Peacock family, the extreme violence depicted, or the fact that one of the characters, Mrs. Peacock (who is missing limbs and has been hiding under a bed), along with one of her sons, managed to escape and plan on starting a new family together in another location.

The X-Files is available to stream on Hulu.

4) “Sanctuary” & “Death and All His Friends” (Grey’s Anatomy, Season 6 Episodes 23 & 24)

In the chilling two-part Season 6 finale of Grey’s Anatomy, Dr. Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) expresses that hospitals, despite being intimidating for many, are her familiar territory – a refuge and sanctuary where she has spent most of her life. However, this sense of safety is shattered when Gary Clark (Michael O’Neill), a distraught husband seeking revenge for his wife’s death, storms the hospital armed with a gun, threatening Dr. Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) and any other surgeons or staff he encounters.

In the climactic episodes, the terror is palpable due to the gunman’s rampage through the hospital, causing death and destruction indiscriminately. For viewers, the writers heightened the fear factor by putting cherished characters in danger or on the brink of death, along with some shocking fatalities. The suspense is so high that you find yourself gasping for breath, unsure who will survive or meet a tragic end next. Hospitals can be unsettling, but a mass shooting is something no one ever expects or can fully comprehend, especially when safety becomes a concern everywhere – schools, theaters, concerts, malls, and so on. It’s incomprehensible that such an event could occur anywhere at all. The emotional turmoil and sheer horror of a mass shooting are vividly portrayed throughout these two episodes, making this final installment of the long-running medical series the most heart-wrenching and terrifying yet.

Grey’s Anatomy is available to stream on Hulu and Netflix.

5) “Chapter One: The Hellfire Club” (Stranger Things, Season 4 Episode 1)

In an intriguing development for “Stranger Things” Season 4, the Duffer Brothers have skillfully evolved the series alongside its actors’ maturation. This means that our once youthful characters are now grappling with high school’s best and worst aspects – the growing pains. While the show has always had a darker, eerie side, Season 4 ushered in a fresh chapter for “Stranger Things” marked by intensified gore, horror elements (and an enjoyable surge in explicit language). The season premiere, titled “Chapter One: The Hellfire Club,” immediately establishes a grittier and more violent atmosphere.

In the initial scenes, we’re taken back to 1979 where Dr. Martin Brenner (Matthew Modine) was conducting secretive experiments on gifted kids like Eleven at Hawkins National Laboratory. A sudden attack causes chaos and leaves all staff members and children except for Brenner and Eleven severely injured, lifeless, and covered in blood. It’s strongly suggested that Eleven might be the one responsible for this massacre, leading to a season-long enigma that unfolds further in the closing moments of the episode. The ending left viewers stunned as a new character named Chrissy (Grace Van Dien), who had been tormented by terrifying visions all along, was gruesomely killed by the ominous entity known as Vecna. This chilling prologue and epilogue skillfully instills fear in viewers and sets the tone for a violent season of Stranger Things.

Stranger Things is available to stream on Netflix.

6) “The Autopsy” (Cabinet of Curiosities, Episode 3)

Guillermo del Toro’s “Cabinet of Curiosities” is a Netflix miniseries consisting of eight horror stories from different filmmakers, with del Toro serving as the introducer. Although each episode offers various scares, Episode 3, titled “The Autopsy,” is particularly chilling. Directed by David Prior and penned by David S. Goyer, based on a short story by Michael Shea, “The Autopsy” revolves around the enigma of an explosion that claimed the lives of ten miners, including the one who initiated the blast. Sheriff Nate Craven (Glynn Turman) enlists his old friend and medical examiner, Dr. Carl Winters (F. Murray Abraham), for assistance in the investigation. However, what Dr. Winters uncovers is a horrifying extraterrestrial entity on a quest for its next host.

As I delve into this intriguing enigma, a menacing adversary lurking in its shadows becomes apparent. Yet, as postmortem examinations unfold, the narrative transforms into a gripping exploration of body horror. In my quest to unravel the puzzle, I encounter the macabre sight of Joe Allen (Luke Roberts), reanimated under the influence of an alien parasite that feeds off its host from within. The climactic battle between us is intense and rewarding, with Abraham delivering a stellar performance in this episode. However, the gruesome scenes involving mutilated flesh, surgical tools piercing ears and eyes, and a chilling antagonist that ratchets up the tension are truly harrowing, making every moment unforgettable.

Cabinet of Curiosities is available to stream on Netflix.

7) “Living Doll” (The Twilight Zone, Season 5 Episode 6)

In the classic realm of horror, supernaturally malicious talking dolls have been a common theme. One of the earliest portrayals can be found in “The Twilight Zone” episode from 1963 titled “Living Doll”, where a woman named Annabelle buys a wind-up Talky Tina doll for her daughter, Christie. This action displeases her husband, Erich. When the doll is with Annabelle or Christie, it usually says its standard line, “My name is Talky Tina, and I love you very much”. However, when alone with Erich, a man who reveals himself to be angry and vindictive, the doll’s tone shifts to a more sinister one: “My name is Talky Tina, and I don’t think I like you.

In the story, as Tina’s hostility toward Erich intensifies, with her threatening him and expressing hatred, Erich directs his anger towards Annabelle and Christie, believing they are somehow playing a trick on him with Tina. Upon attempting to get rid of Tina, he discovers that the doll is indestructible and now poses a threat to kill him. During the course of the episode, some of the horror subsides as viewers hope to see Erich receive his due for treating his family poorly. However, when Talky Tina carries out her promise to kill Erich and then warns Annabelle, “My name is Talky Tina, and you’d better be nice to me,” she solidifies herself as a menacing, unstable doll that should not be trifled with.

The Twilight Zone is available to stream on Paramount+ and Prime Video.

8) “And They Were Enemies” (Penny Dreadful, Season 2 Episode 10)

Generally considered less popular but cherished by horror enthusiasts, the Showtime series Penny Dreadful, known for its dark, horror-fantasy theme, consistently delivered chills, sorrow, and innovative storytelling. In the Season 2 finale, “And They Were Enemies,” our primary characters are faced with ghosts, remorse, and in Vanessa’s (Eva Green) case, Lucifer himself. Interestingly, the Devil appears to Vanessa in the form of a ventriloquist doll that resembles her and speaks in her voice. As Vanessa battles against Lucifer, Sir Malcolm (Timothy Dalton) and Victor Frankenstein (Harry Treadaway) are tormented by hallucinations of the deceased — and the undead, as Victor grapples with his visions of his tortured creations — and deep guilt. Simultaneously, Ethan (Josh Hartnett) has lost control over his werewolf traits and poses a threat to everyone.

In this episode of Penny Dreadful, the audience witnesses several spine-tingling scenes filled with chilling imagery as the protagonists grapple with their individual nightmares. Some characters learn the hard way that attempting to manipulate and dominate Vanessa Ives is not wise. As for Vanessa, she transforms into a terrifying entity when she starts growling and muttering in an otherworldly tongue, aiming to annihilate a puppet representation of Lucifer. The Season 2 conclusion finds many key characters separated from each other, treading ominous paths. A looming threat arises in the form of Dorian Gray (Reeve Carney) and Lily (Billie Piper), who refer to themselves as an elite race, planning to rule as immortals, compelling mortals to bow before them. They move stealthily in a pristine, blood-stained gown and suit, leaving bloody trails behind them as they glide around the room, executing their sinister plans.

Penny Dreadful is available to stream on Prime Video, Hulu, and Paramount+.

9) “Playtest” (Black Mirror, Season 3 Episode 2)

As a lover of cinema, I can’t help but be captivated by Charlie Brooker’s mind-bending anthology series on Netflix, aptly named “Black Mirror.” This show delves into the intricacies of human psychology and the chilling repercussions of unchecked technological advancements. Among its many haunting episodes, Season 3’s “Playtest” stands out as one of the most memorable and undeniably terrifying. Starring Wyatt Russell, known for his roles in films like “Thunderbolts” and “Overlord,” this episode is a rollercoaster ride built on fear and paranoia that will leave you questioning your own sanity.

Whilst exploring London, an American tourist named Cooper (Russell) finds out that his bank accounts have been illegally accessed. Struggling financially, he accepts the offer to be a trial user for SaitoGemu, a cutting-edge Japanese game studio specializing in augmented reality gaming. After a seemingly safe demonstration, he consents to test a survival horror game where a gadget implanted at the back of his neck and an advanced artificial intelligence tailor the experience to his deepest fears. The game begins to instill fear by exploiting Cooper’s arachnophobia, followed by progressively terrifying visuals and auditory delusions. Matters worsen when Cooper is assaulted and genuinely feels pain from a shoulder wound. The unsettling imagery, intensified scares, growing panic, disruption of reality, and nerve-wracking conclusion(s) make this an unnerving episode reminiscent of the anthology series “Black Mirror.

Black Mirror is available to stream on Netflix.

10) “Piggy Piggy” (American Horror Story, Season 1 Episode 6)

In Ryan Murphy’s long-running horror anthology, “American Horror Story,” which debuted in 2011, each season presents a unique blend of terrifying and unsettling moments. The initial season, titled “Murder House,” served as an introduction to Murphy’s distinctive approach to horror and the mysterious. The sixth episode, “Piggy Piggy,” effectively juxtaposed the unusual with a shocking opening that brought one of the most chilling real-world horrors into sharp focus.

In the haunting home I’ve recently moved into, I can’t help but be deeply affected as I uncover the chilling truth about one of its spectral inhabitants – Tate. This horrifying soul, played brilliantly by Evan Peters, was responsible for the cold-blooded massacre of several students at his high school. His violent end came when SWAT stormed the house to apprehend him, only for him to turn the gun on them. The initial scenes of this episode are dedicated to the harrowing sequence of events that unfolded in the library, where Tate methodically executed his classmates, filling the room with fear and terror. This gripping portrayal of a school shooting stands out as the most terrifying moment across the entire series, set in an episode that also delves into self-harm, attempted suicide, urban legends, a menacing housekeeper, and psychological torment by the deceased – all under the watchful eye of Jessica Lange’s captivating Constance.

American Horror Story is available to stream on Hulu and Prime Video.

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2025-07-11 21:44