My Must-Watch List: The Best Scary Shows Streaming Right Now
Why I think TV is the new home of horror
As a TV expert, I can tell you that while a two-hour horror movie gives you jump scares and quick jolts, a prestige horror series allows the dread to truly set in. Shows build complex characters, weave multi-season mysteries, and stretch out that terrifying tension for weeks.
That’s why I am so obsessed with this current golden age of scary streaming. It’s hard to know which series are worth the 10+ hour commitment, but I’ve done the haunting homework for you.
Looking for even more picks? Don’t miss TV critic Randy Harward’s weekly What To Watch guide for the freshest streaming recs.
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1. The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
I always recommend starting with Mike Flanagan’s work, and this is his masterpiece. The Haunting of Hill House blends a classic ghost story with loads of devastating family trauma. It delivers atmosphere, incredible performances, and jump scares that still shake me, proving that horror can be both emotionally resonant and absolutely terrifying.
Where to watch The Haunting of Hill House
2. The Last of Us (2023)
This Emmy-winning Max series is one of the best shows I’ve seen in years, horror or otherwise. The Last of Us is less about the threat of monsters and more about relentless existential dread and tactical survival in a world gone wrong. The production quality is cinematic, making you feel the weight of every emotional and terrifying encounter. If you like high-concept horror, put this at the top of your list.
Where to watch The Last of Us
3. Yellowjackets (2021)
I love a show that sparks debate, and Yellowjackets is the best in the game right now. It brilliantly blends psychological horror with survival-thriller tropes and a deep-seated mystery. Not only that, but the show balances two terrifying timelines: a plane crash in the ’90s and the trauma of the survivors decades later. It’s wildly fun, perfectly acted, and demands a second viewing.
Where to watch Yellowjackets
4. American Horror Story (2011–present)
When I just want to dive into a vibe, I turn on AHS. This is the genre’s defining anthology for a reason. With a new setting, new characters, and a new nightmare every season, it has a flavor for every kind of horror fan. I usually start with the original Murder House (Season 1) or the wickedly fun Coven (Season 3) to ease my way in.
Where to watch American Horror Story
5. From (2022)
This is my pick for the horror-obsessed crowd—the Fan Freds who have seen it all. If you’re looking for a mysterious, claustrophobic scare that feels like Lost crossed with a creature feature, From is your next deep dive. Set in a mysterious town that traps all who enter and is stalked by terrifying nocturnal creatures, this series is a hidden gem you need to check out.
