10 Best Supernatural Horror TV Shows, Ranked

To paraphrase the legendary horror writer H.P. Lovecraft, the fear of the unknown is the worst thing a human being can experience. His sentiment carries some weight, as storytellers who swear by this mindset have given people the heebie-jeebies for centuries. That’s why supernatural horror will always be popular, but what are the best TV shows to explore the terrors that we mere mortals cannot comprehend? 

Before we get to that, though, let’s decide what the term supernatural actually means. The most basic definition pertains to anything that can’t be explained by science or the laws of nature, which could apply to all kinds of weird phenomena. Zombies, aliens, vampires, and werewolves defy these laws, but they typically occupy their own subgenres when it comes to horror.

Supernatural horror tends to center around spirits, demons, and spectral entities. As such, this list will look at the best horror shows that feature those spooks in some capacity (although, it’s worth noting that some of our picks include a wide array of creatures in addition to ghosts and stuff). With that in mind, here are 10 awesome supernatural series that you might not want to watch with the lights off.

10. American Horror Story: Murder House

Every season of “American Horror Story” offers something different, with its rogues’ gallery of creeps ranging from witches to serial killers. But if supernatural horror is your favorite type of nightmare, look no further than Season 1, aka “Murder House.”

The title sums up what this season is all about. There’s a house full of dark secrets, and the family that moves in must deal with the repercussions. On paper, that sounds like every haunted house tale out there. However, “American Horror Story” is a Ryan Murphy series, so viewers can expect excessive violence, outlandish shocks, and a BDSM rubber man thrown in to up the ante. No matter how wild “Murder House” gets, though, it never ceases to unsettle.

“Murder House” is one of the most focused installments of “American Horror Story.” This show is known for occasionally throwing too many ideas at the wall, but the first chapter mostly stays on track. Fans of the series can appreciate its off-the-rails qualities, but “Murder House” stands tall because it’s more dialed in than some of the later seasons.

9. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

Let’s forget about the polarizing ending that upset plenty of fans on the internet. For the most part, “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” is a spellbinding supernatural drama that’s nothing like the innocent ’90s sitcom starring Melissa Joan Hart as the teenage witch.

The Netflix series — adapted from showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s comics of the same name — follows Sabrina (Kiernan Shipka) as she attends the Academy of Unseen Arts. Sabrina is torn between her mortal life and magical destiny while fighting to keep her soul out of the hands of Lucifer Morningstar (Luke Cook). Naturally, this puts her on a collision course with demons, spirits, and other terrors of the night.

“The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” oozes atmosphere and captures the vibe of the Halloween season, making it especially perfect viewing for the spookiest time of year. The whole cast is tremendous, with the actors straddling a fine line between serious and camp. When the series is scary, it’s terrifying, but it never loses its sense of fun. TV shows about witches don’t get better than this.

8. Lucifer

What if the Devil became a police consultant? That’s the premise of “Lucifer,” a DC Comics adaptation that sees Tom Ellis’ eponymous Hell Lord relocate to Earth, open a nightclub, and help the Los Angeles Police Department solve crimes. Life isn’t easy for the Dark Lord, though, as he must also contend with demons, angels, and other celestial beings who complicate his new life on Earth.

Lucifer gets a bad rap in most supernatural shows, so it’s nice to see one in which he’s portrayed as a relatively decent fella. Sure, he’s hedonistic and selfish, but he believes in doing the right thing, and that goes a long way. This is a refreshing take on the character, and Ellis brings a lot of devilish charm to the role. “Lucifer” isn’t a serious show by any means — our hero drives around in a car with a “FALL1N1” license plate, after all — but it makes for an entertaining procedural with a supernatural flavor.

7. Folklore

The world is full of supernatural superstitions that vary from culture to culture, providing an endless well for TV show creators to mine from. “Folklore,” an anthology series created by Eric Khoo, explores spooky tales from various Asian countries, including stories about vengeful Indonesian spirits who kidnap children and Singaporean Pontianaks that target men.

Like most anthology shows, the episodes range from excellent to less so, but “Folklore” doesn’t have any duds. What’s more, there’s something for horror fans of all tastes to enjoy, whether you prefer slow-burn ghost stories or true crime-inspired fare. All of the episodes have a supernatural bent, and they each serve as an invitation to learn more about the freaky folklore that inspired them.

Every episode of “Folklore” is helmed by a director from the country whose lore inspired the installment in question. The end result is a diverse anthology series that scores extra points for its authenticity — and one that might lead viewers to discover some horror film and TV creators who fly under the radar.

6. Lockwood and Co.

Netflix’s “Lockwood and Co.” is one of many forgotten fantasy shows that deserve more fans. Based on Jonathan Stroud’s novel series, Joe Cornish’s one-season wonder follows three teenage ghost hunters as they investigate spooky mysteries in an alternate Britain. Adults aren’t capable of seeing ghosts in this universe, so it’s up to young people to save the day.

Supernatural procedurals are a dime a dozen, but “Lockwood and Co.” brings some fresh ideas to the table. At its core, it’s a commentary on class division and the exploitative nature of capitalism, as many of this universe’s young ghost hunters work for adult-run agencies that profit from their abilities. However, our heroes run their own agency and take charge of their own destinies, which makes for a pretty empowering message about not letting the man take advantage of our gifts. More than anything, though, “Lockwood and Co.” is a fun series with plenty of chills, thrills, and heart.

5. Supernatural

“Supernatural” produced some bad episodes about racist trucks and killer insects. However, the occasional dud is to be expected from any show that sticks around for 15 seasons. For the most part, Eric Kripke’s horror drama delivered the goods, and it remains one of the best series about supernatural happenings out there.

The story follows brothers Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) as they travel around America saving people and hunting things — the family business. Their adventures bring the siblings into contact with all manner of beasts, but ghosts, demons, angels, and other celestial beings are their bread and butter. 

Some of the best “Supernatural” episodes are terrifying, while others are hilariously wacky and off the beaten path. The CW’s hit horror drama isn’t afraid to get experimental, either, as evidenced by the “Scooby-Doo” crossover that works so much better than it should. “Supernatural” offers a variety of flavors, but it never loses track of its roots as an entertaining Americana adventure with strong family values.

4. From

We all go through phases where we want to escape our towns for a while, but at least we have the option to go back and forth. Now, imagine living in a town where everyone becomes trapped after entering, and that isn’t even the worst part of the nightmare. The region is also controlled by unseen forces and inhabited by shapeshifting creatures that pose a deadly threat to its residents. Throw in some ghostly apparitions, and the place is a haven for all things weird. This is the premise of “From,” a horror series from creator John Griffin.

“From” is an addictive show that keeps its mysteries close to the vest. The storyline is reminiscent of shows like “Lost” — and both series share a star in Harold Perrineau. That said, “From” will also appeal to fans of Stephen King, especially those who are into his “Salem’s Lot” and “Under the Dome” stories.

Despite its similarities to other genre fare, “From” is far from derivative. It’s a compelling and highly original horror series with an ever-expanding mythology that will make you beg for answers. You might feel frustrated by the lack of information, but the plot keeps moving forward, creating more intrigue along the way.

3. Evil

Are you the type of person who wishes “The Exorcist” was more like “The X-Files”? If so, “Evil” is the show for you. This one follows a group of assessors — played by Mike Colter, Katja Herbers, and Aasif Mandvi — as they investigate demonic possessions and other supernatural phenomena on behalf of the Catholic Church. Our heroes have opposing views regarding faith and the otherworldly, but they make for a good team all the same.

“Evil” comes from the minds of Robert and Michelle King, the duo behind “The Good Wife” and “Elsbeth.” With those talents at the helm, you know it’s going to be good. “Evil” also shows that they’re capable of delivering scares, and it remains one of the best series in their vault. However, “Evil” is incredibly funny, with devil therapists and sassy nuns providing some laughs to counteract the darkness.

Unfortunately, “Evil” was canceled after four seasons, but it made an impact on horror fans. Stephen King even took to social media to plead for another streaming service to resurrect the series, but his request fell on deaf ears. Still, getting King’s seal of approval is a big deal for a horror show, and his positive sentiments are shared by many.

2. The Haunting of Hill House

Mike Flanagan’s name is associated with quality horror, and that’s all thanks to shows like “The Haunting of Hill House.” A modern-day reimagining of Shirley Jackson’s 1959 novel, it follows a long-suffering family haunted by their experiences in the titular mansion. That said, Flanagan uses the haunted house formula as a springboard for a more complex story.

“The Haunting of Hill House” works because it centers on three-dimensional characters worth caring about. The ghosts who haunt the Crain family represent deep familial and personal traumas, allowing the show to explore weighty themes like addiction, suicide, and loss. It’s hard not to feel compassion and empathy for these characters, making their supernatural encounters even more terrifying.

Flanagan’s series is also pure cinema at times. Episode 6, for example, features extraordinarily long takes that would make Roger Deakins proud. Ghosts are also hidden in plain sight, but you might not notice them until you rewatch the show. The attention to detail is next-level, and it’s evident that Flanagan and his team put a lot of thought and care into their creation.

Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” “The Midnight Club,” “Midnight Mass,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.” These shows prove that Flanagan is a master of supernatural storytelling — and they all deserve every horror fan’s attention.

1. Twin Peaks

“Twin Peaks” is a difficult show to classify. The central mystery involves otherworldly entities, so, technically, David Lynch and Mark Frost’s beloved horror series is supernatural. However, it’s also a small-town soap opera, detective show, and surrealist comedy that feels like a genre unto itself.

The less you know about “Twin Peaks” beforehand, the better. For some context, the general story follows FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) as he investigates the murder of teenager Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee), which rocks the eponymous sleepy town. How that relates to mystical red rooms, dancing little people, and owls who aren’t what they seem is up to the viewer to discover.

“Twin Peaks” has influenced lots of great shows, which is a testament to its enduring legacy and ability to inspire. Even after all these years, fans are still trying to decipher its deeper meanings, many of which remain open to interpretation. “Twin Peaks” is thoughtful, creepy, unsettling, and full of dread throughout. Then it blindsides you with bonkers moments that are so mind-boggling they must be seen to be believed — and that’s what makes it special.