The best horror TV series of all time
The top 3 according to 1,096 votes from people: The Twilight Zone (1959–1964) · The Haunting of Hill House (2018) · Tales from the Crypt (1989–1996). (Updated Jan 8, 2026.)
From The Twilight Zone to Midnight Mass: the scariest series critics rank highest (Rolling Stone, Looper, TVLine).
Top 12
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1
The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)
Rod Serling wrote 92 episodes of the anthology that defined TV horror.
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2
The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
Mike Flanagan's family ghost story for Netflix.
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3
Tales from the Crypt (1989–1996)
The Crypt Keeper's gory, darkly funny tales.
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4
Midnight Mass (2021)
Flanagan again: an island, a priest and a miracle.
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5
Stranger Things (2016–2025)
Hawkins, the Upside Down and a cultural phenomenon.
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6
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)
Joss Whedon's defining show of the late 90s.
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7
Hannibal (2013–2015)
Mads Mikkelsen's elegant cannibal.
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8
Penny Dreadful (2014–2016)
Victorian monsters together in London.
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9
The Walking Dead (early seasons)
The first seasons of the zombie saga are top-tier genre TV.
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10
Twin Peaks (1990–1991)
David Lynch's mystery that turned into a nightmare.
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11
American Horror Story: Murder House (2011)
The first season of Ryan Murphy's anthology.
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12
Dark Shadows (1966–1971)
The gothic soap opera with vampire Barnabas Collins.
How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.
Is something missing?
Comments (7)
The Twilight Zone at #1 is the only right answer.
Where's The Terror? Season 1 is perfect.
Buffy is more fun than scary, but deserves the spot.
Midnight Mass is Flanagan's best, the monologues are incredible.
Hannibal got cancelled way too soon.
Hill House episode 6 with the long takes, masterclass.
Is Twin Peaks horror? Bob is the scariest thing I've seen on TV, so yes.