Tvline has compiled a ranking of the 15 greatest horror television series, highlighting classics and modern hits that have defined the genre. From anthology series to ongoing epics, the list spans decades of chilling storytelling on the small screen. The top spot goes to a groundbreaking 1959 anthology that influenced countless shows.
Horror on television has evolved from early anthology formats to sprawling narratives, as detailed in Tvline's recent ranking published on January 1, 2026. The list begins with number 15, 'The Walking Dead,' which aired 11 seasons on AMC and was praised for its bold character deaths and emotional impact during its peak. At 14, 'Hammer House of Horror' from 1980 delivers 13 episodes of anthology tales featuring witches, werewolves, and more, showcasing Hammer Film Productions' signature style.
Mike Flanagan's Netflix contributions feature prominently. 'Midnight Mass' (13) follows a man's return to his hometown amid mysterious events tied to a new priest. 'The Haunting of Bly Manor' (7) reimagines Henry James' 'The Turn of the Screw' in a nine-episode miniseries with non-linear storytelling. His top entry, 'The Haunting of Hill House' (2), loosely adapts Shirley Jackson's 1959 novel into a 10-episode series blending terror and family drama, noted for its emotional depth.
Other standouts include 'Channel Zero' (12), a Syfy anthology based on internet creepypastas across four seasons; 'Ash vs. Evil Dead' (11), a three-season Starz horror-comedy with Bruce Campbell; and 'Tales From The Crypt' (10), HBO's 1989-1996 adaptation of EC Comics, hosted by the iconic Cryptkeeper. 'Penny Dreadful' (9) explores Victorian literary horrors over three Showtime seasons, while 'American Horror Story' (8) boasts 12 FX seasons of self-contained miniseries since 2011.
Lower-ranked gems like 'Are You Afraid of the Dark?' (6), a Nickelodeon anthology from 1991-1996 with revivals, and 'Stranger Things' (5), Netflix's 1980s-inspired hit since 2016, emphasize character-driven scares. 'Marianne' (4), a 2019 French Netflix series, earned Stephen King's praise for its scary vibe. 'The X-Files' (3), Fox's 1993-2002 procedural blending monsters and mythology, rounds out the top three. Capping the list at number 1 is 'The Twilight Zone,' Rod Serling's 1959 anthology that pioneered thought-provoking tales in a 'fifth dimension,' influencing the entire genre.