11 Scary TV Shows on Netflix That Are Perfect for Halloween
When the chill of October blows through and the days begin to get darker faster, we can’t help but want to curl up with some cozy blankets, a warm cup of tea (or a PSL), and a fully-loaded Netflix queue of scary TV shows. Isn’t that what Jack Skellington sang about when he sang, “This is Halloween?” Well, Netflix binges may not have been on the docket over in Halloween Town, but they are an October must for many of us. If your queue is feeling a bit empty and you’re in the mood for something spooky, kooky, creepy, or crawly, look no further than our master list of the most bone-chilling, scariest TV shows available on Netflix. Don’t blame us if you start sleeping with the lights on.
©FX Networks/Courtesy Everett Collection1/11American Horror Story
Seven seasons of Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story anthology are available on Netflix, each with its own special thrills and chills. There’s a little something for every kind of horror fan, whether you’re into witches (the iconic Coven), killer clowns (Freak Show), vampires (Hotel), or even the everyday horrors that we’re facing today, like in Cult or Roanoke. Plus, we get to watch some of our favorite actors such as Emma Roberts and Sarah Paulson play a variety of different characters over the multiple seasons.
Steve Dietl/Netflix2/11The Haunting of Hill House
This new series, based on the classic novel by horror writer Shirley Jackson, is getting rave reviews from critics, making it a must-watch for any horror connoisseur. Yes, The Haunting of Hill House is a haunted house story in the classic sense, but at its heart, it’s about a family and their trauma, and every episode centers on one of the family members. You’ll laugh (maybe), you’ll cry, you’ll be scared — in other words, it’s a perfect show for the fambam during Halloween season.
Diyah Pera/Netflix3/11The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
While this new Netflix series doesn’t officially debut until just before Halloween on October 26, you don’t want to miss Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, a reimagining of the Archie universe comics about a teen witch named Sabrina Spellman. Sabrina, Aunts Hilda and Zelda, Salem the cat, and Harvey will all be there, just a bit darker than the late-’90s sitcom starring Melissa Joan Hart. Plus, with Kiernan Shipka as Sabrina, it’s bound to be amazing. We’re counting down the days until we can binge it all.
©Viacom/Courtesy Everett Collection4/11Charmed
The ‘00s classic Charmed is back! It’s been rebooted for a new audience with a new trio of powerful “Chosen Ones,” and it’s been called “fierce, funny and feminist.” If you’re loving the new version, it’s a great time to revisit the original, which just so happens to be streamable on Netflix. Grab your sisters or your BFFs and spend a little time with Piper, Prue, Paige, and Phoebe as they protect the world from demons using the Power of Three.
©A&E/Courtesy Everett Collection5/11Bates Motel
We’d recommend you watch the classic Alfred Hitchcock horror masterpiece Psycho before diving into Bates Motel. It tells the story of young Norman Bates, and how he ended up as the titular character in Psycho. Sure, it plays with timelines a bit and doesn’t strictly adhere to the Psycho storyline, but Bates Motel is captivatingly creepy all the same. Oh, and watch out for that Rihanna guest spot.
6/11Haunted
If real-life horror is more your thing, add the new show Haunted to your queue ASAP. Season one hits Netflix on October 19, and each episode features real people, just like you and me, recalling their brushes with the paranormal. And yes, there are re-enactments.
7/11Making a Murderer
True crime fans will be thrilled to hear that Making a Murderer, the documentary about a Wisconsin man named Steven Avery that captivated the world in 2015, is coming back with a second season on October 19. What will happen to Steven and his nephew Brandon Dassey, both of whom were convicted of a crime they say they didn’t commit? We’ll have to wait and see.
8/11The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell
(Monster) Mash up a baking show with the delightfully twisted horrors of Halloween and you’ve got The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell, a cooking show that happens to feature monsters, a talking raccoon, and delicious-looking (if a little kooky) treats you can make for your next Halloween party. If you need a palate-cleanser after all the dark and scary content you’re consuming, Christine and her friends are here for you.
Netflix9/11The Staircase
Another binge-worthy true crime series you may have heard about is The Staircase, the story of author Michael Peterson, who may or may not have killed his wife. Or maybe an owl did it. Or maybe Michael did it. The viewer is never really sure who’s telling the truth, and Michael’s history is full of surprises to throw you even further off course. You’ll be totally immersed in The Staircase from its very first episode to its last.
©CW Network/Courtesy Everett Collection10/11The Vampire Diaries
If the hole in your heart that appeared when The Vampire Diaries went off the air in 2016 still hasn’t been filled, don’t fret! There’s always Netflix. All eight seasons of the show are available for streaming, so you can revisit your vampires, werewolves, and witches whenever you want — especially during Halloween.
Courtesy of Viacom/MTV11/11Scream
Fans of the iconic, genre-skewing Scream films directed by Wes Craven might be skeptical of the MTV television-adaptation. However, horror fans need not worry, because the series pays plenty of homage to the original quadrilogy while adding new twists and a brand new plot. In place of Sidney Proscott, there's Emma Duval (played by Willa Fitzgerald). As a tribute to Drew Berrymore's iconic opening scene, even Bella Thorne makes an appearance in the pilot that sets the series in motion. The first two seasons are available on Netflix, and offer a standalone narrative arc, making Halloween the perfect time to binge watch and prepare for the upcoming third season that will feature a completely new storyline and cast (including Tyler Posey, Tyga, and Keke Palmer).
