A miniseries can be described as a television series that relays a story in a predetermined number of episodes. These series are can last anywhere from 2 to 13 episodes with some being showcased as television films.
There are so many great horror miniseries that rank top-tier making them a must-watch. Series like The Stand and Harper’s Island are only a few of the great horror miniseries that bring terror to life in such a small time and does so amazingly, especially when it comes to Stephen King adaptations and horror.
Salem’s Lot (1979) - 6.7
A far cry from Twilight and the romanticism of vampires, Salem’s Lot is 1979 horror miniseries based on a novel of the same name by Stephen King. In the series, author Ben Mears is returning to his hometown of Jerusalem’s Lot with the intent to write a novel, when he discovers that the picture-perfect Salem’s Lot is far from the ideal it appears, and is being terrorized by vampires.
The 1979 miniseries is the 1st in line regarding remakes from Stephen King’s famed novel. Even so, it's one of the best in regards to relaying the true horror that the novel communicates and showcasing this in the miniseries. Salem's Lot holds some of the most frightening quotes in the series, and this pushes it to rank 6.7 on IMDb.
Rose Red (2002) - 6.7
Always be careful what you wish for. In another Stephen King adaptation, Rose Red follows a group of 5 psychics (including the incredible Anni Wheaton), a professor, Annie’s sister, and a descendant of the Rose Red mansion as they look to awaken the haunted house and all the secrets living within those walls. As the team goes deeper in their exploration of the mansion, they awaken the evil that lives there and begins to drop one by one.
The miniseries came out in 2002 with star Kimberly J. Brown who's no stranger to the supernatural drama with her starring in Disney’s Halloweentown franchise. She does an amazing job in her portrayal of Annie and is one of the reasons the series ranks at 6.7 on IMDb.
IT (1990) - 6.8
Stephen King could never go wrong with a good horror novel, and It is proof of his genius. Still a classic today resulting in some award-winning films, It made its debut on tv screens in a miniseries adaptation in 1990. The series follows 7 friends who each encounter Pennywise, a child-killing clown, as young adults and then 30 years later when they return to kill the clown once and for all.
With the success of the ’90s miniseries and the 2017 and 2019 films, many fans feel that there are things the It movie did better than the 1990 miniseries and vice versa. However, it's Tim Curry’s portrayal of the murderous Pennywise that took the miniseries to the next level.
The Stand (1994) - 7.1
From the brilliant mind of Stephen King, The Stand follows a post-apocalyptic world split into two sectors of good and evil. Each sector has a following that is building up for a battle of good vs. evil, and each side is looking to come out on top.
With such a versatile cast, with Stephen King himself appearing in the miniseries, The Stand does justice to King’s novel. The 4 episode miniseries does an amazing job of not deviating from the plot and sticking to the overall message the novel conveys, and this is why it's ranked at 7.1 on IMDb.
Behind Her Eyes (2020) - 7.2
A suspenseful horror miniseries filled with unexpected twists and supernatural turns, Behind Her Eyes is a Netflix Original that follows the interweaving lives of 4 adults. In the series, Dr. David Ferguson is married to Adele, who seems to have some mental health problems and there's just something not quite right about her. When David’s new assistant, Louise enters the picture things become even more tangled as David and Louise begin a relationship, and fans are given a glimpse into Adele’s dark and secretive past with her friend Rob.
As the series plot unravels, the main characters either become likable or unlikeable, however, fans are given someone to root for. The series proved to be a hit with Netflix fans and earned itself on the top 10 watch list after its third day on the streaming giant. Along with this achievement, Behind Her Eyes holds a ranking of 7.2 on IMDb.
The Haunting Of Bly Manor (2020) - 7.4
An addition to the Netflix Original miniseries The Haunting Of Hill House, The Haunting Of Bly Manor explores the journey of an American au pair, Dani Clayton, as she arrives in England to take care of the two 2 siblings of Bly Manor. As Dani settles in, she begins to experience supernatural apparitions that open the door to some terrifying secrets and truths throughout the series.
The Netflix miniseries consists of some characters from the first edition and seems to add more mystery and suspense for the audience. The series currently ranks 7.4 on IMDb but has the potential to go up.
No Rest For The Wicked (2021) - 7.4
Still plagued by ghosts from his past, Kit Walker returns to his hometown of Rosewood, Virginia in the horror miniseries, No Rest For The Wicked. Years away after the terrorizing of a serial killer penned the Rosewood Ripper, there's a new killer in town picking up where the previous one left off. With people in Rosewood now dropping dead, Kit must face his past demons and figure out who's killing everyone in town.
The miniseries began as a web series and has since become a series available on Prime Video. Within the series, viewers can see and understand the horror and sorrow of each character through great acting. Currently, the series is at 7.4 on IMDb which is relatively great considering where the series gained its beginnings.
Harper’s Island (2009) - 7.5
Sometimes, home isn't where the heart is. Harper's Island is a prime example of these sentiments. The story follows Abby Mills on her return to her hometown in 8 years for her best friend Henry Dunn’s wedding. Once a town terrorized by a serial killer and a series of murders, Harpers Island is once again shrouded in terror when the wedding party begins to drop like flies and Abby must search through her past to figure out who's killing again.
Harper's Island was released in 2009 and consisted of 13 episodes on CBS. The series grips the audience with every scene and murder, leaving viewers with an exciting mystery to unravel as they follow along with the plot. It's a series that creates a telling backstory that perfectly interweaves into the present-day motives of some of the characters, earning it a 7.5 on IMDb.
Midnight Mass (2021) - 7.7
Midnight Mass is a suspenseful and mysterious horror series that follows the arrival of a mysterious yet charismatic new priest to the isolated town of Crockett Island, bringing with him promises of miracles with mysterious conditions. Following his arrival is the return of Riley Flynn, who, after 8 years in prison for a drunk driving death, returns looking for redemption and the chance to start over. As Riley gets situated back in town and the church, he begins to see that there's something sinister going on with all evidence pointing to the new priest.
In a series filled with atrociousness, Midnight Mass has some of the bravest characters that fans can't help but root for and want to see persevere. Although there isn't technically a happy ending to the series, it does touch on subject matter that makes it relatable to watch and the series currently ranks at 7.7 on IMDb.
The Haunting Of Hill House (2018) - 8.6
A suspenseful and terrifyingly good miniseries, The Haunting Of Hill House follows the 5 Crain siblings as they attempt to navigate normalcy in their everyday lives and relationships as they still have lingering childhood trauma all linked to their childhood home, Hill House. When the siblings are called back to the home, they are opening the door to old and new horrors.
The Haunting Of Hill House takes the highest ranking among other horror miniseries on IMDb and understandably so. With dynamic characters and a backstory for each to match, the series holds elements other than just horror that makes the show entertaining and good.