When fans think of the classics that paved the way for thousands of films within the horror genre, they probably think of Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, or The Exorcist. These are pivotal films that have shaped what the horror genre is today and will continue to be considered cult classics for generations to come. When it comes to The Shining, it's just the same. Starring Jack Nicholson and directed by Stanley Kubrick, The Shining is a classic story of a normal family gone wrong when they move up to an old hotel in the mountains. In turn, when Doctor Sleep was brought to the silver screen in 2019, Stephen King's original story was brought to life and was highly anticipated by King fans.
Both of these films will stand the test of time for decades to come, and while fans could probably watch them over and over again, there are television shows that have the same eeriness and supernatural thrill which fans of the films enjoy so much.
Castle Rock (2018-TBD)
Based on the stories by iconic horror writer Stephen King, Castle Rock is a show about the lives of intertwined characters from the small, fictional town in Maine. In the first two seasons thus far, viewers have been immersed in the mystery and supernatural themes that play throughout it. From a young man found in the basement wing of an unused prison to a man coming back to face his demons, this show is hard to stop watching and will grab its audience from start to finish.
This is perhaps the most interesting of King's multiverse on the small screen, as Castle Rock combines various pieces of King's work into one show.
The Outsider (2020-TBD)
Another show that was adapted by Stephen King and brought to life via television is The Outsider. Starring Jason Bateman, Cynthia Erivo, and Ben Mendelsohn, when the brutal murder of a young boy is committed in a sleepy town, investigators are baffled when unexplainable phenomenons keep happening throughout their case.
Teaming up with the outside help of an odd female investigator, they go down the rabbit hole together and realize this isn't as straightforward as they once thought. This show will keep fans guessing until the very end, and even then, the mystery doesn't completely seem finalized.
The Haunting Of Hill House (2018 Miniseries)
The Haunting of Hill House brings a fresh new storyline to fans of horror and mystery when a fractured family confronts personal and physical demons in their large childhood home. This miniseries goes back and forth between The Crain family's childhood and adulthood to tie the pieces together of what happened to one of their siblings.
This show has originality when it comes to scary scenes, twists, and hidden Easter eggs that the audience won't want to find in the dark. If fans can't get enough, check out these films that are similar to The Haunting of Hill House.
The Sinner (2017-TBD)
The Sinner is one of those shows that goes the anthology route and examines how and why people do the unthinkable. Like The Shining, the main characters are seemingly normal people that have commit brutal crimes. Starring Jessica Biel and Bill Pullman in the first season, this show takes viewers on a wild ride of who, why, and what drove these characters to do what they did.
This show will keep viewers on the edge of their seats and is on the list of most binge-worthy anthology shows to stream right now.
American Horror Story (2011-TBD)
American Horror Story doesn't stick to one location or story, it's an anthology series that has presented a murder house, an insane asylum, a witch coven, a freak show circus, and many more concepts themes along the way. Each and every time, the scenes are scary while also being campy at times. This show has built an incredibly large fan base because of how smart and fascinating each season is.
This series is a one-of-a-kind show that continues casting incredibly talented and recognizable actors and actresses, while consistently bringing fresh new ideas to life.
Locke & Key (2020-TBD)
Based in the present time, after the Locke family loses their father and husband, they move back into a home owned by their ancestors. Shortly after, they discover it's full of magical keys that may or may not be connected to their father's death. Locke & Key is a fresh, new television show, packed with fantasy, drama, and the mysterious keys that hold the answers to questions they are desperate to have.
Like other shows stuffed with mysteries behind every door, there's a demonic villain that wants what isn't hers and will stop at nothing to get it.
Bates Motel (2013-2017)
Bringing to life a new-age prequel to one of Alfred Hitchcock's best films, Psycho, Bates Motel gives viewers a front-row seat to Norman Bates and his unraveling in his younger years. This series also gives viewers an in-depth look at the questionable relationship between him and his mother, Norma.
Starring horror-genre favorite Vera Farmiga as well as Freddie Highmore, the casting is spot-on and the atmosphere through all five seasons is eerie, mysterious, and unsettling at times.
Channel Zero (2016-2018)
Based on another amazing anthology series, Channel Zero presents "Candle Cove", "The No-End House", "Butcher's Block", and "The Dream Door." These stories are based on Creepypasta stories, which are scary stories online that people submit and share. Each season is filled with everything from a creepy television show, a house of horrors, a city haunted with disappearances, and a secret basement in a newlywed's home.
To say the least, each season has its own unique twist and is different from just about any other horror-themed show on television right now.
Mindhunter (2017-TBD)
Flashing back to the 1970s, Mindhunter focuses on two FBI agents that are tasked with interviewing serial killers such as Edmund Kemper, Charles Manson, and David Berkowitz. Based on a true story about FBI agents John E. Douglas and Robert K. Ressler, they are trying to solve mind-baffling cases that they cannot close.
Mindhunter is a show that gives true crime fans a deeper look into the minds of real, infamous serial killers and how law enforcement dealt with high-profile cases over forty years ago. It's smart, the casting is spot-on and it's been well-received by fans all over the world.
Haunted (2018-TBD)
Haunted offers up a chilling look into the first-person accounts of people who've been haunted or have witnessed terrifying and oftentimes believable supernatural events. Some of the stories offer no explanation to these events but are still incredibly creepy, nonetheless. Each episode contains a different person and their family, with different experiences throughout their lives.
Fans will believe what they want, but it will for sure give them goosebumps until the very last episode.