15 Chilling Paranormal TV Shows You Should Never Watch Alone!

by

Regardless if you’re a doubter or an enthusiast, there’s an eerie allure about the unexplained phenomena that sends chills through you. People tend to fear the uncharted territories, and the paranormal represents either something non-existent or something beyond our understanding. Fortunately for us fans of the strange, this genre has been around almost as long as film itself.

If you’re in the mood for some spine-tingling entertainment, I’ve got just the thing for you! Here are 15 top-notch paranormal TV shows that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Ranging from documentaries and reality TV to live-action series, there’s a little something for everyone. And remember, these shows might be best enjoyed with company, so you don’t have to watch them alone! I didn’t organize the list in any specific order, but I aimed to provide a variety of options that cater to different tastes. Enjoy the chills!

Archive 81 (2022)

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery

Archivist Dan Turner accepts an enigmatic task to repair a set of decayed videotapes from 1994. These tapes contain the work of documentary filmmaker Melody Pendras and her exploration into a perilous cult. As Dan delves deeper into Melody’s narrative, he grows convinced that he can prevent the grim fate she experienced 25 years ago by saving her from it.

Here’s why you shouldn’t miss it: Although I was disappointed when Netflix decided not to renew the series for another season, I must admit that I found it quite engaging. It’s filled with intrigue and will leave you scratching your head trying to figure out what in the world is happening most of the time.

As you reach the end, it becomes somewhat uneven, but the gradual buildup and enigmatic elements are superb, and I appreciate that the overall vibe generates chills rather than relying solely on numerous jump scares.

Watch the trailer here.

Castle Rock (2018-2019)

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror

The show is built around tales by Stephen King, connecting characters and motifs from the imaginary town of Castle Rock.

Reason to watch it:Castle Rock is a captivating series, based on Stephen King’s works and centering around the mysterious town of Castle Rock. Featuring a stellar cast, particularly Bill Skarsgård who gained fame for his portrayal of Pennywise in It.

Interestingly, it’s as if the smooth blending of narratives in shows like Castle Rock and Archive 81 causes one to momentarily forget that their respective storylines are unrelated. Unfortunately, both Castle Rock on Hulu and Archive 81 on Netflix have been discontinued.

Watch the trailer here.

Paranormal Witness (2011-2016)

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Genre: Documentary, Horror, Mystery

This chilling documentary series showcases real-life accounts of individuals who have encountered unexplained supernatural events, leaving no room for doubt about their terrifying encounters.

Why it’s worth watching: As you scroll down the list, you’ll notice that there are other documentaries on paranormal events similar to this one. Yet, Paranormal Witness stands out as possibly the finest among them.

Typically, the “real accounts” in paranormal documentaries often seem unconvincing, but Paranormal Witness stands out by skillfully blending authentic interviews, spine-tingling reenactments, and compelling storytelling to deliver a truly terrifying experience. The “true event” premise only enhances the eerie atmosphere, and I’d advise against watching Paranormal Witness on your own.

Watch a clip from the show here.

Midnight Mass (2021)

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery

In my perspective, I’m part of a secluded island community where deep-rooted rifts have always been present. A prodigal son’s return and the arrival of an enigmatic priest named Father Paul stir the pot even more. Coincidentally, Father Paul’s arrival seems to coincide with mysterious, almost miraculous occurrences on Crockett Island. This renewed religious fervor sweeps through us, yet I can’t help but wonder if these divine signs might demand something in return.

Reason to Watch: Mike Flanagan has earned a reputation as an exceptional contemporary horror director, particularly in the realm of television productions. “Midnight Mass” is guaranteed to keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat, as it frequently blurs the lines between good and evil characters, making it difficult to determine who’s who. The ending, though I won’t reveal any spoilers, is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Watch the trailer here.

Ghost Adventures (2008-)

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

Genre: Documentary, History, Reality TV

The Ghost Adventures team consisting of Zak Bagans, Aaron Goodwin, Billy Tolley, and Jay Wasley, are once again exploring some of the most haunted, terrifying locations globally. Throughout their journey, they engage with witnesses and historians at each site to gather stories about the resident spirits. Later on, armed with these tales, they plan to provoke and face these ghosts during their overnight lockdown investigations.

Here’s why you might want to watch it: Ghost Adventures stands out as a timeless choice in the field of “paranormal investigators” and was one of the pioneers in using reality TV for this purpose. While some episodes may seem amusing, others have left me genuinely spooked to my bones.

Exploring the “most eerie” locations worldwide throughout history is certain to send shivers down your spine, whether it’s the gripping tales attached to these sites such as ancient prisons, homes, hotels, pubs, mines, and more. The continued running of this show in 2022 underscores its enduring popularity.

Watch one full episode here.

The Twilight Zone (1959-1964)

IMDb Rating: 9.1/10

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror

The Twilight Zone is a mysterious realm that can appear at any given moment, whether it’s in time, space, or thought… but it’s usually when you least anticipate it. Once there, be mindful of your words and actions as this dimension offers limitless potential.

Making the right choices can guide you towards redemption, often resulting in increased joy and prosperity. Conversely, poor decisions may plunge you into despair and potentially end your existence, or keep you shackled in this realm forever.

Reason to check it out:The Twilight Zone stands as a timeless masterpiece. It offers a mix of horror, mystery, and science fiction in its anthology format, featuring everything from hauntings and supernatural events to extraterrestrial and Bigfoot sightings. To this day, it remains highly-regarded among television shows.

The reboot of the series on Paramount+, featuring Jordan Peele as the narrator (as shown in the trailer), hasn’t achieved the same level of success as the initial version did.

Watch a clip from the original pilot here.

My Haunted House (2013-2016)

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

Genre: Horror

Terrifying personal stories from people whose once cherished homes have turned into living nightmares are presented in a chilling, heart-stopping manner.

Why you should check it out: This series offers an interesting blend of live-action storytelling and documentaries. Each episode features individuals sharing their supposedly real encounters with paranormal events, intertwined with thrilling reenactments.

It’s quite clear that the tales appear to be slightly staged, yet they managed to startle me occasionally. My Haunted House may not be as well-known as other programs in this lineup, but if you enjoy supernatural themes, it’s definitely worth a look.

Watch the trailer for one of the episodes here.

Supernatural (2005-2020)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror

Two siblings carry on their father’s legacy as hunters, battling various supernatural entities such as beasts, demons, and divine beings that wander across the globe.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable TV series that delves into the world of the supernatural, Supernatural is definitely worth watching. Its main characters, Sam and Dean Winchester, have become cultural icons, and it’s easy to see why so many people are drawn to this show.

Personally speaking, I was deeply saddened when the series Supernatural concluded in 2020. With a grand total of 327 episodes, it’s quite a substantial amount to get through, but if you choose to begin watching it today, trust me, every second invested will be more than rewarding.

Watch the trailer here.

The Outsider (2020)

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Genre: Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller

The story kicks off with what appears to be a simple investigation of a grisly child murder. However, as a mysterious, dark influence seeps into the investigation, it pushes a veteran police officer and an unusual detective to reconsider all their deeply held beliefs.

Why give it a try: The Outsider is one more Stephen King adaptation added to the list, yet it stood out for me during my viewing experience. Although the ending was slightly peculiar and left openings for further storytelling in Season 2, unfortunately, HBO decided not to renew the show beyond its first season.

Despite any reservations you might have, I strongly recommend giving this book a try, especially if you’re a fan of the supernatural and Stephen King. Compared to its TV adaptation, the novel offers a more chilling experience (a common trend in horror literature). The Outsider may not conform to the traditional ghost story format, but it promises some thrilling moments that will send shivers down your spine.

Watch the trailer here.

The Haunted (2009-)

IMDb Rating: 7.0/10

Genre: Documentary, Horror

This chronicle narrates authentic, eerie, and frightening tales about pets and their owners encountering the inexplicable.

Why you should check it out: Have you ever noticed your pet acting strangely, growling at empty spaces or staring fixedly at a spot on the wall? Some believe that animals may be attuned to supernatural happenings. That’s the idea behind this compelling documentary series, created by Animal Planet.

According to what’s being said, these stories are authentic. If your pet has a habit of giving you chills with strange behavior, it could be intriguing to take a look. After all, who knows? Perhaps they’re picking up on some unusual activity happening in your home as well…

Watch the trailer here.

Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina (2018-2020)

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Overview: This new take on “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch” transforms her backstory and adventures into a chilling journey filled with horror, supernatural elements, and witchcraft. With a tone similar to “Rosemary’s Baby” and “The Exorcist,” this adaptation follows Sabrina Spellman as she struggles to balance her two identities: half-witch, half-human, while combating the malevolent forces that endanger her, her kin, and the ordinary world of humans.

You might want to check out this Netflix series if you’re looking for something different from the light-hearted Sabrina the Teenage Witch TV shows from the 90s, despite its similar characters and comic book origins. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is darker, grittier, and at times, quite frightening, even though it has a bit of soap opera feel to it.

Among the array of creatures, you’ll encounter witches, demons, spirits, and ghastly beings, not just for amusement, but also to give you a good fright!

Watch the trailer here.

American Horror Story (2011-)

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

Genre: Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi

Overview: “This chilling anthology series explores various groups such as a deteriorating family, hospital staff, witches, circus performers, hotel workers and guests, new farmhouse residents, suburban Michigan residents, apocalypse survivors, and summer camp counselors. The narrative delves into themes like infidelity, mental health, oppression, discrimination, substance abuse, and exploitation, presenting a blend of physical and psychological terrors throughout.

You really ought to give American Horror Story a try if you haven’t seen it yet. This is a fantastic horror show that you won’t want to miss! The series features unique standalone seasons, each with its own storyline. However, the cast often reappears in different roles across various seasons.

Ranging from a spooky haunted mansion and a deranged psychiatric hospital to a bloodcurdling ’80s-themed slasher flick, this collection offers a thrilling assortment for all tastes – encompassing a wide array of supernatural elements.

Watch the Season 1 trailer here.

A Haunting (2005-2022)

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

Genre: Documentary, Horror, Mystery, Thriller

‘This American series presents chilling tales directly from people who have experienced unexplained supernatural events. The stories are their own accounts of encounters with the paranormal. The show includes narration, dramatic re-enactments, and spiritual themes.’

Why you should check it out: A Haunting is yet another timeless paranormal documentary series where the supposed victim shares their personal tale of an encounter with the supernatural, accompanied by dramatic reenactments and commentary.

Despite some potentially skepticism about its authenticity, “A Haunting” is skillfully crafted and is likely to send shivers down your spine. It’s an anthology series, which means each episode can be enjoyed individually, yet it has maintained a steady presence on television for nearly 20 years, showcasing the enduring appeal of this popular show.

Watch the trailer here.

Stranger Things (2016-)

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror

A strange occurrence triggers a series of events in a tight-knit town, ultimately leading to a missing child and causing fissures in the once harmonious community.

In the small town, mysterious government entities and possibly evil supernatural powers seem to gather, creating an unsettling atmosphere. Meanwhile, some residents start to suspect that there’s a deeper truth hidden beneath the town’s peaceful facade.

Why you should give it a watch: Horror shows don’t usually capture mainstream attention like Stranger Things has – but this show has taken the world by surprise, growing even more popular after its spectacular Season 4.

While Stranger Things isn’t your typical ghost tale with supernatural elements, it does have plenty to keep you on edge. What makes it appealing to a broad audience is its balance of humor, happiness, affection, and camaraderie, which prevents it from being too gloomy all the time.

Among current television series, this one ranks high on my list (and it’s also among my all-time favorites), boasting an exceptional soundtrack and captivating narratives. Each season offers fresh elements to engage viewers. It’s a show I strongly recommend for everyone, not only fans of the supernatural like us.

Watch the trailer here.

The Haunting Of Hill House (2018)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Thriller

This work delves into a cluster of siblings who spent their childhood in a house that later gained notoriety as one of the nation’s most haunted dwellings. As adults, they are compelled to reunite due to a tragic event. They must now face the demons of their past, some residing within their minds and others potentially lurking in the shadows of Hill House.

To sum up, don’t miss out on “The Haunting of Hill House” – a captivating and emotionally poignant addition to Mike Flanagan’s impressive portfolio within the paranormal realm.

With an impressive 8.6 IMDb rating, this show stands out on the list as my personal favorite. I’ve watched it three times, finding something new and amazing with each viewing. Although Flanagan’s other mini-series, The Haunting of Bly Manor, shares some similarities, it doesn’t quite match up to Hill House. For any horror enthusiast, Hill House is definitely worth checking out!

Watch the trailer here.

Read More

2025-05-22 01:20