The Best Horror Series You’ve Never Seen

Horror television has expanded far beyond the mainstream hits that dominate streaming platforms and cable networks. There exists a vast landscape of forgotten gems and international oddities that offer genuine scares without the hype of big budget marketing campaigns. These series explore everything from psychological torment and supernatural mysteries to slasher tropes and folklore terrors. Viewers looking for something different will find unique storytelling and chilling atmospheres in these underappreciated productions.

‘Riget’ (1994–2022)

Lars von Trier created this Danish cult classic set in the neurological ward of a Copenhagen hospital built atop old bleaching ponds. The series follows both staff and patients as they encounter bizarre supernatural phenomena and spiritual entities haunting the corridors. Drusse is a spiritualist patient who attempts to communicate with the restless spirits while a Swedish neurosurgeon tries to maintain order amidst the chaos. The show utilizes a distinct sepia color palette and handheld camera work that creates a disorienting and unsettling atmosphere. It blends dark humor with genuine horror elements to depict a place where science is slowly losing the battle against the unknown.

‘Apparitions’ (2008)

Father Jacob operates as an exorcist within the modern Catholic Church and investigates miracles and demonic possessions. He uncovers a dark conspiracy suggesting that Satan is trying to recruit new followers by infiltrating the church hierarchy itself. The show takes a serious and theological approach to the subject of exorcism rather than relying solely on jump scares. Jacob must navigate internal church politics while battling forces that want to destroy him and everyone he tries to save. It presents a terrifying vision of spiritual warfare where the lines between good and evil are constantly tested.

‘The Fades’ (2011)

Paul is a socially awkward teenager who discovers he can see the spirits of the dead known as Fades. These entities have been left behind on Earth and are becoming increasingly angry and vengeful toward the living. He is recruited by a group called the Angelics who are tasked with preventing the Fades from regaining physical form and destroying humanity. The series combines high school drama with apocalyptic horror and establishes a unique mythology regarding the afterlife. It creates a palpable sense of dread as the barrier between the living and the dead begins to crumble.

‘Dead Set’ (2008)

This British miniseries takes place during a fictional season of the reality television show Big Brother. The housemates remain oblivious inside their isolated studio while a zombie outbreak decimates the population outside. They are eventually forced to confront the undead hordes when the safety of the television set is breached. The show offers a satirical look at media consumption while delivering intense gore and survival horror action. It explores how human nature devolves when the structures of society and celebrity culture are stripped away by catastrophe.

‘Ultraviolet’ (1998)

A police detective stumbles into a covert war between humanity and a highly organized network of vampires. These vampires are not romantic figures but ruthless predators who view humans as nothing more than a resource to be harvested. The protagonist joins a government squad that uses modern technology and carbon bullets to hunt these creatures. The series avoids traditional gothic tropes in favor of a grounded and scientific approach to vampire lore. It focuses on the procedural aspects of the investigation and the psychological toll of fighting an enemy that looks exactly like us.

‘Channel Zero’ (2016–2018)

Each season of this anthology series adapts a different popular internet creepypasta into a full narrative. The first season focuses on a child psychologist returning to his hometown to investigate the disappearance of his twin brother and its connection to a bizarre children’s show. Subsequent seasons explore concepts like a never-ending house of horrors and a hidden door in a basement that leads to insanity. The show utilizes surreal imagery and dream logic to create a deeply unsettling viewing experience. It brings digital folklore to life with practical effects and slow-building tension that lingers long after the episode ends.

‘Marianne’ (2019)

A famous horror novelist discovers that the terrifying witch from her books has entered the real world to wreak havoc. She returns to her coastal hometown to confront the entity and the dark secrets of her past that fueled her writing. The series creates a suffocating atmosphere through its use of chilling sound design and nightmarish visual sequences. The witch Marianne relentlessly torments the protagonist and forces her to keep writing to fuel the curse. It stands as a terrifying example of French horror that blends psychological trauma with supernatural scares.

‘Darknet’ (2013–2014)

This Canadian anthology series explores the dangers lurking within the digital world and the dark corners of the internet. Episodes feature interconnected stories that involve webcams and hacking and mysterious websites that lead to violence. The format utilizes found footage and split screens to mimic the experience of browsing the web. Viewers witness characters making fatal mistakes by trusting strangers or investigating things best left alone. It serves as a modern cautionary tale about the loss of privacy and the hidden predators in the online age.

‘The River’ (2012)

A famous wildlife expert goes missing in the Amazon causing his family and a camera crew to launch a rescue mission. They travel down an uncharted region of the river on a boat while filming their journey for a documentary. The group encounters supernatural forces and local legends that manifest in terrifying ways the deeper they travel into the jungle. The show employs a found footage style to capture the claustrophobia of the boat and the vastness of the surrounding wilderness. It mixes adventure elements with horror as the crew realizes they are being hunted by the forest itself.

‘Harper’s Island’ (2009)

A group of family and friends travels to a secluded island off the coast of Seattle for a destination wedding. The celebration turns into a nightmare when guests are killed off one by one by a mysterious murderer. The series functions as a long-form slasher movie where the suspect pool shrinks with every episode. Paranoia sets in among the survivors as they try to uncover the identity of the killer before no one is left alive. It delivers varied and inventive death scenes that pay homage to the classic slasher films of the eighties.

‘Death Valley’ (2011)

A camera crew follows the Undead Task Force as they police the streets of Los Angeles against supernatural threats. Vampires and werewolves and zombies have become a common part of society that requires specialized law enforcement. The show blends mockumentary comedy with graphic violence and creature effects. Officers deal with mundane police work that is complicated by the fact that their suspects can bite or regenerate. It offers a humorous yet bloody take on how society might adapt to a sudden influx of monsters.

‘Todd and the Book of Pure Evil’ (2010–2012)

A stoner metalhead and his friends discover a cursed book at their high school that grants wishes with terrible consequences. The group must fight against the evil unleashed by the book while navigating the typical struggles of teenage life. Each episode features a different student whose desire is twisted into a monstrous reality that Todd must defeat. The series combines heavy metal culture with practical gore effects and irreverent humor. It has gained a cult following for its unique tone and memorable character dynamics.

‘Crazyhead’ (2016)

Amy is a bowling alley worker who learns she is a raer which is a person capable of seeing demons hiding in plain sight. She teams up with a socially awkward demon hunter named Raquel to stop the forces of hell from taking over. The duo faces exorcisms and possessions while dealing with their own personal relationship issues and anxieties. The show balances sharp wit and comedy with moments of genuine horror and emotional depth. It offers a fresh perspective on the demon hunter genre by focusing on female friendship and empowerment.

’30 Coins’ (2020–2023)

An exiled priest living in a remote Spanish village tries to hide from his past and a powerful ancient coin he possesses. This coin is one of the thirty pieces of silver paid to Judas Iscariot for betraying Jesus Christ. Supernatural phenomena begin to plague the town as dark forces converge to retrieve the artifact. The series escalates from local horror mysteries to a global conspiracy involving the Vatican and demonic entities. It features high stakes action and grotesque creature designs that reflect the epic battle between good and evil.

‘The Kirlian Frequency’ (2017)

This animated web series centers on a late-night radio host who broadcasts from the strange and isolated town of Kirlian. He recounts eerie tales of the supernatural events and monsters that inhabit the area while taking calls from listeners. The animation style uses silhouettes and neon colors to create a minimalist but effective horror aesthetic. Stories range from witches in the woods to sentient architecture and vampires. It builds a cohesive and mysterious world through short vignettes that leave the viewer wanting to know more about the town.

‘Black Spot’ (2017–2019)

A police chief and an eccentric new prosecutor investigate a string of grisly murders in a small town bordered by a dense forest. The forest seems to have a will of its own and interferes with the electronic equipment and lives of the residents. The town has an unusually high murder rate that appears connected to ancient Celtic mythology and local legends. The series combines a police procedural format with atmospheric folk horror. It maintains a dark and moody tone that emphasizes the isolation of the community and the power of nature.

‘Curon’ (2020)

A woman returns to her childhood home in Northern Italy with her teenage twins only to mysteriously vanish shortly after arriving. The twins must search for her while uncovering the dark history of the town and its submerged bell tower. They discover that the town is cursed and that residents must face their own doppelgängers. The show uses the stunning alpine setting to contrast with the dark psychological themes of identity and duality. It builds tension through mystery and the unsettling realization that you cannot trust anyone including yourself.

‘Ares’ (2020)

An ambitious university student in Amsterdam joins an exclusive and secretive student society to gain access to the elite. She quickly realizes that the society is built on dark secrets and demonic rituals that date back to the Dutch Golden Age. Members must pay a terrible price for the power and influence they are granted. The series explores themes of guilt and privilege through disturbing imagery and psychological horror. It presents a nightmarish vision of high society where success is bought with blood and suffering.

‘Equinox’ (2020)

A young woman is haunted by visions of a bus full of students who disappeared without a trace twenty years ago. One of the missing students was her sister and she begins to investigate the event after receiving a cryptic radio call. She uncovers a connection between the disappearance and an ancient fertility cult that demands sacrifices. The story shifts between the past and present to reveal the tragic sequence of events. It blends mystery with folklore to create a story about grief and the consequences of making deals with supernatural forces.

‘Strangers from Hell’ (2019)

A young man moves to Seoul for a new job and rents a cheap room in a dilapidated dormitory building. He soon discovers that his neighbors are all bizarre and menacing individuals who seem to be hiding terrible secrets. Paranoia consumes him as he starts to suspect that the residents are plotting against him. The series creates an intense feeling of claustrophobia and dread within the confines of the dirty apartment complex. It serves as a psychological thriller that examines how an environment can drive a person to the brink of insanity.

‘The Guest’ (2018)

A psychic and a Catholic priest and a detective form an unlikely team to hunt down a powerful spirit named Park Il Do. This malicious entity possesses people and forces them to commit violent acts against their loved ones. The trio travels across the country to exorcise victims and find the origin of the evil spirit. The show combines elements of crime investigation with shamanism and traditional exorcism tropes. It delivers high emotional stakes as the characters confront their own tragic pasts connected to the demon.

‘Ghoul’ (2018)

In a dystopian future where a fascist regime rules India a military interrogator is sent to a remote detention center. She is tasked with questioning a notorious terrorist who begins to reveal her own shameful secrets. It becomes clear that the prisoner is not human but a shape-shifting monster from Arabic folklore. The series uses the confined setting of the interrogation room to build tension and claustrophobia. It critiques totalitarianism and religious persecution while delivering a terrifying monster story.

‘Betaal’ (2020)

A remote village is cleared by a special military force to make way for a new highway project. The soldiers accidentally unearth an ancient curse and a battalion of undead British redcoat soldiers. The modern military unit must survive the night against the supernatural zombie army that cannot be killed by conventional weapons. The show blends action horror with zombie tropes and historical themes of colonialism. It features intense siege sequences and a bleak atmosphere that emphasizes the hopelessness of the situation.

‘Typewriter’ (2019)

A group of children in Goa forms a ghost club and plans to search a notorious haunted villa in their neighborhood. A new family moves into the house and accidentally restarts the cycle of paranormal activity associated with an old typewriter. The series pays homage to classic adventure stories while introducing genuine horror elements and local lore. It balances the innocence of the child protagonists with the dark history of the ghost that haunts the villa. The mystery unfolds to reveal a legacy of vengeance that threatens everyone involved.

‘Dead of Summer’ (2016)

Counselors arrive at Camp Stillwater in the late eighties to prepare for a summer of fun and romance. They soon realize that the camp is built on cursed ground and that an ancient evil has been awakened. Each episode focuses on a different character and reveals their backstory while the body count rises in the present. The show embraces the aesthetic and tropes of eighties slasher films while adding a supernatural twist. It explores how the secrets the counselors keep make them vulnerable to the dark influence of the camp.

‘Slasher’ (2016–2023)

This anthology series features a new self-contained horror story with a different cast and setting each season. Plots range from a killer hunting people in a small town to a wealthy family fighting for their inheritance on a secluded island. The show does not shy away from graphic violence and intricate murder set pieces. It focuses on the mystery of the killer’s identity and the complex relationships between the victims. Viewers are kept guessing until the final reveal in true whodunit fashion.

‘Wolf Creek’ (2016–2017)

Mick Taylor returns as the sadistic killer who hunts tourists in the Australian outback. The first season follows an American college student who survives his attack and decides to hunt him down for revenge. The second season shifts to a new group of travelers who cross paths with Mick on a tour bus. The series expands the character of Mick Taylor and showcases the brutal beauty of the Australian landscape. It maintains the gritty and intense tone of the original films while allowing for more character development.

‘Outcast’ (2016–2017)

Kyle Barnes has been plagued by demonic possession around him for his entire life. He teams up with a local reverend to understand why he is a magnet for these entities and how to stop them. The show depicts possession not just as a spiritual crisis but as a physical and community infection. It features a dark and gritty rural setting that reflects the isolation of the characters. The narrative delves into the trauma caused by these events and the toll it takes on family dynamics.

‘South of Hell’ (2015)

Maria Abascal is a demon hunter for hire in Charleston who is possessed by a demon named Abigail. She uses the power of the demon within her to fight and exorcise other demons feeding on humans. The series explores the symbiotic and destructive relationship between Maria and Abigail. It presents a southern gothic atmosphere filled with supernatural intrigue and family secrets. The struggle for control over her own body and soul drives the central conflict of the story.

‘Stan Against Evil’ (2016–2018)

A disgruntled former sheriff is forced to team up with his replacement to defend their town from a plague of demons. The town was built on the site of a massive witch burning and the spirits have returned for revenge. The show is a horror comedy that relies on deadpan humor and slapstick violence. Stan is a reluctant hero who would rather be watching television than fighting monsters. It offers a lighthearted but bloody alternative to more serious supernatural dramas.

‘Holliston’ (2012–2013)

Two aspiring horror filmmakers host a local cable access show while dealing with life and romance and the absurd. The series is a sitcom that features horror icons and surreal moments within a traditional multi-camera format. It serves as a love letter to the horror genre with constant references and guest appearances. The main characters deal with exaggerated versions of real-life problems often with a gruesome twist. It captures the passion of horror fans and the struggles of trying to make it in the industry.

‘Freakish’ (2016–2017)

A group of high school students is trapped inside their school after a nearby chemical plant explosion. The chemical fallout turns the townspeople outside into mutated monsters who crave human flesh. The students must barricade themselves and manage limited resources while tensions rise within the group. The show combines teen drama with survival horror elements. It focuses on the shifting alliances and moral dilemmas faced by the students as they fight to survive.

‘T@gged’ (2016–2018)

Three high school girls are tagged in a violent video posted by a mysterious user named Monkeyman. The user knows their secrets and begins to stalk and harass them both online and in the real world. They must work together to identify the stalker before their pasts are exposed or they are killed. The series addresses the dangers of social media and the lack of privacy in the digital age. It builds suspense through the feeling that the characters are being watched at all times.

‘Light as a Feather’ (2018–2019)

Five teenage girls play a game of Light as a Feather Stiff as a Board at a sleepover. They soon discover that the predictions made about their deaths during the game are starting to come true. The survivors must figure out the rules of the curse and how to stop it before it claims them all. The show mixes supernatural horror with the dynamics of high school cliques and friendships. It creates a mystery around the new girl in town who suggested the game in the first place.

‘Crow’s Blood’ (2016)

This Japanese miniseries focuses on a mysterious transfer student who arrives at an all-girls high school. Strange events begin to occur and students start to disappear or act in bizarre ways. A curious student investigates the newcomer and uncovers a plot involving a virus and regeneration. The show was produced in collaboration with Darren Lynn Bousman and features grotesque body horror. It explores themes of scientific ethics and the lengths people will go to for love.

‘Remember Me’ (2014)

An elderly man stages a fall at his home to escape his care worker and move into a residential care home. He enters the home to investigate the mysterious death of a woman he knew and encounters a supernatural presence. Strange accidents and deaths begin to occur among the residents and staff. The series is a ghostly mystery that relies on atmosphere and the vulnerability of its elderly protagonists. It weaves a tale of lost love and a haunting that has persisted for decades.

‘The Booth at the End’ (2011–2012)

A mysterious man sits in a diner booth and offers to grant any wish a person desires. In exchange the person must complete a specific task and describe the results to the man. The tasks range from the mundane to the violent and test the morality of the individuals. The show takes place entirely within the diner and relies on dialogue and performance to convey the horror of the actions taken. It examines the human capacity for evil when driven by desperation and desire.

‘Kindred: The Embraced’ (1996)

This short-lived series is based on the role-playing game Vampire: The Masquerade. It depicts the secret society of vampire clans operating within the city of San Francisco. A human detective discovers their existence and becomes entangled in their political struggles and romances. The show treats vampires as organized crime families with their own laws and hierarchies. It attempts to ground the supernatural in a noir detective story with soap opera elements.

‘Poltergeist: The Legacy’ (1996–1999)

The Legacy is a secret society that has protected humanity from supernatural evils for centuries. Members operate out of a castle-like mansion and investigate cases of paranormal activity and occult artifacts. Each episode features a new monster or ghost that the team must research and defeat. The show explores the personal sacrifices the members make to continue their duty. It combines gothic horror with adventure and historical lore.

‘Friday the 13th: The Series’ (1987–1990)

Two cousins inherit an antique store from their uncle who made a pact with the devil to sell cursed objects. They must track down and recover the items that have been sold to unsuspecting customers before more people die. The series has no connection to the Jason Voorhees films and focuses entirely on the cursed antiques. Stories involve dolls that kill and radios that predict death and other possessed items. It delivers a weekly dose of creative horror scenarios centered on human greed.

‘Monsters’ (1988–1991)

This anthology series features standalone episodes that revolve around a different creature or monster. The tone ranges from terrifying to campy and humorous depending on the story. It focuses heavily on practical effects and makeup to bring the various beasts to life. Episodes often end with a twist that subverts the expectations of the viewer. It provides a showcase for creature design and simple morality tales involving the supernatural.

‘Tales from the Darkside’ (1984–1988)

George A. Romero created this anthology series that presents short horror and science fiction stories. The episodes are often adaptations of short stories by famous authors like Stephen King and Clive Barker. The show is known for its eerie opening narration and twist endings that often punish the wicked. It operates with a low budget that forces the stories to rely on writing and atmosphere. It captures the feeling of reading a pulp horror comic book.

‘Night Visions’ (2001–2002)

Henry Rollins hosts this anthology series that presents two half-hour horror stories per episode. The stories cover a wide range of themes from psychological thrillers to supernatural encounters. It features a recognizable cast of actors in roles that are often dark and twisted. The show maintains a cynical and dark tone throughout its run. It remains an obscure entry in the anthology genre despite its high production values.

‘Fear Itself’ (2008)

This anthology series invites acclaimed horror directors to create individual hour-long episodes. Directors like John Landis and Stuart Gordon contributed stories involving serial killers and ghosts and wendigos. The show aimed to bring a cinematic quality to television horror. Each episode stands alone with no connecting narrative other than the genre itself. It offers a diverse mix of horror styles and subgenres in a single season.

‘Hemlock Grove’ (2013–2015)

Two young men from different sides of the tracks work together to solve a murder in a Pennsylvania steel town. One is a werewolf and the other is the heir to a wealthy family with its own dark secrets. The town is filled with supernatural creatures and scientific experiments gone wrong. The show features graphic transformation sequences and a complex mythology. It blends gothic horror soap opera and mystery into a strange and bloody narrative.

Share your favorite obscure horror series or let us know which of these you plan to watch in the comments.