Best Horror/Sci-Fi/Thriller Type T.V. Shows
by wksk | created - 09 Jul 2014 | updated - 28 Nov 2015 | PublicI love horror and anything to do with the supernatural. Here is my (continuously growing) list of my favorite T.V. shows with a supernatural/horror/paranormal twist.
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1. Fringe (2008–2013)
TV-14 | 46 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
An F.B.I. agent is forced to work with an institutionalized scientist and his son in order to rationalize a brewing storm of unexplained phenomena.
Stars: Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, John Noble, Jasika Nicole
Votes: 257,564
This was a very good show, but the last couple of seasons kind of dragged.
2. Supernatural (2005–2020)
TV-14 | 44 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Two brothers follow their father's footsteps as hunters, fighting evil supernatural beings of many kinds, including monsters, demons, and gods that roam the earth.
Stars: Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Jim Beaver, Misha Collins
Votes: 483,394
I didn't get into this show at first. It took quite a few years before I finally started binge watching all of the episodes until I caught up. :)
3. Helix (2014–2015)
TV-PG | 40 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery
A team of scientists are thrust into a potentially life-or-death situation when they arrive in the Arctic to secretly investigate what could be an outbreak of a strange disease in a secluded international research facility.
Stars: Billy Campbell, Kyra Zagorsky, Mark Ghanimé, Jordan Hayes
Votes: 30,603
I wish they'd make more episodes, but I don't really know where it would go now.
4. Ghost Adventures (2008– )
TV-PG | 45 min | Documentary, History, Reality-TV
Zak Bagans, Aaron Goodwin, Billy Tolley, and Jay Wasley investigate the scariest, most notorious, haunted places in the world.
Stars: Zak Bagans, Aaron Goodwin, Billy Tolley, Jay Wasley
Votes: 10,314
This show is very entertaining. I think the lead investigator is a little too charismatic at times, but it makes it funny.
5. Ghost Hunters (2004– )
TV-PG | 60 min | Reality-TV, Thriller
In each episode, Jason Hawes and his team of paranormal investigators, TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society) investigate paranormal activity across the country and search for answers in the nation's most haunted locations.
Stars: Jason Hawes, Steve Gonsalves, Dave Tango, Grant Wilson
Votes: 7,234
TAPS is a good team. They do investigate with some fancy equipment. Most of the time, all they hear are little bumps in the night, but ever so often they find something. They don't do too much in terms of "helping" the people who own the haunted property, besides just confirming their suspicions.
6. Ghost Hunters International (2008– )
Documentary
Ghost Hunters International (GHI) is a reality series that follows a team of paranormal investigators; the GHI team travels around the world and documents some of the world's most legendary haunted locations.
Stars: Barry Fitzgerald, Robb Demarest, Joe Chin, Paul Bradford
Votes: 1,439
Pretty much the same reaction to the original Ghost Hunter's show.
7. Salem (2014–2017)
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Supernatural horror loosely based on Salem's 17th century witch trials.
Stars: Janet Montgomery, Shane West, Seth Gabel, Tamzin Merchant
Votes: 25,542
I fell in love with this show from the first episode. I love John, the lead character. He also played a doctor on the show E.R. for quite a few seasons, and I loved him in that. Now, he looks a lot more grown up, and a lot more yummy. ;)
8. Penny Dreadful (2014–2016)
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Explorer Sir Malcolm Murray, American gunslinger Ethan Chandler, scientist Victor Frankenstein and medium Vanessa Ives unite to combat supernatural threats in Victorian London.
Stars: Josh Hartnett, Timothy Dalton, Eva Green, Reeve Carney
Votes: 131,115
I'm still trying to figure this show out. It's weird.
9. Under the Dome (2013–2015)
TV-14 | 1,668 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
An invisible and mysterious force field descends upon the small town of Chester's Mill, Maine, USA, trapping residents inside, cut off from the rest of civilization. The trapped townspeople must discover the secrets and purpose of the "dome" or "sphere" and its origins, while coming to learn more than they ever knew about each other and animals too.
Stars: Mike Vogel, Rachelle Lefevre, Alexander Koch, Colin Ford
Votes: 112,568
This is a real good show. The beginning followed somewhat closely to the book, but the longer it goes on, the more it completely goes in another direction - to the point where now, it's not like the book at all except for some character names. I would have liked to see them stay more along with the book because it was so weird and a little difficult picturing all the things Stephen King was describing in my head. I wanted to see if what I was picturing was correct.
10. Falling Skies (2011–2015)
TV-14 | 42 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
Survivors of an alien attack on earth gather together to fight for their lives and fight back.
Stars: Noah Wyle, Drew Roy, Maxim Knight, Will Patton
Votes: 93,042
Another lead character from the show E.R., Noah Wyle, plays a college professor turned complete bad ass, named Tom Mason. This show is absolutely awesome! I hate that next season is the last. :(
11. Stargate SG-1 (1997–2007)
TV-14 | 44 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
A secret military team, SG-1, is formed to explore other planets through the recently discovered Stargates.
Stars: Richard Dean Anderson, Michael Shanks, Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge
Votes: 101,429
I think this is in my top 3 favorite shows. I did NOT want to start watching it, but my husband insisted that it was an awesome show so I humored him. Well, needless to say, I fell head over heals for this show (not to mention Michael Shanks.)
12. Stargate: Atlantis (2004–2009)
TV-PG | 44 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
An international team of scientists and military personnel discover a Stargate network in the Pegasus Galaxy and come face-to-face with a new, powerful enemy: The Wraith.
Stars: Joe Flanigan, Rachel Luttrell, David Hewlett, Jason Momoa
Votes: 71,725
This was a pretty decent spin off of Stargate SG-1.
13. Stargate Universe (2009–2011)
TV-PG | 43 min | Drama, Sci-Fi
Trapped on an Ancient spaceship billions of light-years from home, a group of soldiers and civilians struggle to survive and find their way back to Earth.
Stars: Robert Carlyle, Louis Ferreira, Brian J. Smith, Elyse Levesque
Votes: 53,281
Not the best spin off, however, it got A LOT better and I REALLY wanted to see how it all turned out after they had to put everyone into stasis.
14. The Walking Dead (2010–2022)
TV-MA | 45 min | Drama, Horror, Thriller
Sheriff Deputy Rick Grimes wakes up from a coma to learn the world is in ruins and must lead a group of survivors to stay alive.
Stars: Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Lauren Cohan
Votes: 1,082,614
Love, Love, LOVE this show!!! It's awesome in every way! Every few episodes, you'll catch a real slow episode, but they make up for it 10 fold in a later show.
15. My Haunted House (2013–2016)
Horror
The shocking eyewitness accounts of terrified people whose dream homes have become nightmares are brought to life in vivid, blood-curdling style.
Stars: Cordelia Zawarski, Mark Laursen, Anna Ross, Mikul Robins
Votes: 830
Eh... I like hearing these stories. lol
16. Dominion (2014–2015)
TV-MA | 90 min | Action, Drama, Fantasy
Follows the perilous journey of a rebellious young soldier who discovers he's the unlikely savior of humanity.
Stars: Christopher Egan, Tom Wisdom, Roxanne McKee, Luke Allen-Gale
Votes: 24,236
Well, it was one of my favorite horror/syfy/thriller shows, but it's kind of gotten boring.
17. Hannibal (2013–2015)
TV-MA | 45 min | Crime, Drama, Horror
Explores the early relationship between renowned psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter and a young FBI criminal profiler who is haunted by his ability to empathize with serial killers.
Stars: Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen, Caroline Dhavernas, Laurence Fishburne
Votes: 276,748
Totally a kick ass show! Not for the faint of heart, though.
18. Rosemary's Baby (2014)
TV-14 | 85 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery
Modern 4 hour mini-series adaptation of the classic novel by Ira Levin focusing on young Rosemary Woodhouse's suspicions that her neighbors may belong to a Satanic cult who are hell bent on getting one thing: the baby she is carrying.
Stars: Zoe Saldana, Patrick J. Adams, Carole Bouquet, Christina Cole
Votes: 5,872
Nice little mini series. Could have been better, but not bad.
19. American Horror Story (2011– )
TV-MA | 60 min | Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi
An anthology series centering on different characters and locations, showcasing different aspects of horror.
Stars: Lady Gaga, Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Sarah Paulson
Votes: 343,992
The only negative this I have to say about this show is that I wish they'd take the "rape" aspect out of every single season. But after they get that scene out of the way, I thoroughly enjoy the show.
20. A Haunting (2005– )
TV-PG | 60 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
"A Haunting" was a USA paranormal anthology previewing stories told by the victims. Victims tell their terrifying encounters with the paranormal. This show contains narration, frightening re-enactments, and religious content.
Stars: Anthony D. Call, Andrew Ragan, Terry Jernigan, Kelley Davis
Votes: 3,484
I love hearing ghost stories. :)
21. The Dead Files (2011– )
TV-PG | 60 min | Fantasy, Horror, Reality-TV
Evidential medium Cindy Kaza and former NYPD homicide detective Steve DiSchiavi continue to investigate allegedly haunted locations at the request of their clients to provide proof of paranormal activity.
Stars: Steve DiSchiavi, Amy Allan, Matthew Anderson, Jefferson Davis
Votes: 3,173
Entertaining if you're bored. The medium is pretty freaking weird, though.
22. Haven (2010–2015)
TV-PG | 60 min | Crime, Drama, Fantasy
Many in the coastal town of Haven, Maine have a dormant curse or "trouble" that could trigger at any time for any reason. FBI agent Audrey Parker, the sheriff and the town's black sheep must deal with the troubles' deadly effects.
Stars: Emily Rose, Lucas Bryant, Eric Balfour, Richard Donat
Votes: 41,358
Definitely a different type of show. Not what you'd traditionally think a show would do. But that's Stephen King for you.
23. Paranormal Witness (2011– )
60 min | Documentary, Horror, Mystery
A true horror documentary series which brings to life the stories of people who have lived through paranormal experiences that defy explanation.
Stars: Gillian English, Frances Townend, Daniel Cannis, Colin Murphy
Votes: 2,796
Like I said, I like listening to ghost stories.
24. Hemlock Grove (2013–2015)
TV-MA | 46 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Secrets are just part of daily life in the small Pennsylvania town of Hemlock Grove, where the darkest evils hide in plain sight.
Stars: Famke Janssen, Bill Skarsgård, Landon Liboiron, Joel de la Fuente
Votes: 42,623
Second season is a lot better than the first.
25. The River (2012)
TV-14 | 44 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
The crew of a research vessel are on a quest to find a missing TV explorer in the Amazon.
Stars: Bruce Greenwood, Joe Anderson, Leslie Hope, Eloise Mumford
Votes: 17,061
I HATE that they only made one season. I really liked this show.
26. Dark Matters: Twisted But True (2011–2012)
30 min | Documentary, Horror, Sci-Fi
Delves into the most unusual research ever conducted, including attempts to crossbreed humans and apes, actual zombie investigations and head transplantation studies. Cutting-edge CGI ... See full summary »
Stars: John Noble, Jim Ottaviani, Sean Montgomery, David Maiullo
Votes: 915
Interesting show, with interesting stories.
27. Lost Tapes (2008– )
TV-14 | 30 min | Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Explores the possibility of hidden creatures through "found footage" videos and information provided by experts.
Stars: Loren Coleman, Dallas Santana, Jessica Lynch Alfaro, Craig Stanford
Votes: 963
I like ghost stories and found footage films. Mix the two, and I love it!
28. The Last Ship (2014–2018)
TV-14 | 60 min | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
The crew of a naval destroyer is forced to confront the reality of a new existence when a pandemic kills off most of the earth's population.
Stars: Eric Dane, Adam Baldwin, Charles Parnell, Travis Van Winkle
Votes: 63,815
This show has a lot of potential.
29. Arrow (2012–2020)
TV-14 | 42 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
Spoiled billionaire playboy Oliver Queen is missing and presumed dead when his yacht is lost at sea. He returns five years later a changed man, determined to clean up the city as a hooded vigilante armed with a bow.
Stars: Stephen Amell, Katie Cassidy, David Ramsey, Susanna Thompson
Votes: 446,122
I didn't think I was going to like this show. Boy, was I wrong.
30. The 100 (2014–2020)
TV-14 | 43 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Set 97 years after a nuclear war destroyed civilization, when a spaceship housing humanity's lone survivors sends 100 juvenile delinquents back to Earth, hoping to repopulate the planet.
Stars: Eliza Taylor, Bob Morley, Marie Avgeropoulos, Isaiah Washington
Votes: 276,256
Very interesting idea for a show, and it was executed very well.
31. Warehouse 13 (2009–2014)
TV-14 | 43 min | Adventure, Drama, Mystery
Pete and Myka, U.S Secret Service agents, are deployed in South Dakota's Warehouse 13 with a new assignment from an authority above and outside the government.
Stars: Eddie McClintock, Joanne Kelly, Saul Rubinek, Allison Scagliotti
Votes: 57,378
Too bad the series ended, but it was great while it lasted.
32. Revolution (2012–2014)
TV-14 | 43 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
Fifteen years after a permanent global blackout, a group of revolutionaries seek to drive out a tyrannical militia that's taken over the former United States of America.
Stars: Billy Burke, Tracy Spiridakos, Giancarlo Esposito, Zak Orth
Votes: 86,074
I think this show is the *beep* I can't wait for it to come back.
33. Firefly (2002–2003)
TV-14 | 45 min | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi
Five hundred years in the future, a renegade crew aboard a small spacecraft tries to survive as they travel the unknown parts of the galaxy and evade warring factions as well as authority agents out to get them.
Stars: Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin
Votes: 281,786
Soooooo deserved more seasons!!!
34. Andromeda (2000–2005)
TV-PG | 43 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
Captain Dylan Hunt and the crew of the Andromeda Ascendant set out on a mission to rebuild the Systems Commonwealth 300 years after its fall.
Stars: Kevin Sorbo, Lisa Ryder, Laura Bertram, Gordon Michael Woolvett
Votes: 14,830
Another one that I didn't think I'd like, but my husband said it was a good show. Again... he was right.
35. The Tomorrow People (2013–2014)
TV-14 | 43 min | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
Stephen helps genetically advanced teenagers hide from a paramilitary group hunting them down.
Stars: Robbie Amell, Peyton List, Luke Mitchell, Aaron Yoo
Votes: 37,158
I didn't really care about the show at first. Then it grew on me.
36. Coma (2012)
TV-14 | 159 min | Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
A young medical student discovers that something sinister is going on in her hospital after routine procedures send more than a few seemingly healthy patients into comas on the operating table.
Stars: Lauren Ambrose, Steven Pasquale, Geena Davis, James Woods
Votes: 2,293
37. The After (2014 TV Movie)
TV-MA | 55 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Eight strangers are thrown together by mysterious forces and must help each other survive in a violent world that defies explanation.
Director: Chris Carter | Stars: Aldis Hodge, Andrew Howard, Arielle Kebbel, Jamie Kennedy
Votes: 8,439
They've only made one or two or so episodes of this show, but I thought it was good.
38. Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files (2010–2012)
Open | 47 min | Documentary, Sci-Fi
Videos gathered from around the globe. Six experts searching for the truth. What will they witness in their search for evidence. This is Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files.
Stars: Ben Hansen, Austin Porter, Larry Caughlan Jr., Jael De Pardo
Votes: 1,970
Some of the ones they choose are so obviously faked!
39. Terra Nova (2011)
TV-14 | 46 min | Adventure, Drama, Mystery
Centers on the Shannons, an ordinary family from 2149 when the planet is dying, who are transported back 85 million years to prehistoric Earth where they join Terra Nova, a colony of humans with a second chance to build a civilization.
Stars: Jason O'Mara, Shelley Conn, Christine Adams, Allison Miller
Votes: 86,085
Another show that was canceled WAY too soon. :(
40. House of Horrors: Kidnapped (2014– )
Documentary, Crime
Reenactment of terrifying tales of people who were kidnapped, yet were lucky enough to survive. Each episode centers on one person's ordeal. Starting from before the abduction right through... See full summary »
Stars: Ben Patrick Johnson, Karen Dadey, Audrey Graziano, Marshall Shirley
Votes: 104
I'm into crime shows too.
41. Angel (1999–2004)
TV-14 | 44 min | Action, Drama, Fantasy
The vampire Angel, cursed with a soul, moves to Los Angeles and aids people with supernatural-related problems while questing for his own redemption.
Stars: David Boreanaz, Charisma Carpenter, Alexis Denisof, J. August Richards
Votes: 75,800
Does this need an explanation? Its Angel!
42. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)
TV-14 | 44 min | Action, Drama, Fantasy
A young woman, destined to slay vampires, demons and other infernal creatures, deals with her life fighting evil, with the help of her friends.
Stars: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Anthony Head
Votes: 159,806
LOVE LOVE LOVED this show!
43. Doctor Who (2005–2022)
TV-PG | 45 min | Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi
The further adventures in time and space of the alien adventurer known as the Doctor and his companions from planet Earth.
Stars: Jodie Whittaker, Peter Capaldi, Pearl Mackie, Matt Smith
Votes: 246,645
Yet another show my husband had to force me to watch in order for me to like it.
44. The Strain (2014–2017)
TV-MA | 43 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
A mysterious viral outbreak with hallmarks of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism ravages the city of New York.
Stars: Corey Stoll, David Bradley, Kevin Durand, Jonathan Hyde
Votes: 87,093
Real good show. Somewhat creepy, but a good show non the least.
45. The Lottery (2014)
40 min | Sci-Fi
Set in a world destined for extinction as women have stopped having children. When remarkably 100 embryos are successfully fertilized, a national lottery is held to decide the surrogates.
Stars: Marley Shelton, Michael Graziadei, Athena Karkanis, David Alpay
Votes: 2,005
It's scary because I can see something like this becoming a necessity if people don't stop having so many damn babies.
46. Intruders (2014)
TV-PG | 45 min | Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller
A secret society is devoted to chasing immortality by seeking refuge in the bodies of others.
Stars: James Frain, Millie Bobby Brown, Tory Kittles, Mira Sorvino
Votes: 3,935
Very interesting concept for a T.V. show, and it's entertaining. It can be a little hard to follow if you don't pay attention.
47.
American Horror Story (2011– )
Episode:
Monsters Among Us
(2014)
TV-MA | 61 min | Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi
After their mother's murder, conjoined twins Bette and Dot are hired by struggling freak show owner Elsa Mars.
Director: Ryan Murphy | Stars: Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Michael Chiklis, Frances Conroy
Votes: 6,450
48. Scream Queens (2015–2016)
TV-14 | 45 min | Comedy, Horror, Mystery
A semi-anthology series that centers on characters being terrorized by a serial killer in different locations, including a university and a hospital.
Stars: Emma Roberts, Lea Michele, Abigail Breslin, Keke Palmer
Votes: 46,489
49. Scream: The TV Series (2015–2019)
TV-14 | 45 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
A serialized anthology series that follows a group of teenagers being targeted by a masked serial killer.
Stars: Willa Fitzgerald, Bex Taylor-Klaus, John Karna, Carlson Young
Votes: 45,018
50. South of Hell (2015)
60 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
A supernatural thriller set in South Carolina, South of Hell focuses on Maria Abascal, a stunning demon-hunter-for-hire whose power stems from within.
Stars: Mena Suvari, Zachary Booth, Lamman Rucker, Paulina Singer
Votes: 1,712
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