The Best Horror Series to Watch on Netflix Right Now

A quick look through Netflix will reveal a whole host of horror series worth watching. But selecting the right ones to watch is the hard part. Nobody likes horror that isn’t scary and sometimes you can pick a real dud. However, the best horror series on Netflix are not to be missed.

We’ve trawled through the streaming catalog to find you the best horror series to watch on Netflix right now. There is a wide range of different horror styles here, so, hopefully, everyone’s tastes will be catered for. So, without further ado, let’s see just how chilling Netflix can be…

1. Ju-On: Origins

Without doubt one of the best horror series ever to have landed on Netflix, Ju-On: Origins has everything a horror fan could wish for. Body horror? Check. Gore? Check. Psychological horror? Check. This series is just downright terrifying and features some of the most genuinely horrific moments this writer has seen in a long time. Nevertheless, we’ll warn you now, it most certainly isn’t for the faint of heart.

The story acts as a prelude to the original Korean Ju-On films. It opens the story right up and some of the CGI will have you curling your toes in terror. It still has a nice theatrical feel to it, which is something the American reboots of the originals lacked. The film has subtitles, so you may want to ensure you can concentrate on that—and the screen action—before watching.

2. The Mist

If you’re a fan of Stephen King, The Mist is a must-see. Why? Because it has all the hallmarks of classic King-style horror. Firstly, it has a chilling atmosphere that works well to instill a sense of foreboding. Secondly, it has dark, brooding characters that afford the series a mysterious feel. Thirdly, there is the mist itself, which adds to the winter chill of this horror.

Of course, Stephen King is a master of the genre. Fortunately, the team behind the series has done an excellent job of encapsulating the feel of the Stephen King novella of the same name. There is the odd bit of bloody violence or gore here and there, but this is all about the unknown and how that which we can’t see is often far more terrifying than that which we can.

3. Two-Sentence Horror Stories

Two-Sentence Horror Stories is a series that is short enough to binge in one afternoon. It comprises of nine 30-minute long episodes, all with a different storyline and characters. As you will have guessed, each 30-minute long vignette is based around two sentences. These sentences form a horror “story” and the production team has done a good job of building a half-hour story around each little tale.

Given that there are several different stories here, the series gives you a good range of horror genres to enjoy. Scare yourself witless with some creepy paranormal activity. Or disturb yourself with a psychological slant instead. The show also deals with some important topics such as terminal illness and LGBT+ issues, so it has a social element to it, too.

4. Locke and Key

Locke and Key is based on the Joel Hill and Gabriel Rodríguez comic book of the same name. It is a great adaptation of the comic, remaining faithful to the storyline. It also manages to give the live-action a vaguely comic-book feel. As a result, it isn’t the scariest horror on the planet, but it isn’t intended to be. It has lots of fantastical elements that fans of the original tale will recognize.

There are 10 episodes altogether, each one running between 45 and 57 minutes. Each episode develops the story nicely and doesn’t feel in any way jarring. It is fairly easy to follow, and, because it has that comic-book influence, it’s good for teenagers and adults alike. Recommended watching with your family (as long as your children are 14 or over as per classification).

5. Lucifer

Another good series for fans of graphic novels is Lucifer. Lucifer originally saw the light of day as a Neil Gaiman character in the Sandman books. If you don’t already know those, check them out because the artwork and storyline are both stunning. One minor issue that purists won’t enjoy is that the Netflix series isn’t necessarily as faithful to the books as you’d perhaps like.

However, it is a good series to chill out and watch. Especially as it isn’t particularly taxing. It has a drama feel to it, but with the addition of a few demonic powers tossed into the mix. Like Locke and Key, it is suitable for teens, so could be something cool to set the older kids up with when the weather is too hot or cold outside. They’ll have plenty of episodes to watch, anyway!

6. Kingdom

If plagues of undead are your bag, then South-Korean horror drama, Kingdom, should be on your watchlist. The enormity of some of the scenes in Kingdom is breathtaking. Fans of Game of Thrones will love the huge battles that take place. They’re even better than GOT’s “Battle of the Bastards” episode!

The series takes place in the 1500s and sees humans pitted against vile undead creatures. The cinematography is breathtaking as it incorporates a lot of South-Korea’s beautiful scenery. Plus, the costumes are epic. Highly recommended.

7. Castlevania

You have three exciting seasons of the brilliant Castlevania anime to catch up on if you haven’t already started watching them. Fans of the original game will love this series. It is pretty violent, so isn’t suitable for younger audiences. However, older viewers will love the mixture of supernatural darkness and bloody Hell that is unleashed throughout the series.

The beginning of the tale is told from the point of view of Dracula. Here, you’ll find out all of his motives for hating humans. There is plenty more lore to find out across the three seasons of Castlevania, interspersed with violent encounters and demonic happenings.

This is one of the best animated shows for adults on Netflix, nevermind just the horror genre.