The Best 2010s Horror Shows, Ranked

Updated October 30, 2023 5.1K votes 631 voters

Over 600 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best 2010s Horror Shows, Ranked

Voting Rules

Vote up your favorite horror TV shows that aired on TV or a streaming service in the 2010s

Latest additions: Haunted, Scream Queens, Slasher

Most divisive: The Mist

These are the best 2010s horror series ranked from best to worst by user votes. There are some great 2010s horror TV shows that are in the vein of "classic horror" featuring longstanding fan favorite monsters like vampires and zombies. But there are some other good 2010s horror shows that are a little more unpredictable, and a little less easily defined (like the cult classic, Hannibal, for example), or Penny Dreadful, which successfully mashed up nearly every horror element into one spectacular series.

What shows are featured on this best 2010s horror TV shows list? Ryan Murphy took horror television to the next level with his limitless series American Horror Story, which changed the landscape of TV throughout the decade and brought a resurgence in anthology horror series, such as Castle Rock, The Terror, and The Haunting of Hill House.

Twin Peaks was a favorite horror show of the 90s, so much so that it was resurrected for another run in the 2010s. Other good shows that appear on this top 2010s horror TV series list include The Vampire Diaries, Grimm and Teen Wolf. And let's not forget Stranger Things, which has sci-fi, nostalgia, and horror in equal parts.

Do you have a favorite horror show from the 2010s? Vote the best series up to the top!

Ranked by

1
The Haunting of Hill House
300 votes
The Haunting of Hill House, a gripping supernatural drama series, masterfully delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the chilling effects of past traumas. With its intricately woven narrative and superb acting, the show garnered numerous award nominations, including a Saturn Award for Best Streaming Horror & Thriller Series. The Crain family, led by parents Hugh (Henry Thomas) and Olivia (Victoria Pedretti), navigate the harrowing experiences that follow their stay in the notorious Hill House. As the story unfolds, viewers are treated to a rich tapestry of emotional depth and spine-tingling suspense that keeps them guessing until the very end.
2
American Horror Story
288 votes
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Exploring the dark and twisted corners of American culture, this anthology series delves into a variety of spine-chilling tales that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With each season serving as a self-contained narrative, American Horror Story has garnered numerous accolades, including Golden Globe and Emmy awards. The show's ensemble cast, featuring the likes of Sarah Paulson as Lana Winters and Evan Peters as Tate Langdon, brilliantly brings to life an array of sinister characters and chilling storylines. From haunted houses to twisted carnivals, every installment offers a fresh, eerie perspective on our deepest fears and the macabre aspects of humanity.
3
Stranger Things
233 votes
In a small town shrouded in 80s nostalgia, Stranger Things unravels an enigmatic tale of supernatural occurrences and covert government experiments. The series has garnered numerous accolades for its stellar performances by a talented ensemble cast, including the young telekinetic Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and dedicated police chief Jim Hopper (David Harbour). Seamlessly blending elements of sci-fi, horror, and coming-of-age drama, the show captivates audiences with its engaging storytelling and memorable characters. With each season, viewers are transported to the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, where they delve deeper into the mysteries that lie beneath the seemingly ordinary surface.
4
Supernatural
254 votes
Supernatural, a thrilling journey of two brothers combating otherworldly forces, has managed to captivate audiences for over a decade. The engaging storyline follows Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) as they confront demons, angels, and creatures that lurk in the shadows. With its seamless blend of drama, horror, and humor, the show has garnered numerous accolades, including multiple People's Choice Awards. Throughout its 15-season run, Supernatural has remained true to its core themes of family, sacrifice, and the battle between good and evil, while continuously evolving to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
5
Bates Motel
182 votes
Bates Motel delves into the dark and twisted relationship between a young Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore) and his mother, Norma (Vera Farmiga), offering a haunting prelude to the classic thriller, Psycho. Set in a small coastal town, the show unravels the intricate layers of deception and madness that lie beneath the surface of their seemingly normal lives. The series has garnered critical acclaim for its compelling storytelling and captivating performances, earning multiple award nominations. As viewers are drawn into the eerie world of the Bates family, they witness the chilling transformation of a vulnerable boy into a notorious killer, while navigating a web of secrets that leaves them questioning the true nature of evil.
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6
Hannibal
198 votes
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Hannibal is a psychological thriller that delves into the complex relationship between FBI special investigator Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen), a psychiatrist with a taste for the macabre. The show intricately weaves together elements of crime, horror, and drama, presenting viewers with a fresh perspective on Thomas Harris's renowned literary characters. Nominated for multiple awards, including a Saturn Award for Best Network Television Series, Hannibal has garnered critical acclaim for its exceptional storytelling, stunning visual aesthetics, and the chilling performances of its lead actors. As the story unfolds, the lines between hunter and prey blur, leaving audiences questioning who they can truly trust.

The Haunting of Hill House

American Horror Story

Stranger Things

Supernatural

Bates Motel

Hannibal