10 Streaming Horror Shows to Binge While on Lockdown

Got a lot of time on your hands? Working tons of hours and just looking for a show to watch while you let your brain melt the hour or so before bedtime? In need of a new show to watch with your significant other, roommate or  family member so you can avoid arguing with each other? Watching your umpteenth episode of Bob’s Burgers since the quarantine started?...

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...Well, how about some binge worthy horror to help you through those coronavirus blues?

Currently, loads of streaming sites offer thrills, chills, gore, and more. Shows like The Twilight Zone, X-Files, Twin Peaks, and American Horror Story all exist on the interwebs, but let’s discuss some shows which might have snuck under your radar or might need a revisit since your long-ago first watch. I’ve chosen some shows below worth streaming which cover a variety of subgenres, eras, and streaming sites, so all horror fans can find their next series to marathon.

Let us know which you plan on watching and also include mention of any shows we missed.

Ash vs Evil Dead (2015-2018)

30 Episodes. Streaming on Netflix, Hulu, Starz, Prime.

If anyone is not familiar with the Evil Dead franchise, the story revolves around Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) fighting what he calls Deadites and doing everything he can to keep his friends and loved ones safe while defeating evil once and for all. This series takes place about 30 years after the first movie and follows the hero after evil returns to earth. Why have the dead returned to walk the earth? Because Ash stupidly read from the Necronomicon while inebriated and summoned evil to return. Now, Ash and the other Ghostbeaters (Pablo and Kelly) must capture, defeat, and send evil back to hell. Along the way, they encounter an assortment of undead and therefore must adapt their methods to destroy the reanimated flesh by relying on everything from a chainsaw to magic spells to a supernatural dagger. Critics love the show, the stories stay interesting, and both old and new fans can take pleasure in the series, all of which makes Ash vs Evil Dead both filthy and fine.

Channel Zero (2016-2018)

24 Episodes. Streaming on Shudder.
           
The shortest show on the list and also the only one on Shudder, Channel Zero currently consists of four seasons. For fans of Creepypasta and internet legends, this show does not disappoint. Often pulling from simple online stories, the creators expand short tales into six-episode installments with each short season covering one story. The newest form of folktales hails from the internet, so Channel Zero takes these stories and provides the viewer with their visual interpretations of modern day myths and legends. Topics involve an evil children’s show, a torturous haunted house attraction, a mysterious stairway, and haunting secrets. Hopefully additional seasons will premiere in the coming years, but for now, tune into Channel Zero and learn what the internet has been whispering about.

Dead Zone (2002-2007)

80 Episodes. Streaming on Tubi, Vudu, Prime
           
Dead Zone falls more into the category of Sci-fi, but the show does hold some horror undertones (it’s from the mind of Stephen King, so it’s expected). From a combination of a childhood injury and spending six years in a coma as an adult, Johnny Smith (Anthony Michael Hall) now possess the ability to “see.” When touching people, the former teacher can now solve crimes, save lives, and hopefully prevent an apocalyptic disaster. Based heavily on the novel of the same name, Dead Zone the series follows the same characters and overarching storyline as the book, but with a few added adventures. So, relax in your own dead zone and watch the show. I predict you will enjoy it.

Dark Shadows (1966-1971)

1,225 Episodes. Streaming on Hulu, Prime and Tubi (with ads)
           
Dark Shadows premiered in the 60s as a pretty typical soap opera with lots of deceit, family fortunes, and murder. But, about 100 episodes in, the show decided to take a more supernatural approach. Along with the main character Barnabas Collins (a vampire), the show also introduces werewolves, witches, zombies, and various other monsters. Fans of old gothic horror will appreciate the atmospheric settings, melodramatic music, and classic creatures. Plus, and I say this with no exaggeration, the show has a billion episodes. You should feel free to lock yourself up in your mausoleum and watch this show for the next 200 years.

Eerie, Indiana / Eerie, Indiana: The Other Dimension (1991-1992)

(1991-1992) 19 Episodes . (1998) 15 Episodes. Streaming on Prime.
           
If you find yourself locked up with your kids or just trapped in the 1990s, you need to visit Eerie, Indiana. Sort of the X-files of kid shows with a fair bit of David Lynch mixed in. And all of this makes for an interesting horror show for the whole family. Join Marshall and Simon (later Mitchell and Stanley) as they explore the mysterious and other-worldly occurrences happening in their small town (Population:16,661). The original show from the early 90s (along with its later 90s reboot) became a cult classic despite its short run. Think your dog is plotting against you? Is Bigfoot digging through your garbage? Is your coffee machine controlling time? Perhaps you also reside in…Eerie, Indiana.

From Dusk till Dawn (2014-2016)

30 Episodes. Streaming on Netflix.
           
When discussing the 1996 film From Dusk till Dawn, we’ve all heard the same complaint. “I loved the movie, but I wish it was 30 hours longer.” Well, gripe no more because Robert Rodriguez created a series based off his bestie’s vampire/crime movie. Begin the series with Seth and the neurotic Richie Gecko as they rob, destroy, and kill their way across the Texas/Mexico border only to find themselves in a strip club/vampire’s lair. The show keeps truthful to the characters (there is a man named Sex-Machine!) and plot, but with a far longer run-time, the series allows for more character development, deeper mythology, and even continues the story after dawn comes. The show cannot be lauded as any kind of small-screen masterpiece, but sometimes you just need to unplug your brain and enjoy.

Hannibal (2013-2015)

39 Episodes. Streaming on Prime.
           
For something more delicious and more sexy, the famous stories of Thomas Harris earn a pre-boot as the titular Hannibal (Mads Mikkelsen) and his patient/partner/murder-husband Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) solve really ghastly murders. The crime scenes provide gruesome (yet aesthetically pleasing) murders, which become more elaborate and creative as the show progresses. But the series is not all derangement and dismemberment because Hannibal also provides the viewer with some of the finer things in life. Such as the well-dressed Dr. Lector and his sophisticated menu. His Mad skills in the kitchen allow him to make any person appetizing. Bon Appetite!

Monsters (1989-1991)

72 Episodes. Streaming on Prime.
           
Creepy, crawly, slimy, gross, hideous, and all done with practical effects, make-up, and remarkable costumes. Monsters hails from the 1980s, so before the un-horror of CGI infiltrated the genre. Each episode focuses on a particular monster and some will really impress you with the overall art form of the creature. Most episodes focus on horror, but over the 72 episodes you can find a smattering of humorous stories which fall anywhere in between black comedy to cutesy and silly. Also, the cameos range all over the place from Steve Buscemi to Debbie Harry (Blondie) to Wil Wheaton. The individually wrapped single-serving monsters allows for you to bombard yourself with an evening long binge of various creatures or you can treat yourself to a Monster of the Day showing and dedicate proper time to each unique being.

The Strain (2014-2017)

46 Episodes. Streaming on Hulu.
           
From the mind of Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, The Strain provides some supernatural storytelling and B-movie quality gore. The show starts with the discovery of a deadly contagion but packs a different kind of bite than our current situation. The head of the CDC uncovers an ancient form of vampirism which slowly begins to spread. The Strain takes a couple episodes to find the correct tone, so stay strong and you will be rewarded with a pleasant amount of creepiness. And even with the seriousness of the story and the haunting effects, certain characters and situations provide a lighter fare to the heavy topic.

Thriller (1973-1976)

43 Episodes. Streaming on Tubi.
           
This is the British version of Thriller and not to be confused with the American version starring Boris Karloff (also a great show). For those of you house-bound horror fans with only the internet to keep you company, Thriller appears on Tubi TV. A completely free streaming service just waiting to be enjoyed by all. The premise of the show resembles The Twilight Zone, except Thriller avoids any sci-fi types stories and focuses completely on mysteries and the supernatural. Common themes involve murderous spouses, deranged serial killers, mad-geniuses, and vengeful ghosts. Very 70s and very British, so Thriller might not be for everyone. But, since the show consists of one-off narratives, even picky horror fans can find a couple episodes to thrill them.

By Amylou Ahava

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