When it comes to horror anthologies, there’s something irresistible about the way they reel you in — each story starts off seemingly harmless, only to spiral into a nightmare you didn’t see coming.
Whether you’re in the mood for spine-tingling terror or campy fun that’s more playful than petrifying, these collections deliver it all.
From creepy narrators to eerie themes weaving the episodes together, these anthologies know how to get under your skin and keep you hooked.
I’ve watched every single one of these, and I promise — they’re all worth your time. Whether you’re looking for quick shocks, unsettling slow burns, or even a few guilty pleasure scares, these picks will keep you glued to the screen.
Ready to dive into my list of Must-See TV and Movie Horror Anthologies to Chill Your Bones? I guarantee these picks will send shivers down your spine from the first tale to the last.
Creepshow
Creepshow is an iconic horror anthology franchise that began with the 1982 film directed by George A. Romero and written by Stephen King.
Paying homage to 1950s EC Comics, it blends campy horror with gory fun.
The franchise spawned two sequels in 1987 and 2006, and the Creepshow reboot, produced by Shudder, continued the tradition with fresh, terrifying tales hosted by the ghoulish Creepshow Creep.
With so many standout stories, it’s hard to pick a favorite. But The Raft from Creepshow 2 (1987) is a classic.
A group of teens finds themselves stranded on a raft, stalked by a deadly blob in the lake. It’s a creepy, unforgettable story that leaves a lasting impression.
Another standout is The Finger from the 2019 reboot. Outrageous and unsettling, it follows a man who discovers a mysterious finger that grows into a mischievous, murderous creature.
It’s a bizarre and chilling story guaranteed to give you the creeps — why it’s called Creepshow!
Every version of Creepshow delivers campy, comic-inspired thrills with a perfect blend of gruesome, supernatural tales that have earned it a special place in the hearts of horror fans across generations.
Whether you’re an anthology fanatic or just a horror lover, Creepshow is an absolute must-watch.
Watch Creepshow Online
The Witching Season (2017)
From the moment The Witching Season begins, you’re pulled into the Halloween spirit.
This anthology opens with a spooky white house in a quiet farming town where things are definitely not what they seem. Though not widely known, the series is impressively crafted, even on a modest budget.
Featuring five short films, each story is packed with suspense and autumnal charm. Blending classic horror with modern twists, The Witching Season is perfect for fans of Halloween-themed tales.
The stories range from haunted houses to sinister supernatural encounters, all capturing the unsettling side of the season.
Two standouts for me are Princess and They Live Inside Us.
Princess features a seemingly innocent doll that reveals a darker side (who doesn’t love an evil doll?), and They Live Inside Us is about a writer who unwisely stays in a haunted house for inspiration.
Dumb idea on his part, right?! But it has an interesting twist!
Familiar themes aside, the series excels at creating tension and atmosphere, delivering plenty of chills while keeping the Halloween vibe alive.
The Witching Season is perfect for horror fans craving spooky fun and traditional scares.
Watch The Witching Season Online
Horror Noire
Horror Noire is an anthology featuring six original, spine-chilling stories written by Black creators.
Each tale explores a different facet of horror, from supernatural creatures to psychological terror, while incorporating elements of Black culture, history, and folklore in creative and engaging ways.
One standout for me is The Lake, starring Leslie-Ann Brandt as a teacher who moves to a town with a cursed lake.
As she uncovers its terrifying secret, the slow-building tension keeps you on edge, and Brandt’s performance is top-notch (I loved her in Gotham, btw).
What makes Horror Noire unique is its focus on delivering fresh and visceral scares with stories that feel new and eerie.
If you’re looking for something original and unsettling, this anthology is definitely worth watching.
Watch Horror Noire Online
Tales From the Crypt
Available to watch on YouTube
There’s no anthology, past or present, that tops the Cryptkeeper’s creepy tales!
Tales From the Crypt, the iconic horror anthology that ran from 1989 to 1996 on HBO, is based on the classic EC Comics of the 1950s.
Known for its perfect blend of horror, dark humor, and jaw-dropping twists, each episode is introduced by the Cryptkeeper — a cackling, skeletal host with a love for gruesome puns and spine-chilling stories.
The show delivers a mix of horror, psychological thrillers, and morality tales, often centered around greed, revenge, or karma. Each story ends in a wickedly ironic twist, adding to its appeal.
In addition, the series featured big-name guest stars and directors like Robert Zemeckis and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Picking a favorite episode from Tales from the Crypt is nearly impossible, but I have to go with Death of Some Salesmen.
With the amazing Tim Curry playing multiple roles, Death of Some Salesmen is a twisted treat.
The episode follows a sleazy conman who finds himself at the mercy of a murderous family with a very specific appetite — shady salesmen like him! (You can hear the Cryptkeeper’s cackle right now, can’t you?)
Another standout is And All Through the House, a holiday-themed slasher where a murderous wife’s Christmas takes a dark turn when a maniac dressed as Santa shows up.
It’s a bloody, festive mix of slasher horror with a chilling twist.
With its campy, horrifying style, unforgettable host, and shocking twists, Tales from the Crypt is hands-down one of the best horror anthologies ever made.
If you haven’t watched it yet, you can’t truly call yourself a horror fan!
Monsters
Monsters is a cult-favorite horror anthology that ran for three seasons from 1988-1991), delivering a quirky mix of creepy, bizarre, and often campy monster-themed stories.
Each episode spotlights a different terrifying creature, from vampires and werewolves to aliens and grotesque beings you won’t soon forget.
Though it may have a lower-budget feel (it was the 80s, people!), the series earned its place as a nostalgic gem for horror fans, thanks to its imaginative storytelling and unique creature designs.
Every episode kicks off with a quirky monster family gathering around their TV to watch the show, setting the perfect tone for the creepy, campy fun that follows.
Their ghoulish appearance and goofy charm make them the ideal hosts for the bizarre tales that unfold.
With three seasons to choose from, it’s tough to pick a favorite, but The Feverman — where a doctor tries to rid his friend of a sickness-feeding monster — is a standout.
Another great one is The Match Game, where a group of teens decides it’s a good idea to tell ghost stories in a creepy old mansion — because clearly, none of them have seen a horror movie before!
It’s packed with tension but also a ton of fun.
Monsters delivers supernatural thrills with a mix of camp and creativity, making it a perfect pick for fans of creature horror looking for something a little offbeat and totally entertaining.
Watch Monsters Online
Tales of Halloween
Who doesn’t love Halloween? It’s the perfect excuse for spooky fun, which is why horror fans love it so much.
And what better way to celebrate than with the super fun Tales of Halloween anthology?
This collection of ten interconnected stories, all set on Halloween night in a suburban neighborhood, is packed with dark humor, supernatural horror, and plenty of gory fun.
From evil trick-or-treaters to demonic creatures and killer pumpkins, it has a little bit of everything for horror lovers. Each tale is directed by a different filmmaker, offering a unique twist on Halloween lore.
My favorite? The Night Billy Raised Hell, in which a boy learns the true meaning of mischief after pranking the wrong house.
His “mentor” is a riot, though I definitely wouldn’t want to play games with him!
With its playful tone, nonstop frights, and a blend of supernatural scares and slasher fun, Tales of Halloween is a great addition to any horror anthology marathon.
Watch Tales of Halloween Online
Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities
Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities is a spine-chilling horror anthology featuring eight unsettling stories, each directed by a different filmmaker but curated by del Toro himself.
Known for his love of gothic horror, dark fantasy, and eerie creatures, del Toro’s signature style runs through the series, exploring themes of the macabre, supernatural, and bizarre.
One of my favorites is The Autopsy, where a medical examiner uncovers alien horrors while investigating a series of mysterious deaths.
Another standout (because I can’t resist a good haunted house) is The Murmuring, which follows a couple studying bird migrations who stumble upon a house with a tragic, ghostly history.
With its impressive lineup of directors, stunning visuals, and an atmosphere dripping with dread, Cabinet of Curiosities delivers a uniquely terrifying experience.
Whether you’re into psychological horror, Lovecraftian nightmares, or gothic fantasy, this anthology offers something for every fan of the creepy and curious.
It is perfect for anyone seeking high-quality, bone-chilling storytelling.
Watch Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities Online
Southbound
You’ll think twice about driving down a desolate highway or stopping at one of those creepy roadside diners after watching Southbound.
This horror anthology features five interwoven stories that expertly blend supernatural terror with psychological horror.
Each segment flows seamlessly into the next, creating an unbroken narrative of dread. From criminals on the run to a sinister roadside hospital, Southbound keeps you on edge with every twist.
With its eerie atmosphere, unexpected turns, and interconnected tales, it’s a nightmarish ride that’s perfect for horror fans craving something dark and unsettling.
Each story offers a unique slice of terror, yet they’re all connected in ways that make the entire experience feel like one long, unsettling journey.
It captures exactly how you feel when you’re traveling down a long, lonely highway in the middle of nowhere.
While I loved all of the stories in this collection, The Accident is probably the creepiest, and that monster in The Way Out will most definitely haunt your nightmares.
Watch Southbound Online
Asylum (1972)
Available to watch on Tubi
From the moment Asylum begins, you can feel the dread creeping in.
A car winds its way up to the gates of a mysterious asylum, with ominous music setting the perfect tone. The vibe is almost like The Shining, though this anthology came out long before Kubrick’s film.
Based on stories by Psycho author Robert Bloch and starring horror icons like Peter Cushing and Britt Ekland, this collection delivers a serious punch.
The story begins when Dr. Martin arrives at the Dunsmoor asylum for the incurably insane to interview for a job as a psychologist.
But there’s a catch — he must evaluate four patients, one of whom is actually a rogue doctor who’s gone mad.
If he can figure out which patient is the insane doctor in disguise, he’s got the job. Sounds simple? Not even close.
Each patient spins a tale more twisted and terrifying than the last, weaving together a collection of madness and supernatural horror.
Of all the tales, Frozen Fear is my favorite. There’s just something about the dead refusing to stay dead that’s creepy as hell, but this story takes it to the next level.
We’re not talking flesh-eating zombies here — when a dismembered head wrapped in a paper bag starts creeping around, it’s pure nightmare fuel!
This one will have you leaving the lights on for sure. And that laugh at the film’s ending will send chills down your spine.
Dark, twisted, and dripping with supernatural dread, Asylum is a must-watch for fans of classic horror.
Each story pulls you deeper into a world where the bizarre meets the terrifying, leaving you questioning what’s real — and what’s waiting in the shadows (like those paper bags you have hidden in your pantry!)
Trick ‘r Treat
Trick ‘r Treat takes the famous Halloween phrase and transforms it into a critically acclaimed horror anthology that captures the true essence of the best night of the year.
The film has earned its cult classic status with a perfect mix of dark humor, spooky atmosphere, and plenty of Halloween lore.
At the heart of it all is Sam, the eerie mascot of Halloween who appears throughout the film.
Often lurking in the background, Sam silently watches over the characters, making sure they follow the “rules” of the pumpkin-filled holiday.
Those who dare disrespect the traditions — whether by skipping out on candy, blowing out jack-o’-lanterns, or ignoring the spirit of the holiday (how dare you!) — are met with terrifying consequences.
While Sam is a recurring figure in every story, he takes center stage in the final and most chilling segment, Meet Sam.
This is where his true nature is fully revealed during an unforgettable showdown with a character from the first story, bringing the anthology full circle in a spine-tingling way.
With its cleverly woven tales, Trick ‘r Treat delivers the perfect balance of scares, dark humor, and Halloween spirit.
It’s a must-watch for any horror fan, especially on Halloween night, when the stories take on an eerie life of their own.
Watch Trick ‘r Treat Online
Hammer House of Horror
Hammer House of Horror is a British anthology series that delivers 13 standalone tales of supernatural terror, psychological horror, and dark magic.
Produced by the legendary Hammer Film Productions, the series combines classic gothic horror with contemporary twists, from haunted houses to witchcraft and demonic forces.
One of my personal favorites is The House That Bled to Death. Call me a sucker for haunted house stories, but this one stands out. It follows a family that moves into a seemingly normal home, only to discover it’s hiding a sinister secret.
As the house literally begins to bleed and terrifying events unfold, the tension builds to a shocking and gruesome climax. It’s one of those stories that keeps you on edge from start to finish, and the final twist is unforgettable.
Another standout is The Two Faces of Evil, where a couple makes the fatal mistake of picking up a hitchhiker during a storm.
From the moment this stranger enters their car, the atmosphere turns ominous, and what follows is a surreal, nightmarish journey. (As if that wouldn’t be the case!)
The story masterfully blends psychological terror with supernatural elements, leading to a chilling and deadly conclusion that leaves you questioning what’s real.
With its eerie visuals, creepy twists, and chilling stories, Hammer House of Horror is a must-watch for fans of supernatural tales and classic British horror.
It’s the perfect anthology for anyone who loves dark, unsettling stories with a touch of gothic charm.
Watch Hammer House of Horror Online
Holidays
For some people, the holidays are already a nightmare, but in the horror anthology Holidays, the nightmare of the holidays is taken to a whole new level.
This twisted collection dives into the dark side of festive celebrations, with eight segments focusing on a different holiday, such as Valentine’s Day, Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, and Christmas.
It turns cheerful occasions into unsettling tales of terror.
One standout is the Easter story — let’s just say this bunny isn’t cute or cuddly.
You won’t be rushing to scoop it up for a snuggle, that’s for sure.
With a mix of disturbing, bizarre, and occasionally darkly humorous tones, Holidays delivers unsettling twists on familiar traditions.
While some segments are stronger than others, the anthology’s creativity and willingness to push boundaries make it a fun, creepy watch for horror fans craving something different.
It’s perfect for anyone who loves holiday traditions gone horribly wrong!
Watch Holidays Online
Masters of Horror
Masters of Horror is an anthology series that brings together some of the genre’s most legendary directors to create standalone, hour-long horror films.
Each episode offers a fresh, terrifying experience, from supernatural nightmares to psychological horrors, blending classic scares with modern storytelling.
With directors like John Carpenter, Dario Argento, and Tobe Hooper at the helm, every episode is a must-watch for horror fans.
A few standouts include Cigarette Burns, directed by John Carpenter, about a desperate man hunting down a rare film that drives viewers insane.
Carpenter’s signature tension and eerie atmosphere make this one unforgettable.
Another gem is Homecoming, a political satire where dead soldiers rise from the grave to vote, proving that timing is everything in horror.
Each episode showcases the director’s unique style, making Masters of Horror a diverse, entertaining anthology that’s as thought-provoking as it is terrifying.
Whether you love supernatural chills or psychological thrills, this series has something for every horror fan.
Watch Masters of Horror Online
Black Sabbath
While Ozzy Osbourne might be famous for biting off the head of a live bat (which is pretty horrific), this Black Sabbath is a gothic horror anthology.
Directed by Mario Bava and hosted by the legendary Boris Karloff — who not only introduces each eerie tale but stars in one — this anthology serves up plenty of spooky chills and thrills.
There are two versions of the film: the original Italian version, I Tre Volti della Paura (The Three Faces of Fear), and an edited American version.
Though the stories are the same, the Italian cut is more faithful to Bava’s vision, with a richer atmosphere and stronger horror elements. The American version was softened for broader audiences
I especially enjoyed The Drop of Water, in which a nurse steals from a corpse and faces chilling supernatural consequences (and it’s really the corpse that freaks me out — hello nightmares!).
With its atmospheric visuals, creepy tension, and Karloff’s iconic presence, Black Sabbath strikes the perfect balance between chills and classic horror fun.
It’s a campy yet stylish anthology that’s a must-watch for fans of old-school scares.
I recommend watching the American version first, then diving into the original Italian cut to compare the two. Call me a wimp, but I like the American version better.
Watch Black Sabbath Online
Night Gallery
Night Gallery is a classic horror anthology series created and hosted by the legendary Rod Serling, best known for The Twilight Zone.
The series is set in an eerie, dimly lit art gallery, where each painting unveils a macabre tale, with Serling’s chilling narration setting the perfect mood for what’s to come.
The unsettling artwork itself creates an atmosphere of dread, drawing you into each terrifying story before it even begins.
Unlike The Twilight Zone, Night Gallery dives deeper into horror, delivering twisted tales of haunted objects, grotesque creatures, and unsettling paranormal events.
With contributions from iconic writers like H.P. Lovecraft and Ray Bradbury, it’s a must-watch for anyone who enjoys dark, thought-provoking scares.
The series, which aired from 1969 to 1973, lasted 43 episodes over three seasons and offered a mix of standalone stories and multi-segment episodes.
Each tale is introduced by one of the gallery’s creepy paintings, setting the tone for the supernatural and psychological horrors to follow.
Two standout episodes are The Caterpillar, a deeply unsettling story about a man haunted by the horror of earwigs, and A Question of Fear.
In A Question of Fear, Leslie Nielsen (in a rare, serious role) plays a man who bets he can survive a night in a supposedly haunted mansion.
The episode expertly builds tension, and the disturbing secrets of the mansion make it both suspenseful and terrifying. A clever twist plays on our most primal fears, making this episode one that sticks with you long after the credits roll.
With its creepy art gallery, terrifying paintings, and Serling’s masterful introductions, Night Gallery is beloved for its chilling atmosphere and twisted narratives.
It’s another must-watch for fans of classic horror anthologies with a psychological edge.
Watch Night Gallery Online
The Monster Club
Available to watch on Tubi
The Monster Club is a hilariously cheesy horror anthology that’s perfect when you’re craving lighthearted monster tales with a spooky twist.
Hosted by the legendary Vincent Price and starring John Carradine and Donald Pleasence, the film unfolds in a quirky monster nightclub (with perfect cheesy music to set the mood) where stories of vampires, ghouls, and other monsters are shared.
The standout is a chilling tale about a creature called the Shadmock — a strange, reclusive employer with a dark secret.
As the tension builds, the story leads to a spine-tingling climax involving the Shadmock’s deadly whistle. It’s easily the most memorable of the three segments.
While The Shadmock is my favorite, the entire film is a blast. It’s not the kind of horror that will leave you hiding under the covers, but do all anthologies need to?
With its charming, practical effects, campy humor, and eerie atmosphere, The Monster Club leans into its low-budget charm.
Vincent Price’s playful performance makes it the perfect pick when you’re in the mood to “chill” with some spooky fun, and it’s a perfect watch if you want the kids to join in on the fun.
Watch The Monster Club Online
Twilight Zone (1959)
No horror anthology list would be complete without the iconic 1959 series The Twilight Zone.
Created by the legendary Rod Serling, it remains one of the most influential anthology shows in television history, blending science fiction, horror, and psychological thrillers in ways that still hold up today.
Each episode tells a self-contained story, often with a moral or an unexpected twist, exploring themes like paranoia, dystopia, and the darker side of the human condition.
The show has been rebooted several times, most recently in 2019, but nothing compares to the original — it’s the gold standard of anthologies.
Like many of the great series on this list, picking a favorite episode is nearly impossible because so many of them are downright freaky. But one of my all-time favorites has to be The Masks.
In this chilling tale, a dying man forces his greedy heirs to wear grotesque masks that reveal their true, twisted selves. It’s an eerie episode that’ll stick with you — those masks are pure nightmare fuel.
But if we’re talking about the scariest, hands down, it’s It’s a Good Life.
Kids are creepy enough in horror, but this episode takes it to a whole new level.
It’s about a little boy with terrifying powers who controls everything in a small, isolated town. You’ll be unsettled long after watching this one.
There are plenty more iconic episodes that deserve a mention, like Nightmare at 20,000 Feet, starring a young William Shatner, Time Enough at Last, Caesar and Me, and Living Doll.
Honestly, you could make a night of it and binge the whole series — and I’d say do the same with Night Gallery while you’re at it!
The Twilight Zone continues to be revered for its brilliant storytelling and unique blend of horror and science fiction, making it an absolute must-watch for anyone who loves thought-provoking, classic horror.
Watch The Twilight Zone Online
Anthologies to Die For!
From well-known classics like The Twilight Zone and Tales from the Crypt to hidden low-budget gems, these 17 anthologies offer something for every kind of horror fan.
Whether you crave psychological twists, supernatural chills, or campy fun, these collections are packed with tales that will leave you wanting more.
Now that you’ve seen my must-watch list, what are your favorite horror anthologies? Did I miss any bone-chilling picks? Drop your recommendations in the comments — I’d love to hear your thoughts!