In case your dream weekend involves subjecting your eyeballs to abject horror coupled with a never-leaving-your-bed situation, then we have some suggestions for you. Specifically, some great horror shows to watch when you are awake all night. So, without further ado here is our list of the 5 scariest, bloodiest, most disturbing and nightmare-inducing horror shows to watch on Netflix, Amazon prime, Hotstar and various other OTT platforms.
Oh, we forgot to tell you some of these are actually based on true stories so if sleep is on your mind, heads-up because you will probably never be closing your eyes again!
1. The Haunting of Hill House
Based on the famous novel by Shirley Jackson, this series adapted by Mike Flanagan is an anthropology supernatural horror show to watch and gossip about. The plot hugely alternates between two timelines and follows 5 adult siblings whose experiences at the Hill House continue to haunt them in the present day. Besides being bone-chillingly scary this series boasts of some fascinating characters who are filled with grief and darkness and deal with it in their own unique ways. Apart from the storyline, the show’s cinematography and the actor’s performances is something to root for in this one-of-a-kind supernatural show spanning 10 episodes.
Streaming Platform – Netflix
2. Bates Motel
The life of Norman Bates as a teenage psychopath with serious mommy issues is now documented in a thrilling TV show by the name “Bates Motel”. From acquiring the notorious motel to his first kill, there is not a single dull moment between Norman and his twisted mother. Besides having hooked people due to its killer storyline this horror show to watch also boasts of some Emmy Nominated performances by Vera Farmiga as Norma Bates, Freddie Highmore as Norman Bates and Max Theroist as Dylan (Norman’s half-brother)
The show over the course of its 5 seasons also touches on some important topics such as the importance of family bonding and mental health issues with absolutely stunning visuals.
Streaming platform – Amazon Prime
3. American Horror Story
Haunted houses where residents go to die, asylums far from usual, freak shows and seedy motels are generally the common ingredients of horror story tropes and perhaps worked as fodder material in Ryan Murphy’s long-lived anthropology series that culminated in one of the best horror shows to watch out for. Each season of this stunning horror series takes on its own tone, though the USP of the American Horror Story is its flawed female characters who reject normative female ideals and take on the betrayals they have faced as women head-on. Apart from the feminist themes, the show’s multi-dimensional approach, mesmerising score and the actor’s comic timings are sure to stay long after you have completed the series.
Streaming platform – Hotstar
4. Marianne
A French series that has won the coveted 100% on Rotten tomatoes is definitely a must-watch for all horror enthusiasts. This horror show to watch is actually a bit twisted and centers around the show’s protagonist, author Emma Larsimon, who actually got famous by writing a series of horror novels in which her protagonist is locked in a dreadful battle with an all-time scary villain by the name Marianne. Finally, when Emma publishes the last novel, she resolves to leave the horror world forever. However, the very Marianne who inspired her novels comes to life and starts haunting the real world.
The show, apart from having a fascinating storyline, has some strong female characters who lock horns with the devil himself. The show’s cinematography, bone-chilling visuals and Mireille Herbstmeyer’s acting as Madame Daugeron are sure to keep you up all night.
Streaming Platform – Netflix
5. The Exorcist
Fox’s longform take on William Friedkin’s classic novel is undoubtedly beyond the normal horror one finds on television. For instance, the first season majorly focuses on two badass priests who try to prevent one family from descending into total hellish chaos. The show’s riveting and surprisingly touching roller-coaster ride is actually quite lovable even if a bit gross. One of the prime reasons it is a horror show to watch is due to the diversity the show has launched in the demon-hunting world along with changing the narrative by introducing a new story, fresh characters and actors who now have more substantial story lines. In fact, to keep up the pace, the showrunners have decided to introduce different possession stories in each season so, in a way, a variety of sub-genres will be explored in the Exorcist this time around.
Streaming Platform – Hotstar
So, this was our list of the top 5 horror shows to watch tonight. Most of these shows have taken the internet by storm and are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat as well. Nevertheless, with the COVID-19 pandemic raging across the world no amount of horror is ever enough, so go ahead and stream your favorite pick today!
