It’s October, and although horror is a genre I typically close my eyes and skip past, this year I’ve decided to join in on the Halloween fun and watch a few paranormal shows. For me, ghosts, aliens, and other supernatural oddities are somehow less frightening—and less likely to keep me up at night—than clowns or dolls that come to life. That’s why I was actually able to make it through these particular series—ones that, to my surprise, had great plots and were genuinely enjoyable to watch.
`1. Stranger Things (2016-2025)
Where to Watch: Netflix
If you haven’t already seen this series or if it’s been a while since you last watched, now would be a great time to catch up on this epic series, as the fifth and final season is set to be released later this year. Unlike the other season releases, this season will be broken into three different chunks, the first releasing on November 26, the second on December 25, and the final one dropping on December 31. Does Netflix have a specific reason for releasing each one so close to a big holiday? I assume it has something to do with the amount of views they will get while people are off, but I think it’s also a way of bringing the vibe of the show into the release. Even though Stranger Things is a blend of supernatural mystery, science fiction, and horror, beneath all of that are deep, heartfelt moments between a group of amazing characters in a small town known as Hawkins. This small town feel blends well with big family holidays.
At first, it might not seem like a show for everyone, taking place in the 1980s and revolving around an otherworld known as the upside down, where monsters roam–but it’s the type of show that just draws anyone in. The arcs of the relationships in this show are unlike anything that Netflix has ever produced; they are authentic and portrayed with a depth that few shows or actors achieve. The story is one that will keep you on your toes and dying to know what happens in the next episode. This show is truly one of the most memorable paranormal shows of the recent decade.
2. The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
Where to Watch: Netflix
Another Netflix original that I think surprised everyone with its deep storytelling was this ghost story/family drama about a haunted mansion created by Mike Flanagan. The show is a good mix of frightening yet gripping, with a story that really leaves you guessing. It’s a series that follows two timelines, one in the past that shows a family that moves into the haunted Hill House, and all of the unpleasant spirit-filled events that made them leave, and then one in the present that follows the adult siblings trying to deal with the trauma from a childhood of spooky encounters. One part that I wasn’t particularly a fan of, but anyone who likes jump scares would love, is the number of shots where there is a terrifying ghost hanging out in the background. The family could be playing a board game in broad daylight, and in the dark corner, there’s Fred, the not-so-friendly ghost.
There is a total of ten episodes, and even though there is technically no sequel, they did release a spin-off series titled The Haunting of Bly Manor. The spiritual successor that follows an au pair played by Victoria Pedretti is also pretty great and is certainly worth a watch. Even though both stories are amazingly well-written, they don’t exactly leave one with the happy feels after watching. So…don’t say I didn’t warn you!
3. The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)
Where to Watch: Netflix
I apologize for another Netflix show that just happens to be created by the same genius, Mike Flanagan, but apparently, he is a master at creating the best haunted series because he has created several. This one in particular really caught my attention at first because it was inspired by Edgar Allan Poe. The story follows two siblings, Roderick and Madeline Usher, who are joint owners of a pharmaceutical empire known as Fortunato Pharmaceuticals. The cool thing is that every episode is a take on a different story from Poe, including classics like The Tell-Tale Heart and The Masque of the Red Death.
Similar to Flanagan’s other work, this show does a great job at blending the horror aspect with an in-depth story filled with emotional payoff. In addition, it includes an amazing cast, most of whom did surprisingly well at playing pretty awful, morally questionable people. My favorite performance was by Carla Gugino, who plays Verna. If you grew up in the 2000s, you’d probably remember Carla most as being the mother/spy in the original Spy Kids franchise. I wouldn’t say her role in this is similar, being that she is essentially the supernatural manifestation of karma, but she still shines in it.
4. Supernatural (2005-2020)
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime
If you are looking for a paranormal show that you can watch for months and months past October, perhaps you should check on the most iconic one of all–Supernatural. With a total of 15 seasons and 327 episodes, this show might be the longest-running of its kind, and honestly, I get it–if you are familiar with the two male leads, you probably do too. I mean, who wouldn’t want to watch Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles for 15 seasons?
Besides the lovable brothers that the show centers around, it also has an awesome plot. It starts with two brothers traveling around hunting down ghosts and various other paranormal threats, and morphs into something else entirely. It goes down a path of exploring a supernatural apocalypse between good and bad, exploring other realms, and even a little dash of parallel universes.
While I wouldn’t exactly place it into the horror category, especially the later seasons, which lean more towards the mythology aspect rather than the fear factor(no reference to the show), it still has a heavy focus on all things paranormal.
5. Evil (2019-2025)
Where to Watch: Paramount+
Another show that involves the investigation of hauntings, possessions, and other strange phenomena is this newer series created by Robert and Michelle King. And no, somehow they have no relation to Stephen King, even though they all seem to have the same ability to create a paranormal masterpiece.
Each episode in this four-season series involves a trio that works for the Catholic Church, examining a different report of some sort of supernatural occurrence. So think CSI–but creepier. This is another series that focuses heavily on the story and examines the line between good and evil without having to add in a bunch of unnecessary gore. I love the psychological suspense and how the show keeps you guessing on what’s real and what isn’t. A few notable cast members include Katja Herbers from Westworld and Michael Emerson, who you might remember as the ultimate villain in Lost—and let’s just say, he might continue on the evil train in this series.
Those are my picks for the best (and less terrifying/gory) paranormal shows to watch this Halloween season! If you are already a fan of Mike Flanagan and have been wondering if he has anything new on the horizon, you are in luck. Although, if you are a Netflix person like me–maybe not as much. Flanagan has recently moved platforms, with most of his releases now taking place on Amazon Prime. One of his most notable upcoming works is the TV series adaptation of Stephen King’s most iconic movie/novel, Carrie–the series is currently wrapping up production and could end up having a 2026 release. And if you are into superhero villains, you’ll be pleased to know he is currently writing a movie about the Batman villain Clayface, and there is an expected release in September 2026.
