Horror often gets a reputation for jump scares, gore, and relentless tension, which can understandably be intimidating for many viewers. But what if you want the thrill and intrigue of the stories without diving into a full-on scare fest? Luckily, plenty of series blend suspense, supernatural, psychological drama, and even humor, making them a tad more approachable.
From The Terrorto Wednesday, these shows deliver dark, atmospheric narratives while keeping the storytelling engaging for anyone, even those who don’t usually watch the genre. Some lean more toward mystery, thriller, or drama than straight-up terror, but they still capture the essence of the genre (and are classified as such). This list focuses on exactly those kinds of series — the best horror shows for non-horror fans that offer them a way to explore the genre on their own terms.
10
‘The Terror’ (2018–2025)
Featuring a rotating ensemble cast over its anthology seasons, The Terror boasts powerful performances that contribute to its unique story — a blend of historical drama with supernatural horror. The first season, for one, is a fictionalized account inspired by the real-life Franklin Expedition, focusing on a doomed Arctic voyage where the crew faces deadly cold, starvation, and a mysterious supernatural threat.
Equal parts atmospheric and cerebral, The Terror is accessible to both horror newbies and fans of the genre, favoring suspense over cheap thrills and pushing the boundaries of the genre by anchoring its scares in historical narratives and character studies, drawing on true events and amplifying them with supernatural dread. Instead of relying solely on monsters, it explores the horrors of isolation, survival, and the darkness within human nature.
9
‘Midnight Mass’ (2021)
Although other Mike Flanagan shows could’ve taken the spot, Midnight Massstands out as his most haunting and deeply personal work, and also one of his most accessible. Set on remote Crockett Island, it unfolds as the arrival of a charismatic new priest sparks a wave of miraculous events in the struggling community. At its center is Riley (Zach Gilford), a man wrestling with guilt and loss, and the townspeople who confront faith and fear.
Instead of a scare fest, Midnight Mass is far more a character-driven drama and philosophical/spiritual exploration, though it still delivers unsettling moments and a haunting atmosphere that reminds you you’re watching a Flanagan horror. What really sets it apart, though, is how it rises above typical genre tropes, offering a layered story that sticks with you long after the credits roll, and its refreshing take on the vampire subgenre.
8
‘Evil’ (2019–2024)
Starring Katja Herbers as a skeptical forensic psychologist, Mike Colter as a Catholic seminarian, and Aasif Mandvi as a pragmatic technology contractor, Evilfollows their investigations as they examine unexplained phenomena that blur the lines between science and the supernatural. By exploring the tension between faith and skepticism, the show offers a suspenseful take on horror that’s equal parts thought-provoking and chilling.
Evil stands out because it’s not merely about scares, but about questioning the nature of evil and belief. Anchored by strong performances and a sophisticated, highly entertaining narrative, the show delivers creepy, unsettling cases while weaving in sharp writing, memorable characters, and just the right amount of dry humor. The result? A series that’s spooky, smart, and surprisingly fun. So if you’re wondering whether it’s worth your time, the answer is definitely yes—especially if you like your horror with brains.
7
‘Supernatural’ (2005–2020)
Revolving around the Winchester brothers, Sam and Dean, played by Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles in memorable performances, Supernaturalfollows the siblings as they embark on a journey entwined with family ties across the United States, hunting demons, ghosts, monsters, and other mythological creatures.
Horror superficially drives Supernatural‘s plot, but its core themes delve much deeper, exploring good versus evil, family, destiny, and the human struggle with grief and personal sacrifice. While it’s technically part of the category, its frequent genre-blending keeps non-horror fans engaged, without drowning them in gore or constant terror. Layer in its occasional humor and playful pop culture nods, and it’s no wonder the show has cultivated such a devoted fanbase. More than just scares, Supernatural is about family, resilience, and human connection.
6
‘The X-Files’ (1993–2018)
Following FBI agents Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) as they investigate the “X-Files,” unsolved cases involving strange phenomena, unexplained occurrences, and a few things that go bump in the night, this 1993 series has understandably become one of the most beloved in the sci-fi mystery genre for a handful of reasons.
Part of The X-Files‘ appeal lies with its genre blend. Looking for a science fiction series? A mystery? A thriller? A supernatural series with occasional horror? A comedy, even, in some episodes? X-Files has got you covered. Naturally, this also means that non-horror enthusiasts are never stuck with just the scary stuff—some episodes feel more like detective stories and buddy comedies; sometimes even touching dramas that tackle loss and belief. It’s not a scary series in the traditional sense—it’s more eerie, suspenseful, and curious instead of downright frightful. Add it to the fact that it’s a pioneering entry in television, and it’s not easy to understand why it’s a fan favorite even among non-horror fans.
5
‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ (1997–2003)
Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar in an iconic performance that went on to define a generation of teen horror and cement her status as a cultural icon, Buffy the Vampire Slayerfollows a high school student secretly destined to fight vampires, demons, and other supernatural threats in the town of Sunnydale. With the help of her friends and Watcher, Buffy tries to navigate normal teenage life with her Slayer responsibilities.
Yes, Buffy is rooted in supernatural horror. However, the show explores themes of empowerment, friendship, self-discovery, and sacrifice in a way that feels more relatable than frightening, using its monsters as metaphors for real-life issues. At its heart, it’s the perfect entry point into horror for non-horror fans, keeping the stories accessible and engaging even for those who usually avoid the genre. By doing so, it has redefined what horror can be and thus appealed to a broad audience, transcending the usual conventions of the category.
4
‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ (2018–2020)
Kiernan Shipka is front and center in Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, a quirky and undeniably charming supernatural series that reimagines the life of Sabrina Spellman, a half-witch, half-mortal teenager living in the mysterious town of Greendale. Torn between her everyday mortal existence and her duties within the magical world, Sabrina must face existential questions and typical teen drama, with the devil and demonic curses thrown in to spice things up.
For fans of the streaming platform’s recent hit Wednesday, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is the perfect watch. It’s dark, atmospheric, and stylish, with a powerful female teen lead at its center. Beyond that, it pairs horror tropes with witty writing and compelling storytelling (though it arguably fell off a bit during later seasons). That said, anyone who loves stories with magic, drama, and just the right dose of chills will probably enjoy this supernatural soap.
3
‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (2019–2024)
Although What We Do in the Shadowsis technically labeled as horror (hence why we decided to include it on this list), it leans way more toward a mockumentary sitcom that’s more likely to make you laugh than actually scare you. The plot follows the daily misadventures of four centuries-old vampires living together in modern-day Staten Island, with a twist: instead of spending their eternal lives brooding in castles, they squabble over chores and bicker about love and snacks.
It’s safe to say that the subversive and deliciously original What We Do in the Shadows is a safe watch for those who squirm at the thought of the very beloved horror genre; here, the scares come in the form of botched spells or awkward dinner parties. So, if you’re into absurdist and quirky comedies and old-fashioned vampires (minus the scary part) and don’t care much for horror besides the occasional fang, this is certainly your show.
2
‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)
Boasting a vibrant young cast led by Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven, Stranger Thingstransports audiences to the 1980s, specifically to the small town of Hawkins, Indiana. The highly engaging and well-crafted narrative follows a group of kids and adults as they uncover otherworldly mysteries after disturbing experiments open a gateway to a shadowy dimension, unleashing terrifying creatures into their world.
If you’re looking for a spooky version of The Goonies, Stranger Things is a great match. Those who love horror classics—including off-putting, borderline-repulsive creatures—but don’t want to commit to relentless scares will likely find that this fan-favorite show will keep them up at night for all the right reasons. Coupled with its 1980s callbacks, the Netflix series appeals to a wide audience: those who wish they had lived in that era and those who actually did (and love the series’ nostalgic value).
1
‘Wednesday’ (2022–)
Following Wednesday Addams’ years as a Nevermore Academy student, where she attempts to master her emerging psychic ability and thwart a killing spree, this global hit stars Jenna Ortega in a now-iconic lead role. While the series is definitely steeped in the Gothic and macabre, though, Wednesday excels in its execution of genre blending, with supernatural fantasy at its center, dark comedy anchoring its character-driven plot, and mystery all over.
Wednesday is far from pure horror, but it still delivers eerie charm and macabre moments to keep fans and non-fans of the genre hooked. It’s the kind of show you reach for when Halloween is around the corner, and you want something spooky but not nightmare-inducing. With mild scares and a visually creative world-building, this fresh coming-of-age series is spooky, stylish, and relentlessly witty, making for the perfect choice for those who want supernatural fun without sacrificing the comfort of a good laugh and a few touching moments.
