100 Best Horror Novels of All Time

Explore the darkest corners of literature with this curated list of the 100 best horror novels that will keep you up at night.

Cover of Beloved

Beloved

4.4

A haunting tale of a former slave's life, 'Beloved' is a powerful exploration of memory, trauma, and the enduring bonds of love and family.

Cover of The Road

The Road

4.2

A father and son journey through a desolate, post-apocalyptic landscape, facing unimaginable challenges in a world stripped of hope. This Pu…

Cover of Come Closer

Come Closer

4.4

A chilling tale of psychological horror that blurs the line between reality and nightmare, leaving readers questioning what's truly lurking …

Cover of The Shining

The Shining

4.3

A family's winter retreat at the isolated Overlook Hotel turns into a nightmare as dark forces awaken, threatening their sanity and lives.

Cover of Dracula

Dracula

4.1

A chilling tale of vampiric horror that reflects the anxieties of late 19th-century society, with London as the true heart of darkness.

Cover of The Passage

The Passage

4.3

An epic tale of survival and catastrophe, 'The Passage' follows Amy, a girl with mysterious powers, as she navigates a post-apocalyptic worl…

Cover of Coraline

Coraline

4.2

Coraline discovers a hidden door in her new home that leads to a disturbing parallel world where a sinister 'other mother' awaits her.

Cover of Bird Box

Bird Box

4.1

In a world where seeing the unseen drives people to deadly violence, a mother and her children embark on a harrowing journey blindfolded, fa…

Cover of It

It

3.7

Seven adults return to their haunted hometown to confront a childhood nightmare that has resurfaced, battling an ancient evil lurking in the…

Cover of The Turn of the Screw

The Turn of the Screw

4.0

A haunting tale of ambiguity and psychological suspense, The Turn of the Screw challenges readers to question the nature of reality and the …

Cover of Carrion Comfort

Carrion Comfort

4.4

A chilling exploration of humanity's darkest impulses, where one man uncovers a secret society behind the world's most horrific events, rede…

Cover of Zone One

Zone One

3.5

In a post-apocalyptic Manhattan, a man battles both the living dead and his own demons in a chilling tale of survival and psychological stre…

Cover of Dread Nation

Dread Nation

4.2

In a world overrun by the undead, Jane McKeene, a skilled combatant from Miss Preston's School, uncovers a conspiracy that threatens her com…

Cover of Hell House

Hell House

4.1

Enter the most haunted house on Earth, where four strangers dare to uncover its darkest secrets and confront unimaginable horrors.

The definition of scary varies from person to person, but what unites all lovers of horror is the thrill that these novels inspire. From ghosts and haunted houses to serial killers and cosmic horrors, this list delves into the most chilling and terrifying stories ever written. Whether you're a fan of classic gothic tales, modern psychological thrillers, or supernatural mysteries, there's something here to send shivers down your spine. Each book on this list has been carefully selected for its ability to evoke fear, suspense, and a deep sense of unease. From Mary Shelley's Frankenstein to modern masterpieces like Joe Hill's NOS4A2, these novels represent the best of the horror genre. So, if you're ready to face your fears and dive into the darkest recesses of the human imagination, this list is the perfect place to start. Happy reading!

Source: https://reedsy.com/discovery/blog/best-horror-books