Best-Reviewed TV Horror 2018

It was a great year for horror in general, but particularly in the number and quality of horror series on TV. Netflix’s viral hit The Haunting of Hill House, Hulu’s Stephen King anthology Castle Rock, and the category winner, AMC’s breathtaking survival horror series The Terror, all make for stellar examples of the genre.

The order of the rank below reflects the Adjusted Score as of December 31, 2018. Scores might change over time.

The Terror: Season 1 (2018)
94%

#1

Adjusted Score: 98757%

Critics Consensus: A thriller wrapped in a prestige drama package, The Terror makes for gripping, atmospheric supernatural horror.

Starring: Jared Harris, Tobias Menzies, Ciarán Hinds, Paul Ready

Directed By: Tim Mielants, Edward Berger, Sergio Mimica-Gezzan

The Haunting of Hill House: Miniseries (2018)
93%

#2

Adjusted Score: 100561%

Critics Consensus: The Haunting of Hill House is an effective ghost story whose steadily mounting anticipation is just as satisfying as its chilling payoff.

Starring: Michiel Huisman, Carla Gugino, Timothy Hutton, Elizabeth Reaser

Directed By: Mike Flanagan, Trevor Macy, Meredith Averill, Justin Falvey

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina: Part 1 (2018)
92%

#3

Adjusted Score: 99726%

Critics Consensus: Bewitchingly beautiful and wickedly macabre, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina casts an intoxicating spell and provides a perfect showcase for Kiernan Shipka's magical talents.

Starring: Kiernan Shipka, Miranda Otto, Lucy Davis, Ross Lynch

Directed By: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Jon Goldwater

The Walking Dead: Season 9 (2018)
89%

#4

Adjusted Score: 89893%

Critics Consensus: Nine seasons in, The Walking Dead feels more alive than ever, with heightened tension and a refreshed pace that rejuvenates this long-running franchise.

Starring: Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Lauren Cohan, Danai Gurira

Directed By: Frank Darabont, Greg Nicotero, Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd

Castle Rock: Season 1 (2018)
87%

#5

Adjusted Score: 92256%

Critics Consensus: A meticulously crafted mystery brimming with allusions, Castle Rock is bound to please even the pickiest of Stephen King fans -- though mileage may vary for casual viewers.

Starring: André Holland, Sissy Spacek, Bill Skarsgård, Scott Glenn

Directed By: Sam Shaw, Dustin Thomason, J.J. Abrams, Ben Stephenson