Top 10 Animated Horror TV Shows You Need to Watch

Horror is a well-known genre that requires a particular type of storytelling, and it turns out some of the best horror TV shows are animated. Though animation brings to mind a younger audience, plenty of animated shows and movies aren't suited for children because they are made to frighten and intrigue adult audiences. If anything, horror always has a place in the animation genre because there are fewer limitations on what can be shown onscreen.

A quality horror television show must have innovative art styles, complex character development, and nuanced takes on morality and darkness.

Horror TV shows can sometimes be scarier than movies, and animated ones can take it up a notch with visuals that make the stories even more terrifying. Anime, a significant part of animation, has produced some of the best series on TV, horror-themed or not. For a horror TV show to stand out, it needs to have unique art styles, deep character development, and explore complex themes of morality and darkness.

Tales From The Cryptkeeper (1993 - 1999)

The Cryptkeeper shares tales of monsters and ghouls that aren't too distressing to younger audiences.

The animated series of the Crypt Keeper in Tales From The Crypt Keeper - The Cryptkeeper shares tales of monsters and ghouls that aren't too distressing to younger audiences. - Tales From The Cryptkeeper (1993 - 1999)

The animated series Tales From The Cryptkeeper, inspired by the live-action series Tales From The Crypt, offers a lighter and less graphic take on horror stories. The Cryptkeeper serves as the narrator, sharing spooky tales from his haunted mansion with the audience. It's a great introduction to the horror genre for kids, complete with moral lessons at the end of each episode. However, adults can also appreciate the series for its clever humor and references. Overall, Tales From The Cryptkeeper plays an important role in engaging younger audiences with storytelling in the horror genre.

Watch Tales From The Cryptkeeper on Prime Video.

The Owl House (2020 - 2023)

A young witch learns about the power of friendship and accepting others.

Titan Luz surrounded by glyphs in The Owl House finale - A young witch learns about the power of friendship and accepting others. - The Owl House (2020 - 2023)

Many fans were left wondering why The Owl House was canceled after season 3, despite its success and high quality. Unfortunately, the show did not attract enough viewers as there isn't much demand for family-friendly horror series. However, the seasons that were produced did a great job blending horror and fantasy elements in a coming-of-age story. The main character, Luz, is a human who finds herself in the Demon Realm, where magic and monsters are part of everyday life. The series received praise for its LGBTQ+ representation and for making horror enjoyable for all audiences.

Don't miss out on watching The Owl House on Disney+!

Gargoyles (1994 - 1997)

Ancient stone guardians take on modern challenges and updated evils in New York City.

Goliath from Gargoyles with glowing eyes - Ancient stone guardians take on modern challenges and updated evils in New York City. - Gargoyles (1994 - 1997)

Gargoyles was a departure from the usual light-hearted Disney animated shows when it was released. Its dark and mythic tone set it apart, making it a surprising addition to the lineup. Despite this, the show has gained a dedicated following and is now considered a cult classic in the world of animation. The gritty visual style and serious exploration of crime in New York captivated audiences. The gargoyles, though intimidating in appearance, are actually the protectors of the city, defending it against evil forces. Gargoyles broke new ground by pushing boundaries and expanding the possibilities of animated TV shows.

Love Death + Robots (2019 - )

A horror anthology series tackling sci-fi, mythology, and legend.

Love, Death & Robots (2019-Present) - A horror anthology series tackling sci-fi, mythology, and legend. - Love Death + Robots (2019 - )

Love Death + Robots has often been compared to Netflix's Black Mirror, but it stands out in its own right as an animated horror anthology. While both shows delve into violence and dystopian themes, Love Death + Robots offers a unique experience that goes beyond just horror. Some critics argue that the animation techniques overshadow the storytelling, but each episode brings something fresh and unpredictable to the table, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Primal (2019 - )

Man and prehistoric monster become allies in a terrifying reimagining of Earth's past.

Spear riding atop his T. Rex named Fang as they fight a pair of hominids. - Man and prehistoric monster become allies in a terrifying reimagining of Earth's past. - Primal (2019 - )

Genndy Tartakovsky, the brilliant mind behind Primal, is known for his exceptional animation skills. This series follows his signature style of using action and visuals to narrate the story. Despite some speculation about Primal being set in the future, it actually unfolds in a fictional ancient era where dinosaurs and humans form an unlikely alliance. With minimal dialogue, Primal showcases the power of animation in conveying emotions and plot. While it includes moments of horror and high-intensity scenes, the show's strength lies in its ability to explore deep and meaningful themes without relying solely on these elements.

Devilman Crybaby (2018)

The most recent adaptation of a brilliant manga series.

Akira merges with Amon and becomes Devilman from Devilman Crybaby. - The most recent adaptation of a brilliant manga series. - Devilman Crybaby (2018)

When a demon takes over teenager Akira's body, he discovers he has powers to become a hero. But his friend Ryo has different ideas for using this new divine energy. Devilman Crybaby impresses with its seamless blend of human and demon worlds collapsing. The show excels in depicting the journey into chaos and liberation throughout the episodes. By merging gory and biblical elements with modern themes of identity and representation, the series goes beyond traditional genre and audience expectations.

Watch Devilman Crybaby on Netflix.

Courage The Cowardly Dog (1999 - 2002)

A subversive exploration of horror conventions in a surreal comedic package.

Courage on the computer in Courage the Cowardly Dog. - A subversive exploration of horror conventions in a surreal comedic package. - Courage The Cowardly Dog (1999 - 2002)

Castlevania (2017 - 2021)

Castlevania is a popular animated series that aired from 2017 to 2021. Just like Cartoon Network's Courage The Cowardly Dog, Castlevania is known for its unique blend of horror and dark humor. The show manages to captivate viewers of all ages by exploring the eerie and surreal aspects of everyday life. Through its clever use of horror film references, Castlevania introduces a new generation to the subversion of traditional genre tropes.

A chilling twist on the battle between monsters and those sworn to hunt them.

Dracula from Castlevania - A chilling twist on the battle between monsters and those sworn to hunt them. - Castlevania (2017 - 2021)

Todd McFarlane's Spawn (1997 - 1999)

Todd McFarlane's Spawn, a television series from 1997 to 1999, brings a dark and gritty take on the superhero genre. With its unique blend of supernatural elements and anti-hero protagonist, Spawn offers a fresh and captivating story for viewers. The animation style is visually stunning, creating a haunting atmosphere that perfectly complements the dark themes of the show. Additionally, the voice acting is top-notch, bringing depth and emotion to the characters. Overall, Todd McFarlane's Spawn is a must-watch for fans of dark, edgy storytelling in the superhero genre.

A man struggles to keep the forces of good and evil at bay and attempts to regain his previous life.

Todd McFarlane's Spawn - A man struggles to keep the forces of good and evil at bay and attempts to regain his previous life. - Todd McFarlane's Spawn (1997 - 1999)

When Al Simmons returns to Earth as a Hellspawn, an agent of hell, after his death, he quickly realizes that his reincarnation is not what he expected. He is a mix of anti-hero, vigilante, and demon, which attracts trouble and monsters, leading to battles between heaven and hell that he wants no part of.

Spawn continues to be underrated, serving as an early example of a truly frightening and mature animated show. It goes beyond just violence, delving into profound truths about humanity.

Watch Spawn on HBO Max.

Attack On Titan (2013 - 2023)

A dark adaptation of one of the best-known mangas of all time.

Eren Jaeger's Attack Titan Form From Attack on Titan - A dark adaptation of one of the best-known mangas of all time. - Attack On Titan (2013 - 2023)

The ending of Attack on Titan may leave you puzzled after its complex storytelling, but it's definitely a show worth delving into. Regarded as one of the greatest animated series ever, it goes beyond just action and Titans to explore deep themes. What sets it apart is the character development of Eren Jaeger and his struggle with destiny. The series isn't afraid to address heavy topics while showing the harsh realities of war. Watching it may not be easy, but it has left a lasting impact on the world of animation.

Watch Attack on Titan on Hulu and Crunchyroll.

Editor's P/S:

The article presents a compelling exploration of the horror genre in animated television, highlighting the unique storytelling possibilities and the ability of these shows to push boundaries in both content and style. The inclusion of specific examples, such as "Tales From The Cryptkeeper" and "Love Death + Robots," illustrates the diversity and creativity within this genre, while the discussion of complex character development, innovative art styles, and nuanced takes on morality adds depth to the analysis.

Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the horror genre in animated television, showcasing its ability to captivate audiences with its unique blend of fear, intrigue, and thought-provoking themes. It also sheds light on the underrated potential of animation in the horror genre, highlighting the ability of these shows to explore dark and mature content in a visually captivating and engaging manner.