Animation is one of the top forms of media that can introduce fans to fantastic worlds and exciting stories that take viewers on thrill rides of shock and awe. Horror and suspense is a genre that thrives in animation when executed correctly; animation excels in echoing fear and suspense with intricate storytelling and striking visuals. Time after time, dozens of spooky animated series are released that chill fans to the bone and raise the hairs on the back of the neck effortlessly while also providing a joyful watching experience.
The horror genre of animation is a highly underrated source of entertainment from extremely talented studios and artists that more than meet expectations. Here are some of the best spooky animated horror series to watch if you’re looking for something fresh and new.
6 Spawn
Spawn is a comic book superhero created by Todd McFarlane and is the flagship character of the universe McFarlane created. In 1997, the hell-born hero crossed over to animation after a successful comic book run; the series was a dark and visceral story that explored the accolades and deeper motivations of the character.
Spawn has always been a dark-themed character, but the show went all in on the demonic aspects of the character and what being back from hell truly feels like for the former soldier, Al Simmons. The brilliant writing, paired with the excellent performance by Keith David, brought the character to life in a truly memorable way.
5 Courage The Cowardly Dog
Courage The Cowardly Dog follows the household pet dog of Muriel and Eustace Bagge. Together, the family of three live in the middle of nowhere and are constantly plagued by horrific and supernatural occurrences.
Being the loyal companion he is, Courage takes it upon himself to protect his family by any means necessary; this involves Courage sometimes having to rescue Muriel and Eustace from killer alien chickens or fending off a thousand-year-old ancient spirit who seeks revenge on those who wronged them. Courage constantly puts his life on the line in a series of unnerving tales against things that go bump in the night.
4 Castlevania
The Castlevania franchise has been a top horror competitor since its creation in 1986 by Hitoshi Akamatsu as a video game for the Nintendo Entertainment System. Since, the Castlevania franchise has exploded into a number of different media, most recently, an animated series that debuted on Netflix. The series' story follows Trevor Belmont, Sypha, and Alucard on a mission to rid the world of the vampire king, Dracula.
While on a rampage to wipe out the human race after the death of his wife, Dracula’s son, Alucard, awakens to stop him. Alucard joins up with a famous demon hunter, Trevor Belmont, and the sorceress Sypha and takes on hordes of night beasts and bloodthirsty vampires to save the world and put Dracula to rest.
3 Trese
Trese is a series that is focused around Philippine folklore and the mystical creatures of that culture; it was based on the award-winning comic series written by Budjette Tan and drawn by Kajo Baldisimo.
The story accompanies a young girl named Alexandra, who has taken her father's place as a bridge between the human world and the supernatural underbelly to keep the two separate. Alexandra is an intelligent investigator and highly skilled fighter who has earned the respect of some of the most powerful creatures in Manila. The show possesses incredible animation, voiceover, and storytelling that completely enthralls viewers in the plot.
2 Owl House
The Owl House is one of the most incredible animated series of the last decade. Spearheaded by Dana Terrace, Owl House is an amazing mix of fantasy and horror that takes viewers on a fantastical ride of magic, demons, and friendship. Luz Noceda is a young girl who stumbles into the demon realm and finds herself assisting a powerful Witch with an eccentric attitude.
Together they go on magnificent adventures discovering new secrets about the demon world and themselves in the process. Luz finds a new home in the demon world and feels genuinely seen while attempting to follow her dream of becoming a witch with Eda’s help; the way the series explores the characters is both moving and expertly told.
1 Love Death And Robots
Love, Death and Robots is a brilliant collection of animated shorts that explore numerous avenues of fiction; from fantasy to sci-fi, Love, Death and Robots tells an interesting story every episode, introducing the viewer to an entirely new world with every beginning. Horror is a constantly explored genre in the show's three seasons, diving into everything from intergalactic monsters to Lovecraft-inspired monstrosities.
Each tale told in Love, Death and Robots immerses viewers with deep character work and unique, original concepts that expand upon popular genres. The show does more than give momentary interest and leaves lasting impressions, with most viewers clamoring for more. Love, Death and Robots has recently announced a fourth season with Netflix.