Get Ready to Be Terrified: 20 Spine-Chilling Horror Stories That Will Keep You Up At Night

Halloween may have come and gone, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on spooky season. In fact, there’s never a wrong time to indulge in some frightening tales of horror that will send shivers down your spine – especially if you’re the type of person who enjoys the thrill of the macabre.

The Psychology of Horror

As humans, we have always been fascinated by fear, whether it’s the fear of the unknown or the fear of death itself. Horror stories tap into this basic psychological instinct, and some of the best tales are those that haunt us long after we have finished reading them.

The Art of Storytelling

A great horror story isn’t just about jump scares and gore; it’s about crafting a narrative that draws readers in, only to unleash something terrifying and unexpected. Whether the story is supernatural, psychological or simply horrifying in its realism, a truly memorable horror tale will make you want to turn on all the lights and check under the bed.

20 Spine-Chilling Horror Stories

So, whether you’re an avid horror addict or just dipping your toes into the genre, here are 20 spine-chilling horror stories that will keep you up at night:

1. The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe

This classic tale of terror by the master of suspense himself follows the descent of an unnamed narrator into madness and murder. Through the vivid, first-person narrative, we are taken on a chilling journey as the narrator becomes increasingly haunted by his own crime, until ultimately he can’t take it anymore.

2. The Lottery by Shirley Jackson

This short story takes place in a small New England town, where every year they conduct “The Lottery”. But whoever is chosen as the winner doesn’t get a prize – they get stoned to death by the other members of the community. It’s a haunting commentary on the brutality of mob mentality.

3. The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs

A family makes a wish on a cursed monkey’s paw, and are forced to face the terrible consequences. This gripping tale of supernatural horror reminds us to be careful what we wish for.

4. The Dunwich Horror by H.P. Lovecraft

A classic tale of cosmic horror, this story by Lovecraft chronicles the attempts of a professor and his student to confront the otherworldly horror that emerges from the woods of Dunwich.

5. The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

This eerie tale follows a woman who is confined to a room by her husband, where she becomes increasingly obsessed with the strange, yellow wallpaper in the room. It’s a haunting exploration of mental illness and the consequences of societal oppression.

6. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

This classic novel is a masterpiece of psychological suspense, following the experiences of a young woman who joins a group of people investigating the paranormal activity of Hill House. But the further they investigate, the more dangerous it becomes.

7. The Phantom Coach by Amelia B. Edwards

An eerie tale perfect for a cold winter’s night, this story follows a coachman in search of shelter from a raging storm, as he finds himself at a haunted house.

8. The Rats in the Walls by H.P. Lovecraft

Another classic tale by the horror master, this story follows the return of an heiress to her ancestral home in England, where she discovers a dark and unsettling history.

9. The Wendigo by Algernon Blackwood

This chilling tale explores the mythology of the Wendigo – a malevolent spirit from Native American traditions that preys upon humans foolish enough to venture into the wilderness.

10. The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

This suspenseful novella follows a young governess who begins to suspect that the children under her care are being haunted by malevolent spirits.

11. Carcosa by Ambrose Bierce

A chilling tale of psychological horror, this story follows the experiences of a journalist who visits a small town on the outskirts of the American frontier, only to discover a bizarre and terrifying truth.

12. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

This surreal and tragic tale follows the transformation of a man into a giant insect, as his family disintegrates around him.

13. The Red Room by H.G. Wells

This short story follows a man into a rumored haunted room in a castle, where he begins to experience terror beyond imagination.

14. The Visit to the Museum by Vladimir Nabokov

One of Nabokov’s rare forays into horror, this short story details a man’s descent into madness after visiting a seemingly innocuous museum exhibit.

15. Nightfall by Isaac Asimov

A science-fiction take on horror, this story explores the consequences of a planet where night never falls and darkness is an unknown concept.

16. The Boogeyman by Stephen King

This unsettling short story by the master of horror follows a father who, after repeatedly dismissing his young children’s fear of the boogeyman, comes face to face with something far worse than the monster under the bed.

17. The Road Virus Heads North by Stephen King

Another terrifying story by King, this chilling tale follows an author who becomes obsessed with the haunting artwork he finds at a yard sale. Something about the piece seems wrong, but he can’t look away.

18. The Call of Cthulhu by H.P. Lovecraft

Easily one of Lovecraft’s most famous works, this story details the events surrounding the discovery of a cult devoted to the worship of a monstrous god, Cthulhu – and the worldwide destruction that follows.

19. The Dunwich Horror by Shirley Jackson

This unsettling tale of supernatural horror sees a small community investigates the horrifying activities of expatriate Levina Whateley and her son Wilbur, as they conjure up a demon in Dunwich.

20. The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe

This haunting and symbolic story depicts an infamous historical event, where a prince secludes himself and his wealthy compatriots from the plague – a disease that is said to weave its way into their castle’s masquerade ball.

You’ve Been Warned!

There you have it – 20 horror stories guaranteed to keep you up at night. Whether you’re a fan of psychological suspense, supernatural scares or truly disturbing imagery, this list has you covered. But don’t say we didn’t warn you – these stories will scare you more than any horror movie ever will. Click at your own discretion!