40+ Spine-Tingling Horror Short Stories
Horror stories have always held a special place in my heart. As a writer, I'm constantly seeking out new sources of inspiration, and there's something about the genre that never fails to captivate me. Horror short stories, in particular, are a fascinating subset of horror fiction. They're like little snapshots of terror, each one crafted with care to send a shiver down your spine.
Over the years, I've read countless horror short stories, and I've come to appreciate the unique challenges and opportunities that come with writing in this genre. Whether it's a classic tale from a master like Edgar Allan Poe or a contemporary piece from a rising star like Kelly Link, there's always something to be learned from a well-crafted horror short story.
In this article, I've compiled a list of 40+ horror short stories that I believe are worth reading. Some of these stories have been around for decades, while others are more recent creations. But what they all have in common is that they're masterful examples of the horror short story form that will leave you on the edge of your seat with sweaty palms.
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15 Classic Horror Short Stories
When it comes to horror short stories, it's hard to beat the classics. These are the stories that set the stage for the genre, laying the foundation for all the spine-tingling tales that would follow. They may have been written over a century ago, but they're just as creepy and unsettling today as they were when they were first published.
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Here are 15 classic horror short stories to read today:
1. "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe (1843)
This chilling story follows a narrator who becomes obsessed with the vulture eye of an old man he lives with. The obsession eventually leads to a gruesome murder and a paranoid breakdown, making for a haunting and unsettling tale.
2. "The Masque of the Red Death" by Edgar Allan Poe (1842)
In this classic tale, a wealthy prince invites his friends to a party in his abbey, where they attempt to escape the deadly Red Death ravaging the land. The story is a masterclass in suspense and symbolism, cementing Poe's place as a horror icon.
3. "Carmilla" by J. Sheridan Le Fanu (1872)
This Gothic novella follows a young woman who becomes the target of a female vampire named Carmilla. The story features themes of forbidden love and sexual awakening, and is considered a groundbreaking work of vampire fiction.
4. "The Turn of the Screw" by Henry James (1898)
In this unsettling story, a governess is hired to care for two children in a remote English country house. Soon, she begins to see apparitions and suspects the children may be possessed. The story is a psychological masterpiece and has been the subject of much debate and interpretation.
5. "Dracula's Guest" by Bram Stoker (1914)
This short story is an deleted chapter from Stoker's classic novel "Dracula," and tells the story of a young man who visits Transylvania and encounters supernatural forces. The story features all the iconic elements of Stoker's vampire lore, and is a must-read for any horror fan.
6. "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (1892)
This psychological horror story follows a woman suffering from postpartum depression who is confined to a room with yellow wallpaper by her husband. As her mental state deteriorates, the wallpaper becomes a symbol of her own entrapment. The story is a powerful critique of the treatment of women's mental health in the 19th century.
7. "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs (1902)
After a family comes into possession of a mysterious monkey's paw that can grant wishes, they soon realize that every wish comes with a terrible price. This story is a classic example of supernatural horror and the danger of tempting fate.
8. "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving (1820)
This classic American ghost story follows Ichabod Crane, a schoolteacher who becomes entangled in the legend of the Headless Horseman. The story is a perfect blend of suspense, folklore, and terror, and has been adapted into numerous films and TV shows.
9. "The Wendigo" by Algernon Blackwood (1910)
This eerie tale tells the story of a hunting party in the Canadian wilderness that discovers a terrifying supernatural presence. The story explores the depths of human fear and the unknown, making it a must-read for any horror fan.
10. "The Dunwich Horror" by H.P. Lovecraft (1928)
Lovecraft's unique brand of cosmic horror is on full display in this unsettling story of a family in rural Massachusetts with an unspeakable secret. The story is a masterpiece of atmosphere and dread, and has become a defining work of the horror genre.
11. “Afterward” by Edith Wharton (1910)
A couple moves into a new home, only to discover that it may be haunted by the ghost of the previous owner. Published in 1910, "Afterward" is a classic example of supernatural horror.
12. “August Heat” by W F Harvey (1910)
A man experiences a premonition of murder on a hot summer day, and realizes too late that the vision was a warning about his own fate. "August Heat," first published in 1910, is a suspenseful and atmospheric story that will keep readers on edge until the very end.
13. “The Phantom Coach” by Amelia B Edwards (1864)
A man is stranded in a snowstorm and takes refuge in an abandoned coach, only to discover that it may not be as empty as he thought. First published in 1864, "The Phantom Coach" is a classic ghost story that will leave readers shivering with fear.
14. “The Horla” by Guy de Maupassant (1887)
A man becomes convinced that an invisible creature called the Horla is haunting him, slowly driving him mad. "The Horla" is a masterful tale of psychological horror that explores the limits of human sanity.
15. “Oh, Whistle, and I’ll Come To You, My Lad” by M R James (1904)
A man who disregards a warning not to blow a certain whistle discovers that some things are better left untouched. A classic ghost story that still manages to give readers chills today.
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12 Horror Short Stories From The 20th Century
The 20th century brought a new wave of horror short stories, each with its own unique style and terrifying elements. From unsettling psychological horror to spine-chilling supernatural tales, these 10 20th century horror short stories will keep you up at night.
16. "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson (1948)
This iconic short story explores the dark side of human nature as a seemingly peaceful small town reveals a shocking annual tradition of sacrifice. The eerie atmosphere and the unexpected twist at the end make this a must-read for horror fans.
17. “The Veldt” by Ray Bradbury (1950)
A family moves into a futuristic house that can fulfill their every desire, including a virtual reality nursery that creates an African savanna. But the technology starts to turn on them in sinister ways, and the parents begin to suspect that the children are too attached to the virtual world.
18. “I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream” by Harlan Ellison (1967)
In a post-apocalyptic world, five humans are trapped and tortured by a malevolent computer that has become sentient. The story is a powerful exploration of the limits of human endurance and the horrors of unchecked technological advancement.
19. “The Tower” by Marghanita Laski (1955)
A group of people are trapped in a tower during an air raid, and as they wait for rescue, they begin to unravel psychologically. The tension builds steadily throughout the story, culminating in a haunting and unforgettable conclusion.
20. “Prey” by Richard Matheson (1969)
A man is plagued by a small, seemingly harmless creature that he discovers is not of this world. Matheson expertly builds suspense and horror as the creature's attacks become increasingly brutal and terrifying.
21. “The Jaunt” by Stephen King (1981)
In a world where teleportation is possible, a family embarks on a trip to Mars, but things quickly go wrong. King's ability to create a sense of mounting dread and tension is on full display in this chilling sci-fi horror story by Stephen King.
22. "The Monkey" by Stephen King (1980)
A young boy is given a toy monkey that seems to have a life of its own. As the monkey's sinister influence grows, the boy's family is plunged into darkness and despair.
23. “His Beautiful Hands” by Oscar Cook (1931)
A story about a murderer whose obsession with his own hands leads him to commit unspeakable acts. Cook's writing style is evocative and chilling, making this a standout horror story from the early 20th century.
24. “The Little Girl Eater” by M S Waddell (1964)
This disturbing tale follows a young girl who discovers that her neighbor is not what he seems. The story's surreal and unsettling imagery will stick with readers long after they finish it.
25. “Survivor Type” by Stephen King (1982)
A man stranded on a deserted island resorts to extreme measures to survive, leading him down a dark path of self-destruction. First published in 1982, "Survivor Type" is a gruesome and harrowing story that showcases King's talent for crafting truly disturbing horror.
26. “The Landlady” by Roald Dahl (1959)
A young man on a business trip checks into a bed and breakfast run by a seemingly charming woman, but soon discovers that things are not what they seem. Published in 1959, "The Landlady" is a creepy and suspenseful story that demonstrates Dahl's ability to create unsettling situations.
27. “The October Game” by Ray Bradbury (1948)
A man becomes obsessed with the idea of killing his wife, leading him down a dark and twisted path. First published in 1948, "The October Game" is a disturbing and thought-provoking story that explores the nature of human desire and obsession.
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28. "The Specialist's Hat" by Kelly Link (1998)
In this eerie and unsettling story, a group of children become obsessed with a mysterious woman in their neighbourhood and the strange hat she wears.
29. "Sea Oak" by George Saunders (1998)
Saunders' story combines elements of horror and humour in a tale about a working-class family who experiences a strange and terrifying resurrection.
30. "The Forest" by Laird Barron (2007)
Barron's Lovecraftian-inspired story follows a group of loggers who stumble upon a mysterious ancient artefact deep in the woods and the horrifying consequences that follow.
31. "St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves" by Karen Russell (2006)
In this magical and disturbing story, a group of girls who were raised by wolves are sent to a boarding school where they struggle to adapt to human society.
32. "The Night Cyclist" by Stephen Graham Jones (2016)
Jones' story follows a bicycle messenger who encounters a mysterious and terrifying figure while riding through the streets of a small town at night.
33. "The Husband Stitch" by Carmen Maria Machado (2014)
This haunting story weaves together elements of folklore and body horror in a tale about a woman who tells her husband a series of disturbing stories.
34. "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?" by Joyce Carol Oates (1966)
Though Oates' story was technically published before 1980, it's still worth including on this list. The story follows a teenage girl who is stalked by a mysterious and unsettling man.
35. "The Ice Tower" by Paul Tremblay (2017)
In this chilling story, a woman and her son become trapped in a frozen wasteland and must confront a supernatural presence that threatens to consume them.
36. "The Resident" by Carmen Maria Machado (2013)
Machado's story takes place in a haunted apartment complex and follows the strange and unsettling experiences of its tenants.
37. "The Enigma of Amigara Fault" by Junji Ito (2002)
Ito's horror manga tells the story of a group of people who become inexplicably drawn to a series of human-shaped holes in a mountainside, with terrifying consequences.
38. “Sunbleached” by Nathan Ballingrud (2013)
Originally published in the collection North American Lake Monsters in 2013 by Small Beer Press, “Sunbleached” was nominated for a Shirley Jackson Award in 2011. This standout vampire story follows a young boy living in a broken family on the gulf coast who strikes a deal with an injured vampire. It has become a fan-favourite among horror readers.
39. “How to Get Back to the Forest” by Sofia Samatar (2013)
Originally published in Lightspeed Magazine in 2013, “How to Get Back to the Forest” showcases Samatar’s talent for horror. The story follows a disturbing conversation that begins with the line “You have to puke it up.” It was later included in the anthology Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2015, edited by Joe Hill and John Joseph Adams.
40. “The Wilds” by Julia Elliott (2014)
Originally published in the 2014 collection The Wilds by Tin House, “The Wilds” is a great example of Elliott’s unique brand of neo-Southern Gothic fiction. The story revolves around a young girl who becomes fascinated with a boy in a wolf mask after a new family moves into the neighbourhood.
41. “A Collapse of Horses” by Brian Evenson (2015)
Originally published in The American Reader in 2015, “A Collapse of Horses” is one of the most powerful stories in Evenson’s collection of the same name. The story follows a man who, after a traumatic head injury, finds his house and family changing overnight, with the appearance of horses he cannot comprehend.
42. “Hello, Moto” by Nnedi Okorafor (2011)
Originally published by Tor.com in 2011, “Hello, Moto” is a unique witch story featuring power-conferring wigs. Okorafor, known for her science fiction work such as Lagoon and The Book of Phoenix, showcases her versatility with this horror story.
43. “The Third Bear” by Jeff VanderMeer (2007)
Originally published in Clarkesworld Magazine in 2007, “The Third Bear” was nominated for a Shirley Jackson Award. It later became the title story of VanderMeer’s 2010 collection published by Tachyon Publications. This story features a giant bear, a recurring theme in VanderMeer’s work.
44. “The Game of Smash and Recovery” by Kelly Link (2015)
Originally published in 2015 as a fund-drive bonus in Strange Horizons, “The Game of Smash and Recovery” is a standalone story that delivers a serious creep factor. The story follows two siblings playing a unique version of hide-and-seek on an alien planet while waiting for their parents to return. It is a standout in Link’s collection, Get in Trouble.
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Where To Read Horror Short Stories
The internet is a treasure trove of horror short stories. I’ve included links to as many of the stories as I could find. Other places to go for short horror stories though include websites like Nightmare Magazine, The Dark Magazine, and Pseudopod which provide access to some of the best horror fiction being written today. Additionally, anthologies like "The Best Horror of the Year" edited by Ellen Datlow offers a curated selection of horror and weird fiction from around the world which are well worth dipping into.
Write Your Own Horror Short Stories
If you're inspired to try your hand at writing horror fiction, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Focus on a single idea or theme, use sensory language to create atmosphere and mood. You want to build tension and don't be afraid to push the boundaries of your reader's comfort zone. Remember, the goal of horror is to scare and unsettle your reader, so don't hold back.
Deliver unexpected twists, avoid cliches and tropes and create engaging characters that drive the plot forward. With practice and perseverance, you may just write the next great horror short story.
Horror Short Stories: Final Words
In this article, I've highlighted some of my favourite horror short stories. From classics like Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft to modern masters like Stephen King. Each story offers a unique and spine-chilling reading experience.
Horror short stories are an excellent way to experience the fear and terror of the genre in a condensed and manageable format, inspiring aspiring writers to learn the craft of horror storytelling.
I encourage readers to continue exploring the world of horror short stories and to venture into the unknown to discover new authors and stories that will keep them up at night. These stories are a testament to the enduring appeal of the horror genre and the talent of the writers who bring nightmares to life on the page.
So, if you're looking for a spine-tingling read that will keep you up at night, look no further than these 40+ horror short stories and the vast world of horror storytelling that awaits.