15 Best TV Shows Like The Twilight Zone

You are touring by one other dimension — a dimension not solely of films and TV exhibits however … Effectively, really, simply motion pictures and TV exhibits.

For our functions right here, we’re specializing in one of many biggest and most influential tv collection — “The Twilight Zone.” Hosted by Rod Serling, this anthology zipped with ease between the genres of horror, science fiction, fantasy, and thriller, and popularized tropes and ideas inside every which have impressed writers for many years.

Virtually 70 years after the primary episode of “The Twilight Zone” aired, style anthology collection are nonetheless the fad, a lot in order that a number of the hottest entries within the format are nonetheless working at present. From wandering gamblers and killer portraits to monster crabs and White Christmases, we have discovered 15 collection which might be greater than worthy of the dimension past.

The place to observe: Amazon Prime Video

Finest episode: Season 1, Episode 2, “Autofac”

In 2017, Channel 4 produced “Philip Ok. Dick’s ‘Electrical Desires.'” It started with a 10-episode first season that tailored varied tales written by the prolific science fiction novelist, whose in depth physique of labor has served as the premise for such movies and tv exhibits as “The Man in Excessive Fort,” “A Scanner Darkly,” “Minority Report,” and, most famously, “Blade Runner.” With such provocative materials to mine from, “Electrical Desires” is a reliably compelling anthology. For “Twilight Zone” followers who love arduous sci-fi, there is no higher modern possibility out there.

Our favourite episode of the collection is Episode 2 (or Episode 8, relying on the place you stream), which is loosely primarily based on Dick’s 1955 novelette “Autofac.” “Ted Lasso” star Juno Temple seems as one of some dozen survivors of a nuclear apocalypse dwelling exterior the ruins of a serious metropolis. What little pure assets and clear air they’ve left are being utilized by a wholly automated manufacturing unit situated throughout the metropolis, forcing them to seek out supply drones and negotiate with factories managing synthetic intelligence. 

Whereas the episode maintains the core concepts, spirit, and setting of Dick’s unique story, components of it have been up to date to extra precisely mirror the route know-how and automation particularly are presumably headed, as co-developer Ronald D. Moore explained to us in a 2018 interview. “Electrical Desires” was canceled after one season, regardless of constructive critiques from critics and audiences.

The place to observe: PLEX

Finest episode: Season 1, Episode 3, “A View Via the Window”

Although Henry Rollins continues to be an odd (but weirdly charming) option to basically fill the function of Rod Serling, 2001’s short-lived sci-fi-horror anthology “Night time Visions” stays one of the most underrated shows of its kind. It maintains the premise-focused storytelling format of “The Twilight Zone,” however makes use of it to inform disturbing, human-oriented horror tales. 

Invoice Pullman performs a United States Military soldier who known as in to assist examine an anomaly within the desert. Positioned in the midst of nowhere (and guarded by a seeming pressure area of static vitality) is a picturesque prairie farmhouse, full with a small however loving household that’s apparently unaware of the army pressure surrounding them. Although it is not probably the most refined or psychologically novel work of science fiction featured on this record, “A View Via the Window” is tight and entertaining — and options one of the crucial weird and gasp-worthy twists we have ever seen on TV.

The place to observe: fuboTV

Finest episode: Season 1, Episode 17, “Time of Terror”

So far as sci-fi anthologies have progressed over the previous a number of a long time, a part of the attraction of “The Twilight Zone” is, understandably, its nostalgic tone and elegance. If this rings true for you, you will need to try just a few neglected collection from a equally bygone period, such because the 1972 NBC present “Ghost Story” (later retitled “Circle of Worry”). Hosted by thespian Sebastian Cabot, “Ghost Story” presents tales very shut in tone to “The Twilight Zone,” such because the mystery-thriller “Time of Terror.” 

Primarily based on the brief story “Touring Companion” by sci-fi author Elizabeth Walter, “Time of Terror” follows one lady’s unsettling experiences after she wakes up in a resort to find her husband has disappeared. It is a gradual however delightfully atmospheric burn anchored by charming main performances from Patricia Neal of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” fame and “Peter Gunn” himself, Craig Stevens. Regardless of its extremely transient one-season run, “Ghost Story” featured a veritable parade of different modern and future Hollywood stars, together with Jodie Foster (Episode 8, “Home of Evil”), Rip Torn (Episode 11, “Contact of Insanity”), Janet Leigh (Episode 14, “Demise’s Hand”), and Martin Sheen (Episode 15, “Darkish Vengeance”).

The place to observe: Tubi/The Roku Channel/PLEX

Finest episode: Season 3, Episode 5, “If You See Sally”

Going again even additional in TV historical past, we now have ABC’s “One Step Past,” which aired from 1959 to 1961 — it later returned for one more season in 1978 below the title “The Subsequent Step Past.” It was developed by style screenwriter Merwin Gerard for actor, director, and TV character John Newland, who on the time had reached the next profile in Hollywood because of directing spots on “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” and the collection “Thriller” — each beloved anthologies we’ll discuss additional down. 

As for “One Step Past,” it loved a good run of three seasons, although it clearly by no means reached the identical heights of cultural prevalence as “The Twilight Zone” or “Alfred Hitchcock Presents.” Our favourite episode of the bunch is Season 3, Episode 5, “If You See Sally,” a relatively quieter story a few younger lady who runs away from residence after her father accuses her of being answerable for the dying of her youthful brother. Like most “One Step” episodes, this story largely focuses on the human drama at its coronary heart with a subtler supernatural bend paying homage to a traditional ghost story.

The place to observe: Pluto TV

Finest episode: Season 2, Episode 1, “The Portrait”

What in regards to the record of nice sci-fi collection that does not embrace “Past Perception”? It does not exist — we made it up. A complete fabrication. 

One may soundly argue (particularly given the variety of memes he spawned on-line) that the endurance of “Past Perception: Truth of Fiction” must be largely attributed to host Jonathan Frakes. The “Star Trek: The Subsequent Era” actor joined the collection throughout its second season, and was answerable for dealing with its equally memorable twist to the anthology format. Because the subtitle implies, every story options both an unique thought or a narrative primarily based on a supposedly “actual” supernatural phenomenon. On the finish of the episode, Frakes recaps every story and divulges whether or not or not they have been “truth or fiction.” Clips of this phase have inexplicably gone viral on-line, a lot to Frakes’ amusement. 

Frakes shared considered one of his finest tales in his first outing. “The Portrait” (aired within the Season 2 premiere) tells the story of a painter (James Morrison) who seems to “maintain the facility of life and dying in his fingers.” As soon as he completes a portrait of an individual, they mysteriously move away. Although the painter tries to make use of this horrible energy to alleviate the struggling of others, an sudden customer shatters his sense of objective. The story itself is well-told and intriguing — although Frakes’ impassioned declaration of its “truth or fiction” standing is the spotlight of the episode.

The place to observe: Purchase or hire

Finest episode: Season 1, Episode 6, “They’re Tearing Down Tim Riley’s Bar”

Whereas hardcore followers of “The Twilight Zone” are certainly already conscious of the early Seventies collection “Night time Gallery,” we’re completely happy to make it identified to extra informal lovers — particularly if they want the previous collection leaned a bit additional into the world of horror. Certainly, “Night time Gallery” is a a lot scarier anthology collection that explores traditional horror ideas (sometimes adapting tales from the works of authors like Basil Copper and H.P. Lovecraft), however continues to be hosted by Rod Serling. The collection is commonly considered as a religious successor to “The Twilight Zone,” no pun meant. 

Like its predecessor, most “Night time Gallery” episodes are price a strive if they appear attention-grabbing. In the event you’re a fan of Steven Spielberg, you must definitely try the pilot episode story “Eyes,” considered one of his earliest directorial efforts. For our half, we’re keen on the Season 1 episode “They’re Tearing Down Tim Riley’s Bar,” which was written by Serling and directed by “Planet of the Apes” director Don Taylor. It is a easy but emotional story about self-worth and reflection that earned “Night time Gallery” an Emmy nomination in 1971.

The place to observe: Purchase or hire

Finest episode: Season 2, Episode 16, “Tv Terror”

By way of sheer manufacturing worth, it is arduous to beat HBO’s “Tales from the Crypt.” The hardcore horror anthology collection typically options horrifically efficient sensible results — most memorably within the depiction of its ghoulish puppet host, The Cryptkeeper (voiced by John Kassir). These belongings have been employed in some gleefully violent and unabashedly unhinged episodes of “Tales from the Crypt,” a lot of which normally invited the viewers to not take them too severely. 

Season 2, Episode 16, “Tv Terror” has endured as one of many collection’ most participating entries. Set on the set of a documentary tv collection about haunted environments, it feels slyly meta at occasions, and Morton Downey Jr. is an ideal love-to-hate crypt-protagonist. Although the M. Night Shyamalan reboot was canceled, we’re hoping we have not seen the final of The Cryptkeeper but.

The place to observe: Amazon Prime Video

Finest episode: Season 5, Episode 1, “The Story of the Lifeless Man’s Float”

In the event you’re searching for a scare you’ll be able to share with the entire household, look no additional than Nickelodeon’s anthology series “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” The format of the collection frames its creepy all-aged tales round a gaggle of children who name themselves the Midnight Society and spend their evenings swapping tales round a hearth. Among the many rotating forged of younger actors are Daniel DeSanto and Rachel Blanchard, who went on to characteristic in “Imply Women” and “The Summer time I Turned Fairly” respectively. 

The pair have been removed from the one future stars to look on the collection. Memorable visitor stars from particular person episodes embrace Hayden Christensen (Season 6, Episode 13, “The Story of Bigfoot Ridge”), Melissa Joan Hart (Season 2, Episode 8, “The Story of the Frozen Ghost”), Ryan Gosling (Season 5, Episode 3, “The Story of Station 109.1”), and even the late and legendary comic Gilbert Gottfried. Actor and filmmaker Jay Baruchel additionally seems in Season 5, Episode 1, “The Story of the Lifeless Man’s Float,” which is definitely one of many scariest episodes of youngsters’s TV ever produced.

The place to observe: Pluto TV

Finest episode: Season 2, Episode 5, “Demon with a Glass Hand”

As one of the best anthology TV series ever, “The Outer Limits” stands shoulder to shoulder with “The Twilight Zone” by way of high quality. Actually, there are certainly those that desire the previous over the latter, with its arduous sci-fi slant and total darker sense of dramatic irony. 

Whereas Season 1, Episode 3, “The Architects of Fear” arguably boasts the series’ strongest twist, we would put Season 2, Episode 5, “Demon with a Glass Hand” up as a really shut second. Written by Harlan Ellison, one of the crucial influential science fiction authors in historical past, the episode follows a mysterious man (Robert Culp) who is distributed a millennium again in time to stop an invasion of aliens from the long run. All he has to information him in his quest is an odd glass hand lacking three fingers that include essential components of his reminiscence. 

Up to now, comparisons have been made between “Demon with a Glass Hand” and James Cameron’s “The Terminator,” particularly after Ellison efficiently gained credit score within the latter movie when he threatened to sue. If truth be told, Ellison was involved about similarities between “The Terminator” and one other nice episode he wrote for “The Outer Limits” — the Season 2 premiere “Soldier.”

The place to observe: Xumo

Finest episode: Season 1, Episode 37, “The Grim Reaper”

No matter any of those different anthologies might need, there’s one factor they lack that “Thriller” flaunts proudly — Boris Karloff. The “Frankenstein” star served because the host of the 1960 NBC collection all through its two-season run, presenting horror tales that differed from rivals for his or her gothic fashion and exceptionally bleak material — its theatrical theme music and introduction are additionally delightfully spooky in a approach few different collection can evaluate to. In the event you respect a sure flare for the dramatic, “Thriller” is a creepily cozy good time. 

The primary season finale — Season 1, Episode 37, “The Grim Reaper” — has an identical trope to the “Past Perception” episode “The Portrait,” with the plot regarding a supposedly killer portray. 5 years earlier than he would seem for the primary time on “Star Trek,” William Shatner stars reverse Natalie Schafer as considered one of a number of individuals whose lives are modified ceaselessly by the grim portrait.

The place to observe: Netflix

Finest episode: Season 3, Episode 2, “Unhealthy Travelling”

The style anthology format has prevailed effectively into the twenty first century, with the speedy development of know-how each inspiring and making technically attainable actually superb home windows into potential futures. Netflix just about has this market cornered, partly by the animated anthology collection “Love Demise + Robots.” The stories told on “Love Death + Robots” fluctuate significantly by way of style, tone, and — most excitingly — animation fashion, just like exhibits like “The Boys Presents: Diabolical” and “Star Wars: Visions.” 

The collection was created by Tim Miller and is government produced by each him and famend movie director David Fincher. Fincher lent his thoughts to the Season 3 episode “Unhealthy Travelling,” a deeply psychological thriller wherein a gaggle of mutinous pirates are pressured to make unimaginable selections when a grotesque monster boards their ship throughout a storm.

The place to observe: BritBox

Finest episode: Season 5, Episode 4, “Quarantine”

For our readers who aren’t too eager on the concept of continually reshuffling characters each episode, we wished to incorporate one non-anthology collection that also captures the nostalgic spirit and sense of journey that “The Twilight Zone” has to supply. Our choice is “Pink Dwarf,” a British sci-fi comedy in regards to the final dwelling human in area (performed by Craig Charles).

We selected “Pink Dwarf” over different sci-fi-horror dramas as a result of every episode stands completely by itself, with the comedian backdrop permitting for a wider vary of ideas to be explored with out strict regard to continuity or world constructing. Our favourite is the Season 5 episode “Quarantine,” which prominently options Chris Barrie’s wonderful work because the ghostly hologram Arnold Rimmer.

The place to observe: BritBox

Finest episode: Season 2, Episode 2, “The 12 Days of Christine”

If the concept of a British comedy sounded enjoyable to you, contemplate additionally trying out the anthology collection “Inside No. 9.” This system was created by Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, who — although not hosts or presenters — each seem within the collection as varied characters. 

Virtually each episode of “Inside No. 9” is dependable for laughs, because the writing staff steers their weird premises into unpredictable and amusingly uncomfortable locations. Nevertheless, we would additionally prefer to level your consideration towards the Season 2 episode “The 12 Days of Christine” — whereas being the present’s least humorous episode, it is also its best-told story, with a singular construction that manages to artfully conceal its sharp twists and turns.

The place to observe: Tubi

Finest episode: Season 5, Episode 15, “Man from the South”

Sarcastically, the collection named for and produced and hosted by the grasp of horror himself is not all that scary (unusually, it owes its existence to one of Hitchcock’s few flops). As an alternative, “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” tells principally grounded tales throughout the crime and psychological thriller style, exploring the darkish depths of humanity by tales of suspense. For instance, one of many collection’ finest episodes — Season 5, Episode 15, “Man from the South” — stars Hollywood icon Steve McQueen as a gambler locked in a contest of luck that would injure him significantly. 

The collection resulted in 1965, aside from a spin-off most viewers likely missed and a short-lived revival 20 years later. Nonetheless, its legacy as one of many biggest TV exhibits of all time stays, not least of all as a result of it brought Hitchcock’s unparalleled cinematic sensibilities to the small screen.

The place to observe: Netflix

Finest episode: “White Christmas” (Season 2 Christmas Particular)

Clearly, we now have to incorporate what many contemplate to be probably the most worthy modern successor to “The Twilight Zone” — Netflix’s viral, culturally pervasive, and sometimes predictive anthology collection “Black Mirror.” Since debuting in 2011, this system has persistently delivered high-quality science fiction drama and horror, even arguably out-doing at least one episode of “The Twilight Zone.”

If you have not but seen “Black Mirror,” a stable entry level is the Season 2 Christmas particular “White Christmas,” which was written by collection creator Charlie Brooker and stars Jon Hamm. It is not a cheery vacation watch, however a gripping psychological thriller that may be loved any day of the yr. 

However, like each entry on this record, “Black Mirror” presents a big selection of thrilling and thought-provoking tales that may take the viewer someplace psychologically and emotionally they by no means thought they’d go, typically in lower than an hour. Maybe that is why “The Twilight Zone” and the anthology format at giant nonetheless show efficient all these a long time later — in an period of “lengthy motion pictures” and binge-watching, these exhibits invite us to recollect a time when a single episode may take us to a different dimension completely. 

You are touring by one other dimension — a dimension not solely of films and TV exhibits however … Effectively, really, simply motion pictures and TV exhibits.

For our functions right here, we’re specializing in one of many biggest and most influential tv collection — “The Twilight Zone.” Hosted by Rod Serling, this anthology zipped with ease between the genres of horror, science fiction, fantasy, and thriller, and popularized tropes and ideas inside every which have impressed writers for many years.

Virtually 70 years after the primary episode of “The Twilight Zone” aired, style anthology collection are nonetheless the fad, a lot in order that a number of the hottest entries within the format are nonetheless working at present. From wandering gamblers and killer portraits to monster crabs and White Christmases, we have discovered 15 collection which might be greater than worthy of the dimension past.

The place to observe: Amazon Prime Video

Finest episode: Season 1, Episode 2, “Autofac”

In 2017, Channel 4 produced “Philip Ok. Dick’s ‘Electrical Desires.'” It started with a 10-episode first season that tailored varied tales written by the prolific science fiction novelist, whose in depth physique of labor has served as the premise for such movies and tv exhibits as “The Man in Excessive Fort,” “A Scanner Darkly,” “Minority Report,” and, most famously, “Blade Runner.” With such provocative materials to mine from, “Electrical Desires” is a reliably compelling anthology. For “Twilight Zone” followers who love arduous sci-fi, there is no higher modern possibility out there.

Our favourite episode of the collection is Episode 2 (or Episode 8, relying on the place you stream), which is loosely primarily based on Dick’s 1955 novelette “Autofac.” “Ted Lasso” star Juno Temple seems as one of some dozen survivors of a nuclear apocalypse dwelling exterior the ruins of a serious metropolis. What little pure assets and clear air they’ve left are being utilized by a wholly automated manufacturing unit situated throughout the metropolis, forcing them to seek out supply drones and negotiate with factories managing synthetic intelligence. 

Whereas the episode maintains the core concepts, spirit, and setting of Dick’s unique story, components of it have been up to date to extra precisely mirror the route know-how and automation particularly are presumably headed, as co-developer Ronald D. Moore explained to us in a 2018 interview. “Electrical Desires” was canceled after one season, regardless of constructive critiques from critics and audiences.

The place to observe: PLEX

Finest episode: Season 1, Episode 3, “A View Via the Window”

Although Henry Rollins continues to be an odd (but weirdly charming) option to basically fill the function of Rod Serling, 2001’s short-lived sci-fi-horror anthology “Night time Visions” stays one of the most underrated shows of its kind. It maintains the premise-focused storytelling format of “The Twilight Zone,” however makes use of it to inform disturbing, human-oriented horror tales. 

Invoice Pullman performs a United States Military soldier who known as in to assist examine an anomaly within the desert. Positioned in the midst of nowhere (and guarded by a seeming pressure area of static vitality) is a picturesque prairie farmhouse, full with a small however loving household that’s apparently unaware of the army pressure surrounding them. Although it is not probably the most refined or psychologically novel work of science fiction featured on this record, “A View Via the Window” is tight and entertaining — and options one of the crucial weird and gasp-worthy twists we have ever seen on TV.

The place to observe: fuboTV

Finest episode: Season 1, Episode 17, “Time of Terror”

So far as sci-fi anthologies have progressed over the previous a number of a long time, a part of the attraction of “The Twilight Zone” is, understandably, its nostalgic tone and elegance. If this rings true for you, you will need to try just a few neglected collection from a equally bygone period, such because the 1972 NBC present “Ghost Story” (later retitled “Circle of Worry”). Hosted by thespian Sebastian Cabot, “Ghost Story” presents tales very shut in tone to “The Twilight Zone,” such because the mystery-thriller “Time of Terror.” 

Primarily based on the brief story “Touring Companion” by sci-fi author Elizabeth Walter, “Time of Terror” follows one lady’s unsettling experiences after she wakes up in a resort to find her husband has disappeared. It is a gradual however delightfully atmospheric burn anchored by charming main performances from Patricia Neal of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” fame and “Peter Gunn” himself, Craig Stevens. Regardless of its extremely transient one-season run, “Ghost Story” featured a veritable parade of different modern and future Hollywood stars, together with Jodie Foster (Episode 8, “Home of Evil”), Rip Torn (Episode 11, “Contact of Insanity”), Janet Leigh (Episode 14, “Demise’s Hand”), and Martin Sheen (Episode 15, “Darkish Vengeance”).

The place to observe: Tubi/The Roku Channel/PLEX

Finest episode: Season 3, Episode 5, “If You See Sally”

Going again even additional in TV historical past, we now have ABC’s “One Step Past,” which aired from 1959 to 1961 — it later returned for one more season in 1978 below the title “The Subsequent Step Past.” It was developed by style screenwriter Merwin Gerard for actor, director, and TV character John Newland, who on the time had reached the next profile in Hollywood because of directing spots on “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” and the collection “Thriller” — each beloved anthologies we’ll discuss additional down. 

As for “One Step Past,” it loved a good run of three seasons, although it clearly by no means reached the identical heights of cultural prevalence as “The Twilight Zone” or “Alfred Hitchcock Presents.” Our favourite episode of the bunch is Season 3, Episode 5, “If You See Sally,” a relatively quieter story a few younger lady who runs away from residence after her father accuses her of being answerable for the dying of her youthful brother. Like most “One Step” episodes, this story largely focuses on the human drama at its coronary heart with a subtler supernatural bend paying homage to a traditional ghost story.

The place to observe: Pluto TV

Finest episode: Season 2, Episode 1, “The Portrait”

What in regards to the record of nice sci-fi collection that does not embrace “Past Perception”? It does not exist — we made it up. A complete fabrication. 

One may soundly argue (particularly given the variety of memes he spawned on-line) that the endurance of “Past Perception: Truth of Fiction” must be largely attributed to host Jonathan Frakes. The “Star Trek: The Subsequent Era” actor joined the collection throughout its second season, and was answerable for dealing with its equally memorable twist to the anthology format. Because the subtitle implies, every story options both an unique thought or a narrative primarily based on a supposedly “actual” supernatural phenomenon. On the finish of the episode, Frakes recaps every story and divulges whether or not or not they have been “truth or fiction.” Clips of this phase have inexplicably gone viral on-line, a lot to Frakes’ amusement. 

Frakes shared considered one of his finest tales in his first outing. “The Portrait” (aired within the Season 2 premiere) tells the story of a painter (James Morrison) who seems to “maintain the facility of life and dying in his fingers.” As soon as he completes a portrait of an individual, they mysteriously move away. Although the painter tries to make use of this horrible energy to alleviate the struggling of others, an sudden customer shatters his sense of objective. The story itself is well-told and intriguing — although Frakes’ impassioned declaration of its “truth or fiction” standing is the spotlight of the episode.

The place to observe: Purchase or hire

Finest episode: Season 1, Episode 6, “They’re Tearing Down Tim Riley’s Bar”

Whereas hardcore followers of “The Twilight Zone” are certainly already conscious of the early Seventies collection “Night time Gallery,” we’re completely happy to make it identified to extra informal lovers — particularly if they want the previous collection leaned a bit additional into the world of horror. Certainly, “Night time Gallery” is a a lot scarier anthology collection that explores traditional horror ideas (sometimes adapting tales from the works of authors like Basil Copper and H.P. Lovecraft), however continues to be hosted by Rod Serling. The collection is commonly considered as a religious successor to “The Twilight Zone,” no pun meant. 

Like its predecessor, most “Night time Gallery” episodes are price a strive if they appear attention-grabbing. In the event you’re a fan of Steven Spielberg, you must definitely try the pilot episode story “Eyes,” considered one of his earliest directorial efforts. For our half, we’re keen on the Season 1 episode “They’re Tearing Down Tim Riley’s Bar,” which was written by Serling and directed by “Planet of the Apes” director Don Taylor. It is a easy but emotional story about self-worth and reflection that earned “Night time Gallery” an Emmy nomination in 1971.

The place to observe: Purchase or hire

Finest episode: Season 2, Episode 16, “Tv Terror”

By way of sheer manufacturing worth, it is arduous to beat HBO’s “Tales from the Crypt.” The hardcore horror anthology collection typically options horrifically efficient sensible results — most memorably within the depiction of its ghoulish puppet host, The Cryptkeeper (voiced by John Kassir). These belongings have been employed in some gleefully violent and unabashedly unhinged episodes of “Tales from the Crypt,” a lot of which normally invited the viewers to not take them too severely. 

Season 2, Episode 16, “Tv Terror” has endured as one of many collection’ most participating entries. Set on the set of a documentary tv collection about haunted environments, it feels slyly meta at occasions, and Morton Downey Jr. is an ideal love-to-hate crypt-protagonist. Although the M. Night Shyamalan reboot was canceled, we’re hoping we have not seen the final of The Cryptkeeper but.

The place to observe: Amazon Prime Video

Finest episode: Season 5, Episode 1, “The Story of the Lifeless Man’s Float”

In the event you’re searching for a scare you’ll be able to share with the entire household, look no additional than Nickelodeon’s anthology series “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” The format of the collection frames its creepy all-aged tales round a gaggle of children who name themselves the Midnight Society and spend their evenings swapping tales round a hearth. Among the many rotating forged of younger actors are Daniel DeSanto and Rachel Blanchard, who went on to characteristic in “Imply Women” and “The Summer time I Turned Fairly” respectively. 

The pair have been removed from the one future stars to look on the collection. Memorable visitor stars from particular person episodes embrace Hayden Christensen (Season 6, Episode 13, “The Story of Bigfoot Ridge”), Melissa Joan Hart (Season 2, Episode 8, “The Story of the Frozen Ghost”), Ryan Gosling (Season 5, Episode 3, “The Story of Station 109.1”), and even the late and legendary comic Gilbert Gottfried. Actor and filmmaker Jay Baruchel additionally seems in Season 5, Episode 1, “The Story of the Lifeless Man’s Float,” which is definitely one of many scariest episodes of youngsters’s TV ever produced.

The place to observe: Pluto TV

Finest episode: Season 2, Episode 5, “Demon with a Glass Hand”

As one of the best anthology TV series ever, “The Outer Limits” stands shoulder to shoulder with “The Twilight Zone” by way of high quality. Actually, there are certainly those that desire the previous over the latter, with its arduous sci-fi slant and total darker sense of dramatic irony. 

Whereas Season 1, Episode 3, “The Architects of Fear” arguably boasts the series’ strongest twist, we would put Season 2, Episode 5, “Demon with a Glass Hand” up as a really shut second. Written by Harlan Ellison, one of the crucial influential science fiction authors in historical past, the episode follows a mysterious man (Robert Culp) who is distributed a millennium again in time to stop an invasion of aliens from the long run. All he has to information him in his quest is an odd glass hand lacking three fingers that include essential components of his reminiscence. 

Up to now, comparisons have been made between “Demon with a Glass Hand” and James Cameron’s “The Terminator,” particularly after Ellison efficiently gained credit score within the latter movie when he threatened to sue. If truth be told, Ellison was involved about similarities between “The Terminator” and one other nice episode he wrote for “The Outer Limits” — the Season 2 premiere “Soldier.”

The place to observe: Xumo

Finest episode: Season 1, Episode 37, “The Grim Reaper”

No matter any of those different anthologies might need, there’s one factor they lack that “Thriller” flaunts proudly — Boris Karloff. The “Frankenstein” star served because the host of the 1960 NBC collection all through its two-season run, presenting horror tales that differed from rivals for his or her gothic fashion and exceptionally bleak material — its theatrical theme music and introduction are additionally delightfully spooky in a approach few different collection can evaluate to. In the event you respect a sure flare for the dramatic, “Thriller” is a creepily cozy good time. 

The primary season finale — Season 1, Episode 37, “The Grim Reaper” — has an identical trope to the “Past Perception” episode “The Portrait,” with the plot regarding a supposedly killer portray. 5 years earlier than he would seem for the primary time on “Star Trek,” William Shatner stars reverse Natalie Schafer as considered one of a number of individuals whose lives are modified ceaselessly by the grim portrait.

The place to observe: Netflix

Finest episode: Season 3, Episode 2, “Unhealthy Travelling”

The style anthology format has prevailed effectively into the twenty first century, with the speedy development of know-how each inspiring and making technically attainable actually superb home windows into potential futures. Netflix just about has this market cornered, partly by the animated anthology collection “Love Demise + Robots.” The stories told on “Love Death + Robots” fluctuate significantly by way of style, tone, and — most excitingly — animation fashion, just like exhibits like “The Boys Presents: Diabolical” and “Star Wars: Visions.” 

The collection was created by Tim Miller and is government produced by each him and famend movie director David Fincher. Fincher lent his thoughts to the Season 3 episode “Unhealthy Travelling,” a deeply psychological thriller wherein a gaggle of mutinous pirates are pressured to make unimaginable selections when a grotesque monster boards their ship throughout a storm.

The place to observe: BritBox

Finest episode: Season 5, Episode 4, “Quarantine”

For our readers who aren’t too eager on the concept of continually reshuffling characters each episode, we wished to incorporate one non-anthology collection that also captures the nostalgic spirit and sense of journey that “The Twilight Zone” has to supply. Our choice is “Pink Dwarf,” a British sci-fi comedy in regards to the final dwelling human in area (performed by Craig Charles).

We selected “Pink Dwarf” over different sci-fi-horror dramas as a result of every episode stands completely by itself, with the comedian backdrop permitting for a wider vary of ideas to be explored with out strict regard to continuity or world constructing. Our favourite is the Season 5 episode “Quarantine,” which prominently options Chris Barrie’s wonderful work because the ghostly hologram Arnold Rimmer.

The place to observe: BritBox

Finest episode: Season 2, Episode 2, “The 12 Days of Christine”

If the concept of a British comedy sounded enjoyable to you, contemplate additionally trying out the anthology collection “Inside No. 9.” This system was created by Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, who — although not hosts or presenters — each seem within the collection as varied characters. 

Virtually each episode of “Inside No. 9” is dependable for laughs, because the writing staff steers their weird premises into unpredictable and amusingly uncomfortable locations. Nevertheless, we would additionally prefer to level your consideration towards the Season 2 episode “The 12 Days of Christine” — whereas being the present’s least humorous episode, it is also its best-told story, with a singular construction that manages to artfully conceal its sharp twists and turns.

The place to observe: Tubi

Finest episode: Season 5, Episode 15, “Man from the South”

Sarcastically, the collection named for and produced and hosted by the grasp of horror himself is not all that scary (unusually, it owes its existence to one of Hitchcock’s few flops). As an alternative, “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” tells principally grounded tales throughout the crime and psychological thriller style, exploring the darkish depths of humanity by tales of suspense. For instance, one of many collection’ finest episodes — Season 5, Episode 15, “Man from the South” — stars Hollywood icon Steve McQueen as a gambler locked in a contest of luck that would injure him significantly. 

The collection resulted in 1965, aside from a spin-off most viewers likely missed and a short-lived revival 20 years later. Nonetheless, its legacy as one of many biggest TV exhibits of all time stays, not least of all as a result of it brought Hitchcock’s unparalleled cinematic sensibilities to the small screen.

The place to observe: Netflix

Finest episode: “White Christmas” (Season 2 Christmas Particular)

Clearly, we now have to incorporate what many contemplate to be probably the most worthy modern successor to “The Twilight Zone” — Netflix’s viral, culturally pervasive, and sometimes predictive anthology collection “Black Mirror.” Since debuting in 2011, this system has persistently delivered high-quality science fiction drama and horror, even arguably out-doing at least one episode of “The Twilight Zone.”

If you have not but seen “Black Mirror,” a stable entry level is the Season 2 Christmas particular “White Christmas,” which was written by collection creator Charlie Brooker and stars Jon Hamm. It is not a cheery vacation watch, however a gripping psychological thriller that may be loved any day of the yr. 

However, like each entry on this record, “Black Mirror” presents a big selection of thrilling and thought-provoking tales that may take the viewer someplace psychologically and emotionally they by no means thought they’d go, typically in lower than an hour. Maybe that is why “The Twilight Zone” and the anthology format at giant nonetheless show efficient all these a long time later — in an period of “lengthy motion pictures” and binge-watching, these exhibits invite us to recollect a time when a single episode may take us to a different dimension completely.