Hidden Horrors: 10 Frightening Series You Can Find on Amazon Prime

1. "Penny Dreadful" (2014-2016)

If you're a fan of classic horror literature, "Penny Dreadful" will feel like a banquet. Named after the 19th-century British cheap, sensational publications, this series features a collection of literature's most haunting figures – including Dr. Frankenstein, Dorian Gray, and Dracula.

The show unfolds in the gloomy back alleys of Victorian London and follows a band of characters, led by Eva Green's Vanessa Ives, as they confront supernatural threats. The title "Penny Dreadful" aptly signifies the show's horrifying themes and it's a historical nod to the British entertainment pastime.

2. "Bates Motel" (2013-2017)

"Bates Motel" is a chilling prequel to Alfred Hitchcock's horror masterpiece, "Psycho," exploring the twisted relationship between a teenage Norman Bates and his overbearing mother, Norma.

The series focuses on the eerie events that led to the development of Norman's dangerous alter-ego, making it an enticing watch for fans of psychological horror. Freddie Highmore and Vera Farmiga's performances are mesmerizing and often too unsettling.

Farmiga received an Emmy nomination for her portrayal of the eccentric Norma Bates, a testament to the series' captivating performances.

3. "Fortitude" (2015-2018)

A chilling mix of horror, mystery, and drama, "Fortitude" transports viewers to the eponymous Arctic town plagued by a series of disturbing and unexplained incidents. The series begins as a murder mystery but soon veers into sci-fi horror territory, keeping viewers on their toes.

The ensemble cast, featuring Richard Dormer and Stanley Tucci, delivers stellar performances. Interestingly, "Fortitude" was filmed in both the U.K. and Iceland, making for some truly breathtaking, if cold and isolating, visuals.

4. "The Terror" (2018-2019)

If historical horror is your cup of tea, then "The Terror" is a must-watch. The anthology series kicks off its first season with a fictionalized account of Captain Sir John Franklin's lost expedition to the Arctic in 1845–1848.

The narrative skillfully combines elements of supernatural horror with the very real terrors of survival in the inhospitable Arctic wilderness. The series is named after one of the actual ships used in Franklin's doomed expedition.

The second season, subtitled "Infamy," shifts to a World War II-era internment camp for Japanese-Americans.

5. "Hannibal " (2013-2015)

A psychological horror-thriller, "Hannibal," explores the complex relationship between FBI special investigator Will Graham and Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a forensic psychiatrist destined to become Graham's most cunning enemy.

This series brilliantly presents Lecter's descent into criminal madness long before Clarice Starling steps into the picture. The show, with Mads Mikkelsen 's stunning performance as Lecter, manages to be horrifying, beautiful, and deeply disturbing all at once.

The series was developed by Bryan Fuller, who is known for his unique visual storytelling in shows like "Pushing Daisies" and "American Gods."

6. "Lore" (2017-2018)

"Lore," an anthology series, delves into the real-life stories behind common folklore, legends, and hauntings. Each episode tells a new tale, blending historical mixed media, narration, and dramatic scenes to create a uniquely chilling experience.

Based on the popular podcast of the same name by Aaron Mahnke, "Lore" gives a spine-tingling look into the terrifying truths that inspire our darkest nightmares. Aaron Mahnke himself narrates each episode, preserving the podcast's unsettling charm.

7. "Carnival Row" (2019-2023)

Set in a Victorian fantasy world where mythological immigrant creatures coexist with humans, "Carnival Row" serves up a chilling stew of horror, crime, and romance. With a backdrop of societal unrest, a detective, played by Orlando Bloom, and a refugee faerie, played by Cara Delevingne, rekindle a dangerous affair amidst a string of gruesome murders.

Did you know the series took nearly 17 years to come to life, starting as a film script titled "A Killing on Carnival Row"?

8. "Truth Seekers" (2020)

If you like your horror sprinkled with British humor, "Truth Seekers" is your go-to series. It follows a team of part-time paranormal investigators as they team up to uncover and film ghost sightings across the UK, sharing their adventures on an online channel.

The series cleverly blends scares with laughs, and stars Nick Frost and Simon Pegg, known for their roles in "Shaun of the Dead " and "Hot Fuzz." This is actually their first project under their production company, Stolen Picture.

9. "The Exorcist" (2016-2017)

Adapted from the 1971 novel and inspired by the iconic 1973 film, "The Exorcist" TV series provides fresh scares while paying homage to its predecessors.

The series focuses on two very different priests tackling one family's case of horrifying demonic possession. It brings new twists and turns to the classic tale of faith and evil, proving that even familiar demonic narratives can still send a chill down your spine.

The series is notable for featuring a rare TV appearance by Geena Davis, who won an Oscar in 1989 for her role in "The Accidental Tourist."

10. "Channel Zero" (2016-2018)

"Channel Zero" is an anthology series where each season is inspired by a popular "creepypasta" — user-generated viral horror stories published on the internet. From a mysterious children's show ('Candle Cove') to a chilling house of horrors ('No-End House'), each installment delves deep into the psyche of the internet-age horror lore.

The series creator, Nick Antosca, was a writer on "Hannibal," bringing the same level of twisted psychological terror to this underrated gem.