My 5 Favorite Horror Shows About Kids & Small Towns to Binge Before 'It: Welcome to Derry'

A new teaser for HBO's It: Welcome to Derry was released, and it seems like we are in for a full-fledged horror story with children in the lead roles. This is a breath of fresh air, as such projects are few and far between.

Below are some of the best horror series with a similar atmosphere of small towns with dark secrets, indifferent adults, and old legends that come to life.

1. 'Goosebumps', 2023-...

IMDb Score: 6.7/10

The cult literary series Goosebumps, by R. L. Stine is back in the hands of Hollywood producers. However, the 2023 adaptation bears little resemblance to the 90s series – this time, it is not an anthology.

The new Goosebumps has a coherent plot with main characters who we never met in Stine's books.

The story begins in 1993 when a teenager named Harold dies under mysterious circumstances in the basement of his house. In the present day, a group of teenagers end up at Harold's house on Halloween, hoping to throw a party. However, things quickly turn sour.

2. 'House of Anubis', 2011-2023

IMDb Score: 7.3/10

Nina, a girl from the US, comes to study at an English school. Adjusting to the new environment is already difficult for her, but then one of the students, Joy, mysteriously disappears.

For some reason, the best friend of the missing girl, Patricia, begins to suspect Nina of being involved in the strange event. The disturbance among the residents of the House of Anubis escalates when a frightening message suddenly appears on the bathroom mirror.

House of Anubis is a rare Nickelodeon show and a children's horror project that can really scare younger viewers.

3. 'Shiki', 2010-2011

IMDb Score: 7.6/10

Natsuno's family moves to Sotoba, a village surrounded by forest on all sides. Soon, a series of mysterious deaths shakes the village, and the local doctor, Toshio Ozaki, tries to get to the bottom of them.

It appears to be an epidemic, but he and Natsuno soon realize that the evil comes from a house on a hill where, according to rumors, vampires live.

As you watch, you are drawn into this small world filled with the villagers' fear, despair, and grief, so it is best not to watch this title with kids – Shiki is really terrifying.

4. 'Eerie, Indiana', 1991-1992

IMDb Score: 8.2/10

The series follows Marshall, a teenager whose family moves to the remote town of Erie, Indiana. Shortly after arriving, he meets Simon, one of the few sane residents of this strange place.

Together, they experience a series of bizarre events, ranging from a secret society of intelligent dogs plotting world domination to encounters with legendary creatures like Bigfoot and even a living Elvis Presley.

With its atmosphere of mystery and absurd humor, the series has earned the nickname Twin Peaks for kids, as its fans call it.

5. 'The Nightmare Room', 2001-2002

IMDb Score: 7.2/10

The Nightmare Room anthology played on children's fears of ghosts, monsters, and other frightening images. Each story ended with a commentary from the narrator who invariably said "the nightmare room."

The series' style is reminiscent of the cult classic The Twilight Zone, but with teenagers in the lead roles. Many of the young actors who starred in the series were already popular at the time, including Amanda Bynes, Shia LaBeouf, Kaley Cuoco, and Dylan and Cole Sprouse.