When Don Mancini’s horror filmChild’s Playwas released back in 1988, no one anticipated that the film about a killer doll would bring about one of today’s most treasured horror film franchises. The film, which featured a possessed killer doll named Chucky instilled fear in both children and adults the world over. So much so that more films would be soon on the way as the doll would go on to appear in six more films, seven if we count the reboot, as Chucky was on his way to becoming a household name.
Given the franchise’s and the character’s popularity, a series was certainly not out of the question. This all came to fruition back in 2021 when theChuckyseries, created by Don Mancini himself, premiered. The show takes notes from the original as it manages to strike the perfect balance between horror and comedy. If you ended up liking the show and are looking for something new to watch, then we’ve got just what you need. Here are ten horror shows you have to check out if you likedChucky.
10Crazyhead
Howard Overman, who created thesci-fi comedy seriesMisfits, is behind the British horror comedy showCrazyhead. The show is centered around demon hunter Raquel Francis and average bowling alley employee Amy, as they team in hopes of defending humanity from demonic forces. The show is crass, violent, and incredibly funny which is why fans ofChuckysurely won’t regret checking it out.
9Scream Queens
Scream Queenswas a horror comedy series that first aired on the Fox network from 2015 to 2016. The show revolves around a series of grisly murders that occur within the series' fictional Wallace University. Despite being released in the mid-2010s,Scream Queensoffers a fresh new take on the genre as it combines classic slasher film sensibilities with dark comedy and satire. If you’re looking for more reasons to watch, the show features a star-studded cast which includes Emma Roberts, Jamie Lee Curtis, Lea Michele, and Abigail Breslin.
8Ash vs Evil Dead
Sam Raimi’siconic Evil Deadfranchiseis a pioneer of the horror-comedy genre. This is why it’s only right to includeAsh vs Evil Deadin this list. The show, which is set 30 years after the events of the first threeEvil Deadfilms features Bruce Campbell returning as the wise-cracking, Deadite-slaying, chainsaw-having hero, Ash Williams.
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Despite being retired as far as ridding the earth of the walking dead is concerned, things change when the Deadites make an unwanted return and begin making Ash’s life a living hell. It’s important to note that the series tends to lean towards being funny rather than scary. With that being said, it’s still packed with many moments that will give you a good scare.
7Stan Against Evil
Stan Against Evilfollows the titular Stan Miller, a former sheriff, as he is forced to deal with the demonic and supernatural forces that are plaguing his town. The show combines horror and humor masterfully. This is aided by John C. McGinley’s excellent portrayal of the grumpy and reluctantly heroic Stan Miller.
6Santa Clarita Diet
Santa Clarita Dietis alight-hearted horror comedythat follows the story of Sheila and Joel Hammond, a married couple who are both real estate agents in Santa Clarita. Their lives get turned upside down when Sheila turns into a zombie. Unlike the typical zombies we’re used to in popular media, Sheila gets to retain her personality and doesn’t turn into a grotesque monster.
However, she does need to adjust to her new diet, as Sheila starts craving human flesh. The series really gets to gets into the nitty-gritty of the horror-comedy genre, as Sheila’s newfound appreciation for human flesh puts them in grisly and hilarious situations.
5Bates Motel
Bates Motelserves as a prequel to Alfred Hitchcock’slegendary filmPsycho. The show gives audiences a glimpse into the formative years of the iconic Norman Bates. The series explores Bates' relationship with his mother and the events that lead to him becoming the cold-blooded killer we see inPsycho. If you’re looking for a reason to check this show out, Freddie Highmore’s inspired portrayal of Norman Bates really brings the character to life.
4Lovecraft Country
Lovecraft Country, which is based on Matt Ruff’s novel of the same name, is a horror series that is heavily inspired by the work of H.P. Lovecraft. The show revolves around Atticus Freeman, as he embarks on a cross-country road trip in search of his missing father. Along the way, Atticus encounters all sorts of supernatural horrors that make finding his father an even more difficult task. Since the show is set in 1950s America, it also takes the time to explore the subject of racism in the country. What makes the show fascinating is the way that it juxtaposes the supernatural elements with the real-world horrors of racism.
Evilis centered around a skeptical forensic psychologist named Kristen Bouchard who has to team up with priest-in-training David Acosta and technology contractor Ben Shakir in order to get to the bottom of supernatural occurrences. Together, the group tries to reveal the truth behind these seemingly unexplainable events. The show delves into the blurring lines between science, religion, and the supernatural, as the group slowly but surely approaches the truth behind the cases that they’re investigating.
2American Horror Story
If you likedChucky, then the anthology horror seriesAmerican Horror Storyis right up your alley. What’s great about the show is that each season is pretty mucha self-contained miniserieswith its own unique story, characters, and setting. This makes it a great option if you aren’t entirely sure what you’re looking for in a show asAmerican Horror Storywill likely have something for everyone.
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It’s important to keep in mind that the stories vary widely from season to season. Some seasons draw inspiration from real historical events, while others are more supernatural in nature. For people looking for a show that utilizes unconventional storytelling techniques, features complex characters, and pushes the boundaries of genre,American Horror Storyis the right show for you.
1Black Mirror
Speaking of anthology shows, Charlie Booker’s sci-fi anthology seriesBlack Mirroris a great watch if you enjoyedChucky. Each episode of the show is a standalone story that explores eerie and depraved aspects of modern society. While the show primarily focuses on technology and how it affects the way we live, the show has also dabbled in the supernatural withepisodes like “Demon 79.“If you’re looking for a quick watch, picking a random episode ofBlack Mirroris a great way to get started with the series.
