1. Dark
Two children went missing in a small German town, leading to a frantic hunt that involves suspicious characters, dark mysteries that go back several generations, and plenty of traveling through time. The show will have you questioning the universe’s ways and life itself. Besides, if you enjoy solving a mystery as a series of events transpire, like in Stranger Things, there’s no better show than this one to binge on.
2. The Haunting of Bly Manor
Set in the 1980s, it tells the story of Dani Clayton, an American who moves to England and becomes an au pair to a set of children at a wealthy manor to escape her traumatic past. However, she soon begins to see apparitions that haunt the premises, leading to a series of grim events that help her better understand the new life she was thrust into. This spine-chilling tale is a must-watch based on Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw.
3. Locke and Key
Locke and Key tell the tale of a family who moves into their ancestral home in Massachusetts after their father is tragically murdered. Soon after, they begin hearing whispers in the shadows and having reality-bending keys lure them into a world of dark magic that they didn’t sign up for. Based on an eponymous series by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez, the notion of this show makes it a fun watch.
4. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Based on the wildly popular series from the Archie comics universe, the show follows the life of Sabrina, a teenage witch, and her best friends and family as she navigates the forces of evil bent on destroying human lives. The show will have you on the edge of your seat, exploring all things occult and eerie. The character development and the complex relationships of all the characters are engaging as well.
5. I Am Not Okay with This
I Am Not Okay With This touches upon the complexities of high school through the eyes of a telekinetic teen who’s also discovering her sexuality and navigating family dynamics. Based on a graphic novel by Charles Forsman, the show shares Stranger Things’ coming-of-age theme and its supernatural, gritty, and mystical elements. Although it was canceled just after one season, if you’re looking for a short watch, there’s nothing more reminiscent.
6. The Umbrella Academy
The story, set in 1989, follows 43 infants who come from miraculous births and are adopted by a billionaire to be trained to save the world. After a host of disagreements and falling-out over the years, six surviving members reunite and work to solve a mystery surrounding their adopted father’s death. The show has plenty to keep you engaged based on a collection of comics by Gerard Way (from My Chemical Romance).
7. The OA
A science-fiction mystery series that follows the life of a young girl, the OA is quite similar in themes to Stranger Things. However, it’s got far more mind-bending, gritty moments. After seven years, the plotline looks into a young girl’s miraculous return to her town. That’s not all. Not only does she return without a word, but she also is no longer blind. As the authorities and her family work to discover what had happened during this time, a series of mysterious, supernatural occurrences transpire, keeping audiences hooked.
8. Everything Sucks!
A 90s high-school series that offers a good dose of nostalgia. Although not dark or gritty like Stranger Things, the show explores the lives of two crews of nerdy students who join forces to make a movie that will put them on the popular map. Solid performances and an exciting set of ups and downs, this is what Stranger Things would be if not for the Upside Down. Besides, the show also boasts a stellar soundtrack.
9. The Fear Street Trilogy
Based on Goosebump author R.L. Stine’s book series, Fear Street has the nostalgic factor and is set in 1994, 1978, and 1666. However, it also explores dark and supernatural themes while navigating teenage relationships. The story follows the lives of a group of teenagers who take on evil forces together. In one, they work together to survive a possessed camp counselor who’s on a murder spree. In another, they save their town from notorious evil activities and curses.
10. Black Mirror
Dark, mysterious, and based on science-fiction themes, Black Mirror has a new storyline with each episode. Each explores a world that deals with the unclear repercussions of technological developments. At once dystopian and horrifying, you’ll find yourself questioning reality as you know it and turning a skeptical eye to what the future holds. If chills are what you’re after, this show is here to provide them.
