The Best Horror Podcasts to Terrify Your Commute
From fictional audio dramas to true crime chills, these horror podcasts deliver quality scares straight to your earbuds.
Spookums
There's something uniquely unsettling about horror in your ears. Without visuals, your imagination fills in the gaps—and what you imagine is always scarier than what anyone could show you. Here are the horror podcasts that do it best.
FICTION PODCASTS
THE MAGNUS ARCHIVES
Rusty Quill's magnum opus follows Jonathan Sims, Head Archivist of the Magnus Institute, as he records statements from people who've encountered the supernatural. What begins as seemingly standalone horror stories gradually reveals a complex mythology and overarching plot. The 200-episode series is complete, offering a fully satisfying arc. Start from the beginning—trust us.
THE BLACK TAPES
A journalist investigates paranormal cases that a skeptical researcher couldn't explain. The documentary-style presentation and slowly escalating supernatural threats create genuine dread. Note: the ending is controversial, but the journey is worth it.
OLD GODS OF APPALACHIA
Appalachian folk horror meets cosmic dread in this beautifully produced anthology. The atmospheric narration and rich regional mythology create a unique horror experience rooted in American folklore. The production values are exceptional.
THE HORROR OF DOLORES ROACH
Gimlet's dark comedy horror about a massage therapist who becomes an unwitting cannibal was so successful it became a Broadway musical and Amazon series. Daphne Rubin-Vega's performance is magnetic.
THE WHITE VAULT
A repair team at a remote Arctic outpost discovers something ancient beneath the ice. Fool and Scholar's slow-burn apocalyptic horror uses its isolated setting and multinational cast effectively. The sound design is particularly impressive.
NON-FICTION PODCASTS
LORE
Aaron Mahnke's examination of folklore and the dark history behind legends has become a phenomenon, spawning books and an Amazon series. Each episode explores a different piece of dark history with cinematic production values.
FACULTY OF HORROR
Two horror scholars analyze films through academic lenses—feminist theory, queer readings, historical context. It's horror education that's genuinely entertaining. Essential listening for anyone who wants to think more deeply about the genre.
LAST PODCAST ON THE LEFT
True crime, conspiracy theories, and the supernatural delivered with irreverent comedy. Marcus Parks's research is impeccable, and the hosts' chemistry makes dark subjects surprisingly fun. Not for the easily offended, but deeply researched.
THE NO SLEEP PODCAST
Born from Reddit's r/nosleep community, this anthology features horror stories from emerging writers performed by a rotating cast of voice actors. Quality varies, but the best episodes are genuinely chilling. Free episodes are ad-supported; Patreon subscribers get more content.
WHERE TO START
For horror fiction newcomers: The Magnus Archives episode 1 is a perfect introduction. For non-fiction: Lore's early episodes on familiar legends (werewolves, vampires) are accessible entry points. All podcasts listed are available on major podcast platforms.