It’s October, and that means it’s time to put out a list of truly scary fiction podcasts.
Here are ten underrated fiction series you’ve likely never heard of but that will keep you awake thinking about them long after you listen (Okay, so maybe you have heard of some of these. But maybe you haven’t, because to qualify for this list, each selection had fewer than 100 ratings or reviews on Apple Podcasts at the time of writing).
Prepare yourself for some seriously unsettling listening. Here are ten spine-chilling audio fiction series carefully curated for your listening displeasure. Headphones on—if you dare.
All shows are available to listen to on Apollo Podcasts, or wherever you listen.
Warning: These series contain graphic depictions of violence, psychological trauma, body horror, disturbing sound imagery, supernatural entities, and themes such as death, grief, and loss. Additionally, sensitive topics like abuse, self-harm, mental illness, addiction, and explicit language may be present. The content can be unsettling or triggering for some individuals. Please proceed with caution and prioritize your well-being.
Mortis Maledictum
By Dark Arc Books
Mortis Maledictum is a dark fantasy and cosmic horror fiction podcast, inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft, Neil Gaiman, and Jim Butcher. This immersive audio drama delivers tales filled with suspense, monsters, magic, and dread. Listeners will appreciate the show’s tight, gripping storytelling, cutting through unnecessary fluff to focus on intense narratives. Each episode plunges into the unknown, offering a blend of mystery and horror set in a world of ancient, malevolent forces and haunting atmospheres. Fans of The Magnus Archives, Old Gods of Appalachia, Malevolent, and Welcome to Night Vale will find much to love in this chilling series.
Incarnation Read
By C.S.W.
Incarnation Read is a horror anthology podcast that explores the dark and twisted realities lurking just beneath the surface of everyday life. Creator and narrator C. S. W. leads the charge in each episode, supported by a dedicated cast and original music and sound effects crafted in-house. These are chilling stories that peel back the veil of normalcy to reveal sinister, sentient forces at play—forces that thrive on fear, horror, and the inevitable emergence of patterns among terrifying events.
The series is known for its unnerving sound design, crafting an atmosphere that plunges listeners into a reality where nightmares not only come to life but are expected. There are jump scares galore, which some listeners have noted may catch you off guard. Yet, for many fans, these elements only enhance the show’s ability to leave you afraid to leave your bed at night.
From inhuman impulses to disorienting gaps between the real and the surreal, Incarnation Read keeps listeners on edge with its compelling writing, production quality, and voice acting.
“As a horror podcast junkie, I’ve literally heard all of them. This is without question one of the most original, well-written, well edited and well performed cast out there. I’d put it up there with Knifepoint, hitch hiker horror, WNMTK, acephale and others.”
voxx1122 via Apple Podcasts
The Vessel
Bloodstream City
https://thevesselserial.wordpress.com
The Vessel is a space horror audio drama that blends elements of Dead Space and Event Horizon to deliver an intense, atmospheric experience. The story unfolds aboard a massive spacecraft where a crew member awakens from cryosleep only to find the ship plagued by strange and deadly occurrences. With a large cast of characters and eerie, suspenseful moments, the series builds tension as the mysteries of the vessel and its sinister forces are revealed. Written and mixed by Brian Martinez and performed by Jason Hill and Erik Peabody, The Vessel has captivated its dedicated fanbase with its high-quality production, engaging narration, and a creeping sense of dread. Ideal for fans of sci-fi horror, the series has garnered praise for its strong voice acting, immersive sound design, and compelling storytelling.
“I’ve listened to 40 days (900+ hours) of podcasts. This is the only podcast I’ve ever left a review on. It’s that good. Voice acting 5/5 Story 5/5 Atmosphere 5/5 Please, keep up the good work.”
Jackson Swan via Apple Podcasts
The Secret of St Kilda
By Haggis and Dragons Productions
https://thesecretofstkilda.carrd.co
The Secret of St Kilda is a gripping supernatural thriller podcast that follows a charismatic con man seeking redemption. Fleeing to the remote Scottish island of St Kilda, the conman soon realizes that the island and its mysterious inhabitants have other plans. As he grapples with his past and a community searching for a savior, he must confront unsettling forces, both human and otherworldly. As secrets unravel, trust becomes a fragile commodity on this isolated island. With rich storytelling, compelling characters, and a haunting atmosphere, the series explores themes of sacrifice, morality, and survival.
Praised for its high-quality sound design, captivating performances, and intricate plot, St Kilda keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. Fans commend the powerful cast, immersive world-building, and unexpected twists. Described as “cinematic and deliciously bleak” and “wildly underrated,” the show delves into dark mysteries, blending small-town drama with supernatural suspense.
Perfect for fans of character-driven mysteries and eerie atmospheres, St Kilda offers a chilling narrative experience that will leave you questioning reality and morality long after each episode ends.
“The atmosphere is perfectly cultivated to give this deeply ominous feeling, and you never quite know what’s coming. I did lots of gasping when watching this show, enough gasping to seriously concern my flatmate. And of course, the production quality is through the roof. Just be warned though, expect to be ruined emotionally and to enjoy every second of it.”
leanneegg via Apple Podcasts
Aberrations
By Aaron Eldritch
https://aberrations.buzzsprout.com
Aberrations is an award-winning, Webby-nominated audio drama that plunges listeners into the paranormal experiences of four young men as they navigate the mysteries of the Eldritch Estate. Set at the turn of the millennium, the series follows the Eldritch brothers and their friends as they bond over nights of videogames and Dungeons & Dragons, only to be haunted by eerie occurrences after discovering a strange book. As supernatural forces grow more menacing, the bonds of their friendship are tested in ways far darker than they ever imagined.
Based on the novel Tryst by Aaron Eldritch, Aberrations offers a chilling blend of psychological horror and suspense, leaving listeners with an unsettling sense of dread long after the final episode.Perfect for fans of full-cast, immersive audio dramas that delve into the surreal and creepy, Aberrations is a must-listen for those seeking a fresh and unnerving take on the paranormal.
“This paranormal fiction podcast was a first-rate, A+ horror mini-series – and aside from the spooky, ‘chills up my spine’”’, scares that come from listening to this alone, late at night, I also have to add that Aberrations really really bothered me – almost to the point where I considered stopping listening.”
Ponterbee’s2ndPhone via Apple Podcasts
Syntax
By Twin Strangers Productions
Syntax is a science fiction horror audio drama that follows linguist Silas Caldwell as he joins VINCULA, a mysterious biotech company with a collection of otherworldly artifacts. Alongside a team of scientists and explorers, Silas ventures beyond the Breach, encountering unimaginable horrors that test the limits of his mind and reality.
With its intricate world-building, immersive soundscapes, and a compelling cast of characters, Syntax delivers a slow-burn narrative filled with suspense, terror, and exploration of the unknown. Fans of language, zoology, and history will appreciate the show’s deep dives into various disciplines, while lovers of horror sci-fi will find the eerie atmosphere and creeping dread captivating.
The show’s adult themes, complex plot, and detailed creature profiles make for a gripping experience. Syntax features a full voice cast and stellar sound design, making it a must-listen for fans of dark, mysterious audio dramas.
“If you’re into world-building or creatures or found family or mysterious organizations or huge discoveries or awesome characters or spooky music or adventuring or nihilism or weird things you can’t explain or facing fears or finding beauty in horror…… please give Syntax a shot.”
AKAbbey4 via Apple Podcasts
ICE-CREAM
By 911 Podcasts
ICE-CREAM is a thrilling audio drama that transports listeners to the summer of 1988, where 14-year-old Elgin Foster and his younger brother Dustin spend their vacation at their newly divorced father’s house in Arizona. Soon after arriving, Elgin begins to witness a disturbing series of child abductions by the local ice cream truck driver. With no one, not even the police, believing his claims, Elgin starts to question his own sanity, especially after suffering a recent concussion. Together with his neighbor Olivia, they embark on a harrowing investigation to uncover the truth behind the ice cream man’s sinister actions.
This limited series, produced by the groundbreaking production house 911 Podcasts, masterfully blends the nostalgic feel of 1980s horror films with modern audio storytelling. The immersive sound design, compelling performances, and chilling narrative have garnered rave reviews, likening the show to a cross between Stephen King’s “IT” and Netflix’s “Stranger Things.” With its talented voice cast, it has quickly become a fan favorite for those seeking an intense, cinematic podcast experience.
“Found this through their other show ‘Supermarket’ and wow this production company is elite. Really loving the sound design. I actually had to stop listening halfway through because I felt so icked out by the creepiness. Finished it today and it was such an amazing show. Listen if you want to get the creepy crawllys”
VersEidiu32 via Apple Podcasts
Quietly Yours
By Daffadillies
http://daffadillies.co.uk/quietlyyours
Quietly Yours is a horror anthology podcast inspired by classic radio dramas, featuring a full cast, immersive sound design, and original music. Written by Brett Barnett, each standalone episode delivers suspenseful and unsettling tales that leave listeners on edge. They’re not just spooky stories—it’s an experience that pulls you in with its haunting narration and unique storytelling style. From supernatural encounters to psychological thrills, Quietly Yours offers a nostalgic take on the horror genre. With episodes that range from Christmas-themed mysteries to paranormal experiences, the podcast has earned praise for its eerie atmosphere and high-quality production.
“I love narrated stories but had grown tired of how formulaic they had become. This one is different. The narrator has a voice you can listen too for days and the stories are original and grab your attention. Don’t expect scare jumps or cheesy effects. Just a solid well narrated story.”
Dani 1.5 via Apple Podcasts
The Moon Crown
By M. Holder
The Moon Crown is a full-cast audio drama blending cosmic and psychological horror with elements of weird fiction. At the heart of the narrative is Lou, who broadcasts messages in a desperate attempt to warn listeners of the approaching danger. But her audience may not be the kind of people she hoped to reach.
Set in a world where mythical beasts and entities have integrated into society, the story follows a group of outcasts on the run after uncovering a secret that could upend the existence of these supernatural beings. The show is inspired by Filipino mythology, enriched with a touch of Western folklore, offering a deeply immersive and unsettling atmosphere.
Episodes feature vivid sound design, powerful voice acting, and a gripping storyline that explores themes of memory loss, cult behavior, confinement, and identity. The series includes a diverse cast of talented voice actors and is ideal for fans of cosmic horror, psychological thrillers, and mythology.
“This is a show that is an absolute treat to listen to. (…) The story and narration keep you guessing what you think you know. The dialogue and script work is incredible, and the minor details in the foley and soundscaping keep you aching for more. (…) The show runner really knows how to bring the atmosphere of dread and unease with them and their narration. An incredible listen!”
Twin Strangers Productions via Apple Podcasts
Zariya Hollow
By Alexiel de Ravenswood
https://zariyahollow.wixsite.com/home
Zariya Hollow is a horror anthology podcast where the past and present collide in supernatural tales. Set in the haunted halls of Hendrickson Mansion and the ghost town of Shadowbrook Camp, each episode is guided by the enigmatic Reinhardt Hendrickson, where listeners are drawn into stories filled with macabre mysteries, spectral legends, and unsettling secrets that linger in the shadows.
Each character, from the mischievous Zariya to the steadfast Adeline Thornway, is richly developed, creating a hauntingly personal experience. There is a wealth of lore and world-building, where even the ghosts that haunt these lands have compelling backstories.
With an immersive soundscape, original music, and captivating voice acting, Zariya Hollow captures the essence of classic horror while introducing modern twists. Whether you’re a fan of ghost stories, Gothic horror, or eerie folklore, this podcast promises to keep you on edge with each tale.
“I’m a huge fan of classic horror, and horror hosts. This hit home for me. It gave me Crypt Keeper, Vincent Price, Alice Cooper, as well as Haunted Mansion vibes, but with a purely unique and creative tone. Thank you for bringing the horror host back from the dead.”
Anpu Fantôme via Apple Podcasts
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- Exploring the Unknown: Ten Sci-Fi Audio Dramas You Might Have Missed
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- Some of the Best Fiction Podcasts: Must-Listen Shows for Every Genre in 2024
- The Sound of Collapse: 10 Fiction Podcasts Set in Dystopian Worlds
