The Best Horror Anthologies to Read This Year

Horror stories don’t have to be long to leave a lasting chill. Sometimes, a tightly written, nail-biting tale told in just a few pages is more powerful—and more terrifying—than a sprawling haunted novel. That’s the magic of horror anthologies: bite-sized frights for busy readers, late-night thrills, or anyone who loves discovering diverse voices in the genre.

Whether you’re searching for gothic ghost stories, modern social horror, or twisted tales from new and classic authors, this year’s selection of horror anthologies has something for every scream-seeker. Here’s our roundup of the best horror anthologies to read this year—collections guaranteed to pack a scary punch.

1. The Best Horror of the Year (Vol. 15) edited by Ellen Datlow

Why Read It:

Every year, legendary editor Ellen Datlow curates a collection of the finest contemporary horror stories, and Volume 15 is no exception. With tales from rising stars and acclaimed authors alike, this anthology showcases the horror genre’s diversity in voice, style, and subject.

Expect:

Cerebral scares, emotional depth, and incredibly polished writing across all subgenres—from cosmic dread to body horror.

Perfect For:

Readers who want a masterfully curated overview of modern horror fiction.

2. Dark Stars: New Tales of Darkest Horror edited by John F.D. Taff

Why Read It:

A spiritual successor to Dark Forces, this anthology features some of the biggest names in contemporary horror—Stephen Graham Jones, Tananarive Due, Laird Barron, and more. The stories are original, rich in atmosphere, and incredibly unsettling.

Expect:

Psychological terror, supernatural threats, and fresh takes on traditional horror tropes.

Perfect For:

Fans of dark literary horror with a modern twist.

3. When Things Get Dark: Stories Inspired by Shirley Jackson edited by Ellen Datlow

Why Read It:

Shirley Jackson left an indelible mark on horror, and this anthology pays tribute with stories inspired by her haunting style. Contributors like Paul Tremblay, Carmen Maria Machado, and Joyce Carol Oates honor her legacy while crafting original tales of creeping unease and emotional intensity.

Expect:

Slow-burn, psychological horror in subtly sinister suburban or domestic settings.

Perfect For:

Fans of The Haunting of Hill House or We Have Always Lived in the Castle.

4. The Valancourt Book of Horror Stories series (Volumes 1–5)

Why Read It:

This superb series collects forgotten or overlooked horror gems from the 19th and 20th centuries, many of which haven’t been reprinted in decades. Valancourt Books is known for uncovering lost literary treasures, and these stories remind us that spooky writing never goes out of style.

Expect:

Classic gothic chills, eerie atmospheres, and historical horror you’ve likely never read before.

Perfect For:

Readers who love vintage horror, ghost stories, and literary deep cuts.

5. Screams from the Dark: 29 Tales of Monsters and the Monstrous edited by Ellen Datlow

Why Read It:

If you love monsters, this is your anthology. From literal beasts to internal demons, these stories explore what it truly means to be monstrous. With contributions from Gemma Files, Brian Evenson, Caitlín R. Kiernan and more, this book delivers creative, original frights with serious bite.

Expect:

Creature features, cosmic horror, and psychological mind games—all through a monstrous lens.

Perfect For:

Readers who love classic monsters reimagined for the modern age.

6. You Are Not Alone edited by Damien Angelica Walters and others

Why Read It:

A powerful collection of horror stories written in support of survivors of sexual violence, this anthology delivers terrifying tales infused with empathy, rage, and resilience. It includes diverse voices from across the horror writing community.

Expect:

Survivor-focused narratives, social horror, and emotional depth.

Perfect For:

Readers who appreciate horror with purpose, heart, and real-world resonance.

7. Tiny Nightmares: Very Short Stories of Horror edited by Lincoln Michel and Nadxieli Nieto

Why Read It:

Short on time but hungry for chills? This collection of “flash fiction” horror stories packs intense dread into just a page or two. With contributions from Samantha Hunt, Kevin Brockmeier, and more, each story is no longer than 1,000 words—but you’ll be thinking about them long after.

Expect:

Quick, strange, and unsettling snapshots into horrific situations and surreal ideas.

Perfect For:

Busy readers who want maximum fear in minimal time.

8. Black Cranes: Tales of Unquiet Women edited by Lee Murray and Geneve Flynn

Why Read It:

This award-winning anthology collects chilling tales from Southeast Asian women authors, touching on themes of culture, identity, intergenerational trauma, and supernatural horror. It’s unique, powerful, and deeply moving.

Expect:

Gothic stories with rich cultural mythology, haunting imagery, and devastating emotion.

Perfect For:

Readers seeking diverse horror that goes beyond the expected.

9. The Dark Magazine Anthology (Collections from The Dark Online Magazine)

Why Read It:

The Dark publishes some of the best dark fantasy and horror short fiction today, and their anthology volumes compile standout stories from the magazine. These tales are often lyrical, weird, and emotionally resonant.

Expect:

Quiet horror, unsettling fantasy, surrealism, and brilliant prose.

Perfect For:

Fans of literary horror who enjoy unique story structures and experimental storytelling.

10. Out There Screaming edited by Jordan Peele

Why Read It:

Curated by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Jordan Peele, this anthology brings together Black voices in horror to explore real-world fear, systemic injustice, folklore, and identity. Stories by N.K. Jemisin, Tananarive Due, and others combine horror with cultural commentary.

Expect:

Horror with psychological and social depth, exploring America’s darkest realities.

Perfect For:

Fans of Get Out, Us, or Lovecraft Country.

Why Anthologies Are Perfect for Horror Fans

Diverse Voices: One collection brings together many different authors, themes, and styles.

Quick Scares: Great for busy readers looking for complete stories they can devour in one sitting.

Fresh Ideas: Every story offers something different—from haunted houses to body horror to existential dread.

The Bottom Line

Horror anthologies are the ultimate treat for fans of the genre: short, sharp shocks that showcase the vast range of what horror has to offer. Whether you crave classic ghost stories or cutting-edge psychological terror, these collections are packed with tales that will keep you turning pages deep into the night.

So light a candle, find a quiet spot, and dive in. With stories this scary, you might want to keep the lights on.