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6 shows on Netflix to get you in the Halloween mood

Halloween is just days away and there’s only one place to be when the 31st comes around. At home, with Netflix and a bucket of monster shaped chocolate of course. From masked murderers chasing gullible teens to an oddly charming cannibal with a penchant for haute cuisine, the streaming site has a bevy of creepy shows to devour in one sitting. Here are six horror themed shows guaranteed to get you in the Halloween spirit.

Scream

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The spirit and success of Wes Craven’s horror films has been transported to the small screen in MTV’s addictive slasher show, Scream. Much like the movies, the TV series follows a bunch of teenagers who become the unlucky targets of a sadistic masked serial killer with a grudge.

The show has built up a loyal fan base since first airing in June 2015 and it was recently renewed for a third season. To celebrate All Hallows’ Eve, there’s a two-hour Halloween Special, which joins the first two seasons on Netflix. It has everything you want from a teen horror series – blood, gore, self-aware horror references, jump scares, and lots and lots of screaming (obviously).

American Horror Story

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Even though each subsequent season has got progressively worse (I still can’t get on board with the currently airing Roanoke), nothing beats the quality of horror in the first two seasons of Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story. Murder House was frankly terrifying, bettered only by Asylum, which features one of the best musical numbers in any TV show, ever.

The anthology show has covered what feels like every major horror theme, in a variety of spooky American locations, but what makes the show so great is the stellar cast of actors who regularly return – from Denis O’Hare and Evan Peters to Jessica Lange and Kathy Bates. The first 6 seasons are all on Netflix now, but if you only watch 2 episodes, make them Murder House’s ‘Halloween Part 1 & 2’ – so creepy.

Hemlock Grove

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A Netflix binge-list wouldn’t be complete without an original series, even better when it’s as gruesome as Hemlock Grove. Exec-produced by Cabin Fever and Hostel director Eli Roth, the online series originally ran for just 13 episodes, with two further ten episode seasons to follow.

The series is set in the fictional town of Hemlock Grove, Pennsylvania, where strange and grisly happenings are an every day occurrence. Season one got a critical beating but it’s one of those so bad it’s good shows. Plus, it’s rated 18 for a reason, making it a perfectly indulgent adult-only Halloween treat.

From Dusk till Dawn

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Developed by Robert Rodriguez (the Mexico Trilogy), From Dusk till Dawn: The Series was the surprise hit of 2014 in America. Thank god for Netflix, who gave the show a UK home, giving us Brits the opportunity to enjoy all the thrilling supernatural crime goodness. The show follows the bank robbing Gecko Brothers, Seth and Richie, as they encounter vampires and vengeful lawmen south of the border.

Part of the cult franchise, the action-horror show boasts impressive special effects and a brotherly dynamic that will please fans of Supernatural’s Sam and Dean. The final episode of season 3 is available on Netflix from 2 November, so you still have time to catch up on the first two seasons before then.

Hannibal

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What to say about Hannibal that hasn’t already been said by those still mourning the premature cancellation after just three seasons? Horrifying and sickening as so many of the crime scenes were, the psychological horror series was cinematically stunning and masterfully written.

Then there was Mads Mikkelsen’s superb central performance as forensic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter, matched only by Hugh Dancy’s unstable FBI investigator, Will Graham. It’s a TV pairing that will be remembered for years to come. Hannibal isn’t for the faint hearted, or those with a weak stomach, but it’s a classy, clever series that’s beautiful and hideous in equal measure.

Z Nation

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The Walking Dead is back but you won’t find it on Netflix. So forget Negan and his vampire bat Lucille, because there’s another post-apocalyptic zombie show that won’t leave you quite so traumatised. If the other TV shows on this list all sound a little heavy, Z Nation is the next best option – a horror-drama that’s a little bit camp and doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Like many zombie tales, a virus has wiped out most of humanity, leaving a few unlucky survivors. Where it differs is with former prison inmate Murphy, who is immune to the zombie bite and might just be mankind’s last hope. All 13 episodes of season one are available on Netflix now for you to enjoy.