There’s something deliciously eerie about listening to spooky podcasts in the dark, headphones on, lights low, and your imagination running wild. Whether you’re a true crime junkie, a believer in the paranormal, or just someone who loves a good scare, the world of podcasts has a haunted corner just for you.
There are currently over two million podcasts being listened to in over 60 million homes. We asked members of our Facebook Community to share their favorite spooky podcasts and this is the list we received.
Scared to Death
If you love scary stories told with cinematic flair, Scared to Death is your next obsession. Hosted by Dan and Lynze Cummins, this show serves up real and imagined horror tales that’ll have you sleeping with the lights on. Their dynamic is part storytelling, part banter and makes you feel like you’re gathered around a campfire with them and the ghosts.
Ghost Story
Ghost Story is a chilling blend of investigative journalism and supernatural suspense. What starts as a simple inquiry into a family haunting quickly spirals into a dark mystery spanning generations. With its haunting sound design and slow-burn pacing, this one’s for fans of Serial who wish it came with more specters.
Kowabana
Hosted by Tara A. Devlin, Kowabana dives into the eerie corners of Japanese internet folklore. Each episode explores real user-submitted tales from forums and urban legend sites, bringing to life Japan’s rich and terrifying storytelling culture. Perfect for anyone who loves atmospheric horror and global ghost lore.
Real Life Ghost Stories
If you believe that truth is stranger (and scarier) than fiction, Real Life Ghost Stories will have you hooked. Host Emma narrates real paranormal encounters sent in by listeners, blending warmth and fear in equal measure. The personal tone makes it feel intimate, like swapping haunted stories at a slumber party, but with goosebumps that linger after the party is over.
My Favorite Murder
No spooky podcast list is complete without My Favorite Murder. Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark mix true crime, comedy, and catharsis in a way that feels both shocking and comforting. Their community, the “Murderinos,” has turned this into a self-care ritual for those who process fear through laughter — because sometimes the best scream comes with a giggle.
Petrified
Straight from Ireland, Petrified is a beautifully produced horror anthology filled with short, sharp shocks. Each episode delivers a dark twist, pulling inspiration from Irish folklore and modern fears alike. Think The Twilight Zone meets Celtic dread. It’s perfect for listeners who want bite-sized scares with brains.
Redhanded
For fans of well-researched, gripping storytelling, RedHanded dives deep into true crime’s darkest corners. Hosts Hannah Maguire and Suruthi Bala bring empathy and intelligence to stories of murder, cults, and conspiracy. It’s sharp, feminist, chillingly addictive, and ideal for spooky season power-listening.
Spooked
Created by Glynn Washington (of Snap Judgment fame), Spooked tells real stories from people who’ve faced the unexplainable. These aren’t campfire tales, they’re firsthand accounts of hauntings, possessions, and eerie encounters. The production is immersive, and each episode feels like stepping through the veil.
Buried Bones
True crime meets history in Buried Bones, where Paul Holes (of The Golden State Killer fame) and historian Kate Winkler Dawson revisit old crimes with modern forensic insight. If you like your scares with a side of smart detective work, this one will keep your spine tingling and your brain buzzing.
The No Sleep Podcast
The internet’s most iconic horror anthology, The NoSleep Podcast adapts the best stories from Reddit’s infamous r/NoSleep forum. With professional voice acting, eerie soundscapes, and a constant rotation of nightmare fuel, this show is the ultimate binge for horror purists. Warning: you might never sleep again.
This spooky season, pour yourself something cozy (or creepy), curl up in your comfiest loungewear, and dive into these ten terrifyingly good podcasts. All ten podcasts are perfect companions for Halloween nights and chilly fall walks.
Did your favorite podcast make the list? What other type of podcasts would you like suggestions for?
