But while innovative horror might feel new, it totally isn’t. Horror as a genre has been growing, changing, and influencing our culture for centuries. From early Victorian literature to new contemporary classics, here are the 25 most influential horror books of all time. These books make the list for the way they’ve redefined what horror means, opened up the doors to explore new possibilities, and influenced other authors to do the same. If you love horror, make sure you check out each and every one of the books on this list.

Haunted Houses and Ghosts

Vampires

The Occult and the Devil

Zombies and Other Monsters

Japanese Horror

And One Movie

Looking to learn more about horror? Here are some facts about horror fiction that might surprise you. And if you’re just wanting more good horror recommendations, here are some exciting 2022 horror books we scare you to read. Be safe out there, horror fans!

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