Sayak Basu
No matter how much we try to project ourselves as rational people who tend to find the logic behind something than just believing it right away, we all enjoy a good horror story. Fear is one of the most basic human emotions, and if we can induce that sensation within us while staying in a physically safe environment, it can be greatly enjoyable. This is probably the reason behind the popularity of horror stories in literature, film, and television. Throughout the history of television shows, we have seen numerous horror stories which have both scared and inspired us at the same time. And to add to that glorious tradition, the French horror series ‘Marianne‘ released on Netflix on September 13, 2019.
The Story of ‘Marianne’ centers around a successful horror story writer named Emma Larsimon. We meet her when she returns to the coastal town where she grew up. But as soon as she steps into this town, the nightmares which haunted Emma during her childhood start materializing once again. Among the many books Emma has written, one particular story features a demon’s wife. She is of the firm opinion that it is this very ghost which is haunting her presently.
The show has some genuinely scary moments. Looking at the settings and characters, we can say that the show is clearly inspired by the writings of Stephen King. But thankfully, it does not feel like a derivative in any way. ‘Marianne’ is a highly watchable horror series that horror fans should not miss at any cost. If you have already seen it and loved it, then we’ve got some more titles that you might want to check out. Here’s the list of best shows similar to ‘Marianne’ that are our recommendations. You can watch several of these series like ‘Marianne’ on Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime.
7. Dead Set (2008)
If you have watched ‘Black Mirror‘ and consider it as one of the greatest TV shows of all time, you have got to check out ‘Dead Set’ as well. Both these shows are created by Charlie Brooker. In Brooker’s own words, ‘Dead Set’ is inspired by the classic zombie film ‘Dawn of the Dead’. But one can also find similarities between the show’s plot and that of the 2002 Danny Boyle film, ’28 Days Later’. The story revolves around a famous reality TV series, ‘Big Brother’. All the crew and participants of the show are unaware of the fact that the rest of Britain has been taken over by a zombie apocalypse. As soon as the shooting ends and they open the gates, the zombies attack the set. ‘Big Brother’ is a set where you cannot have any communication with the outside world, and the enclosed house starts feeling like a cage.
6. Channel Zero (2016-2018)
Most horror shows that we come across are usually in the anthology format. While some deal with a story per season, others finish a story within an episode itself. The Syfy Tv series ‘Channel Zero‘ is one such show where the six-episode seasons are each adapted from a different horror novel. But it must be admitted that each of the stories we see in this series is brilliantly written and executed, thus managing to keep up the quality throughout the four seasons. The best part of the series is the different monsters created in each season. The creatures look very unique and frightening. They are nothing like the cliched ghosts we see in mainstream films, and it is impossible to forget their images once you’ve seen them.
5. Penny Dreadful (2014-2016)
Horror stories are not always about fear. Sometimes stories with only elements of horror can also be very dramatic. If you are looking for such a show, ‘Penny Dreadful’ is one which can meet your requirement. The name of the series refers to low-grade pulp books which were produced in England during the 19th century. The stories printed in such books were sleazy and sexual in nature, and did not possess qualities the mainstream considers of “high literary value”.
‘Penny Dreadful’ follows the adventures of showman Ethan Chandler and hunter Sir Malcolm, both of whom have been assigned by a woman called Vanessa Ives to look for a killer. However, the further these two characters get involved in their search, the more they realize that this killer they are looking for is probably a supernatural entity. The costumes, make-up, set designs and characterizations of this series are awe-inspiring, to say the least. The most interesting aspect of ‘Penny Dreadful’ is how the writers have managed to incorporate famous supernatural characters from history into its narrative.
4. The Exorcist (2016-2018)
Without a shadow of a doubt, ‘The Exorcist‘ is by far the most popular horror film of all time. There have been innumerable horror films made since ‘The Exorcist’, but not a single one of them can match up to the cultural impact this film has had on audiences not only in America, but all over the world. This Fox original series serves as the direct sequel to the film and is also adapted from the similarly-titled book by William Peter Blatty on which the film is based. The story of ‘The Exorcist‘ centers around the Rance family, who are being constantly tormented by a demonic presence in their house. Unable to maintain their sanity any longer, the family decide to call for the services of two Catholic priests to help them get rid of the ghost. The makers manage to uphold the tension in the narrative throughout the series; something which is rather difficult to achieve with a horror story told in an episodic format.
Read More: TV Shows Like Dark
3. The Haunting of Hill House (2018-)
Based on the book of the same name by acclaimed horror writer Shirley Jackson, ‘The Haunting of Hill House‘ released on Halloween 2018 and immediately became a hit among the audiences. The series was among the multiple shows and movies Netflix released during Halloween, but not a single one of them has been able to top this series when it comes to critical acclaim or popularity among the fans. The show uses the trope of a haunted house to tell its story, but the way the makers approach the narrative is rather impressive.
Hill House is an old dilapidated house that Hugh and Olivia Crain have bought. Before they revamp and sell it to a buyer, the Crains start living in the house along with their five children. Within a few days of their arrival, the family starts experiencing supernatural occurrences in the house, but each member of the family has different experiences altogether. These hauntings keep affecting them even after moving out of the house. The plot of the series is rather complicated, but has been neatly balanced and presented throughout the ten episodes. There are some incredibly frightening moments that will definitely ruin your sleep.
Read More: TV Shows Like The Haunting of Hill House
2. American Horror Story (2011-)
One of the most popular anthology horror shows of recent times, ‘American Horror Story‘ has remained fresh since the first season itself. This is because each season of the show deals with a different horror trope altogether. The first season tells a story about a haunted house, the second season focuses on a serial killer in an asylum, while the third one is about witches who are survivors of the infamous Salem Witch Trials. Brilliant performances and unique style of storytelling make AHS a show that all horror fans must check out!
Read More: TV Shows Like American Horror Story
1. The Terror (2018-)
Since ‘The Terror‘ released in 2018, it has created a sensation that is hardly equaled by any other horror TV series. The first season of the show deals with two British ships that have lost their way during their expedition to the Arctic. And now there is an inexplicable presence on the ship which is haunting the voyagers and claiming lives one after the other. The second season, on the other hand, is about Japanese folklore. The series is set during World War II, after the Pearl Harbor bombings. This was the time when Japanese-Americans were being caged by the American government on suspicions of treason. A spirit known as ‘bakemono’ keeps haunting the Japanese-Americans in their detention camps. Both seasons of ‘The Terror’ are brilliantly directed, acted, and written. Both the stories are quite intriguing and frightening.
Read More: TV Shows Like The Terror
