5 Psychological Thriller Series to Watch After 'Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen'
Just finished watching the gripping series 'Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen' and still feeling that lingering sense of unease? That's a testament to the show's powerful storytelling, which goes beyond mere jump scares to embed itself deep in your psyche. Created by Haley Z. Boston with assistance from the Duffer Brothers, this series follows Rachel and Nicky, a couple seeking seclusion for their wedding, only to have their idyllic plans unravel into a nightmare of doubt and dread.
The horror here isn't just supernatural; it's psychological, exploring themes of commitment fears, generational curses, and the terrifying possibility of choosing the wrong path in life. If you appreciated that slow-burn tension and emotional complexity, here are five series that deliver similarly unsettling, layered, and unforgettable experiences.
'The Haunting of Hill House'
For pure, spine-chilling horror, start with this masterpiece by Mike Flanagan. 'The Haunting of Hill House' is a horror drama centered on the Crain family, whose lives are haunted by both a creepy mansion and their own tangled emotions. The narrative weaves between the siblings' traumatic childhood in Hill House and their adult lives, building toward a catastrophic night in 1992. As they reunite, they confront ghosts, repressed memories, and dark secrets. While supernatural elements abound, the true horror lies in the enduring scars of family and memory.
'The Haunting of Bly Manor'
Another Flanagan creation, this series immerses viewers in a gothic romance horror set in the 1980s. 'The Haunting of Bly Manor' follows Dani Clayton, an American nanny hired to care for orphaned siblings Miles and Flora at a haunted English estate. She soon discovers the manor is teeming with ghosts, including Rebecca Jessel and Peter Quint, and the house itself feels alive with malevolence. Beneath the supernatural surface, it's a poignant tale of love, loss, and memories that refuse to fade. The pacing is slow and melancholic, creating a quietly unsettling atmosphere akin to awaiting disaster in a genteel setting.
Where to watch: Netflix'Brand New Cherry Flavor'
If you crave bizarre and twisted narratives, this series delivers in spades. 'Brand New Cherry Flavor' is a dark, wild ride set in 1990s Hollywood, following filmmaker Lisa Nova as she seeks revenge against a sleazy producer who stole her work. Her quest leads to a pact with a witch, unleashing a cascade of body horror, zombies, magic, and hallucinations. Notably, Haley Z. Boston contributed to the writing, infusing it with themes of ambition, betrayal, and fractured identity that echo the unsettling vibe of 'Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen'.
Where to watch: Netflix'Black Mirror'
While not traditional horror, 'Black Mirror' often proves to be one of the most unsettling series available. This dystopian sci-fi anthology explores the dark implications of technology on human emotions, mental health, and society. Each standalone episode poses "what if" scenarios involving social media, artificial intelligence, and surveillance, revealing how these innovations can distort relationships and warp reality. Its thought-provoking narratives linger long after viewing, getting under your skin and prompting reflection on modern life.
Where to watch: Netflix'The OA'
For something mysterious, emotional, and uniquely strange, 'The OA' is an excellent choice. This mystery-sci-fi drama centers on Prairie Johnson, who reappears after a years-long disappearance with newfound abilities and the title "the OA" (Original Angel). She recruits five strangers to help rescue missing individuals trapped in another dimension through five enigmatic movements. Blending elements of near-death experiences, faith, and interconnectedness, the series is hauntingly slow-paced and rich with belief and heartbreak, much like Rachel's journey in 'Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen'.
