23 terrifying analog horror series
These analog horror series are the most terrifying shows the genre has to offer.
Analog Horror: A Creepy and Nostalgic Genre
Analog horror is a genre of films, shorts, and videos that imitate the style of old VHS tapes and other pre-digital formats. These videos capture a unique atmosphere that combines creepiness with a wave of nostalgia. The popularity of analog horror has skyrocketed in recent years, with filmmakers experimenting with innovative ways to frighten audiences. In this article, we will explore some of the best analog horror series that you should check out right now.
Table of Contents
- No Through Road: Taking a Wrong Turn
- Ben Drowned: One of the First Gaming Analog Horror Series
- Super Mario 64: CLASSIFIED: When Everything Said About SM64 is True
- Petscop: A Let’s Play as a Horror Story
- Local 58: How the Genre Got Its Name
- CH/SS: Supernatural Espionage
- The Mandela Catalogue: Alternate Reality
- The Smile Tapes: Give the Audience a Grin
- Marble Hornets: Slender Man’s Peak
- ECKVA: Marble Hornets’ Spiritual Successor
- Hi I’m Mary Mary: Trapped at Home
- Gemini Home Entertainment: When Urban Legends Meet Cosmic Horror
- Surreal Broadcast: Taking Over the Airwaves
- Midwest Angelica: Death From Above
- Somnium DreamViewer: Where Dreams Become Nightmares
- Archive 81: Sounds Scary
- The Walten Files: Animated Analog Horror
- The Man in the Suit: Method Acting at Its Most Extreme
- The Backrooms (Found Footage): The Spaces Between Reality
- The Monument Mythos: Landmark Horror
No Through Road: Taking a Wrong Turn
Created by Steven Chamberlain, “No Through Road” is one of the pioneering analog horror series. Inspired by “The Blair Witch Project,” David Lynch movies, and the “Doctor Who” episode ‘Time,’ this series takes viewers on a chilling journey. It revolves around four 17-year-olds who encounter strange events after taking a shortcut down a deserted road. As events start to repeat and a mysterious figure begins stalking them, the tension builds, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.
Image: 20 Scariest Analog Horrors- No Through Road
Ben Drowned: One of the First Gaming Analog Horror Series
“Ben Drowned” is an iconic series that combines written creepypasta with video footage. Created by Alex ‘Jadusable’ Hall, this series takes inspiration from “The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask,” Slender Man, and other creepypastas. It tells the story of a haunted copy of “The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask” and the unsettling events that unfold. With its glitchy movements, eerie atmosphere, and distorted music, “Ben Drowned” is a must-watch for any analog horror enthusiast.
Image: Scary Analog Horror- Ben Drowned
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Super Mario 64: CLASSIFIED: When Everything Said About SM64 is True
In this series, titled “Super Mario 64: CLASSIFIED,” creators dive into the wild speculation surrounding the popular Nintendo 64 game. Inspired by rumors and urban legends, this series imagines a scenario where every bizarre claim about the game turns out to be true. Through VHS recordings of a broken demo build of “Super Mario 64,” viewers uncover a dark secret concealed by Nintendo. “Super Mario 64: CLASSIFIED” strikes a perfect balance between tongue-in-cheek humor and eerie undertones.
Image: Scariest Analog Horror- Super Mario 64 Classified
Petscop: A Let’s Play as a Horror Story
While traditional Let’s Play videos have lost some popularity in recent years, “Petscop” brings a fresh twist to the genre by transforming it into a horror story. Created by Tony Domenico, this series follows Paul as he plays through a mysterious and obscure PS1 game called “Petscop.” The seemingly innocent game takes a dark turn as the levels reveal disturbing themes of abuse, disappearances, and more. “Petscop” is a captivating watch that blurs the lines between reality and fiction.
Image: Scariest Analog Horror- Petscop
Local 58: How the Genre Got Its Name
Kris Straub, known for his creepy story “Candle Cove,” created “Local 58,” a series that originated the term “analog horror.” Drawing inspiration from Candle Cove and Lovecraftian horror, “Local 58” presents a collection of videos from a fictional public access channel in West Virginia. Each video features cryptic messages, bizarre broadcasts, and unnerving fictional events. The fifth episode, titled “Station ID,” officially coined the term “ANALOG HORROR at 476MHZ.”
Image: Scary Analog Horror- Local 58
CH/SS: Supernatural Espionage
Although the creator of “CH/SS” remains unknown, this series stands as an influential entry in the analog horror genre. Its series of instructional videos and government-sponsored mental health organization advertisements are laced with espionage, deception, and supernatural forces. With its obscure Russian dialogue and strange beasts, “CH/SS” enthralls viewers and leaves them with an unsettling experience.
Image: Scary Analog Horror- CH/SS
The Mandela Catalogue: Alternate Reality
Inspired by the famous Mandela Effect urban legend, “The Mandela Catalogue” takes viewers on a journey through an alternate reality. Created by Alex Kister, this series spans six videos spread across VHS tapes. It chronicles the mysterious “Alternates,” shape-shifting creatures that assume the form of unsuspecting victims before attacking them. With its creepy visuals and eerie inspiration, “The Mandela Catalogue” will leave viewers questioning their perception of reality.
Image: Scary Analog Horror- The Mandela Catalogue
The Smile Tapes: Give the Audience a Grin
“The Smile Tapes” is a captivating analog horror series that debuted in 2021. Created by Patorikku, this series explores the effects of a new drug called SMILE, which causes uncontrollable laughter and increasingly broad smiles. The tapes uncover the origins of the drug, its victims, and the terrifying incidents it causes. With its connection to the popular game “The Last of Us” and its engaging storyline, “The Smile Tapes” is a must-watch for horror fans.
Image: Scary Analog Horror- The Smile Tapes
Marble Hornets: Slender Man’s Peak
“Marble Hornets” is a classic analog horror series that gained massive popularity during the Slender Man phenomenon. Created by Troy Wagner and Joseph DeLage, this series revolves around Jay Merrick’s quest to uncover the truth behind his friend Alex’s encounters with the mysterious figure known as “The Operator.” Incorporating an augmented reality game (ARG) element through YouTube, “Marble Hornets” played a significant role in shaping subsequent analog horror series.
Image: 20 Scariest Analog Horrors- Marble Hornets
ECKVA: Marble Hornets’ Spiritual Successor
Following the success of “Marble Hornets,” creator Troy Wagner ventured into a new project called “ECKVA.” This series revolves around an online investigator named S. Hawkins, who receives eerie broadcasts from the defunct ECKVA channel. With its combination of animation, video, and unsettling messages, “ECKVA” stands as a spiritual successor to “Marble Hornets.” Dive into the mystery and uncover the secrets hidden within the dark recesses of ECKVA.
Image: Scary Analog Horror- ECKVA
Hi I’m Mary Mary: Trapped at Home
“Hi I’m Mary Mary” is a unique analog horror series that portrays a woman named Mary trapped inside her parents’ home. The series showcases Mary’s horrifying experiences through the camera she uses to document her eerie encounters. With shadowy figures, a mysterious masked woman, and unexplainable phenomena, “Hi I’m Mary Mary” keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Follow Mary’s story as she fights for her life in this captivating and suspenseful series.
Image: Scary Analog Horror- Hi I’m Mary Mary
Gemini Home Entertainment: When Urban Legends Meet Cosmic Horror
“Gemini Home Entertainment” is a renowned analog horror series that combines urban legends with cosmic horror. Created by Remy Abode, this series takes viewers on a journey through bizarre and disturbing wildlife videos, storm safety guides, and Solar System documentaries. However, when watched together, these seemingly innocent videos reveal terrifying threats like shapeshifting Skinwalkers and a deadly disease. With its connection to American monuments and cosmic entities, “Gemini Home Entertainment” offers a unique blend of horror and intrigue.
Image: Scary Analog Horror- Gemini Home Entertainment
Surreal Broadcast: Taking Over the Airwaves
“Surreal Broadcast” is a series that takes viewers on a journey through the strange and unsettling happenings in Berksaut, Maine. Created by Red Diamond, this series features videos that warn viewers about lurking creatures in the Berksaut Forest, induce hallucinations through anomalous radio broadcasts, and reveal the dangers caused by animal bites. With its captivating storyline and the mysteries it unravels, “Surreal Broadcast” is an enthralling addition to the analog horror genre.
Image: Scary Analog Horror- Surreal Broadcast
Midwest Angelica: Death From Above
“Midwest Angelica” is a series that stands out for its high production quality. Created by Team AQ (Angel Tempo and CuriouQuandary), this series offers in-depth behind-the-scenes information and early access to its episodes for Patreon supporters. The series delves into the discovery of an alien corpse and its impact on the world. With its advanced editing and special effects, “Midwest Angelica” immerses viewers in a world where aliens and cosmic dangers threaten humanity.
Image: Best Analog Horror Series- Midwest Angelica
Somnium DreamViewer: Where Dreams Become Nightmares
Infomercials from the 1980s served as inspiration for Holly Fernwright’s “Somnium DreamViewer.” This series revolves around a product invented by Somnium Technologies that allows users to print images from their dreams. However, the seemingly groundbreaking concept comes with unforeseen side effects, leading to legal issues and disturbing nightmares. With its connection to the Federal Bureau of Metaphysical Intelligence, “Somnium DreamViewer” offers a chilling look into the consequences of meddling with dreams.
Image: Scary Analog Horror- Somnium Dreamviewer
Archive 81: Sounds Scary
Originally a podcast, “Archive 81” has made a name for itself in the analog horror genre. Created by Dan Powell and Marc Sollinger, this series follows an archivist named Dan as he restores audio recordings from the Visser Building. The recordings capture the lives of the building’s residents and the strange occurrences within. With its blend of eerie audio and engaging storytelling, “Archive 81” proves that sound alone can create a terrifying experience.
Image: 20 Scariest Analog Horrors- Archive 81
The Walten Files: Animated Analog Horror
“The Walten Files” takes a different approach to analog horror by utilizing animation. Created by Martin Walls, this series uncovers the mystery surrounding the Bunny Smiles Company and its animatronic restaurant. The series gradually reveals the dark secrets behind Bon’s Burgers and its founders, Jack Walten and Felix Kranken. With its crude visuals and compelling storyline, “The Walten Files” offers a one-of-a-kind animated analog horror experience.
Image: Scary Analog Horror- The Walten Files
The Man in the Suit: Method Acting at Its Most Extreme
“The Man in the Suit” adds a fresh perspective to analog horror by exploring the disturbing consequences of method acting. Created by an anonymous creator known as Unknowingly, this series centers around a man who dons a rubber suit for the infamous Godzilla film. As he immerses himself deeper into the role, he becomes grotesquely fused with the suit, transforming into a fleshy monster. “The Man in the Suit” delves into the dark side of method acting like never before.
Image: Best Analog Horror Series- The Man in the Suit
The Backrooms (Found Footage): The Spaces Between Reality
“The Backrooms (Found Footage)” takes inspiration from a brief post on 4chan. This series tells the story of a camera operator who stumbles into the mysterious Backrooms, a series of infinite, dimly lit spaces that exist between realities. Kane Parsons recreates the original concept in a captivating found footage style. As the camera operator searches for an escape, eerie encounters and unknown dangers lurk in these otherworldly spaces.
Image: Scary Analog Horror- The Backrooms
The Monument Mythos: Landmark Horror
“The Monument Mythos” takes viewers on a journey through a world where American monuments play a crucial role in horrifying events. Created by Alex ‘Mister Manticore’ Casanas, this series combines alternate history, Lovecraftian horror, and cosmic elements. With altered historical events and chilling connections between American monuments and older landmarks like the Sphinx, “The Monument Mythos” offers a unique and haunting take on analog horror.
Image: Scary Analog Horror- Monument Mythos
Engage with the Community and Share
Now that you’re armed with an extensive list of the best analog horror series, it’s time to dive into these immersive and chilling experiences. Explore the eerie worlds created by talented filmmakers and discover the captivating stories they have to offer. And don’t forget to share your favorites with your friends and fellow horror enthusiasts!
Reference List:
- No Through Road
- Ben Drowned
- Super Mario 64: CLASSIFIED
- Petscop
- Local 58
- CH/SS
- The Mandela Catalogue
- The Smile Tapes
- Marble Hornets
- ECKVA
- Hi I’m Mary Mary
- Gemini Home Entertainment
- Surreal Broadcast
- Midwest Angelica
- Somnium DreamViewer
- Archive 81
- The Walten Files
- The Man in the Suit
- The Backrooms (Found Footage)
- The Monument Mythos
