9) Are You Afraid Of The Dark?
If you grew up in the 1990s, chances are that you remember this Canadian children’s horror show all too well. R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps – a similar-themed show that also ran through the decade – is probably the more famous of the two, but AYAOTD is generally considered to be the scarier one.
Originally running from 1991-1996, with the concept revived for one final season in 1999, the show gave its viewers endless nightmares with atmospheric stories that eschewed the usual clear-cut moral messages you would expect for something aimed at a younger audience. Kids’ television has never been so frightening since, and likely never will again – what with changing opinions about what’s suitable for younger audiences.
Obviously, Are You Afraid of the Dark is not as scary to us now that we’re all grown up, but it nonetheless thoroughly deserves its place for acting as an introduction to the horror genre for a generation of children. Just watch the chilling opening sequence above and tell us it doesn’t bring back a wave of long-repressed terror.