Top 19 Horror Novels in 2026

Ranked Novels

1. 

   1

   TOP PICK

   Dungeon Defense

   4.5

   (3.0K ratings)

   Genre: action, drama, ecchi

   Do you know how this world ends? Become the hero and defeat the 72 Demon Lords.

   First Impressions

   Dungeon Defense is a web novel that certainly sparked a lot of strong opinions, and after diving in, I can see why. It's a story about a protagonist who transmigrates into a game he's beaten, becoming the weakest demon lord, Dantalian. He has to use his wits and cunning to survive and rise in a world filled with scheming nobles and powerful enemies. Initially, I was hooked by the premise. The idea of an intelligent, manipulative main character in a fantasy setting is always appealing. The first volume seemed to set up a fascinating world of political intrigue and strategic battles, and I found...

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2. Completed

   2

   RUNNER UP

   Lord of the Mysteries

   4.7

   (2.1K ratings)

   Genre: drama, horror, mature

   With the rising tide of steam power and machinery, who can come close to being a Beyonder? Shrouded in the fog of history and darkness, who or what is the lurking evil that murmurs in our ears?

   First Impressions

   "Lord of the Mysteries" is a web novel that's been on my radar for a while, and after diving in, I can see why it has such a dedicated following. It’s a unique blend of genres – drama, horror, mystery, with a dash of steampunk and Cthulhu mythos thrown in for good measure. The world-building is intricate and immersive, drawing you into a 19th-century-esque setting filled with secret societies, mystical powers, and hidden truths. The beginning can be a bit slow. I'll admit, I almost bounced off at first. There's a lot of information to absorb, and the pacing takes its time to establish the worl...

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3. Completed

   3

   HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

   Global Examination

   4.7

   (1.5K ratings)

   Genre: action, comedy, horror

   The whole world is subjected to a highly dangerous standardised exam called the Global Examination. Answering questions by putting their lives at stake, they would live if they passed the test.

   First Impressions

   "Global Examination" is a wild ride of a novel, and I can definitely see why it has such a devoted following. From the very first chapter, I was thrown into a bizarre world of deadly exams, quirky characters, and an overarching mystery that kept me hooked. It blends elements of action, comedy, horror, and romance (shounen ai/yaoi) into a surprisingly cohesive whole. Initially, the premise of a life-or-death exam system felt a little chaotic. The early chapters are heavy on the examination aspects, which I didn't mind, but I can see why some readers might find it a bit confusing or dry until th...

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4. Completed

   4

   EDITORS CHOICE

   Kaleidoscope of Death

   4.6

   (1.3K ratings)

   Genre: comedy, horror, mystery

   It started off peculiarly; first, his domestic cat refused to let him cuddle it. Lin Qiushi soon found that a sense of disharmony and incongruity began to pervade everything around him.

   First Impressions

   "Kaleidoscope of Death" is a wild ride, and I mean wild. I went into this expecting a horror novel with some romance, and I got that, but it was so much more complex and thought-provoking than I initially anticipated. Buckle up, because this novel will take you on a journey through some truly terrifying and mind-bending scenarios. Right off the bat, the novel is incredibly engaging. It throws you headfirst into the action, and the descriptions are vivid and unsettling. I found myself genuinely creeped out at times, which is exactly what I want from a horror story. The premise of entering these...

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5. Completed

   5

   EDITORS CHOICE

   Supernatural Movie Actor App

   4.7

   (923 ratings)

   Genre: action, comedy, horror

   Xie Chi is a patient with multiple personality disorder. On the surface, he is educated and gentle but the secondary personality is cold, ruthless, and powerful, with explosive strength.

   First Impressions

   Okay, wow. "Supernatural Movie Actor App" was quite the ride. I went into this expecting a fun horror romp, and while I got that, I also got a whole lot more. This novel isn't just about scares; it's a clever blend of genres that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The premise alone grabbed me: a protagonist who falls in love with his split personality and then uses a horror movie app to help them get their own body? It's bonkers, and I was immediately on board. I was a little hesitant about the self-cest aspect, but the author quickly establishes the MC and ML as distinct individuals, which...

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6. Completed

   6

   #6 PICK

   Thriller Trainee

   4.6

   (696 ratings)

   Genre: action, fantasy, horror

   The washed-up magician Zong Jiu transmigrated into a horror, infinite flow novel about a survival show, taking the place of the cannon fodder who died tragically in the first evaluation round. This show was very interesting.

   First Impressions

   "Thriller Trainee" is a web novel that throws you headfirst into a world of transmigration, infinite loops, and deadly games. I was intrigued by the premise – a blend of action, horror, and even a dash of romance (yaoi, to be specific). While the overall rating is quite high, my experience was a bit more nuanced than a simple thumbs-up. The initial chapters definitely grabbed my attention. The idea of a magician thrust into a series of increasingly dangerous "instances" was compelling. I was eager to see how the protagonist, with his supposed antisocial tendencies, would navigate this bizarre ...

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7. Completed

   7

   #7 PICK

   My House of Horrors

   4.6

   (647 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, horror

   After the disappearance of his parents, Chen Ge inherits the family-run haunted house attraction at an amusement park. Struggling to bring in customers, he discovers a black phone that grants him the chance to improve his haunted house with expanded scenarios, mastery of skills, the possibility ...

   First Impressions

   "My House of Horrors" is a wild ride, a blend of genres that somehow manages to be both terrifying and hilarious. It's a novel that grabbed me from the start with its unique premise and kept me hooked, even when it stumbled a bit along the way. The initial concept is undeniably genius: a young man inherits a haunted house attraction and a mysterious phone, leading him into a supernatural world. I was immediately drawn in by the protagonist, Chen Ge, a plucky and resourceful guy who has to navigate increasingly dangerous situations with nothing but his wits and a healthy dose of bravado. It's a...

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8. Completed

   8

   #8 PICK

   They All Say I’ve Met a Ghost

   4.6

   (649 ratings)

   Genre: comedy, horror, romance

   Hello, everyone! My name is Shen Jianguo.

   First Impressions

   "They All Say I’ve Met a Ghost" is a delightful surprise, a blend of comedy, horror, romance, and slice-of-life that I thoroughly enjoyed. It's a story about a righteous teacher who, in his unwavering belief in science and Marxism, refuses to believe in ghosts, even when surrounded by them. The premise alone had me hooked, and the execution didn't disappoint. From the very beginning, the humor shines. The protagonist, Shen Jianguo, is incredibly dense, hilariously rationalizing every supernatural occurrence with logic and scientific explanations. I found myself constantly laughing at his antic...

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9. Completed

   9

   #9 PICK

   Card Room

   4.5

   (648 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   Xiao Lou was killed in an accident and reborn in the Card World. Each card here represents a secret room and clearing the instance will give a reward.

   First Impressions

   "Card Room" is a web novel that throws you headfirst into a deadly game of survival, wrapped in a package of mysteries, puzzles, and just a touch of romance. As someone who enjoys a good blend of genres, I was intrigued by the premise, and overall, I found it to be a compelling read, though not without its quirks. The initial chapters hooked me with their clever blend of escape room scenarios and crime-solving. The premise of a forensic doctor and a police chief teaming up in a deadly card game world is definitely unique. I found myself drawn in by the mysteries and the budding partnership bet...

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10. Completed

    10

    #10 PICK

    Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work

    4.8

    (706 ratings)

    Genre: action, adventure, comedy

    NOW HIRING — URGENT — Ghost Story Specialist Corporation Daydream Inc. (Ltd.

    First Impressions

    Okay, let's dive into "Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work." This web novel has been quite the ride, blending horror, comedy, and a healthy dose of office satire. I went in expecting a spooky adventure, and I definitely got that, but it was the unique blend of genres and the intriguing protagonist that really hooked me. Initially, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. The premise seemed interesting enough – a guy gets thrown into ghost stories but still has to deal with the daily grind. It felt a bit like a supernatural SCP Foundation meets Dilbert, which is a weird combo, but it...

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11. Completed

    11

    #11 PICK

    I Became a God in a Horror Game

    4.5

    (513 ratings)

    Genre: action, adventure, horror

    After losing his job Bai Liu became involved with an unstoppable horror live streaming game full of various monsters and players with killer intent. Initially, everyone thought Bai Liu was just an ordinary person who strayed into the game.

    First Impressions

    "I Became a God in a Horror Game" is a wild ride, to say the least. It's a novel that messes with your expectations, throwing you into a world of horror games, complex characters, and a plot that's more tangled than a plate of spaghetti. After diving in, here's what I think. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise: a cunning, money-loving protagonist navigating deadly horror scenarios. Bai Liu, the MC, isn't your typical hero. He's assertive, deranged, and calculating, willing to risk everything for his own gain. This amoral approach was refreshing, and I quickly became invested in seeing how...

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12. Completed

    12

    #12 PICK

    Fantasy Farm

    4.6

    (395 ratings)

    Genre: comedy, horror, mystery

    After being fired, Lu Qingjiu finally decided to return to his hometown to farm. At first, he started raising a pig, and then he found that the pig could solve more high-level math questions than he could.

    First Impressions

    "Fantasy Farm" is a unique and engaging story that pulled me in with its blend of genres. It's a novel that's hard to categorize, and that's part of its charm. It delivers a satisfying mix of slice-of-life, supernatural mysteries, comedy, and even a touch of horror, all seasoned with mouthwatering descriptions of food. Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of a calm protagonist returning to his ancestral home in the countryside. The setting is immediately immersive, brimming with supernatural beings and a sense of mystery. The early chapters set a comfortable pace, introducing a cast of qui...

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13. Completed

    13

    #13 PICK

    I’ve Transmigrated Into This Movie Before

    4.6

    (411 ratings)

    Genre: adult, drama, fantasy

    – Question: “What is scarier than the personal experience of transmigrating into a horror movie? ” Anonymous: “Transmigrating into a movie you’ve never seen before.

    First Impressions

    "I've Transmigrated Into This Movie Before" is a wild ride, a web novel that definitely grabbed my attention and kept me hooked. It's not your typical transmigration story, and that's a huge part of its charm. I went in expecting one thing and got something far more complex and emotionally resonant. Initially, I was a little unsure. Some elements, like the grandmother character, felt a bit cliché. I was worried it might devolve into a standard face-slapping celebrity drama. But I'm glad I stuck with it because the story quickly veers off the beaten path. The premise is intriguing: the main cha...

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14. Completed

    14

    #14 PICK

    Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria

    4.7

    (509 ratings)

    Genre: action, drama, horror

    Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria, or The Empty Box and the Zeroth Maria, tells the sinister story of Kazuki Hoshino, who is almost madly attached to his everyday life, and his antagonist Aya Otonashi, who suddenly transfers into his class—for the 13,118th time. She majestically announces to “brea...

    First Impressions

    "Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria" (Hakomari), where do I even begin? This series is a trip, a wild, psychological, romantic, and sometimes horrifying ride that had me hooked from the first volume. I went in expecting a mind-bending mystery, and while I got that, I also found a story that explores the depths of human desire and the consequences of wish fulfillment. The initial volume throws you headfirst into a non-linear narrative, a time loop that's as confusing as it is captivating. I'll admit, it took me a bit to get my bearings, but the intrigue was enough to keep me pushing forward. The p...

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15. Completed

    15

    #15 PICK

    Death Spiral [Infinite Flow]

    4.5

    (362 ratings)

    Genre: action, adventure, drama

    I shall die and die again to know that life is inexhaustible. —Rabindranath Tagore [Stray Birds] .

    First Impressions

    After diving into "Death Spiral [Infinite Flow]," I can definitely see why it's garnered so much positive attention. It's a unique take on the infinite flow genre that hooked me from the start. The premise alone – a protagonist with the ability to restart a level upon death – isn't groundbreaking, but the execution is what makes it stand out. What immediately grabbed me was the relatability of the main character (MC), Xu Rendong. He's not some overpowered genius; he's just an ordinary guy thrown into an extraordinary situation. His reactions to the constant deaths, the trauma, and the sheer de...

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16. Completed

    16

    #16 PICK

    A Crowd of Evil Spirit Lines up to Confess to Me

    4.5

    (360 ratings)

    Genre: action, comedy, horror

    Since childhood, Gu Wuji regularly encountered ghosts. One day, he was dragged into an infinite world of terror.

    First Impressions

    "A Crowd of Evil Spirit Lines up to Confess to Me" is a novel that grabbed my attention with its unusual premise: a calm protagonist navigating horror scenarios with an almost blasé attitude towards ghosts. While the synopsis might be a little misleading, the story itself offers a unique blend of comedy, horror, and supernatural elements that kept me entertained. Initially, I was drawn in by the protagonist, Gu Wuji. His nonchalant interactions with ghosts, treating them like everyday people, create a delightful contrast with the terrifying situations he finds himself in. The reactions of othe...

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17. Completed

    17

    #17 PICK

    This Damned Thirst for Survival

    4.6

    (448 ratings)

    Genre: comedy, drama, horror

    《Devil》 tells the story of Chi You, the protagonist shou, who was killed by someone and cultivated for revenge with the help of Feng Li, the protagonist gong. When Jiang Luo woke up, he transmigrated into the body of the cannon fodder that killed the protagonist shou.

    First Impressions

    "This Damned Thirst for Survival" is a wild ride. I went in expecting a dark comedy, but I found myself immersed in a complex blend of horror, mystery, and a twisted romance that kept me on the edge of my seat. This novel definitely earns its mature rating. The synopsis is a bit misleading. This isn't a light-hearted transmigration story. Instead, it throws you headfirst into a world of vengeful ghosts and power struggles. The premise is intriguing: Jiang Luo wakes up in the body of the man who murdered Chi You, a powerful and vengeful ghost. His goal? Survive Chi You's wrath. It's a classic e...

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18. Completed

    18

    #18 PICK

    Falling into the Abyss

    4.5

    (177 ratings)

    Genre: action, adventure, fantasy

    Ethan, the former secretary working for the Energy Bureau of Earth Union, was detained in a place called ‘Forbidden City’ after being deprived of his moral value points for committing treason. Everyone in the city is tr*sh among humans.

    First Impressions

    "Falling into the Abyss" is an experience, not just a read. This novel took me on a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving me both heartbroken and strangely satisfied. It's a dark, complex story that blends sci-fi, horror, and ABO dynamics in a way I haven't encountered before. Initially, the dystopian setting and the hints of Lovecraftian horror were intriguing. The early chapters pulled me in, but I wasn't entirely prepared for the emotional depths this story would plumb. The world is brutal, the characters are flawed, and the stakes are incredibly high. It's not a light read, that's for sure!...

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19. Completed

    19

    #19 PICK

    Please Respect the Occupation ‘Evil Spirit’

    4.6

    (273 ratings)

    Genre: comedy, horror, romance

    Ye Tong was a timid and useless evil spirit. Lu Yan was an extremely bold and incomparably talented man that could touch evil spirits.

    First Impressions

    This web novel was a delightful little surprise! I went in expecting a spooky read, and what I got was a heartwarming and hilarious story about a very unsuccessful ghost and the exorcist who ends up falling for him. It's short, sweet, and definitely left me with a smile on my face. The premise alone is enough to grab your attention: a cute, somewhat clueless ghost trying to haunt a tenant who just isn't scared. From the very beginning, the story leans heavily into its comedic elements, and I found myself chuckling at the interactions between Ye Tong, the "evil spirit," and Lu Yan, the seemingl...

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