The Scariest Goosebumps Episodes Ever Made
In the early 1990s, a writer named R.L. Stine was inspired by the Tales From the Crypt comic books and decided that it was a good idea to make a series of terrifying children’s books in the horror genre. Fox Kids Networked picked up the adaptation three years later, and the Goosebumps television series was created.
Now, after making the hairs on the arms of millions of children stand on edge, Goosebumps has become an iconic classic series, leaving its mark on generations of kids over the past 30 years. From eerie encounters to spine-chilling mysteries, these are the scariest Goosebumps episodes ever made.
8. Welcome to Dead House – Season 1 Episode 1
“Welcome to Dead House” was the pilot episode to the series that brought R.L. Stine’s terrifying children’s books to life on the small screen. The story follows Josh and Amanda Benson as they move to Dark Falls, a town plagued with unsettling secrets and strange townspeople.
The episode skillfully creates an atmosphere of dread with standout performances and impressive special effects (at least for a children’s show in the 90s). Though less gory than the book, the episode’s eerie visuals, and haunting soundtrack still manage to send shivers down your spine.
As the first in the series, “Welcome to Dead House” remains one of the scariest and most memorable entries in the Goosebumps TV show, leaving an indelible mark on fans of horror and suspense.
7. Night of the Living Dummy II – Season 1 Episode 10
There’s a reason why people find dummy dolls creepy. And for millennials, that reason is probably “Night of the Living Dummy II,” episode 10 of Goosebumps’ first season.
“Night of the Living Dummy II” takes viewers on a thrilling ride of mystery and terror. Amy, a middle child overshadowed by her siblings, discovers hope for the limelight when she receives a ventriloquist dummy named Slappy. As Amy’s act improves, eerie occurrences begin haunting her home, and she becomes convinced that Slappy is alive and causing mayhem.
The episode introduces Slappy, a chilling character who quickly became iconic in the Goosebumps series. Deviating from the book, the episode adds tension with unique accidents and an unexpected twist, making it an unforgettable and fear-inducing installment in the Goosebumps TV show.
6. Deep Trouble – Season 4 Episode 7
“Deep Trouble” follows siblings Billy and Sheena as they embark on a perilous adventure involving Dr. D and his assistant Ritter’s mysterious plankton experiment. What started as an innocent family bonding snorkeling trip soon becomes a nightmare as Billy and Sheena journey into the ocean’s depths. There, they encounter fish mutants and face the terrifying consequences of the plankton’s effects on humans.
Deviating from the book’s plot, the TV adaptation adds a suspenseful twist involving Ritter’s transformation into a monstrous sideshow attraction. The Goosebumps episode takes viewers on a journey to an eerie underwater setting, thrilling the audience with spine-chilling mutants and unexpected turns.
5. Say Cheese and Die – Season 1 Episode 15
“Say Cheese and Die,” the thrilling fifteenth episode of Goosebumps’ first season, features a storyline that will send chills down your spine. The episode follows young Greg Banks, who discovers an instant camera in a spooky house. He thinks it’s all fun and games until the photos start showing disastrous events that come true.
Frightened by the camera’s strange abilities, Greg becomes entangled in a chilling mystery involving a mysterious man named Spidey. With the stakes rising, Greg must decipher the camera’s true nature and confront the eerie man stalking him. The episode, featuring a young Ryan Gosling, delivers a chilling dose of suspense and mystery that leaves audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end.
4. The Werewolf of Fever Swamp – Season 1 Episode 18
“The Werewolf of Fever Swamp” is an exciting, hair-raising adventure that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats through the full two-part episode of the Goosebumps TV series.
Grady and Emily don’t want to move to the swamps of Florida, but their scientist parents force the family to relocate anyway. Once there, the siblings begin to experience strange encounters—spine-chilling howls, spooky shadows, and eerie sounds emanating from the swamp. As Grady explores the mysterious swamp with his new friend Will, he becomes suspicious of a peculiar hermit and his dog, Vandal.
With rumors of a werewolf lurking in the swamp, Grady must confront his fears and unravel the truth behind the chilling events. Deviating from the book, the episode adds a compelling twist involving the hermit’s tragic past and Will’s involvement with the werewolf.
3. Ghost Beach – Season 2 Episode 9
“Ghost Beach,” the thrilling ninth episode of Goosebumps’ second season, follows Jerry and Terri on a vacation by the beach. Here, they encounter eerie happenings and strange encounters with a local family, the Sadlers. As they explore an old cave and uncover tombstones, they learn about a tragic tale filled with betrayal and revenge.
In “Ghost Beach,” the beach’s eerie atmosphere and the Sadler family’s haunting legend create a sense of dread and anticipation. As Jerry and Terri delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover chilling secrets and encounter the vengeful ghost of Harrison Sadler. With suspenseful moments and a foreboding ending, “Ghost Beach” is an episode that lingers in the audience’s minds long after the credits roll.
2. The Scarecrow Walks at Midnight – Season 2 Episode 14
In “Scarecrow Walks at Midnight,” the once-idyllic farm becomes a place of dread and terror as Jodie and Mark return after a year to find a sinister change—the mysterious appearance of 12 malevolent scarecrows, seemingly alive.
As the scarecrows begin to terrorize the family, the siblings must confront the horrifying truth behind the farm’s transformation and uncover the dark secret of their grandparents.
As the scarecrow’s malevolence intensifies, the tension escalates, leading to a heart-pounding confrontation with the living straw fiends. With its atmospheric setting and well-executed scares, “Scarecrow Walks at Midnight” remains a standout episode that captivates viewers with its haunting storytelling and creepy visuals. This episode delivers a memorable and hair-raising experience for Goosebumps fans.
1. Stay Out of the Basement – Season 1 Episode 12
Basements are terrifying places, and R.L. Stine knew that and used his knowledge to make a terrifying children’s book about a mad plant scientist, which was later turned into this episode in Goosebumps Season 1.
“Stay Out of the Basement” brings R.L. Stine’s chilling story to life with an atmospheric portrayal of family secrets and sinister plant experiments. The episode effectively captures the growing sense of dread and suspicion as Margaret and Casey’s father becomes more erratic. The dark, glowing basement sets the stage for spine-tingling encounters with the menacing plants.
The suspense builds as Margaret discovers the horrifying truth behind her father’s strange behavior and confronts the malevolent plant clone. With its eerie visuals and gripping storyline, “Stay Out of the Basement” remains a memorable and captivating addition to the Goosebumps TV series.
