Supernatural is the CW series that originally aired in 2005. Starring Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki, the show follows two monster-hunting brothers who fight to save the world from evil. The series ended recently with fifteen seasons and over three hundred episodes. It collected various special guest stars, including Leslie Odom Jr. of Hamilton fame, Sterling K. Brown from the hit series This Is Us, and even Paris Hilton! In the later seasons, the show evolved into a more religious plotline with some of the most powerful beings as the heroes’ foes. Such an insanely powerful transition makes it impossible to remember the series in its early beginnings when terrifying ghosts ran the show and scared audiences.
Initially, the series centered on weekly monsters and hauntingly spooky adventures. These episodes put even the biggest fans of horrors to the test with the wildly unique and well-done scares. I have been a fan of horror for the longest time, and when I started watching Supernatural, I was constantly in shock at the show’s ability to frighten its viewers. The show’s ingenuity in creating weekly storylines that ventured into the darkest realities for small towns. Needless to say, Supernatural is one terrifying watch.
From traditional urban legends to purely original monsters, Supernatural has created a lasting impact on the horror genre — especially in the television format! For horror fans, this show is essential, but with over 327 episodes, it’s easy to be a little overwhelmed when approaching it. I get it — fifteen seasons is a lot! So, I’ve compiled a list of the scariest episodes of the beloved series. Watch this in order or out and have trouble sleeping in the dark.
The Kids Are Alright, Season 3, Episode 2
Taking on a job in perfect suburbia, brothers Dean and Sam find themselves completely out of place as they investigate mysterious deaths. The answer to their suspicions are the most vulnerable in society: the kids. In a terrifying twist you’ll have to watch to believe, this episode makes a group of people who appear so innocent your worst nightmare.
#Thinman, Season 9, Episode 15
This episode takes on a heartfelt air along with its frights. Doubling as an episode exploring friendship and relationships, this episode doesn’t back down from another terrifying reality and creepy villain. This mission for the brothers does end in an unexpected place; however, the faceless monster is nothing less than frightening!
Ghostfacers, Season 3, Episode 13
Bringing back on characters from a previous episode, this episode seems to be completely out of place in the series. The boys aren’t at the center of the story, the cameras are handheld, and the ghosts are still terrifying. By placing nonhunters at the heart of this episode, they allow for moments of comedy but also downright scary beats of evil and haunts. Despite the fun of this episode, the writers don’t back away from creating a truly horrifying ghost.
Playthings, Season 2, Episode 11
This episode wraps up every horror trope into one episode: dolls, possessed children, and ghosts! Better yet, this episode takes on a wonderfully creepy setting: an old inn. These key details make for a perfectly eerie episode, which only escalates when Sam and Dean arrive to save the day. The hauntings cause horrible deaths and ghastly ghostings. When watching this episode, make sure all the lights are out for the best experience!
Family Remains, Season 4, Episode 11
Another storyline that places children at the center of the scares, this episode brings out the most horror-inspired plotline. A happy family meets a haunted house. The ghost that haunts the home is the pinnacle of trope but still one of the most horrific beings the boys hunt. This episode pays tribute to all the tropes horror fans love! Though the episode takes on these predictable turns, the writers prove their ability to use tropes without relying on them.
The Benders, Season 1, Episode 15
A downright creepy episode, and one of my favorites, The Benders takes the typical traits of a Supernatural: ghosts, ghouls, and gods and throws them out the window! The Benders forces the brothers to come face to face with the scariest monsters of all: people. The episode takes the standard opening to a Supernatural episode, the boys travel to a new town to investigate strange happenings, when the show takes a step away from everything normal for the series.
Bloody Mary, Season 1, Episode 5
By far the creepiest episode of the series! Possibly due to the universal knowledge of the popular urban legend, Bloody Mary brings scares to the maximum! Even the ghosthunters themselves find themselves absolutely terrified in this episode! This episode takes the character of Bloody Mary and gives her cold blood and a body that creeps into bathrooms, bedrooms, and cars. I promise after watching this episode, that childhood fear of Bloody Mary will return (and might even stay forever!).
Supernatural carefully navigates the ins and outs of scares with a level of expertise that continues to shock audiences that dive into the show now- almost twenty years after the series started! Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki act their hearts out as brothers being brought to face their worst fears time and time again. If you like these episodes, try enjoying the whole series. The scares never stop and there are plenty of terrifying beasts that were honorable mentions to our list. The horror is incredibly well done and remains a pillar of the show’s fame.
For more scary recommendations, read Bookstr’s article on horror movies we’re excited to see this summer!
For more monster inspired horror, shop our vampire and werewolf list on Bookshop! It’s perfect for those with a love for more fantasy horror!
