The Greatest "Supernatural, Horror, Fiction, Fantasy" Books Since 1900

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Genres

Supernatural

The "Supernatural" category for books typically includes stories that involve paranormal or supernatural elements, such as ghosts, vampires, werewolves, witches, and other supernatural creatures. These books often explore themes of magic, mystery, and the unknown, and may incorporate elements of horror, romance, or fantasy. Supernatural books can range from dark and eerie tales to lighthearted and whimsical stories, but they all share a common thread of exploring the supernatural world beyond our own.

Horror

Horror is a genre of literature that is designed to evoke feelings of fear, terror, and dread in the reader. It typically features supernatural or paranormal elements, such as ghosts, monsters, or otherworldly creatures, and often explores themes of death, violence, and the unknown. Horror books can range from subtle and psychological to graphic and gory, but they all share the common goal of scaring and thrilling their readers. Whether it's a classic ghost story or a modern slasher novel, horror books offer a unique and thrilling reading experience for those who enjoy being scared out of their wits.

Fiction

Fantasy

Fantasy is a genre of literature that typically involves imaginative and supernatural elements, often set in a fictional world or alternate reality. These stories often feature mythical creatures, magic, and epic battles between good and evil. Fantasy books can range from high fantasy, which includes complex world-building and intricate plotlines, to urban fantasy, which blends fantastical elements with contemporary settings. The genre allows readers to escape into a world of wonder and adventure, where anything is possible.

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  1. 1. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

    The book is a chilling tale that revolves around a group of four individuals who decide to stay in a notoriously haunted mansion to conduct a paranormal investigation. The main character, a shy, reclusive woman with a troubled past, becomes increasingly unstable as she experiences terrifying phenomena and becomes obsessed with the house. As the supernatural events escalate, the lines between reality and imagination blur, leading to a shocking and tragic conclusion.

    The 281st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Salem's Lot by Stephen King

    In a small town called Salem's Lot, a writer returns to his childhood home to find that the town is being plagued by a mysterious evil force. As the residents slowly succumb to the darkness, a group of unlikely heroes must band together to fight against the ancient and powerful vampire who is responsible for the town's descent into chaos. With a chilling atmosphere and intense suspense, this novel explores the themes of fear, loss, and the battle between good and evil.

    The 798th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Good Omens by Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman

    "Good Omens" is a humorous take on the biblical Apocalypse, following an angel and a demon who have grown fond of Earth and its inhabitants, and are not too keen on the impending end of the world. As they try to locate the misplaced Antichrist and prevent the Four Horsemen from bringing about Armageddon, they encounter an array of quirky characters, including witch-hunters, modern-day witches, and the Four Horsemen themselves. The novel combines comedy, fantasy, and philosophical themes, offering a satirical critique of religious prophecy and human nature.

    The 916th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Sandman by Neil Gaiman

    "Sandman" is a dark and fantastical series that follows the character Dream, also known as Morpheus, one of the seven Endless who personify certain universal concepts that transcend beyond gods. The narrative explores Dream's realm and responsibilities, his interactions with humans, gods, and his own family, as well as the consequences when he is captured and subsequently escapes after 70 years. The series is renowned for its blending of myth, history, and contemporary issues, creating a richly nuanced universe that delves into the nature of storytelling itself.

    The 1102nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Bloody Chamber And Other Stories by Angela Carter

    "The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories" is a collection of short stories that reimagines and deconstructs traditional fairy tales. The narratives are filled with strong female characters, sexual exploration, and violent and gothic themes. Each story presents a unique spin on classic tales, such as Little Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast, and Bluebeard, challenging the typical gender roles and expectations found in the original stories.

    The 1237th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Mythago Wood by Robert Holdstock

    In "Mythago Wood," a man named Steven Huxley delves into the mysterious depths of Ryhope Wood, a forest that holds ancient and mythical creatures known as mythagos. As he explores the ever-changing landscape, Steven encounters his deceased father's mythago, a powerful and seductive woman named Guiwenneth. Drawn into a world of magic and danger, Steven must confront his own desires and confront the dark secrets that lie within the heart of the wood.

    The 1299th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The House On The Borderland And Other Novels by William Hope Hodgson

    "The House On The Borderland And Other Novels" is a collection of thrilling and imaginative stories by William Hope Hodgson. The book takes readers on a journey through various eerie and otherworldly settings, where they encounter supernatural phenomena, ancient evils, and cosmic horrors. From a haunted house on the edge of reality to a terrifying voyage through time and space, these gripping tales offer a blend of horror, science fiction, and fantasy that will captivate fans of the genre.

    The 1526th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Swan Song by Robert R. McCammon

    In the aftermath of a nuclear war that devastates the United States, a group of survivors, including a professional wrestler, a young girl with mystical powers, and a bag lady, embark on a journey across a ravaged America. They must navigate the horrors of a post-apocalyptic world and battle a malevolent force known as the Man with the Scarlet Eye, who seeks to claim the wasteland as his own. Throughout their journey, they discover the power of hope, community, and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.

    The 1602nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Gunslinger by Stephen King

    In a desolate and archaic world that mirrors the Old West, a stoic and enigmatic gunslinger embarks on a relentless quest across a desolate landscape to find the mysterious figure known as the Man in Black. Along his journey, he encounters strange characters, reflects on his troubled past, and confronts both physical and metaphysical challenges. His ultimate goal is to reach the elusive Dark Tower, a place that is said to be the nexus of all universes, where he believes he can right the wrongs of his decaying world. The narrative blends elements of fantasy, horror, and Western genres, creating a unique and haunting tapestry that sets the stage for an epic series of interdimensional proportions.

    The 1668th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Conjure Wife by Fritz Leiber

    In this dark fantasy novel, a college professor discovers that his wife, along with other women in his social circle, practices witchcraft, using their powers to manipulate events and protect their loved ones. Initially skeptical, the professor is forced to confront the reality of magic when he becomes the target of a colleague's malevolent spells. As he delves deeper into this hidden world, he must rely on his wife's conjuring abilities to combat the dark forces that threaten to destroy his life and career, leading to a suspenseful exploration of the supernatural's influence on the mundane world.

    The 1711th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury

    In this dark fantasy novel, two thirteen-year-old friends, Jim Nightshade and William Halloway, encounter a sinister traveling carnival that arrives in their small Midwestern town just before Halloween. The carnival's malevolent proprietor, Mr. Dark, possesses the power to grant the townspeople's deepest desires, but at a terrible cost. As the boys uncover the nightmarish truth behind the carnival's attractions, they must confront their own fears and temptations. A battle between good and evil ensues, with the fate of their souls and the soul of the town hanging in the balance. The story is a coming-of-age tale that explores the struggle between youth and maturity, and the recognition that every individual harbors both darkness and light within them.

    The 1810th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Green Man by Kingsley Amis

    "The Green Man" is a chilling and darkly humorous novel that follows the life of Maurice Allington, a middle-aged innkeeper who becomes haunted by a malevolent spirit. As Maurice's life unravels, he must confront his own demons and face the consequences of his actions. Blending elements of horror, comedy, and psychological suspense, this gripping tale explores themes of guilt, mortality, and the supernatural, leaving readers questioning the boundaries between reality and the supernatural.

    The 1864th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Arabian Nightmare by Robert Irwin

    "The Arabian Nightmare" is a captivating and surreal journey through the dreams and nightmares of a young scholar named Abdulla. Set in medieval Cairo, the book explores the blurred lines between reality and fantasy as Abdulla becomes entangled in a web of magical creatures, mythical beings, and supernatural occurrences. With richly descriptive prose and a deep understanding of Arabian folklore, the story delves into themes of identity, love, and the power of storytelling, leaving readers questioning the nature of dreams and the boundaries of the human imagination.

    The 1974th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Who Made Stevie Crye? by Michael Bishop

    In "Who Made Stevie Crye?" a brilliant scientist named Victor Huntley creates a lifelike android named Stevie, who becomes his lover. However, when Stevie mysteriously malfunctions, Huntley's life takes a dark turn. As he desperately tries to fix Stevie, he becomes entangled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and murder. With a blend of science fiction and psychological thriller, this gripping novel explores the boundaries of love, obsession, and the consequences of playing god.

    The 2146th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Coraline by Neil Gaiman

    A young girl named Coraline Jones moves into a new home and discovers a secret door leading to an alternate version of her life, where her "Other Mother" and "Other Father" reside. Although this parallel world seems better at first, she soon realizes that her Other Parents want to keep her there permanently and that they are not as they appear. Coraline must use her bravery and wits to save herself and her real parents, who have been kidnapped by the Other Mother, and free the souls of other children trapped in this alternate world.

    The 2442nd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Our Lady Of Darkness by Fritz Leiber

    The novel explores the eerie and supernatural as it follows the life of a recovering alcoholic and writer in San Francisco who becomes entangled in a web of occult horror. After discovering a mysterious book, he is drawn into the world of "paramentals"—sinister entities that feed on the energy of the modern city—and must confront the legacy of a long-dead sorcerer. As the protagonist delves deeper into the arcane, he must unravel the secrets of an ancient mystical theory called Megapolisomancy and face the terrifying forces that lurk in the shadows of urban decay, all while grappling with his personal demons.

    The 3264th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. The Stress of Her Regard by Tim Powers

    "The Stress of Her Regard" by Tim Powers is a supernatural thriller that follows the life of a young doctor, Michael Crawford, who becomes entangled with a group of poets haunted by a mysterious force that feeds off their creativity. As Michael delves deeper into the lives of these poets, he discovers that they are all connected by a common thread: they have all been visited by a seductive, vampiric creature known as a Lamia. As he struggles to uncover the truth behind the Lamia's power and its connection to the poets, Michael must confront his own demons and fight for his own survival.

    The 3679th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Weaveworld by Clive Barker

    In this dark fantasy novel, the reader is transported to a world where a magical carpet, known as the Fugue, contains an entire realm within its intricate weaves. This tapestry serves as a sanctuary for a race of beings and their rich culture, hidden from the dangers of the human world. When a young man accidentally discovers the carpet, he becomes entangled in a struggle to protect the Fugue from malevolent forces that seek to destroy it. As the story unfolds, the characters must navigate a perilous landscape of treachery and sorcery, where reality and fantasy intertwine, and the fate of both worlds hangs in the balance.

    The 3776th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Worse Things Waiting by Manly Wade Wellman

    In "Worse Things Waiting" by Manly Wade Wellman, a collection of eerie and suspenseful tales unfolds, each one delving into the realm of the supernatural. From encounters with vengeful spirits to mysterious disappearances, the stories explore the darker corners of human existence, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. With vivid descriptions and a masterful command of suspense, Wellman invites readers into a world where the line between reality and the supernatural is blurred, and where the worst things imaginable are waiting just beyond the shadows.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. The Complete Short Stories Of Ambrose Bierce by Ambrose Bierce

    "The Complete Short Stories of Ambrose Bierce" is a collection of gripping and thought-provoking tales that showcase the author's mastery of the short story form. Bierce's stories delve into the dark recesses of the human psyche, exploring themes of war, death, and the supernatural. With his sharp wit and incisive writing style, Bierce crafts narratives that are both entertaining and deeply unsettling, leaving readers pondering the complexities of the human condition long after they have finished reading.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Out Of Space And Time by Clark Ashton Smith

    "Out Of Space And Time" is a collection of fantastical and imaginative short stories that transport readers to otherworldly realms and dimensions. From encounters with ancient gods and mythical creatures to journeys through time and space, the author weaves together captivating tales that blur the boundaries between reality and the supernatural. With vivid descriptions and richly developed characters, this book invites readers to explore the unknown and embrace the limitless possibilities of the imagination.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

    The novel follows the unusual life of a boy named Nobody "Bod" Owens who, after his family is murdered, is raised by the supernatural inhabitants of a graveyard. Under the protection of ghosts and his guardian, who is neither living nor dead, Bod learns about the living world and the dangers it holds, including the man Jack who continues to hunt for him. As he grows up among tombstones and crypts, Bod explores the limits of his graveyard home, encounters creatures of the night, and ultimately confronts the sinister forces that took his family from him, all while trying to lead a normal life despite his extraordinary upbringing.

    The 4061st Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. The Vampire Tapestry by Suzy McKee Charnas

    The novel follows the life of Dr. Edward Weyland, an anthropologist who is also a vampire, as he navigates the complexities of modern society while concealing his true nature. Unlike traditional vampires, Weyland does not rely on supernatural powers but instead uses his intellect and scientific understanding to satisfy his needs for blood and to study human behavior. The story is divided into five sections, each offering a different perspective on Weyland's interactions with humans, ranging from a psychologist who uncovers his secret to a victim who survives an attack. The book challenges the conventional tropes of vampire fiction by presenting the protagonist as a biological entity rather than a mystical creature, exploring themes of loneliness, identity, and the human condition.

    The 4526th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Perdido Street Station by China Mieville

    In a sprawling steampunk metropolis teeming with bizarre creatures and arcane technologies, a gifted scientist unwittingly unleashes a nightmare upon the city. When his experiment with a rare caterpillar goes awry, monstrous, dream-eating moths are set loose, preying upon the citizens' minds and plunging the city into terror. As the scientist grapples with the consequences of his actions, a motley group of individuals, including a renegade artist, a wingless bird-man, and other outcasts, come together in a desperate attempt to save their city from the eldritch horrors that now haunt its shadowy streets. Their journey takes them through the city's various layers, from the opulent heights to the grimy depths, revealing the complex tapestry of cultures and conflicts that define this urban labyrinth.

    The 4540th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. The Hungry Moon by Ramsey Campbell

    In this chilling horror novel, a small English town is besieged by ancient, malevolent forces when a charismatic preacher arrives to save the souls of the community. As he gains influence, the town's dark pagan history resurfaces, unleashing a terror that has been dormant for centuries. The townspeople must confront not only the growing power of the preacher but also the eldritch entity known as the Hungry Moon, which threatens to consume everything in its path. The novel weaves a tale of psychological terror and supernatural dread, as the fabric of reality unravels and the characters must fight to survive the encroaching darkness.

    The 4787th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download