Top 10 Horror Magazines

Here is our list of the Top 10 Horror Magazines. Everyone needs a little more horror in their lives, and finding a list of horror magazines on the web is getting more difficult. We have a long list of horror magazines here. These are ever-changing, though, and it’s hard to keep up with magazines coming and going. To that end, we have decided to list the top 10 horror magazines published today. 

Finding reliable sources for horror news, fiction, and commentary grows more challenging by the year with niche publications constantly vanishing amid an unstable media landscape. Horror may be hugely popular in film, TV, and literature, but that success rarely translates to financial security for the vital genre magazines serving fans. To remedy this, we present our list of 10 essential contemporary horror magazines that diehard horror aficionados should subscribe, support, and evangelize today.

Unlike lists targeting writers’ markets, this roundup spotlights outlets engaging hardcore horror fans across media. Some may not accept submissions, but their articles, reviews, and original fiction make them mandatory reading. While rankings can spark debate, we avoided ordinals to focus on 10 respected publications that have survived while lesser outlets collapsed. Horror magazines appear and fold yearly, but the following standouts have persevered thanks to the loyal audiences they’ve cultivated.

Consider this a primer of smash hits and best-kept secrets to expand your horror education, discover new creative voices, and stay plugged into the community. Better yet, subscribe directly if you can. The genre thrives on passion projects powered by fan enthusiasm. So if you want these outlets to entertain and inform for years to come, become a regular reader however you can. Spread the word to fellow fiends too! By supporting the horror magazines you love, you support the future of horror itself.

1. Fangoria (1979-present)

Fangoria’s first issue hit newsstands in 1979, forever changing horror publishing by graphically showcasing the shocking images and bloody aesthetics of the emerging slasher film movement. When most magazines of the time still relied on classic monster movie icons and gothic horror tropes, Fangoria burst into the scene capturing the intense, visceral extremes of modern horror cinema in vivid color across its daring covers and pages. From highlighting rising talents like Sam Raimi and Robert Englund to speaking with legends such as Alfred Hitchcock and George A. Romero, Fangoria became the beloved bible for horror fans seeking knowledge and insight on both underground oddities and mainstream hits. Though the magazine has continued publication since 1979, it underwent a brief hiatus beginning in 2015 before being revived under new ownership in 2018. Now headed by journalist and former managing editor Phil Nobile, Jr., Fangoria enters its 5th decade while retaining its rebellious, taboo-breaking spirit – one that has influenced horror journalism for over 40 years

2. Bloody Disgusting (2001-present)

Since exploding onto the horror scene in 2001, Bloody Disgusting has evolved into one of the premier horror hubs on the internet for breaking news, reviews, and interviews. The site’s small staff of dedicated writers pumps out articles almost hourly, covering horror happenings in film, television, literature, games, music, and culture. Bloody Disgusting distinguished itself early on for its breadth of reporting and for spotlighting promising up-and-coming genre talents in addition to the biggest names. Now two decades later, a generation of horror creators and fans have come of age obsessing over Bloody Disgusting’s updates and getting the earliest exclusive scoops on highly-anticipated projects. While many niche sites have folded in the digital media landscape, Bloody Disgusting’s relentlessness and connections within the horror industry have allowed it to not just survive but thrive as fans’ go-to horror news source.

3 Cemetery Dance (1988-present) 

When Cemetery Dance Magazine first published its inaugural issue in 1988, few could have predicted the profound legacy this small horror publication would have on the genre for decades to come. Founded by Richard Chizmar and Robert Morrish with the simple mission of showcasing new talent in horror and dark suspense fiction, the magazine quickly garnered acclaim for featuring early works by prominent authors like Stephen King alongside fresh voices. As interest grew, Chizmar transformed Cemetery Dance into an acclaimed specialty press – releasing limited edition hardcovers and anthologies that became highly coveted by collectors. Now over 30 years since that first humble issue, Cemetery Dance Magazine has greatly expanded its reach while retaining its focus on horror’s rising stars and most promising newcomers selected by genre expert editors

4. Three-Lobed Burning Eye (1999-present)

Since whispering its way onto the horror lit scene in 1999, Three-Lobed Burning Eye (or 3LBE) has developed an esteemed reputation as the insider’s guide for boundary-pushing horror fiction. Released thrice yearly, every issue of 3LBE features a selection of macabre short stories curated by writer and editor Anya Martin to unearth the most promising and provocative new voices. While most horror magazines spotlight the famous franchises dominating popular culture, Three-Lobed Burning Eye spotlights the icons and award winners of tomorrow – often providing the first major platform for authors who go on to renown. Quantities may be limited, but demand from true horror lit aficionados remains, leading copies of 3LBE to become coveted collectors’ items. After two decades publishing without compromising its unconventional tastes or standards, Three-Lobed Burning Eye has more than earned its exalted status within 

5. Rue Morgue Magazine (1997-present)

Since first unleashing its printed pages in 1997, Rue Morgue stands apart from other horror publications thanks to its wider scope and dedication to the genre in all its forms. While most newsstand horror mags fixated solely on films and TV, Rue Morgue branched out by covering books, graphic novels, music, art and horror culture through articles, interviews, and fiction shorts. From global convention coverage to showcasing bizarre local events, Rue Morgue keeps hardcore horror fans plugged into the community. The magazine also serves as a vital platform for promising voices and rising talents in horror criticism, fiction, and art – cementing it as the lifeblood of horror’s past, present and future. Never content to just report surface-level facts, Rue Morgue’s roster of respected writers provide insightful commentary and analyses. For a quarter century now, Rue Morgue remains horror’s longest-running alternative news source by understanding and serving diehard fans’ myriad interests.

6. Scream Magazine (2010-present)

Scream Magazine exploded onto newsstands in 2010 with a manifesto to dig deeper. Since that first issue, Scream has distinguished itself through its insightful, probing interviews with the most renowned names in horror from actors, directors, and writers to the tech wizards behind monsters, makeup, and special effects. Known for not pulling punches, Scream asks the questions fright fans want answered from the biggest luminaries the genre has to offer. Yet along with A-list creatives, Scream also spotlights rising indie talents and highlights hidden gems that deserve more attention. Beyond just news coverage, Scream analyzes industry trends, box office, and pop culture relevance through an informed horror lens. For over a decade now, Scream has delivered both breaking news and thought-provoking editorials from all corners of horror to passionate genre fans.

7. Diabolique Magazine (2011-present)

When Diabolique Magazine debuted in 2011, its founders sought to thoughtfully probe horror’s most fascinating minds and highlight underappreciated talents within genre fiction, filmmaking and art. Right from the start, Diabolique distinguished itself through extensive conversations with revered horror figures going deeper than typical interviews to reveal untold stories and philosophies that shaped their works. Alongside icons, Diabolique gives equal attention to emerging authors, scrapped film projects too bold for mainstream studios, and acclaimed foreign media missing from North American shores. Diabolique further examines the genre through critical essays analyzing tropes, social commentary, and recurring themes that are often overlooked. A rare highbrow horror publication equally engaged with exploitation shock fests as arthouse fare, Diabolique continues to drive important discussions even a decade later thanks to its daring perspectives and discovery of future genre trailblazers.

8. HorrorNews.Net (2008-present)

HorrorNews.Net first unleashed its disturbing insights on the horror scene in 2008 and has not slowed its breakneck pace since, publishing articles and reviews every single day for nearly 15 straight years. Started by writers for diehard horror fans, the site reports on news and product releases down to the smallest independent films and oddities that no other outlet covers. Yet HorrorNews.Net also boasts one-of-a-kind interviews with renowned genre legends conducted by journalists who know the horror space inside-out. Rather than chasing clicks, HorrorNews.Net focuses on serving their devoted creepy community through tireless reporting on topics mainstream sites ignore. Now nearing its 15th anniversary milestone in 2023, HorrorNews.Net has uniquely withstood the volatile digital media landscape while remaining an essential daily source of horror happenings for the morbidly devoted.

9. Horror News Network (2009-present)

With over a decade-plus in operation, Horror News Network strikes the perfect balance between seasoned and contemporary in horror journalism. First launched during the social media boom in 2009, Horror News Network has managed to stand out from the short-lived sites and blogs that flare up and fade away each year. The site’s small team maintains a relentless pace, publishing multiple news articles, reviews, and interviews on an almost hourly basis to keep diehard fans plugged into the latest of horrors hottest and most obscene offerings. Yet along with reporting on breaking developments and new releases, Horror News Network also revisits forgotten cult movies and retrospectives on legendary masters of horror. As the entertainment world rapidly changes, Horror News Network has carved a niche through consistency – retaining its original vision to spotlight both promising up-and-comers and heritage names across horror’s twisted spectrum through quality writing and encyclopedic knowledge.

10.  Horror Asylum (2001-present)

Horror Asylum ambushed the horror scene in 2001 with a demented determination to highlight the most outrageous and exciting content the genre has to offer across film, television, music and culture on a daily basis. The site’s small team of writers covers all that’s strange and scary in media through news updates, reviews, and interviews at a nonstop pace. But along with reporting and critiquing horror’s latest offerings, Horror Asylum boasts a treasury of exclusive features for fans – including blood-splattered set visit accounts, bizarre horror-themed travel guides, recipes for monster-inspired cuisines, and massive annual horror quizzes. However, the site is perhaps best known for its regular creative competitions offering visitors a chance to win once-in-a-lifetime prizes. As digitally-native horror outlets have come and gone over 20 years, Horror Asylum endures in covering all things creepy for a new generation while retaining old-school passion..

Supporting Horror magazines 

The publications above represent the bleeding edge of horror journalism. While the decades have seen countless publications rise from the grave only to sink into oblivion, these stalwart institutions endure thanks to the loyal audiences they’ve cultivated. Their writers, editors, and founders remain dedicated to spotlighting new voices, spotlighting hidden gems, reporting hard news, and providing informed commentary out of sheer passion for the genre.

Horror fans owe them a debt of gratitude — and our support. Visit their websites, subscribe to print editions, share articles, follow their social accounts, and spread the word. The icons of tomorrow are being showcased on these pages today. By sustaining these outlets, we invest in horror’s future. That’s something from which we’ll all reap spine-tingling rewards for years to come.