The 10 Scariest Episodes On Sci-Fi TV

We can discuss television shows and movies in the sci-fi/fantasy genres that have aired in the past 10 years (starting with 1998). We can also talk about lists of 10 – the top 10 shows of the past 10 years, or the worst 10 episodes of our favorite shows. Sometimes the lists will be fun and frivolous, while others may take on more serious aspects of sci-fi.

Since we are in October and Halloween is creeping up on us, I thought it would be appropriate to discuss the 10 Scariest Episodes On Science-Fiction/Fantasy TV.

Now I’m doing this with some provisos. One is that since I have not seen every single episode of every single science-fiction series on television in the past 19 years, I may not mention one that you recall. If there happens to be others that I neglected to mention, you get to discuss and add to the list in our forums. The list is in no particular order, because I love all my sci-fi/fantasy series equally.

1. "Hush" -- Buffy the Vampire Slayer

"Can't even shout, can't even cry
The Gentlemen are coming by.
Looking in windows, knocking on doors,
They need to take seven and they might take yours.
Can't call to mom, can't say a word,

You're gonna die screaming but you won't be heard."

Children’s nursery rhymes can be scary – especially when sung by a creepy little girl!

Ghoulish floating skeletal demons, the Gentlemen and their mummified hencethings steal the voices of everyone in Sunnydale, and proceed to cut out people’s hearts while they are still alive – but no one can scream. The Gentlemen try to collect seven hearts – though why was never clear. Written by Joss Whedon, this was simultaneously the most frightening and one of the funniest episodes of the series.

2. "The Thin Dead Line" -- Angel

Zombie cops in East L.A. brutally beat and murder inner city street kids. Despite this series being about a vampire detective fighting demons, vengeful gods, and other evil forces, rarely was it as frightening as it was in this episode.

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