The Top 10 Tales from the Darkside Episodes

If you’re a fan of classic horror anthology series, Tales from the Darkside is essential viewing. Airing in the 1980s, this cult favourite delivered eerie, chilling, and sometimes darkly humorous tales that have stood the test of time. In this Top 10 list, we dive deep into the very best episodes Tales from the Darkside has to offer. Whether you’re revisiting the series or discovering it for the first time, these standout episodes showcase why it remains a cornerstone of horror television. Packed with unforgettable twists, top-notch storytelling, and a haunting atmosphere, here are the episodes that define the dark magic of the series.

Tales from the Darkside – S02E05 – Halloween Candy

“Halloween Candy” is a quintessential Tales from the Darkside episode that perfectly captures the eerie spirit of the series. The acting, particularly by Roy Poole as the crotchety old Mr. Killup, is brilliantly nuanced, evoking both disdain and a strange sympathy. The production value stands out with its decaying, claustrophobic house set and the slow-building dread that hangs over every scene. The episode’s twist is masterfully executed, blending supernatural folklore with a chilling moral tale about greed and cruelty. Its slow-burn pacing pays off with a haunting and unforgettable final image, making it a standout for any horror anthology fan.

Tales from the Darkside – S03E05 – The Geezenstacks

“The Geezenstacks” delivers one of the most unsettling family horror tales the series has ever tackled. The acting, especially by the young child who anchors the story, brings a genuine creepiness that’s hard to shake. Production quality here leans heavily into the uncanny, with the eerie dolls providing a simple but deeply effective horror element. The slow unravelling of reality, as the family’s fate becomes tied to the dolls, is handled with subtlety and sophistication. Its lasting impact lies in how it makes the familiar—children’s toys and loving family life—feel deeply alien and terrifying.

Tales from the Darkside – S03E11 – Seasons of Belief

“Seasons of Belief” is often cited as one of the crown jewels of the series, and for good reason. It taps into primal childhood fears with its urban legend of “The Grither.” The performances by E.G. Marshall and Margaret Klenck as the parents are spot-on, anchoring the increasingly chilling bedtime story with just the right mix of scepticism and unease. The episode’s production leans into the cosy-yet-claustrophobic setting of a family Christmas, heightening the horror when reality and myth collide. The shocking twist ending and the creature reveal leave a lasting, chilling impression that perfectly embodies the spirit of the show.

Tales from the Darkside – S01E07 – Inside the Closet

Directed by Tom Savini, “Inside the Closet” is a masterclass in minimalist horror. The story unfolds almost entirely within a small, cluttered boarding house, making expert use of tight spaces to create an unbearable tension. Production values shine with a grotesque monster design that’s both pitiful and terrifying. The acting, especially from the inquisitive student played by Roberta Weiss, sells the slow transition from curiosity to terror. The plot’s twist—revealing the true nature of what lurks inside the closet—is deeply satisfying and genuinely scary, showing how little is needed to create lasting fear.

Tales from the Darkside – S02E19 – The Last Car

“The Last Car” is a surreal, almost existential horror story that stands out for its dreamlike, oppressive atmosphere. It effectively uses a minimalist train set to create a sense of endless, inescapable doom. The performances, especially by Begonya Plaza, are strong and grounded, helping to sell the bizarre, looping nightmare she finds herself trapped in. The twist—that the train may be a metaphor for death itself—hits hard, and the episode lingers long after viewing. Its production and storyline create a mood of dread that is pure, distilled horror.

Tales from the Darkside – S01E09 – A Case of the Stubborns

Based on a Robert Bloch short story, “A Case of the Stubborns” brings a unique and darkly comedic tone to the series. The acting, particularly from Eddie Bracken as the obstinate grandfather who refuses to believe he’s dead, is fantastic. The makeup effects are surprisingly strong for the show’s modest budget, making the grandfather’s decomposition both gross and fascinating. The clever writing turns what could be simple shock horror into a biting satire about denial and stubbornness. Its lasting impact comes from how it manages to be funny, disgusting, and unsettling all at once—a true high point for the series.

Tales from the Darkside – S02E18 – The Old Soft Shoe

“The Old Soft Shoe” is a slow, mournful ghost story that offers something different from the series’ usual fare. Paul Dooley’s performance as a travelling salesman grappling with regret and loneliness is deeply affecting. The production design, particularly the faded, deserted motel, perfectly complements the story’s themes of isolation and lost opportunity. The ghostly encounter is handled with subtlety, and the final twist is emotionally resonant rather than simply shocking. This episode’s lasting impact lies in its melancholic tone, showing that Tales from the Darkside could be poignant as well as frightening.

Tales from the Darkside – S04E16 – Family Reunion

“Family Reunion” delves into monstrous familial bonds with one of the more ambitious narrative structures in the series. The acting, especially from the actors playing the desperate parents, adds real emotional weight to what could have been a simple creature feature. The production does a lot with very little, using shadow and suggestion to make the horror feel larger than it physically is. The twist—revealing that their “child” is something far from human—is handled cleverly, making the story more tragic than terrifying. Its lasting impact is in its bittersweet portrayal of unconditional love in the face of the monstrous.

Tales from the Darkside – S04E09 – Sorry, Right Number

Written by Stephen King, “Sorry, Right Number” feels cinematic compared to most episodes, thanks to sharp dialogue and a strong emotional core. The acting, particularly from Deborah Harmon, is strong and relatable, grounding the supernatural element in real human emotion. The production values are above average, with an effective use of the phone as a chilling instrument of fate. The twist—revealing the source of the mysterious, warning call—is a gut punch that recontextualises the entire episode. Its lasting impact lies in its emotional resonance, delivering not just horror but heartbreaking regret.

Tales from the Darkside – S01E21 – Bigalow’s Last Smoke

“Bigalow’s Last Smoke” is a claustrophobic, psychological horror gem. Its premise—a man trapped in a room and forced to quit smoking by extreme measures—is simple but incredibly effective. Richard Romanus gives a sweaty, desperate performance that sells the escalating panic. The production design, featuring a bleak, windowless cell and ominous “doctors,” enhances the feeling of helplessness. The final twist—that Bigalow’s suffering might not even be over—is cruelly perfect. Its lasting impact is its nightmarish portrayal of addiction and control, making it one of the most memorably suffocating episodes of the entire series.

Conclusion

Tales from the Darkside remains a beloved anthology series precisely because of episodes like these. Each one captures a different shade of horror, from psychological dread to grotesque comedy to gut-wrenching emotional horror. Despite its modest production values, the series consistently delivered inventive storytelling, memorable performances, and unforgettable twists. These top ten episodes stand out not just for their scares but for their ability to leave a lasting impression, proving that even the darkest corners of television history can shine brightly.