Cosmic horror or Lovecraftian horror, named after writer H.P. Lovecraft, is a horror genre that makes use of celestial themes, science, and supernatural dread. Cosmic horror has declined in popularity over the last hundred years or so, but a resurgence of interest in stories of this type has erupted, giving supernatural fans and horror aficionados plenty of thrilling stories to visit. If you’re a fan of the genre and looking for the best and most chilling cosmic horror titles to get your reading started, look no further.
Below, you’ll find a compilation of the best cosmic horror titles for those looking for a little something extra in the supernatural. Below is a comprehensive list of not-to-be-missed titles for all fans of cosmic horror and creepy terror.
At the Mountains of Madness by HP Lovecraft
First on our list of must-read cosmic horror titles is the classic At the Mountains of Madness by horror master H.P. Lovecraft. The story, published in a novella in 1936, follows the eerie and harrowing discoveries made by professor William Dyer and his scientific expedition in Antarctica. As Antarctic ice blocks containing ancient remains are discovered, the exploration uncovers horrifying monsters and horrifying secrets that reveal a long-hidden and long-forgotten terror. This classic Lovecraft story is one of his best, and is a great place to start your cosmic horror literary journey.
The Catacombs of Fear by MD Massey
Next up on the list of spine-chilling cosmic horror is The Catacombs of Fear by M.D. Massey. This 2013 novel is set in London and sees a woman unknowingly embroiled in a sinister conspiracy that revolves around alien artifacts, the power of a mysterious cartel and the ever-growing threat of an apocalypse. With creepy, suspenseful and captivating writing, this page-turner of a novel is full of otherworldly beings and eldritch events.
NecroScope and Other Horror Titles by Brian Lumley
Third, we have a selection of titles from British horror writer Brian Lumley. Lumley was heavily influenced by H.P. Lovecraft and features many cosmic horror elements in his popular book series Necroscope. This series sees a secret network of vampires, alien beings, a psychic weapon and a nemesis dubbed “The Wamphyri” in a thrilling, dark and mysterious tale. Alongside this iconic Necroscope series, Lumley has a number of other horror titles that include Ancient Exhumations and Beneath the Moors.
The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle
Next up is The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle. This 2016 novella fuses supernatural beings with 1920s Jazz Age New York and follows a young street musician by the name of Tom who is involved in a supernatural cult ritual. What unfolds is a story about race, cultural divides, and cosmic horror. LaValle’s mix of cosmic horror, culture and race is a must-read for fans of the genre.
Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer
Last on our list, but certainly not least, is the expansive 2014 novel Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer. This horror epic follows an expedition team set to explore an anomaly called “Area X”. As the exploration deepens, the unnerving and impossible dread begins to pervade the group and it becomes increasingly difficult to understand what is reality and what is fantasy. Annihilation is a thrilling journey of cosmic horror, gothic psychological terror, and science fiction that submerges the reader in a world that is out of this world.
There is no shortage of horrifically unsettling cosmic horror titles to choose from and the list above is just scratching the surface on many spine-tingling stories from some of the greatest horror authors of today. Whether its ancient aliens, eerie worlds and unexplainable phenomena, or odd powers and sinister cults, the cosmic horror genre is full of mysterious and powerful stories for fans to explore. So if you’re feeling a bit brave, pick up one of these titles and prepare yourself to delve into the depths of supernatural horror.
