Horror anthologies have long been a cornerstone of the genre. In recent years, a number of collections have captured the imaginations of horror lovers, with some even earning nominations for prestigious awards like the Bram Stoker Awards.
Let’s dive into a selection of these horror anthology books with multiple authors, including those recognized in 2024 for Superior Achievement in an Anthology.
Recent Horror Anthologies
Damnable Tales: A Folk Horror Anthology
Edited by Richard Wells, Damnable Tales delivers a beautifully illustrated collection of folk horror stories. Featuring both classic and contemporary tales, this anthology immerses readers in eerie landscapes and age-old fears.
Body Shocks: Extreme Tales of Body Horror
The anthology explores a range of disturbing scenarios: a fashion designer preparing for a grotesque runway show, a son seeking vengeance against a parent who bred him as a plasma donor, a brothel that inflicts plastic surgery on sex workers, and doctors harvesting organs from a living man without anesthesia. These narratives confront readers with the unthinkable, pushing the boundaries of body horror to its most extreme.
The Gathering Dark: An Anthology of Folk Horror
Erica Waters assembles an evocative collection of folk horror aimed at a younger audience. These stories explore haunted landscapes and the terrifying weight of generational trauma, all while maintaining a compelling sense of dread.
Queer Little Nightmares: An Anthology of Monstrous Futures
Edited by David Ly and Daniel Zomparelli, this anthology challenges traditional horror tropes by centering queer perspectives. The collection reimagines monsters and creatures as metaphors for identity, struggle, and resilience, resulting in a thought-provoking and deeply original work. If you’re interested in queer horror, take a peek at this list of lesbian horror books.
When Things Get Dark: Stories Inspired by Shirley Jackson
Edited by Ellen Datlow, this anthology pays homage to Shirley Jackson’s influence on horror. Featuring stories from authors like Paul Tremblay and Joyce Carol Oates, the collection offers unsettling narratives that echo Jackson’s talent for quiet, creeping terror.
Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology
Edited by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr., this groundbreaking anthology showcases Indigenous voices. Each story intertwines cultural specificity with universal horror themes, making it a standout collection.
American Cannibal
This visceral collection explores themes of consumption, both literal and metaphorical. Its stark and unsettling narratives leave a lasting impression on readers who dare to dive in.
Drive-In Multiplex
Christopher Golden curates a nostalgic yet terrifying exploration of horror rooted in cinema culture. The collection merges campy thrills with genuine scares, making it a unique addition to the list.
Shakespeare Unleashed
What happens when Shakespearean drama meets horror? This inventive anthology reimagines classic works like Hamlet and Macbeth through a terrifying lens, blending literary homage with gothic chills.
Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror
Edited by Jordan Peele and featuring contributions from authors like N.K. Jemisin and Tananarive Due, Out There Screaming is a landmark anthology. The stories reflect Black experiences while delving into universal fears, creating a resonant, haunting collection.
Miscreations: Gods, Monstrosities & Other Horrors
Miscreations: Gods, Monstrosities & Other Horrors is a 2020 horror anthology edited by Bram Stoker Award winners Doug Murano and Michael Bailey. This collection features 19 original short stories and 4 poems, each delving into the theme of monstrosity—both literal and metaphorical. The anthology examines the concept of monsters not only as external beings but also as manifestations of human fears, obsessions, and inner darkness.
2024 Bram Stoker Anthology Award Nominees
The Bram Stoker Awards, presented by the Horror Writers Association, recognize excellence in the genre.
Here are the horror anthologies with multiple authors:
Bury Your Gays: An Anthology of Tragic Queer Horror
A dark and emotionally potent collection that subverts and reclaims the harmful trope of queer tragedy in horror. These stories explore identity, grief, and monstrosity through a queer lens, blending heartbreak and terror in haunting, cathartic narratives.
Discontinue If Death Ensues: Tales from the Tipping Point
A sharp, often satirical anthology examining the intersection of modern life and existential dread. Featuring speculative and horror tales where technology, consumerism, and human fragility spiral into disturbing consequences—each story teetering on the edge of apocalypse or personal ruin.
Long Division: Stories of Social Decay, Societal Collapse and Bad Manners
An unflinching look at the collapse of civility and structure, this anthology delivers grim, often bleak visions of social breakdown. From apocalyptic scenarios to microcosms of moral rot, the stories dissect how humanity fails itself in times of crisis and complacency.
Mother Knows Best: Tales of Homemade Horror: A Women in Horror Anthology
A chilling celebration of domestic dread and maternal terror, this anthology showcases horror penned by women with a focus on the twisted, uncanny aspects of home and family. Expect tales of motherly love gone awry, generational trauma, and secrets buried beneath the hearth.
We Mostly Come Out at Night: 15 Queer Tales of Monsters, Angels & Other Creatures
A vibrant and eerie collection of speculative horror and dark fantasy stories that center queer characters and identities. From bloodthirsty beasts to celestial guardians, these tales embrace otherness, transformation, and the beauty and horror of being seen as “monstrous.”
Whether you’re drawn to the creeping unease of folk horror, the introspective terror of Shirley Jackson-inspired tales, or the groundbreaking perspectives of contemporary anthologies, these collections offer something for every horror fan.
For more bookish recommendations, check out these horror book clubs.
What other horror anthology books with multiple authors would you recommend? Let me know in the comments!
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