Buzz
Reddit’s nosleep forum is a virtual hub for short horror stories, where the most chilling and disturbing narratives rise to the top, while less impressive tales fade into obscurity. The subreddit’s writers and readers operate under the shared pretense that these stories are true (though, let’s be honest, they’re probably not). This grounding in a semblance of reality, combined with the often hilarious and engaging comments, makes the forum a unique and captivating space.
Below are some of my top picks. Each one is guaranteed to jolt you awake, especially if you’re reading them alone in the dark.
At the onset of the pandemic, Dad locked himself in his bunker...
This story follows a father consumed by paranoia, who locks himself in a bunker constructed on the grounds of a former military base. What he discovers within is far more terrifying than the chaos he’s attempting to escape.
This was once our home
Netflix has recently acquired the rights to adapt this mind-bending, multi-part nosleep story into a series, so dive into it now before the adaptation premieres.
In We Used to Live Here, the former residents of an old house pay a visit to the new owners, a young couple. Despite their friendly demeanor, the visitors seem reluctant to leave...
I feel like I’m stuck inside a Hallmark movie.
Nosleep isn’t just about doom, despair, and specters. This tale offers a delightful blend of horror and comedy, where the beloved Hallmark Channel transforms into an unexpected existential trap.
Every night, my girlfriend would respond to one question while she was asleep.
In this unsettling tale, a young man’s joy over his new romance takes a dark turn when he discovers his partner speaks in her sleep, providing one truthful answer each night. (If you ever find yourself in this situation, consider asking for lottery numbers. Avoid asking about your death at all costs.)
After my mom passed away, she left me a collection of tapes to watch.
A mother’s posthumous videotapes, meant to be played at specific milestones in her child’s life, are unsettling on their own—but when she appears to know events that occurred after her death, it becomes downright chilling.
The Orangutans Are Wary of Changes in Their Enclosures
This psychological horror tale shares nothing with the Simon and Garfunkel song “At the Zoo” except its name. If you enjoy narratives about individuals grappling with their perception of reality, this story is a must-read.
Uncle Gerry’s Family Fun Zone
Horror stories set in amusement parks have a unique charm. In Uncle Gerry’s Family Fun Zone, daring urban explorers venture to find the remains of the long-abandoned park, which shut down after a child vanished forever in the ball pit.
The Quiet Neighbor
Sometimes, the most effective horror stems from a straightforward idea. In The Quiet Neighbor, kids investigating the eerie house nearby uncover something unimaginable inside.
This story captivates me. Not only is it deeply unsettling, but the author, natesw, enhances the experience by including screenshots of the messages from his deceased girlfriend. It immerses you completely in the tale.
The previous tenant left behind a survival guide
In this multi-part nosleep saga, a new tenant discovers a “survival guide” left by the previous renter. It includes warnings like: “Trash day is Thursday” and “Avoid any neighbors claiming to live in flats 65-72. Those flats were destroyed in a fire in the late 80s, and all residents perished inside.” Practical tips, indeed.
NASA retrieved a futuristic hard-drive from space.
This tale of a NASA worker uncovering a strange artifact from space blends horror, sci-fi, and a cautionary message for humanity. It’s gripping, both for its eerie atmosphere and its vivid depiction of a distant future.
I once worked as a mall Santa, but a boy’s Christmas wish list forced me to leave the job.
Being a “Mall Santa” might not sound unsettling [Editor’s note: Well, actually...], but in this nosleep story, the role takes a dark turn with a “Santa enthusiast” obsessed with men in red suits and murder, so your experience may vary. I appreciate the mix of humor and horror here.
I took a DNA test. Turns out I’m completely out of my depth.
Typically, the biggest shock from a home DNA test is discovering you’re 1/32 Cherokee, but this nosleep user uncovered something far more alarming: His DNA matched an unidentified body, which turned out to be his sister’s. The problem? His sister was alive and well.
Something’s Seriously Off About My Attractive New Neighbor
Under no circumstances should you watch your neighbor undressing—but if that neighbor turns out to be a sinister, non-human being, you definitely shouldn’t look.
I tuned into a true crime podcast...only to hear my own story
I adore the simplicity of this idea: What if the podcast you’re listening to suddenly started narrating your life? And what if it detailed your unexplained disappearance? Would you hit like, subscribe, and leave a 5-star review on iTunes, using the promo code “IveBeenWatchingYou” to save $50 on a boxed mattress?
