As you’re almost certainly aware, science fiction is a wide-reaching and diverse genre. There are countless subgenres, but one of our absolute favorites is science fiction horror.
Expertly blending theoretical elements of science fiction with spine-tingling aspects of classic horror, these books are extremely satisfying reads. The thing is, it’s a genre that is bursting at the seams with books. Having so many options, it can be difficult to know where to begin.
To help you through the white noise, we’ve put together a list of timeless scary science fiction books. These books are a must-read for any fan of sci-fi and horror.
Here are our favorite timeless horror science fiction books.
7. Who Goes There? by John W. Campbell
Widely understood as the inspiration for John Carpenter’s classic film The Thing starring Kurt Russell, this 1938 novella has been published under various titles and pen names throughout the years, including The Thing from Another World and Frozen Hell.
It follows a group of scientists who are stranded on an outpost in Antarctica. That’s not their only problem, though: they’ve been infiltrated by a shapeshifting alien form that can perfectly imitate human beings. Can they survive?
Why we recommend it: I loved the suspense and atmosphere in this classic scary sci-fi book.
6. Roadside Picnic by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky
Written by the Strugatsky brothers, Roadside Picnic is a Soviet novel from the 1970s that explores the world after a mysterious extraterrestrial visit changes everything. The areas where the aliens landed, known as “Zones” have become mysterious areas where strange and sometimes dangerous things happen.
This novel was the inspiration for Andrei Tarkovsky’s 1979 film Stalker, which the actress Cate Blanchett has described as one of her favorite films.
Why we recommend it: I was deeply unsettled by the unpredictability and mystery in this masterful sci-fi horror novel, and I loved its exploration of philosophical ideas.
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5. At the Mountains of Madness by H. P. Lovecraft
This novella by horror master H. P. Lovecraft is absolutely terrifying, making it one of our favorite scary science fiction books out there.
It tells the story of Dyer, a scientist who leads a team of explorers on an Antarctic expedition. As the narrative unfolds, however, it’s clear that not everything is as it seems…
Why we recommend it: I enjoyed the narrative structure of this scary science fiction book, which was layered and suspenseful.
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter4. The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton
Michael Crichton left a huge legacy including everything from medical dramas to science fiction. This scary sci-fi novel, one of his earliest, tells the story of the outbreak of a highly deadly alien organism.
Why we recommend it: I loved the themes of this novel, which are still deeply relevant in a post-pandemic society.
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3. The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells
This timeless scary science fiction novel once terrified people so much, that they thought it was really happening.
It tells the story of what happens to society when extraterrestrial life forms invade the planet. How strong are our bonds, really?
Why we recommend it: I admire this book, the writing style, and the unique societal questions it raises.
2. I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
This scary science-fiction book was adapted into a successful film starring Will Smith, the sequel of which is slated to come out sometime this year.
After the outbreak of an infectious disease that turns its living victims into vampires, a man named Neville must fight off the monsters alone, or die trying.
Why we recommend it: I was blown away by how scary this novel actually was, and how readable it was. An absolute page-turner.
1. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
An all-time science fiction classic, Frankenstein needs no introduction. The horror in the novel is complex, as the monster is slowly revealed to be bottomless in greed and ambition. If you haven’t yet, read it. You’ll be glad you did.
Why we recommend it: The characterization in this novel is devastatingly honest and insightful, shedding light on how scary human nature can be.
Those have been our choices for timeless scary science fiction books. What do you think? Let us know in the comments if you have a recommendation to share!
As always, happy reading!
