If you loved
Horrible Histories
Terry Deary · Book · 1993
You loved Horrible Histories because it turned grim, macabre, or complex historical reality into something witty, accessible, and darkly entertaining.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Horrible Histories
Terry Deary · Series · 2009
Films on the same thread
Life Is Beautiful
Roberto Benigni · Film · 1997
Much like the storytelling style of Horrible Histories, this film uses a lighthearted, imaginative narrative framework to help viewers process the truly dark and tragic realities of history.
History of the World: Part I
Mel Brooks · Film · 1981
If you appreciated how Horrible Histories poked fun at the absurdities of the past, you will enjoy this film's irreverent, satirical approach to significant historical events and figures.
Creepshow
George A. Romero · Film · 1982
This anthology shares the macabre, gross-out sensibility found throughout Horrible Histories, delivering grisly tales that lean into dark humor while exploring themes of karma and supernatural justice.
Trick 'r Treat
Michael Dougherty · Film · 2007
Fans of the dark, moralistic humor in Horrible Histories will appreciate these interconnected tales that use a witty, cynical edge to explore consequences and grim irony on Halloween night.
Series on the same thread
Goosebumps
R.L. Stine · Series · 1995
Since you enjoyed the way Horrible Histories made scary or gross subjects approachable for younger audiences, this anthology series offers a similar gateway into spooky, suspenseful storytelling.
Tales from the Crypt
William M. Gaines · Series · 1989
The Crypt Keeper serves as a macabre host in a style echoing the dark wit of Horrible Histories, blending grim irony with a playful, comedic delivery of horror stories.
The Terror
David Kajganich · Series · 2018
This series captures the fascination with grim historical events found in Horrible Histories, but pivots to focus on the psychological terror and survival aspects of these true stories.
Tales from the Cryptkeeper
Libby Hinson · Series · 1993
This animated series mirrors the kid-friendly yet spooky tone of Horrible Histories, using a campy host to deliver moral lessons through the lens of dark, twisted humor.
Podcasts on the same thread
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History
Dan Carlin · Podcast · 2025
If you valued the historical accuracy and compelling, unconventional perspective of Horrible Histories, you will appreciate this deep dive into the moral ambiguity and consequences of past civilizations.
Monsters Among Us
Derek Hayes | Audioboom Studios · Podcast · 2026
Like the collection of true stories in Horrible Histories, this podcast presents intriguing, firsthand accounts of the unexplained, satisfying your curiosity for strange and unsettling historical narratives.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Horrible Histories based on actual historical facts?
Yes, Horrible Histories is written by Terry Deary, whose storytelling is known for being historically accurate and compelling. The series utilizes thrilling true stories from history to create its collections of tales, ensuring that the content remains grounded in factual events despite its humorous presentation.
How many copies of Horrible Histories have been sold worldwide?
The Horrible Histories series has achieved significant global success, with more than 30 million copies sold worldwide. This widespread popularity led to the creation of both a successful television show and a feature film based on the original book series written by Terry Deary.
Did Horrible Histories originate as a television show?
No, Horrible Histories began as a book series written by Terry Deary in 1993. The property was later adapted into a popular television show in 2009 and a movie, following the massive success of the original books which have sold over 30 million copies globally.
Are there collections of Horrible Histories stories available?
Yes, the author Terry Deary has released collections of Horrible Histories tales that combine multiple stories into a single volume. For example, some editions feature four books in one, providing a hilarious collection of historical tales based on true stories for readers to enjoy.