Creatures + Comics! The 10 Best Spooky DC TV Episodes

In the world of comic books and super heroes, DC excels in the creation of dark, moody atmospheres. And within those rainy alleyways and eldritch realms, some of the creepiest villains and creatures exist — even a few heroes get in on the spooky vibe. From grimy Gotham City to planes of existence beyond life and death, DC knows how to do horror.

As the nights grow longer and it’s time to revisit your favorite Halloween episodes, here’s a watch guide to some of the best animated and live-action spooky DC TV episodes.

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“Spell” – Smallville

Who needs the Charmed Ones when you have this Smallville episode? Lana Lang, Lois Lane, and Chloe Sullivan are possessed by witches and cast their spell over the young locals, including Clark Kent. And we all know how Kal-El fares against magic (not well!). The three girls throw a rager in the Kents’ barn and it’s always a good time to see characters completely flip a switch — especially when it throws poor Clark for such a loop.

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“Almost Got ‘Im” – Batman: The Animated Series

If you’re yearning for terrifying tales that feature some of Batman’s most infamous villains, then “Almost Got ‘Im” from Batman: The Animated Series is the perfect choice. As always, the animation style of this beloved series is unlike anything else. It captures the old-timey feel of Batman’s caped crusades while still feeling dark and moody. Plus, this episode brings together The Joker, The Penguin, Two-Face, Killer Croc, and Poison Ivy. Now that’s star power in villainous form.

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“Beasts of Prey” – Gotham

Much of the live-action Gotham TV series is a look into the seedier underworld of Bruce Wayne’s hometown. Jim Gordon provides the show’s moral compass but every season is littered with origin stories of Batman’s Rogues Gallery as well as chilling tales of lesser-known monsters, such as The Ogre. In a three-episode arc, starting with “Beasts of Prey,” continuing into “Under the Knife,” and concluding in “The Anvil or the Hammer,” Barbara Gordon becomes ensnared in a charming serial killer’s trap. While other choices in this list highlight the supernatural, The Ogre represents a real-world fear that rears its ugly head all too often.

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“On Leather Wings” – Batman: The Animated Series

Hey, can’t help it if this show really did nail the whole creepy vibe thing. “On Leather Wings,” an origin story episode for Man-Bat, also helped usher in the series itself, functioning as both pilot episode and the second episode to air. Along with introducing Harvey Dent and Alfred Pennyworth to the series, this episode highlights Dr. Kirk Langstrom’s gruesome transformation into Man-Bat, in many ways the inverse of Batman. Monsters will always have a home in Gotham City.

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“…And Be a Villain” – Caped Crusader

Old Hollywood is a place rife with ghost stories — and sometimes those ghosts have a way of staying alive despite fading fame. Basil Karlo, whose name alludes to the actors behind several Universal Monsters films, desperately clings to the shadows of his former stardom. When his efforts force him into madness, Karlo becomes Clayface. This episode is like stepping behind the scenes of a black and white horror film, and getting a glimpse into the lethal side effects of facing mortality.

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“Secrets” – Young Justice

Young Justice never fails to hit the emotional high notes of a complex team of heroes while also remaining fun-filled and action-packed. It’s a difficult balance but Zatanna, Artemis, Miss Martian, Superboy and Kid Flash manage just fine. Plus, this episode takes place on actual Halloween, and the young heroes attend their high school’s dance in costume. Gotta love a festive adventure, especially when there’s also ghosts with murderous vendettas and unresolved business.

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“Climax at Jazzapajizza” – Harley Quinn

For the most part, the Harley Quinn animated series is gag after raunchy gag, and this episode is no different. However, we do see Harley’s love, Poison Ivy, dip her toe into the pool of super-villainy, just as Harley is experimenting with being a hero. As they go in opposite directions, Ivy grows a master plan in which she’ll overrun Gotham with her plant-people zombies. Even Gotham’s undead are never safe from a super-villain!

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“Dead Reckoning” – Justice League Unlimited 

Among the most spooky comic book characters lies Deadman. Known while living as Boston Brand, in death this trapeze artist gained the ability to possess the bodies of the living. This trick comes in handy during “Dead Reckoning,” when Deadman teams up with Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman to foil a Legion of Doom plan.

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“The Tourmaline Necklace” – Creature Commandos

As one of the newest DC titles, Creature Commandos has everything a horror fan loves: gore, guts, and glory, plus a whole cast of semi-heroic monsters. In this second episode, the Bride’s origin is revealed and it involves Dr. Victor Frankenstein as well as the monster, Eric Frankenstein. Though short, the flashbacks succeed in hitting that eerie romantic vibe of doomed love stories set during the spookiest season of the year.

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“Fear Itself” – Teen Titans

Scary movies are a Halloween staple, even for the Teen Titans! This ghoulishly good episode of the fan-favorite show features the team going up against their greatest fears, all playing into classic horror movie tropes that speak to their characters. One by one they’re taken down by a terrifying entity until they outwit their fearsome foe. Other honorable mentions from this series include “Spellbound” and “Nevermore.”

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What are your favorite spooky DC TV episodes?

Share your watchlist with other DC fans over at Sideshow Social Network or in side.show/geekgroup, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!

Stir up the spirits and face the monsters within … Spooktacular has been unleashed once again!

Put the EEK! in geek during Sideshow’s Spooktacular 2025, a celebration with ghastly giveaways, deathly deals, eerie exclusive perks, and more. Join us from October 23 – October 31 by visiting side.show/spooktacular and don’t forget — sleep is for the weak!