Weird fiction emerged prominently during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, although its roots can be traced back to Gothic literature and Romantic-era supernatural tales. Edgar Allan Poe's psychologically charged stories provided foundational inspiration, creating templates for exploring madness, despair, and the unknown.

The subgenre crystallised through the work of authors like H.P. Lovecraft, whose "cosmic horror" profoundly shaped weird fiction. Lovecraft's stories, including "The Call of Cthulhu" (1928) and "At the Mountains of Madness" (1936), introduced eldritch deities and incomprehensible cosmic horrors, creating narratives steeped in existential dread and nihilistic despair. Lovecraft's emphasis on humanity’s insignificance in the face of indifferent cosmic entities defined much of the genre’s philosophical underpinnings.

Weird fiction expanded through the contributions of authors like Algernon Blackwood, Arthur Machen, and Clark Ashton Smith, who blended supernatural horror, mystical themes, and surreal landscapes to evoke eerie, otherworldly atmospheres. These writers often explored psychological and philosophical depth through the strange and inexplicable, influencing subsequent generations.

In the mid-20th century, weird fiction was overshadowed by more defined genres, yet it continued to influence mainstream horror and fantasy subtly. However, in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, a resurgence occurred, revitalised by authors such as Thomas Ligotti, whose deeply pessimistic and surreal narratives reflect contemporary anxieties about identity, consciousness, and reality.

Modern weird fiction often intersects with literary fiction, exploring complex themes such as environmental catastrophe, technological anxiety, and existential dread. Writers such as Jeff VanderMeer, with his Southern Reach Trilogy, and China Miéville, with works like Perdido Street Station, exemplify the genre's contemporary versatility and literary depth.

Weird fiction has also flourished in film, television, graphic novels, and interactive media. Notable works, such as David Lynch's surreal cinematic narratives and the television series Stranger Things, have popularised weird fiction elements, introducing them to a broader audience. Video games have further expanded the genre, immersing players in deeply unsettling, ambiguous worlds.

Today, weird fiction thrives by reflecting modern uncertainties—ecological collapse, social alienation, and technological estrangement—proving its lasting relevance and powerful ability to unsettle, provoke thought, and push imaginative boundaries.