The invention features a series of heterocyclic derivatives that inhibit tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) induced necroptosis. The heterocyclic compounds of the invention are described by Formulas (I)-(VIII) and by Compounds (1)-(7), (13)-(26), (27)-(33), (48)-(57), and (58)-(70). These necrostatins are shown to inhibit TNF-α induced necroptosis in FADD-deficient variant of human Jurkat T cells. The invention further features pharmaceutical compositions featuring necrostatins. The compounds and compositions of the invention may also be used to treat disorders where necroptosis is likely to play a substantial role.