A semiconductor memory device includes a first insulating layer covering a substrate, a first contact plug and a second contact plug each penetrating the first insulating layer, a first data storage element disposed on the first contact plug, and a second data storage element disposed on the second contact plug. The first contact plug includes a vertically extending portion and a horizontally extending portion arranged between the vertically extending portion and the first data storage element, and the second contact plug extends substantially vertically from a top surface of the substrate. The first data storage element is laterally spaced apart from the vertically extending portion when viewed in plan view. The first data storage element is disposed on the horizontally extending portion.