The Haunting of Hill House

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 12, 2018
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 411 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 333 out of 411
  2. Mixed: 33 out of 411
  3. Negative: 45 out of 411
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User Reviews

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  1. SimboTheKing
    Jun 28, 2022
    10
    Just as fantastic as the first time I watched it. I do think that it pips Bly Manor a bit for me. I just adore the way the story is told. It's slow and methodical but oh boy does it make the emotional bits hit sooooo hard. I literally can't find a single fault in this show. I would highlight my favourite aspect though: the switching perspectives. It was such a stroke of genius toJust as fantastic as the first time I watched it. I do think that it pips Bly Manor a bit for me. I just adore the way the story is told. It's slow and methodical but oh boy does it make the emotional bits hit sooooo hard. I literally can't find a single fault in this show. I would highlight my favourite aspect though: the switching perspectives. It was such a stroke of genius to continually show the same events from different perspectives and it elevated this story even higher for me.

    Peak television unironically.    … Expand
  2. geewah
    Dec 30, 2020
    8
    Not always a fan of this genre but I found this to be a well written horror show with enough scares to keep you on the edge of your seat.
  3. JulianIncen
    Jun 1, 2020
    8
    Mike Flanagan's work is remarkable. He created tension and terror without the most basic cliché of this genre: the jumpscares. The photography is impressive, as is the entire cast.
  4. Felindie
    Jul 16, 2019
    8
    The series is catchy and quiet scary., the characters were good and the acting too.
  5. xGabriel
    Apr 25, 2019
    10
    A Masterpieceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
  6. dorout
    Apr 20, 2019
    10
    Absolutely stunning TV show. This show is the Breaking Bad/Infinity Wars of the horror genre. The suspense, the thrill, the unexpected, the emotions at certain points are all built upon well structured characters.

    I honestly have no idea how the heck season 2 is going to top the ending - completely blown away. Some parts of the ending you can forecast, but most of the ending you cannot.
  7. TheApprentice94
    Mar 20, 2019
    8
    Mike Flanagan is quickly proving himself to being an excellent horror director. Coming off saving the Ouija series and delivering excellent films like Hush and an adaptation of Stephen King's Gerald's Game, The Haunting of Hill House manages to impressively be both character study and full-blown intense fright-fest. Sure, it can be slow and it can be pressing but it is incredibly rewardingMike Flanagan is quickly proving himself to being an excellent horror director. Coming off saving the Ouija series and delivering excellent films like Hush and an adaptation of Stephen King's Gerald's Game, The Haunting of Hill House manages to impressively be both character study and full-blown intense fright-fest. Sure, it can be slow and it can be pressing but it is incredibly rewarding as the series unfolds. Not to mention, I love how this series was constructed - it speaks to the intelligence of the entire thing.… Expand
  8. TheQuietGamer
    Jan 26, 2019
    10
    I consider Mike Flanagan to be one of the best names in modern horror. The primary reason for that being he has always delivered compelling drama and well-realized characters on top of unique, exciting premises. One area I've always found him to be a lacking in though has been actual terror. Simply put, I've never found any of his movies to be scary. This is part of the reason I believeI consider Mike Flanagan to be one of the best names in modern horror. The primary reason for that being he has always delivered compelling drama and well-realized characters on top of unique, exciting premises. One area I've always found him to be a lacking in though has been actual terror. Simply put, I've never found any of his movies to be scary. This is part of the reason I believe this modernization of Shirley Jackson's classic to be Flanagan's best work to date: it scared the living crap out of me.

    I'm a slow burn kind of guy. I love a tone of unease that builds up to something truly horrifying (when it's done right that is). And when the big moment finally arrives I don't want some cheap jumpscare. Oh no, that won't get to me. What will is having a disturbing display of the unnatural take place right in front of me in full view. A lot of people say that what we can't see is deserving of the most fear, and they are far from wrong. However, one should never underestimate the terror that can come from seeing something you know you shouldn't and having it stare right back at you. These are the kind of moments The Haunting of Hill House has in spades.

    Thematically this has a lot in common with Stephen King's IT. It even plays out in a similar manner. It's an exploration of how past trauma, particularly from childhood, can effect a person in the future. Each character tries to cope in different ways to varying degrees of success. Haunted by more than just the ghosts of their childhood home, the Crain siblings deal with past regrets and familial strife. Broken family drama is a huge part of Hill House and is brought to life with superb writing. Longtime Flanagan devotees will get a kick out of seeing so many familiar faces from his movies return to do some of the best work of their careers ensuring that the Crains feel like real people.

    The mystery surrounding the house itself is so engaging that this became my first real binge watch. Each reveal is more unsettling than the last. Especially when the boundaries of time begin to blur linking the past, present, and future together in a way that makes the Crain's fate feel predetermined and inescapable. There's an ever-increasing sense of impending doom that kept me on the edge of my seat.

    This one of the most well-realized works of horror I have ever experienced and among the best of what Netflix's large (and still growing) catalog of exclusives has to offer. This feels like the culmination of all of Flanagan's work up to this point and will likely be remembered as his magnum opus. If you any love for the genre at all then this is not to be missed.    … Expand
  9. WakeNarrative
    Jan 14, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A Haunting Series Worth Watching: This new Netflix series follows the Crain siblings who experience supernatural phenomenon over the course of their lives after moving into the Hill House. The story jumps back and forth in time (further evidence of Nell's theory that time is not linear) from youth to adulthood with intertwining haunting events stemming from the Hill House experiences. This terrorizing tale mirrors the late film "The Haunting" and is based on the novel "The Haunting of Hill House" written in 1959. This series did not disappoint and with every episode, Hill House became more terrifying. Highlights: the Bent Neck Lady, the man in the cellar who attacked Luke, Dr. Hill's dead body in the wall, and any clock shown after midnight ending in :03.

    We read from Buzzfeed that the children demonstrate the five stages of grief by age; Steven is Denial, Shirley is Anger, Theo is Bargaining, Luke is Depression, and Nell is Acceptance and in a lot of ways during the course of this series, we experienced all five stages, however in reverse.

    We quickly accepted the fact that this series was one of the most haunted series we have experienced and actually caused us to quickly jump when lights flickered or sparked in the comfort of our own homes! A bit of depression set in when we had to witness all of the horrible experiences these poor children endured. There was definitely some bargaining and pleading to the characters towards the end to not return to the house! Who wasn't angered by the death of Hugh Crain (the father)!? And, we are still in denial that this series is over.

    Biggest "ah ha" moment - When Nell dies and we realize she is the Bent Neck Lady all along.

    Best trooper in a terrible situation - Poor Abigail, what a tragic tea party.

    Best symbolism technique - The red door room - bearing many faces as the "stomach" of the house and every character's sanctuary. Whatttt? There wasn't really a treehouse? Overall grade: A    … Expand
  10. RobertWhittick
    Jan 8, 2019
    10
    This series is absolutely amazing, while at some times it does feel like it ripped off american horror story season 1. However it is executed with a completely different tone. It's seamless transitions between the past and future and the incredible camera work succeed at building immeasurable suspense while slowly unravelling a compelling story of grief, trauma and family. Despite theirThis series is absolutely amazing, while at some times it does feel like it ripped off american horror story season 1. However it is executed with a completely different tone. It's seamless transitions between the past and future and the incredible camera work succeed at building immeasurable suspense while slowly unravelling a compelling story of grief, trauma and family. Despite their flaws you find yourself caring deeply for the, extremely well acted, characters and cannot bear to look away even during the most frightening parts. Never so much have I seen a series' ending so perfectly encapsulate the whole series and was truly perfect. Despite loving the series I believe the ending was so perfect it would be a shame to spoil it with a second season as I am not sure where they could go without it losing some of its' magic.… Expand
  11. Voodoo123
    Dec 19, 2018
    10
    +Exceptional quality of cinematography/lighting/composition
    +Fantastically atmospheric use of music/sound/silence
    +Talented cast deliver memorable performances +Excellent screenplay/character design/episode layout -A first for me.... to me this is a faultless production! Haunting by name, haunting its audience by nature. Flanagan's HOHH creeps its way under your skin like any good    +Exceptional quality of cinematography/lighting/composition
    +Fantastically atmospheric use of music/sound/silence
    +Talented cast deliver memorable performances
    +Excellent screenplay/character design/episode layout
    -A first for me.... to me this is a faultless production!

    Haunting by name, haunting its audience by nature. Flanagan's HOHH creeps its way under your skin like any good horror story not through exaggerated use effects gore or cheap thrills but decent story telling (and droplets of everything I just mentioned timed perfectly!). I feel like this series will generate its own audience over time and to me just felt timeless.

    Each story feels like its own self contained horror movie with an exceptional level of quality. The episodes take care to unravel each characters psyche through the different time periods punctuated with revelatory moments where we discover a key connective moment in the family's dynacmic relationships.

    As a gamer I have always felt like the location (level) design is a key in any survival horror title to making the player feel unsettled (Resident evil mansion, sevestapol station alien isolation etc) and the production design of Hill House is just mesmerizing in that it has its own real personality.... the interiors are haunting through the different time periods without being too provocative, again feeding into the subtle 'under your skin' haunted feeling Flanagan exaggerates in scenes building to a crescendo of scares.    … Expand
  12. nj06
    Dec 10, 2018
    8
    I am basically incapable of watching shows and movies with supernatural, ghost, horror, and similar themes. My main problem with these genres is that most such shows and movies require a bigger suspension of logic and disbelief that I posses. I am less bothered by the supernatural itself, than I am put off by bad writing, even worse editing, cliches, never-tied lose ends, and similarI am basically incapable of watching shows and movies with supernatural, ghost, horror, and similar themes. My main problem with these genres is that most such shows and movies require a bigger suspension of logic and disbelief that I posses. I am less bothered by the supernatural itself, than I am put off by bad writing, even worse editing, cliches, never-tied lose ends, and similar features all too commonly found in much of the work in this realm. Having said that, this Halloween I decided that I will try to watch one show or movie in the spirit of the season. A neighbor recommended The Haunting of Hill House, and I actually ended up watching the entire season of it. To my own surprise, I loved this show. It really worked for me. Acting, production, story, are all excellent. The music is gorgeous and the whole mood of the show is right on target. The ending is somewhat anticlimactic, incomplete and messy, but I didn't even care, because the whole experience was nearly perfect for the occasion.… Expand
  13. GrantD243
    Dec 2, 2018
    9
    The Haunting of Hill House is a much more emotional horror show than I expected. There are scares, and it does feel creepy most of the time, but it builds up to an emotional payoff rather than a horror payoff. It's well crafted and it honestly is way better than I ever expected it to be.
  14. MoviesForever
    Dec 1, 2018
    7
    I am a horror enthusiast; I love horror MOVIES (Hereditary, It Follows, The Babadook, Oculus, The VVitch...etc), horror TV-SHOWS (mainly American Horror Story and other subsidiaries), horror VIDEO-GAMES (Silent Hill, Slender Man...etc), but The Haunting of Hill House, is just too slow, too slow, it is too slow even for my taste. It is good, sometimes, really good actually (Ep.6), but justI am a horror enthusiast; I love horror MOVIES (Hereditary, It Follows, The Babadook, Oculus, The VVitch...etc), horror TV-SHOWS (mainly American Horror Story and other subsidiaries), horror VIDEO-GAMES (Silent Hill, Slender Man...etc), but The Haunting of Hill House, is just too slow, too slow, it is too slow even for my taste. It is good, sometimes, really good actually (Ep.6), but just too slow.… Expand
  15. brandonb7
    Nov 29, 2018
    9
    The show was extremely well done, albeit a bit confusing in the beginning with the constant time shifts. One of the few shows I truly wanted to see the next episode immediately to find out what happens. Great acting from a cast of mostly unknowns (except Anthony Ruivivar, he was pretty bad).
  16. Stevesucks
    Nov 19, 2018
    10
    I loved the show it had you on the edge of your seat wondering what would happen next!!!
  17. chuajohn05
    Nov 10, 2018
    9
    The Haunting of Hill House (2018) is without a doubt a thrilling series to watch. From the story itself it's a big change from the novel summary I read when I watch the first episodes that is executed well retelling from new horror figures they made. Characters have a major change from the novel but they have similar personalities taken from the originals. I can say that they made theThe Haunting of Hill House (2018) is without a doubt a thrilling series to watch. From the story itself it's a big change from the novel summary I read when I watch the first episodes that is executed well retelling from new horror figures they made. Characters have a major change from the novel but they have similar personalities taken from the originals. I can say that they made the adaption from the book did have a different approach so that viewers won't expect anything from the original. Like how The Walking Dead made the series adaption, they wanted a new approach that they won't get too much materials from the comics. Moreover, that's the same for what they wanted to do for The Haunting of Hills House series adaptation so viewers won't expect anything at all from the original platform.… Expand
  18. vmiguel
    Nov 10, 2018
    10
    Eerie, mysterious, exciting, captivating, thrilling, and disturbing. The Haunting of Hill House is extremely monumental, and so well thought out. A must-watch. Phenomenal. Just utterly phenomenal. The suspense, the horror and surprisingly the examination of conscience and mentality. Incredibly well-acted and directed.
  19. Edgarbaro
    Nov 6, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I haven't seen a show as moving as this in a while.
    Beyond the horror theme, this is a history that touches you in different ways,
    Incredible performances and a great casting choice.    … Expand
  20. kborders
    Nov 6, 2018
    10
    I am not typically a horror show person but I wanted to watch something different so I started watching The Haunting of Hill House. WOW! What an absolutely great show! We finished all of season 1 in a week. Outstanding cast and great story. At times, I was terrified, sad, and happy all at once. We can't wait for season 2!
  21. gmonster320
    Nov 4, 2018
    10
    Netflix's "The Haunting Of Hill House" may be one of the best TV shows of the year. I watched expecting a haunting house story and instead got an excellent family drama. The child and adult actors, the lighting and cinematography, and the tear jerker of a story line. The flashbacks are also highly effective. My only criticism is that the show is dialogue heavy at times. Given everythingNetflix's "The Haunting Of Hill House" may be one of the best TV shows of the year. I watched expecting a haunting house story and instead got an excellent family drama. The child and adult actors, the lighting and cinematography, and the tear jerker of a story line. The flashbacks are also highly effective. My only criticism is that the show is dialogue heavy at times. Given everything else "Hill House" does right, I can live with a few extra sentences. Also, if you're expecting a literal adaptation of Shirley Jackson's book, look elsewhere. Mike Flannagan's story is only roughly based on the novel. Check out the 1963 movie "The Haunting" with Julie Harris and Claire Bloom for something closer. There's also the 1999 remake by the same name but it's a bit of a mess.… Expand
  22. BioTofu
    Nov 2, 2018
    9
    Havent read the book but the show itself is great. this is more of a family drama show with ghosts than a full on horror spook fest. people who enjoyed 6th sense and babadook would enjoy this show.
    My favourite episodes are 4 and 5. after that the show started to reveal too many secrets and it started to lose its greatness... I think the show would benefit if it kept some of the secrets    Havent read the book but the show itself is great. this is more of a family drama show with ghosts than a full on horror spook fest. people who enjoyed 6th sense and babadook would enjoy this show.
    My favourite episodes are 4 and 5. after that the show started to reveal too many secrets and it started to lose its greatness... I think the show would benefit if it kept some of the secrets to itself, perhaps cutting 1 or 2 episodes down and let the audience to use more of their imagination. the characters and acting are great, especially the endearing cast of children. i liked how each episodes dedicated to a specific character and shows how monsters are not just ghosts... they can be fear of being alone and ignored, loneliness...    … Expand
  23. Bostjan
    Nov 2, 2018
    10
    This is a goddamn masterpiece! The intense and tornado spinning scenes make you wanna scream. This series gets into your head and twists your imagination, challenging it to the very climax. It's worth every second and I strongly recommend it to every horror lover out there. You'll get a taste of something you haven't had before. I rank it 10/10 without any doubt.
  24. KidKrausz
    Nov 2, 2018
    10
    An absolutely phenomenal show! The attention to detail throughout each episode is outstanding! I am currently watching it for the second time through, and much like Sixth Sense there are constant hints given throughout that you wouldn't catch upon your first viewing. I recommend this show for anyone who likes horror or well written drama. The pacing is a little slow at first, but it buildsAn absolutely phenomenal show! The attention to detail throughout each episode is outstanding! I am currently watching it for the second time through, and much like Sixth Sense there are constant hints given throughout that you wouldn't catch upon your first viewing. I recommend this show for anyone who likes horror or well written drama. The pacing is a little slow at first, but it builds up to the final episode. I promise that your patience will be rewarded!
    "and whatever walked there, walked alone."    … Expand
  25. kevlarrelic
    Nov 2, 2018
    10
    The best part of this show is its masterfully constructed plot. It has many layers, and every secret pays off beautifully in the end. Keep an eye on the background and you will see ghosts and other odd things that the camera never focuses on, which add to the building subconscious sense of wrongness in the house. The young and old actors are great and their characters are interesting, eachThe best part of this show is its masterfully constructed plot. It has many layers, and every secret pays off beautifully in the end. Keep an eye on the background and you will see ghosts and other odd things that the camera never focuses on, which add to the building subconscious sense of wrongness in the house. The young and old actors are great and their characters are interesting, each with their own secrets and wildly different points of view. Watch at least 6 episodes and you will agree that this is the best thing that Netflix has ever made.… Expand
  26. MisterGoku
    Nov 1, 2018
    9
    Gorgeously directed, incredibly good acting, the script is like this beautiful dark puzzle that unravels as you go. Episodes 5 and 6 are just...some of the best TV viewing I've watched in years. Highly recommended, even for those that are not overtly fond of the horror genre. There is so much to love here.
  27. Feriatus
    Oct 29, 2018
    8
    I like the show, but it should be about 4 - 5 episodes. Very very slow show. And this is the problem with many Netflix shows. Do they have a policy that the show must be 10 episodes so you would not have time to watch them and stay subscribed like MMO games do with quests?
  28. MrGlum
    Oct 28, 2018
    8
    This is one of those series in which the journey is more important than the destination. Yes, the ending may not surprise you very much, but while you get there you learn to love most of the characters and get some good scares along the way.

    I'm looking forward to a second season, because I have no clue where the story will go. And no, I don't mean it like "wow, what an ending! I    This is one of those series in which the journey is more important than the destination. Yes, the ending may not surprise you very much, but while you get there you learn to love most of the characters and get some good scares along the way.

    I'm looking forward to a second season, because I have no clue where the story will go. And no, I don't mean it like "wow, what an ending! I wonder what will happen next!", but rather "OK, the whole premise of the show is dealt with, the mystery is solved, is there any reason to actually continue this show?"    … Expand
  29. Phenominal
    Oct 27, 2018
    10
    Please ignore the severely negative reviews. If anyone thinks this show deserves less than a 7 they are insane. Do not bother watching if you are not at least slightly intelligent, as the show requires some critical thinking. Scary for the first half, and thrilling in the second half, it is one of the greatest television experiences out there. When it is all said and done, pleasePlease ignore the severely negative reviews. If anyone thinks this show deserves less than a 7 they are insane. Do not bother watching if you are not at least slightly intelligent, as the show requires some critical thinking. Scary for the first half, and thrilling in the second half, it is one of the greatest television experiences out there. When it is all said and done, please discuss it with others, debate on the meanings of things and watch it a second time. Everything in this show was carefully crafted to have a purpose and a meaning. It truly is a cinematic marvel.… Expand
  30. Method__Man
    Oct 26, 2018
    8
    Has some wonderful acting, great atmosphere, and good scary moments. Once again troubled by standard horror tropes. For example, if you are told a house is evil, everyone sees ghosts/monsters and tells you this, and your family starts acting possessed. LEAVE THE HOUSE. No one in a real life situation shrugs off events over, and over, and over.

    I rate it high because its good in terms of    Has some wonderful acting, great atmosphere, and good scary moments. Once again troubled by standard horror tropes. For example, if you are told a house is evil, everyone sees ghosts/monsters and tells you this, and your family starts acting possessed. LEAVE THE HOUSE. No one in a real life situation shrugs off events over, and over, and over.

    I rate it high because its good in terms of horror shows/movies, yet it still suffers from some very standard Tropes.

    Still very much worth your time to watch. You wont regret it.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Best TV Season of 2018
6
#6 Most Discussed TV Season of 2018
3
#3 Most Shared TV Season of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Troy Patterson
    Oct 31, 2018
    70
    The showrunner, Mike Flanagan, builds a dreadful atmosphere, which is crucial, because the creeping pace of his ten episodes would be intolerable if not for its ambient suspense. The show may work best as a binge watch, one where you don’t pay steady attention but instead let it haunt your own house.
    Read full review
  2. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: Sophie Gilbert
    Oct 24, 2018
    60
    The series abandons Jackson’s distinctly female gothic for a more generic examination of grief and trauma. Over 10 episodes, it’s stylish, moving, and sinister, riddled with ghosts both literal and metaphorical. But it’s hard not to feel like something has been lost in translation.
    Read full review
  3. Yahoo TV
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    Oct 16, 2018
    60
    Well-acted and ponderously paced, The Haunting of Hill House would have benefited from less straining for the artistic and more of a desire to jolt its viewers.
    Read full review
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