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. Gregdel
    Oct 14, 2018
    10
    The bad reviews on this site are complete NONSENSE. This is one of the best horror tv series EVER. Not only horror, but one of the best Netflix show ever. Absolutely incredible. OUTSTANDING performances. Wow! They are all top notch and probably one of the best cast of the year. The story and directing are masterpiece. I’ve never seen a horror show with a compelling story like this. It’sThe bad reviews on this site are complete NONSENSE. This is one of the best horror tv series EVER. Not only horror, but one of the best Netflix show ever. Absolutely incredible. OUTSTANDING performances. Wow! They are all top notch and probably one of the best cast of the year. The story and directing are masterpiece. I’ve never seen a horror show with a compelling story like this. It’s not only scary but truly heartbreaking. The scares are not cheap because the drama and the tension are so well made. GO WATCH IT NOW!… Expand
  2. 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.
  3. Kenmei
    Oct 24, 2018
    8
    While I wouldn't say the horror elements do anything to push the envelope here, the thing that sets this apart is the surprising amount of heart that's within a horror show. This show knows exactly what it wants to do. Unfortunately alot of the time, the horror elements are fairly telegraphed jump scares. There are a couple of elements through the 10 episode series that are pretty wellWhile I wouldn't say the horror elements do anything to push the envelope here, the thing that sets this apart is the surprising amount of heart that's within a horror show. This show knows exactly what it wants to do. Unfortunately alot of the time, the horror elements are fairly telegraphed jump scares. There are a couple of elements through the 10 episode series that are pretty well done. I was more impressed with some of the story elements that come with the horror stuff. One little plot hole at the end put a bit of a damper on things for me but it was a good ride. I'd highly recommend this for people who don't normally do scary stuff. While the cheap jump scares are here, they aren't too terribly bad and the dynamics among the characters in the show are very well done. However, in judging this strictly on its horror elements, there's alot of same-ole stuff in here. Horror buffs looking for something new that's spooky this Halloween might want to go elsewhere if that's all they want in their horror media.… Expand
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. CalvinWheatley
    Oct 24, 2018
    8
    I really liked this show and found myself watching an episode or two every night until I reached the end. I will say that I was disappointed with the end and found the last two episodes a bit long and almost boring. That said I enjoyed it and would recommend it as a very entertaining Netflix option.

    The house itself was AMAZING and I for one would move into that mansion with not    I really liked this show and found myself watching an episode or two every night until I reached the end. I will say that I was disappointed with the end and found the last two episodes a bit long and almost boring. That said I enjoyed it and would recommend it as a very entertaining Netflix option.

    The house itself was AMAZING and I for one would move into that mansion with not hesitation. The ghosts were more entertaining than scary.

    I think the family aspect was also a great part of the show. I loved the "This Is Us" feel and even described the show to friends and coworkers in that manner telling them if they like "This Is Us" they will really like this show. Its really is a family drama in which the family just happens to be haunted.

    What I did not like was all the doubt the adult children seemed to have when they experienced so much paranormal activity. How can people see the things that they see and through out their many experiences still insist they are seeing things? And I found the disrespect for their father quite disturbing as well. The kids were often downright mean to the old man and it was so obvious he loves them so much.

    Anyway... the end results is a very entertaining show with a lackluster ending.    … Expand
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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).
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. Flug
    Oct 25, 2018
    9
    I give this score, not for the horror that I actually felt, but the story that was told. Many other complain that the family is in denial for an unreasonable amount of time, but this is an element that gives the show the allowance to explore what is normally reserved as literary themes. The show becomes less scary as you continue to watch because you gather more and more information aboutI give this score, not for the horror that I actually felt, but the story that was told. Many other complain that the family is in denial for an unreasonable amount of time, but this is an element that gives the show the allowance to explore what is normally reserved as literary themes. The show becomes less scary as you continue to watch because you gather more and more information about the house. However, this is not an isolated case as the television series "Lost" suffered from the same issue: as we learn more about the show our imaginations are limited, and our imaginations know what scares us the most. The horror undertone and excellent theme exploration make "The Haunting of Hill House" a memorable series and one that I will gladly rewatch to further analyze themes and even foreshadowing of which I missed in my first viewing.… Expand
  14. 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
  15. 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
  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. declanmore
    Oct 21, 2018
    9
    The entire series is an almost perfect horror except for the last episode which makes you feel something has gone wrong or you've been robbed.
  18. 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
  19. s666a
    Oct 23, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Not usually a horror fan, but this series is extraordinary! Trust me on this guys when I say, you're gonna find this series unexpectedly amazing.… Expand
  20. sincred
    Oct 20, 2018
    9
    Yo no me puedo considerar un amante a las series o películas de terror pero esta serie me atrapo en un suspenso absoluto que duró durante los 10 capítulos, Lo mas que puedo decir sin hacer algún spoiler es que cuando sacaran la segunda temporada.f
  21. Ascospore
    Oct 18, 2018
    8
    The Haunting of Millhouse is high on terror but more subtle with horror, which means it has to be clever to be effective, and overall it is. Also some great kids performances (i.e. not annoying), which must have been equally difficult to execute.
  22. Moomster
    Oct 19, 2018
    9
    I am really liking this series. It is much better than AHS, which I find tedious to watch. The story is intriguing, the acting is phenomenal, particularly the child actors.
  23. scott0505
    Oct 17, 2018
    10
    I can't express how good this series is. It's been days since I finished Season One and I'm still thinking about it. Truly an engrossing story that pulls you in. Watch it.
  24. Arek2909
    Oct 19, 2018
    9
    For me this is the best horror TV-Show I´ve ever seen. It´s a bit sad that the final episode is a little bit boring. But overall it´s for me a 9/10 and one of the best new TV-Shows this year.
  25. muldjord
    Oct 21, 2018
    7
    There's a lot to like about this show. The characters are interesting for one. And it's all well-acted for both adult and child actors. The story is intriguing for the most part. Unfortunately the show also comes with a big caveat, which is the ending. It's one of those shows that keeps building on the unknowns in the story. And you sortof expect a big reveal in the end for everything toThere's a lot to like about this show. The characters are interesting for one. And it's all well-acted for both adult and child actors. The story is intriguing for the most part. Unfortunately the show also comes with a big caveat, which is the ending. It's one of those shows that keeps building on the unknowns in the story. And you sortof expect a big reveal in the end for everything to make sense. But to me, the last episode was just one big "what the hell is going on!?".

    The show jumps in time - a lot! You basically have time, hallucinations, actual ghosts and real-world happenings all mixed together, sometimes in the same scene. And thaty makes it really, reeeeeeeally hard to grasp what is what. And this made it impossible for me to follow the ending. I simply had no idea what the show wanted to be real, and what it wanted to be something else. Resulting in total confusion and no real answers.

    I had to look it up on the internet when the show ended. I don't expect everything to make sense to me right off the bat. But here it was just complete nonsense to me. It was frustrating.

    You might fare better though. I would still recommend the show, since it has some really cool stuff going on. And if you, like me, feel like the ending is nonsense - know that you can look it up afterwards and make sense of it. And that sortof makes up for it.    … Expand
  26. Yurchik
    Nov 4, 2018
    4
    A very long season with a banal end. I only watched because of Carla Gugino!
  27. CasandraComplex
    Oct 21, 2018
    8
    I was reluctant to watch this series because well, to be quite honest, the poster image gave me the impression that it was going to be a cheap scary show for millennial's starring millennial's. That and Netflix for some reason has a way of describing their shows that makes them all sound the same and incredibly stupid. After reading some reviews (from users on this site) I thought that II was reluctant to watch this series because well, to be quite honest, the poster image gave me the impression that it was going to be a cheap scary show for millennial's starring millennial's. That and Netflix for some reason has a way of describing their shows that makes them all sound the same and incredibly stupid. After reading some reviews (from users on this site) I thought that I would give it a go. Boy was I glad that I did! It's been decades since a movie or a show has actually made me scream out loud with fright and this series managed to do it twice to me which is a huge feat because nothing scares me anymore and horror shows have become so formulaic. The atmosphere, the music score and the various scary monsters were phenomenal. Some more effective than others but that's to be expected because everyone has different triggers. I don't want to give away too much but what really made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up was the incredibly accurate depiction of someone experiencing sleep paralysis combined with night terrors because I for one, a man of 50 years, have experienced those very things all of my life. Very well done!
    My only caveat is that the tone of the series made a dramatic shift towards sentimentality at the very end which kinda killed the whole scary atmosphere. I suppose I could forgive that because they had to tie it all up in a bow. I was wondering how they intended to make more than one season out of it unless they are going the route similar to American Horror Story which makes every season stand on it's own.
    Absolutely worth watching and I challenge you not to binge watch the whole dang season because I sure couldn't resist.    … Expand
  28. GarethB
    Oct 22, 2018
    8
    A tense horror/thriller where most of the scares come from the interaction of the family from the situation they were thrown into. Scares come in the more obvious ways and from the baggage you take with you to watch the show. Well shot and well acted and made me think a lot.
  29. sortiz1965
    Oct 25, 2018
    10
    Incredible show with a wrenching emotional pull. I cared deeply about all of these characters, both their child and adult versions. The show makes you constantly wonder what is real and what is a figment of someone's imagination as they cope with the demons that assail them. And the ending will stay with me for a long time. I have not seen a show this good in a long time.
  30. IPBelde
    Oct 25, 2018
    10
    Possibly one of the best horror TV shows to ever be made. Sets an example for other shows in terms of writing, story telling, and production which gives way to excellent acting. There is virtually nothing to reproach the show of, TV at it's best.
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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.
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  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.
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