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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  1. 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
  2. inktomi
    Oct 18, 2018
    10
    Spoiler Free Review
    I am a real person, a consumer, not someone who gets paid to do this review. I’ve watched every minute of this series. Read the book and saw the past movies that were made after Shirley Jacksons classic, “The Haunting of Hill House.” Out of all the iterations, I feel that this is the best of all of them besides the original book, which the series was based on.
    Mike    Spoiler Free Review
    I am a real person, a consumer, not someone who gets paid to do this review. I’ve watched every minute of this series. Read the book and saw the past movies that were made after Shirley Jacksons classic, “The Haunting of Hill House.” Out of all the iterations, I feel that this is the best of all of them besides the original book, which the series was based on.

    Mike Flanagan’s version of Haunting of Hill House is well worth your time. The writing is terrific as well as the cinematography. The music score is spot on and every actor is believable in their roles. The series allows you the time to get emotionally invested in the characters.

    Every member of the Crain family get’s an opportunity to tell their side of the story from their own point of view in an episode. So sometimes you will see the same scene more than once, played out from a different angle. I thought that was genius. There are always more than one side of a story.
    And all the stories, either being tied to the main story arc or part of one of the characters background are woven together as well as Hill House was built - “walls continued upright, bricks met nearly, floors were firm, and doors were sensibly shut” – Jackson (1959).    … Expand
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. cottemann
    Oct 14, 2018
    10
    A perfect horror and drama piece. So many horror films and shows forget that the original objective of horror is not only to scare but also serve as a cautionary tale. This blends the two aspects beautifully. It uses horror elements to serve as a metaphor for how people internalize and externalize shared and personal trauma. Each character is unique and well acted. It's been a long timeA perfect horror and drama piece. So many horror films and shows forget that the original objective of horror is not only to scare but also serve as a cautionary tale. This blends the two aspects beautifully. It uses horror elements to serve as a metaphor for how people internalize and externalize shared and personal trauma. Each character is unique and well acted. It's been a long time since I've seen a show that was executed perfectly on so many levels. My advice is go into this not expecting anything. This show really opens up when you don't try to confine it to a genre. Definitely a show that I will be reflecting on for years to come and I hope to see more from the cast and crew but definitely do not want a sequel. Which sounds weird but understandable once you reach the end of the show.… Expand
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. gwaiz18
    Oct 14, 2018
    10
    Amazing horror series , highly recommend it .The cast and character developement is second to none.
  12. 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.
  13. MarceloPaz
    Oct 15, 2018
    10
    Wow this series managed to deliver a great story, the ending was different from what I imagined, I was certainly positively surprised at everything. If there is a second season, I would like you not to lose focus because this is sensational
  14. 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
  15. jonslow
    Oct 23, 2018
    10
    ดูจบแล้ว The Haunting of Hill House จาก Netflix มีทั้งหมด 10 EP ปกติไม่ค่อยดูหนังผีเพราะกลัว เรื่องนี้เห็นเป็นกระแส ถึงขนาดโฆษณาบนสถานี BTS คงไม่ธรรมดา เลยเปิดใจเริ่มดู กลายเป็นว่าวางไม่ลง ดูจบภายใน 2 วัน ยอมรับเลยว่าดูไม่เต็มจอ เพราะฉากน่ากลัวๆทยอยมารัวๆเลย ที่ชอบที่สุดคือลำดับการเล่าเรื่อง ตัดอดีตสลับปัจจุบันแบบโคตรเนียน ค่อยๆเผยข้อมูลออกมาทีละนิดๆ ทำให้น่าติดตามดูจบแล้ว The Haunting of Hill House จาก Netflix มีทั้งหมด 10 EP ปกติไม่ค่อยดูหนังผีเพราะกลัว เรื่องนี้เห็นเป็นกระแส ถึงขนาดโฆษณาบนสถานี BTS คงไม่ธรรมดา เลยเปิดใจเริ่มดู กลายเป็นว่าวางไม่ลง ดูจบภายใน 2 วัน ยอมรับเลยว่าดูไม่เต็มจอ เพราะฉากน่ากลัวๆทยอยมารัวๆเลย ที่ชอบที่สุดคือลำดับการเล่าเรื่อง ตัดอดีตสลับปัจจุบันแบบโคตรเนียน ค่อยๆเผยข้อมูลออกมาทีละนิดๆ ทำให้น่าติดตาม ตัวละครแต่ละตัวก็มีมิติของตัวเอง นักแสดงก็แสดงดีทุกคน ทุกคนตีบทแตกในความเป็นตัวละครนั้นๆ ทั้งตัวละครตอนเด็กกับโต
    มุมกล้อง แคสติ้ง พล้อต ดราม่าในแบบคนในครอบครัว ทุกอย่างลงตัว NetFlix ยอด สับสะใคร้เพิ่มขึ้นอีกเยอะชัวร์
    10/10    … Expand
  16. 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
  17. mehmetcanboz
    Oct 14, 2018
    10
    The Haunting of Hill House is the perfect combination of family drama and ghost stories. At first, you may think that it's full of cliches as I did, but when you watch more episodes, you notice that it's original as the other horror shows never were. Using of darkness and writing is so brave. I loved it.
  18. agpc
    Oct 15, 2018
    10
    Hill House is a brilliantly written and well executed family drama with elements of horror and tragedy mixed in. One of the best shot scenes in recent memory involves a family argument. The storytelling is a complex yet understandable interweaving of present and past and I think it will go down as one of the best Netflix shows this year.
  19. ChelseaL90
    Oct 22, 2018
    10
    This is far more than just a Horror show. I has no idea what I was in for when I started it. I just turned it on because I saw Daario Naharis.
    I don't ever watch Horrors alone, but by the time I realized this was kinda scary it was too late.
    The acting all around was fantastic, especially the children, and the story is so much more than just your average Horror. Yes, it is scary    This is far more than just a Horror show. I has no idea what I was in for when I started it. I just turned it on because I saw Daario Naharis.
    I don't ever watch Horrors alone, but by the time I realized this was kinda scary it was too late.

    The acting all around was fantastic, especially the children, and the story is so much more than just your average Horror. Yes, it is scary sometimes, but maybe it's best you start this how I did. Not knowing it's categorized as a Horror.

    I finished the show in about 24 hours and recommended it to everyone i know. Then I watched it again with my boyfriend who was viewing it for the first time, and I noticed things I did not catch on my first viewing. People I didn't see, connections I didn't make. Things that I thought were pointless turned out to be so important.

    This is 100% the best show I have ever seen on Netflix.
    I highly recommend this to everyone.    … Expand
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. crashnh14
    Oct 26, 2018
    10
    I started watching this show hoping for a good ghosthorror show since it is October. The first two episodes, which cover the views of Stephen and Shirley, ruined those hopes. These are the two most boring characters in the show, so do yourself a favor and get past them. If you do you will uncover a masterpiece. This show is like a puzzle, the first few episodes set everything up and byI started watching this show hoping for a good ghosthorror show since it is October. The first two episodes, which cover the views of Stephen and Shirley, ruined those hopes. These are the two most boring characters in the show, so do yourself a favor and get past them. If you do you will uncover a masterpiece. This show is like a puzzle, the first few episodes set everything up and by the end all the pieces are coming together. I felt Timothy Hutton (old Hugh Crain), Carla Gugino (Olivia Crain) and Kate Siegel (Adult Theo) were great, but the star is Julian Hilliard (young Luke).… Expand
  23. 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
  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. 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!
  26. Stevesucks
    Nov 19, 2018
    10
    I loved the show it had you on the edge of your seat wondering what would happen next!!!
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. xGabriel
    Apr 25, 2019
    10
    A Masterpieceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
  30. 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.
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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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