Halloween is the perfect time to dive into the eerie world of haunted house films. From classics that set the standard for spooky storytelling to modern gems that redefine the genre, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re in the mood for psychological suspense, supernatural thrillers, or even some dark humor, here’s a list that will keep you on edge.
20. House (1985)
House throws the rulebook out the window in this wild ride of haunted house horror. Vietnam vet Roger Cobb moves into a house that seems determined to torment him in increasingly bizarre ways. From ghostly soldiers to haunted objects, the film is a mix of horror and humor, with plenty of practical effects that capture the campy charm of ’80s horror.
This film’s unpredictability and unique blend of scares and laughs make it a must-watch for fans of unconventional haunted house stories.
19. We Are Still Here (2015)
In We Are Still Here, Anne and Paul, a grieving couple, relocate to a quiet New England town after the loss of their son, only to find their new home filled with strange, unnerving phenomena. Is it their son’s spirit, or something far more sinister? This modern indie horror blends grief with the supernatural, delivering a fresh and compelling take on the genre.
Barbara Crampton shines in her role as Anne, with the chilling snowy backdrop adding an extra layer of atmosphere. The haunting visuals, especially the glowing-eyed apparitions, will stick with you long after the credits roll.
18. Casper (1995)
For a family-friendly ghost story, Casper offers a nostalgic trip into a world where ghosts aren’t always scary. This heartwarming tale of a friendly ghost who forms a bond with a young girl living in his haunted mansion brings humor and warmth to the genre.
Christina Ricci and Bill Pullman deliver endearing performances, making Casper a timeless favorite for those who prefer their hauntings with a side of whimsy.
17. Blithe Spirit (1945)
For a lighter spin on the supernatural, Blithe Spirit offers humor alongside the hauntings. Novelist Charles Condomine’s life is upended when a séance brings back his late wife’s spirit, leading to hilarious chaos.
Rex Harrison is excellent as Charles, juggling the ghostly antics of his ex-wife and the frustrations of his current marriage. It’s a witty and delightful watch, blending charm and mischief in one of the most unusual haunted house tales.
16. The Haunting (1963)
Based on Shirley Jackson’s iconic novel, The Haunting is a masterclass in psychological horror. Hill House is the star of the show, its eerie presence felt in every frame as a group of researchers explores its paranormal secrets.
The film excels in creating terror through atmosphere, with tension building around what’s unseen rather than relying on jump scares. If you prefer your horror subtle and slow-burning, this is the film for you.
15. The House By The Cemetery (1981)
Lucio Fulci’s The House By The Cemetery delivers on surreal, unsettling horror. As a family moves into a house with a macabre history, they quickly find themselves caught in a web of supernatural terror. The strange occurrences—including a tomb in the kitchen—push the boundaries of the genre into absurdity.
Fulci’s style, filled with eerie visuals and a building sense of dread, makes this an essential for Italian horror fans.
14. House on Haunted Hill (1959)
Vincent Price brings his signature charisma to House on Haunted Hill, where a group of strangers is challenged to survive a night in a haunted mansion for a cash prize. The film is a perfect blend of suspense and camp, making it a must-see for classic horror fans.
The film’s twist ending and Price’s performance continue to make it a fan favorite, offering thrills without taking itself too seriously.
13. The Innocents (1961)
Adapted from The Turn of the Screw, The Innocents is a chilling psychological horror that follows a governess convinced the children in her care are possessed by spirits. The tension builds through subtle, unsettling moments rather than outright scares.
The film’s haunting atmosphere and Deborah Kerr’s gripping performance create a deeply unnerving experience. The ambiguity surrounding the ghosts makes this film a must-watch for fans of psychological horror.
12. Burnt Offerings (1976)
In Burnt Offerings, a family renting a summer home quickly realizes the house has a dark influence over them. The film’s slow-burn tension culminates in a truly disturbing finale, making it a must-see for fans of atmospheric horror.
Karen Black delivers a standout performance, capturing the slow descent into madness that makes this film a memorable entry in the haunted house genre.
11. The Changeling (1980)
George C. Scott delivers a powerful performance in The Changeling, playing a grieving man who moves into a mansion with a dark past. As he uncovers the truth behind the haunting, the tension builds into a chilling climax.
This is a masterful blend of emotional depth and supernatural horror, with its haunting atmosphere lingering long after the credits roll.
10. Beetlejuice (1988)
Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice brings a darkly comedic twist to haunted house films. When a couple of ghosts find themselves unable to scare away the new inhabitants of their home, they enlist the chaotic help of the mischievous Beetlejuice. Michael Keaton’s iconic portrayal of the title character is unforgettable.
With Burton’s unique visual style and offbeat humor, Beetlejuice is a standout in the genre, perfect for fans of the weird and whimsical.
9. Crimson Peak (2015)
Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak is a haunting gothic romance that blends love, loss, and terror in equal measure. When Edith Cushing moves into a crumbling mansion with her enigmatic new husband, she quickly discovers the house holds dark secrets.
With breathtaking visuals and a captivating storyline, del Toro weaves a chilling tale that’s as beautiful as it is terrifying. It’s a haunting experience you won’t want to miss.
8. Stir of Echoes (1999)
Kevin Bacon stars in Stir of Echoes as a man haunted by terrifying visions after being hypnotized. As he digs deeper into the mystery, he uncovers dark secrets that threaten his family. Bacon’s performance is gripping, and the film’s blend of psychological and supernatural horror keeps you hooked.
Though often overlooked, Stir of Echoes is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on your haunted house watchlist.
7. The Amityville Horror (1979)
Based on a true story, The Amityville Horror follows the Lutz family as they experience increasingly terrifying events after moving into their new home. The house’s violent past slowly reveals itself in chilling and unforgettable ways.
With strong performances from James Brolin and Margot Kidder, this film digs into the psychological strain of living in a home plagued by malevolent forces. It’s a classic haunted house story that has stood the test of time.
6. Lake Mungo (2008)
Lake Mungo is a subtle and emotionally charged take on the haunted house film. After the death of their daughter, the Palmer family begins to experience strange events, leading them to uncover unsettling truths. Shot in a faux-documentary style, the film blurs the lines between fiction and reality, creating a deeply unsettling experience.
It’s a quiet, haunting story that lingers in your mind long after it’s over, making it one of the most unique entries on this list.
5. The Uninvited (1944)
The Uninvited is a hauntingly beautiful tale of a brother and sister who discover their seaside home is haunted by a ghostly presence. The film’s blend of romance and supernatural elements sets it apart, offering more than just scares.
With strong performances and a captivating story, this classic stands out as one of the most emotionally resonant haunted house films of all time.
4. Ghostwatch (1992)
Ghostwatch took the world by storm with its faux-documentary style, convincing viewers that they were watching a live investigation of a haunted house. Its realistic approach and eerie setting make for an unforgettable viewing experience.
This film pushes the boundaries of traditional haunted house stories, creating a chilling sense of authenticity that stays with you.
3. Poltergeist (1982)
Steven Spielberg’s Poltergeist is a defining moment in haunted house cinema. When a family’s home is overtaken by malevolent spirits, chaos ensues. The film is packed with iconic moments and practical effects that make it a timeless classic.
It’s a thrilling ride that blends supernatural terror with the strong bond of family, making it one of the most memorable films in the genre.
2. The Others (2001)
Set in post-WWII England, The Others follows a mother and her two children who live in a dark, isolated mansion. The film slowly reveals its secrets through a series of unsettling twists, with Nicole Kidman delivering a standout performance.
Its eerie atmosphere and shocking twist make it a modern classic that shouldn’t be missed.
1. The Orphanage (2007)
The Orphanage is a haunting tale of a mother searching for her missing son in a former orphanage. This emotionally charged film is as much about grief as it is about supernatural terror, with a shocking and poignant twist that will leave you breathless.
Its stunning visuals, gripping performances, and emotional depth make it one of the best haunted house films of all time—one that lingers long after the final scene.
