11 Haunted House Movies That Still Give People Chills

Haunted house movies have a special way of creeping into your mind, staying with you when the lights go out. These films combine suspense, mystery, and fear, making them perfect for horror lovers. The eerie settings and unexpected scares are what make haunted houses so captivating. If you’re looking for a good movie that will leave you with chills, you’re in the right place.

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The Haunting

Released in 1963, The Haunting remains a classic in the haunted house genre. Directed by Robert Wise, the film stars Julie Harris, Claire Bloom, and Richard Johnson. The story follows a group of people who investigate a supposedly haunted mansion, only to find that the house has a sinister life of its own. Its eerie atmosphere and psychological tension make it a standout film in the genre. The absence of graphic scares emphasizes the unsettling mood, making it a timeless piece that still sends chills down viewers’ spines.

What makes The Haunting so haunting is its ability to evoke fear through suggestion rather than outright horror. The film uses sound, shadows, and subtle movements to build tension, creating an experience that lingers with audiences. The performances, particularly Julie Harris’s portrayal of Eleanor, add an emotional depth that amplifies the sense of dread. Though it was made in the 1960s, the film’s suspenseful atmosphere holds up even today. For horror fans, it remains a must-watch that demonstrates how restraint in storytelling can have a lasting impact.

The Shining

Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, released in 1980, is one of the most iconic haunted house films of all time. Jack Nicholson’s chilling performance as Jack Torrance, alongside Shelley Duvall’s portrayal of Wendy, creates a haunting experience that still resonates with audiences. Set in the remote Overlook Hotel, the film follows the Torrance family as they become trapped in a snowed-in hotel where sinister forces take hold of Jack. With its slow-building tension and psychological horror, The Shining remains a terrifying masterpiece. The film’s unforgettable imagery, including the eerie Here’s Johnny! moment, continues to haunt viewers.

Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel takes viewers into a mind-bending, supernatural world filled with unsettling visuals and sounds. The Overlook Hotel itself becomes a character, full of disturbing secrets and a dark history. The iconic ghostly twins and the mysterious room 237 add layers of dread that still send chills down the spine. The combination of psychological torment and supernatural terror ensures that The Shining holds a special place in the world of horror. It continues to influence countless films in the genre, proving its lasting power in the realm of haunted house stories.

Poltergeist

Poltergeist, directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, was released in 1982 and quickly became a haunted house classic. Starring JoBeth Williams, Heather O’Rourke, and Craig T. Nelson, the film tells the story of a suburban family whose home is taken over by malevolent spirits. With a mix of supernatural terror and psychological drama, Poltergeist keeps viewers on edge from start to finish. The iconic line They’re here! spoken by young Carol Anne still echoes in the minds of horror fans. The haunting visuals and unsettling scenes continue to make it a chilling experience for first-time viewers and long-time fans alike.

What makes Poltergeist stand out is its combination of traditional haunted house tropes with cutting-edge special effects for its time. The paranormal activity becomes increasingly violent, especially when the spirits pull Carol Anne into the TV, leading to terrifying encounters with otherworldly forces. The film expertly blends family drama with horror, making the terror all the more relatable. The eerie presence of the spirits, especially the malevolent clown doll, makes Poltergeist a true nightmare for viewers. Even decades after its release, it remains a spine-chilling example of haunted house horror.

The Others

Released in 2001, The Others is a haunting psychological horror film directed by Alejandro Amenabar. Nicole Kidman stars as Grace, a mother who lives with her two children in a remote mansion while they wait for her husband to return from war. Strange occurrences begin to happen, and Grace soon becomes convinced that her house is haunted by malevolent spirits. The film’s slow pacing and eerie atmosphere create a building tension that leads to a shocking twist. The Others is a perfect example of how haunted house films can still hold immense power, even in modern horror.

The film’s standout feature is its ability to unsettle without relying on jump scares or graphic violence. Grace’s unyielding belief in the supernatural draws viewers in, making them question what’s truly happening in her isolated home. The clever use of light and shadow adds an additional layer of mystery, turning the house itself into a character. The reveal at the end of the film redefines everything viewers thought they knew, making The Others one of the most memorable modern haunted house films. It’s a film that sticks with you, long after the credits roll.

The Conjuring

Directed by James Wan, The Conjuring was released in 2013 and has since become a modern classic in the haunted house genre. Based on the real-life experiences of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, the film stars Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. The story revolves around the Perron family, who experience terrifying events after moving into a secluded farmhouse in Rhode Island. The film’s eerie atmosphere, combined with its terrifying supernatural encounters, keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The Conjuring is filled with hair-raising moments that continue to haunt audiences.

The film’s success lies in its ability to tap into the fear of the unknown and the idea that something unseen is watching you. The Warrens’ involvement lends an extra layer of authenticity, making the supernatural occurrences all the more believable. The use of long shots, shadows, and sudden loud noises builds up the tension throughout the film. The haunting moments, such as the possession of the family’s youngest daughter, make for spine-chilling scenes. With its terrifying storyline and well-crafted scares, The Conjuring solidified itself as a must-watch in the haunted house film category.

Crimson Peak

Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak was released in 2015 and is a visually stunning addition to the haunted house genre. Starring Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston, and Jessica Chastain, the film follows a young woman who moves into a decaying mansion with her new husband and his mysterious sister. The mansion, with its dark corridors and eerie atmosphere, is alive with secrets and supernatural forces. Crimson Peak combines gothic horror with a love story, making it a unique entry in the haunted house subgenre. The lavish set design and haunting visuals leave a lasting impression on the viewer.

The film is as much about its mood and tone as it is about its scares, with del Toro’s signature style elevating the gothic elements. The house itself is a character, with its decaying walls and hidden passageways adding to the tension. The supernatural forces in the house are revealed slowly, adding layers of suspense to the story. The performances of the lead cast, particularly Jessica Chastain’s chilling portrayal of Lady Lucille, add to the film’s unsettling nature. Crimson Peak stands out for its haunting beauty, blending gothic atmosphere with terrifying supernatural elements.

The Amityville Horror

Based on the alleged true story of a haunting, The Amityville Horror was released in 1979 and became an instant sensation. Starring James Brolin and Margot Kidder, the film tells the story of a family who moves into a house with a dark past, only to experience terrifying paranormal activity. The haunting, which includes strange sounds, visions, and violent occurrences, continues to leave viewers unsettled. The film became a staple of haunted house horror, thanks to its chilling premise and eerie atmosphere. The Amityville Horror remains one of the most iconic haunted house films of its time.

The film draws from the infamous Amityville house, where the Lutz family experienced their own terrifying encounters after moving into the property in the 1970s. The idea that the house itself was possessed by malevolent spirits made it a fascinating and terrifying story. The film’s slow burn of suspense, combined with its shocking moments, kept audiences on edge. The haunting images, such as the glowing eyes in the windows, remain unforgettable. The Amityville Horror has continued to inspire remakes and spin-offs, proving its lasting influence on the genre.

The Innocents

Released in 1961, The Innocents is a haunting and atmospheric film based on Henry James’s novella The Turn of the Screw. Directed by Jack Clayton and starring Deborah Kerr, the film tells the story of a governess who is hired to care for two orphaned children in a large, isolated estate. As she begins to suspect that the house is haunted, the tension builds to a chilling climax. The film’s use of suspense, combined with its eerie settings, makes it one of the most unsettling haunted house films of its time. The Innocents continues to be celebrated for its haunting mood and psychological depth.

What makes The Innocents so unsettling is its ambiguity—viewers are never entirely sure if the supernatural occurrences are real or the product of the governess’s imagination. The film’s slow buildup of dread, combined with its strong performances, creates a tense atmosphere that sticks with audiences. The large, empty estate serves as the perfect backdrop for the haunting, with its dark hallways and hidden corners. The children’s unsettling behavior only adds to the mystery, keeping viewers on edge. The Innocents remains a masterpiece in the haunted house genre for its psychological terror and eerie atmosphere.

The Conjuring 2

The Conjuring 2, directed by James Wan, is the 2016 follow-up to The Conjuring and continues the terrifying investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reprise their roles as the paranormal investigators who travel to Enfield, England, to investigate a haunting. The haunting at the Enfield house, involving the possession of a young girl, provides plenty of scares. The film’s chilling atmosphere, along with its disturbing imagery, keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The Conjuring 2 builds on the first film’s success, offering more of the same spine-tingling terror.

The haunting in The Conjuring 2 is based on the real-life Enfield poltergeist case, which still remains a topic of debate among paranormal enthusiasts. The film takes the suspense and scares to the next level, with disturbing manifestations of supernatural forces. The atmosphere is built with eerie sound design, terrifying visuals, and well-timed jump scares. The performances of Farmiga and Wilson add to the film’s emotional depth, making the horror more impactful. The Conjuring 2 solidifies itself as a chilling sequel that continues to haunt audiences.

House on Haunted Hill

Released in 1959, House on Haunted Hill is a classic horror film directed by William Castle. Vincent Price stars as a millionaire who invites a group of people to spend the night in a haunted mansion with the promise of a large reward. As strange occurrences begin to unfold, the guests realize that they may not be the only ones in the house. The film’s suspense and eerie atmosphere create a lasting sense of dread, making it one of the most iconic haunted house films of the 1950s. House on Haunted Hill remains a must-watch for fans of classic horror.

The film was one of the early examples of using supernatural elements to create terror in haunted house settings. Price’s performance as the sinister millionaire adds a layer of dark humor to the film, making it both entertaining and chilling. The creepy house itself, with its long hallways and dimly lit rooms, creates a perfect setting for the terror that unfolds. The film’s low-budget effects and dramatic tension keep it engaging for modern viewers. House on Haunted Hill‘s legacy as a pioneering haunted house film continues to influence the genre.

The Legend of Hell House

The Legend of Hell House was released in 1973 and is a classic haunted house film directed by John Hough. Based on the novel by Richard Matheson, the film stars Roddy McDowall, Claire Bloom, and Pamela Franklin. The story follows a group of investigators who are hired to explore a notorious mansion known for its violent and disturbing hauntings. As they delve deeper into the house’s dark history, they discover the malevolent force that controls the property. The Legend of Hell House‘s chilling atmosphere and psychological tension make it a standout in the genre.

The film is known for its eerie visuals, including the menacing presence of the house itself. The story explores the psychological effects of fear, as each member of the team is affected by the supernatural forces in different ways. The mysterious and violent events that unfold inside the house add to the tension, keeping viewers on edge. The Legend of Hell House was ahead of its time in terms of blending supernatural horror with psychological elements. It continues to be a beloved film among haunted house movie fans for its eerie atmosphere and terrifying premise.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.