If you're a horror fan and Netflix is your go-to streaming platform, then chances are you've come across Mike Flanagan's extensive horror catalog of shows that not only terrify with supernatural thrills but also explore deep, meaningful emotional themes such as grief, trauma, and the complexity of human relationships. While his work is thrilling and frightening, it also has an emotional depth that makes the stories more impactful and memorable than your typical horror fare, offering an experience that lingers with you long after the final episode.
But out of all the exceptional series Flanagan has created, there is one that truly stands above the rest, a show that encapsulates everything that makes his work so captivating and unforgettable. It's a fan favorite and an absolute must-watch for anyone who appreciates horror with substance. Have you figured out which series we're talking about? It's none other than The Haunting of Hill House, a perfect mix of ghostly terror and heart-wrenching family drama that blew audiences away with its gripping plot, unsettling atmosphere, and deeply emotional core.
Here's the show's official synopsis via Netflix Media Center:
"The Haunting of Hill House is a modern reimagining of Shirley Jackson’s legendary novel of the same name, about five siblings who grew up in the most famous haunted house in America. Now adults, they’re reunited by the suicide of their youngest sister, which forces them to finally confront the ghosts of their own pasts… some which lurk in their minds... and some which may really be lurking in the shadows of the iconic Hill House."
The cast of the hit supernatural horror series is made up of Michiel Huisman, Carla Gugino, Henry Thomas, Elizabeth Reaser, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Kate Siegel, Victoria Pedretti, Lulu Wilson, Mckenna Grace, Paxton Singleton, Julian Hilliard, Violet McGraw, Timothy Hutton, and others.
While Flanagan had already made somewhat of a name for himself in the horror world, it was The Haunting of Hill House that truly elevated him to the top tier of modern horror creators. If you didn't know who he was before, this series made sure you did going forward. It was his first piece of work with Netflix, and what a way to make an entrance. It left you wanting to know what's next for the talented filmmaker and what other terrifying yet emotionally resonant stories he would craft. While he would go on to make more hit Netflix horror shows such as The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass, The Midnight Club and The Fall of the House of Usher, none still quite captured the same emotional depth and raw intensity as The Haunting of Hill House.
What really makes this supernatural horror series stand out is that it's more than just a haunted house story. It’s a story about grief, trauma, family, and the echoes of the past that never quite leave us. It doesn’t just aim to scare its audience. It aims to make them feel, to make them think. By the end of the 10-episode series, viewers are left not only with a lingering sense of unease but with a deep emotional impact. You'll find yourself reflecting on your own relationships, the things you've buried, and how the past can shape your present in ways you might not even realize. And when a show can do that, it becomes something far more powerful than a typical horror story. I don't know about you, but that kind of storytelling leaves a lasting mark. It's what makes The Haunting of Hill House truly unforgettable.
Besides the story itself, let's talk about the horror aspects for a bit. Now, this series definitely has its jump scares. In fact, we'd argue that it has one of the greatest jump scares in television history. Believe me. You'll know exactly which one I'm talking about when you watch it. And we can't forget to mention the eerie atmosphere, which really adds to the tension. The show doesn’t rush to deliver horror. Instead, it lets the dread simmer, creating an atmosphere where even the quietest moments feel charged with tension. It creates this ever-present sense of unease where you're instinctively watching the edges of the frame, certain there's something hiding just beyond view. And more often than not… there is. If you scare easily, you might want to watch this series with the lights on!
It's also important that we discuss the strong performances. We have to give it up for the casting department because they truly outdid themselves. Every actor, from the youngest Crain child to the adult versions, embodies their role so seamlessly that it's hard to picture anyone else playing these parts. The chemistry between the cast makes the family dynamics feel authentic and lived-in, as if we’re watching a real family unravel and confront years of buried pain. Truthfully, without such a talented ensemble, the story wouldn’t hit nearly as hard. And for that reason alone, the performances deserve just as much praise as the writing or direction.
Take a look at the thrilling trailer below for a sneak peek!
Overall, The Haunting of Hill House is a standout in the horror genre, and it's definitely not a show to be missed. So if you haven't seen it yet, make sure you carve out some time to experience this masterfully crafted series on Netflix. Trust me, you won't regret it!