Haunted houses have long been a staple in cinema, offering viewers a blend of chills, thrills, and often, heartwarming stories of redemption or discovery. This curated list of ten films delves into the mysterious and often terrifying adventures that unfold within the walls of haunted abodes. Each film brings its unique twist to the genre, making it an essential watch for anyone fascinated by the supernatural or simply looking for a good scare. Whether it's the classic ghost story or a modern take on the haunted house trope, these films promise an unforgettable journey into the unknown.

The House on Haunted Hill (1959)
Description: An eccentric millionaire offers five people $10,000 each to spend the night in a haunted house, leading to a night of terror and unexpected twists.
Fact: The film was remade in 1999 with a modern twist on the original story.


The Haunting (1963)
Description: This film is a classic example of psychological horror, where a group of people investigate a reputedly haunted mansion, only to find themselves trapped by their own fears and the house's dark history.
Fact: The film was based on Shirley Jackson's novel "The Haunting of Hill House." It was remade in 1999 with a different approach to the story.


The Legend of Hell House (1973)
Description: A physicist, his wife, a medium, and a mentalist are hired to investigate the notorious Belasco House, known for its deadly hauntings, in an attempt to prove or disprove the existence of life after death.
Fact: The film was based on Richard Matheson's novel "Hell House."


The Amityville Horror (1979)
Description: Based on a true story, this film recounts the terrifying experiences of the Lutz family in their new home, which was the site of a brutal murder, leading to paranormal disturbances.
Fact: The house's iconic "eye" windows were a result of the film's marketing strategy to make the house more memorable.


Poltergeist (1982)
Description: A family's suburban home becomes a portal for malevolent spirits, leading to the abduction of their youngest child into another dimension, sparking a desperate rescue mission.
Fact: The film was produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Tobe Hooper, blending family drama with horror.


The Others (2001)
Description: Set in post-World War II, this film follows a woman living in a secluded mansion with her two photosensitive children, who begin to experience strange occurrences, leading to a chilling revelation about their home.
Fact: Nicole Kidman's performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.


The Woman in Black (2012)
Description: A young lawyer travels to a remote village to settle the affairs of a deceased client, only to encounter the ghost of a woman in black who haunts the village and its children.
Fact: This film is based on Susan Hill's novel and was a major success, spawning a sequel.


The Awakening (2011)
Description: In post-World War I England, a skeptical author of books debunking spiritualism is invited to investigate a haunting at a boys' boarding school, where she encounters inexplicable phenomena.
Fact: The film was shot in various historic locations in England, enhancing its eerie atmosphere.


The Innocents (1961)
Description: A governess begins to see apparitions and suspects the children in her care are possessed by the spirits of former employees, leading to a chilling tale of innocence and corruption.
Fact: The film is an adaptation of Henry James' novella "The Turn of the Screw."


The Orphanage (2007)
Description: A woman returns to her childhood orphanage to reopen it, but her son's disappearance and the discovery of the house's dark secrets lead to a haunting exploration of loss and memory.
Fact: The film was Spain's official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 80th Academy Awards.
