Estate thrillers offer a unique blend of suspense, mystery, and often, a touch of the supernatural or psychological tension. These films are set in grand, isolated estates where the setting itself becomes a character, contributing to the eerie atmosphere and the unfolding drama. This curated list of 10 estate thrillers provides a thrilling journey through dark secrets, hidden pasts, and the unsettling isolation of grand homes, making it an excellent choice for those who love a good mystery with a side of chills.

The Haunting (1963)
Description: A classic tale of a group of people investigating a haunted mansion, Hill House. The film's psychological horror and the mansion's oppressive atmosphere are key elements of its enduring appeal.
Fact: The film was directed by Robert Wise, who also directed "The Sound of Music." It was nominated for two Academy Awards.


The Others (2001)
Description: Set in a secluded mansion, this film follows a woman who believes her house is haunted, only to discover the truth is far more unsettling. The estate's isolation and the gothic atmosphere make it a quintessential entry in this collection.
Fact: The film was shot in Spain, and the mansion used was actually built for the movie. It was nominated for several awards, including the BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay.


The Skeleton Key (2005)
Description: A hospice nurse working in a decrepit plantation house in Louisiana uncovers a dark history of hoodoo magic. The estate's history and its secrets are integral to the film's suspense.
Fact: The film was shot in New Orleans, and the plantation house used was Felicity Plantation, which added to the film's authenticity.


The Uninvited (2009)
Description: After being released from a mental institution, a young woman returns to her family's estate, where she begins to experience disturbing visions. The estate's isolation and its dark secrets are key to the film's suspense.
Fact: This film is a remake of the 2003 South Korean horror film "A Tale of Two Sisters."


The House of the Devil (2009)
Description: A college student takes a babysitting job at a remote mansion, only to find herself in a nightmarish situation. The film's setting in an old, isolated house adds to the tension and dread.
Fact: The film was shot on 16mm film to give it an authentic 1980s feel, and it was inspired by horror films from that era.


The Woman in Black (2012)
Description: A 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 estate. The film's setting in the eerie Eel Marsh House is central to its chilling narrative.
Fact: The film is based on Susan Hill's novel and was adapted for the stage before becoming a movie. Daniel Radcliffe stars, marking his first major role post-Harry Potter.


The Awakening (2011)
Description: A skeptical ghost hunter investigates a haunting at a boys' boarding school in a grand estate, only to confront her own past. The estate's history and its ghostly presence are pivotal to the plot.
Fact: The film was shot at various locations in England, including the historic Knebworth House.


Crimson Peak (2015)
Description: An aspiring author is drawn to a mysterious, decaying mansion by her new husband, where she uncovers dark secrets. The film's gothic aesthetic and the mansion's role as a character make it a fitting addition to this list.
Fact: The film was directed by Guillermo del Toro, known for his love of gothic horror. The mansion was built on a soundstage, showcasing intricate set design.


The Innocents (1961)
Description: An adaptation of Henry James' "The Turn of the Screw," this film explores the psychological horror of a governess in a grand estate, haunted by the ghosts of former employees. The estate's eerie ambiance is crucial to the story.
Fact: It was nominated for two BAFTA Awards, including Best British Film.


The Orphanage (2007)
Description: A woman returns to her childhood home, now an orphanage, to reopen it, only to face supernatural occurrences. The film's setting in a large, abandoned estate is central to its haunting narrative.
Fact: The film was Spain's official submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in
