Abandoned houses have long been a staple in horror cinema, providing a backdrop of isolation, decay, and mystery that perfectly complements the genre's themes of fear and the unknown. This curated list of 10 horror films focuses on those set in abandoned houses, each offering a unique blend of suspense, terror, and sometimes, a touch of the supernatural. Whether you're a fan of classic ghost stories or modern psychological thrillers, this collection promises to deliver chills and thrills, showcasing the eerie potential of these forsaken dwellings.

The Haunting (1963)
Description: This classic film explores the psychological horror of a group of people staying in Hill House, an old, supposedly haunted mansion. The film's atmosphere and tension make it a quintessential entry in the abandoned house horror genre.
Fact: The film was based on Shirley Jackson's novel "The Haunting of Hill House," and its minimal use of special effects was groundbreaking for its time.


The Amityville Horror (1979)
Description: Based on a true story, this film follows the Lutz family as they move into a house where a mass murder occurred. The house itself becomes a character, with its dark history manifesting in terrifying ways.
Fact: The film's iconic house at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York, became a tourist attraction due to its real-life infamy.


The Others (2001)
Description: Set in a secluded mansion, this film delves into the life of Grace Stewart, who lives with her two photosensitive children. The house's eerie atmosphere and the mysterious events that unfold make it a perfect fit for this list.
Fact: The film was shot in Spain, but the setting was meant to be the Channel Islands, giving it a unique, isolated feel.


Session 9 (2001)
Description: A group of asbestos cleaners work in an abandoned psychiatric hospital, where they encounter supernatural forces. The film uses the setting to create an atmosphere of dread and isolation.
Fact: The film was shot in the Danvers State Hospital, a real-life abandoned asylum known for its eerie history.


The Skeleton Key (2005)
Description: A hospice nurse takes a job at a plantation house in Louisiana, only to uncover dark secrets and voodoo practices. The house's history and its role in the story make it a compelling addition to this list.
Fact: The film was shot at the Felicity Plantation in Louisiana, which added to the authenticity of the setting.


The Woman in Black (2012)
Description: Arthur Kipps, a lawyer, travels to a remote village to settle the estate of a deceased client, only to encounter the ghost of a vengeful woman in the abandoned Eel Marsh House.
Fact: The film is based on Susan Hill's novel and was adapted for the stage before becoming a film.


The Awakening (2011)
Description: A skeptical ghost hunter investigates a haunting at a boys' boarding school in a remote, abandoned manor. The film's setting and the mystery of the haunting make it a standout in the genre.
Fact: The film was shot at various locations in England, including the historic Harlaxton Manor.


Crimson Peak (2015)
Description: A gothic romance where an aspiring author is drawn to a mysterious, decaying mansion with its own dark secrets. The house itself is almost a character, with its haunting beauty and eerie atmosphere.
Fact: The mansion was constructed entirely on a soundstage, allowing for intricate set design that enhances the film's gothic aesthetic.


The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: While not set in an abandoned house, the film takes place in a morgue, which has a similar sense of isolation and decay. The story revolves around a mysterious body that unleashes supernatural horrors.
Fact: The film was shot in a real morgue, adding to its chilling authenticity.


The Lodge (2019)
Description: A soon-to-be stepmother takes her fiancé's children to a remote cabin, where they are cut off from the outside world, leading to psychological horror and supernatural elements.
Fact: The film was shot in the winter, enhancing the cold, isolated atmosphere of the setting.
