Six years after its release, Netflix subscribers are still returning to The Haunting of Hill House every October, with many calling the horror series a "masterpiece" and "absolute perfection 10/10."
The show, which first premiered in October 2018, has built a devoted following of fans who rewatch it annually as autumn arrives. Despite being a horror series, its emotional depth and strong performances have won over even self-described horror-averse viewers.
A Show That Converts Horror Skeptics
One Reddit user shared their experience of being persuaded to watch the series despite disliking the genre: "I absolutely hate horror but had like 7 friends beg me to watch this, claiming the emotional intelligence of the story negated any downsides of my dislike of horror. I watched every episode in full daylight and even some through my fingers, but man were they right. Incredible series."
The show's captivating writing and acting have been widely praised, with fans noting that the emotional core of the story makes it accessible even to those who usually avoid scary content.
What Is The Haunting of Hill House About?
The series follows five siblings who remain haunted by the supernatural events of their childhood. According to the official synopsis, "Flashing between past and present, a fractured family confronts haunting memories of their old home and the terrifying events that drove them from it."
The story unfolds across two timelines: the present day and flashbacks leading up to a fateful summer in 1992, when the Crain family moved into Hill House intending to renovate and sell the mansion. Building delays prolonged their stay, and terrifying events eventually forced them to flee. In the present, a tragedy brings the siblings back together to confront the ghosts of their past.
Cast, Reception, and Where to Watch
The ensemble cast includes Michiel Huisman, Elizabeth Reaser, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Kate Siegel, and Victoria Pedretti as the grown-up Crain children. The show is loosely based on Shirley Jackson's 1969 novel of the same name and stands as a 10-episode miniseries.
The series holds a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critics' consensus noting: "The Haunting of Hill House is an effective ghost story whose steadily mounting anticipation is just as satisfying as its chilling payoff."
Fans have continued to praise the show on Reddit and IMDb. One viewer wrote: "I almost forgot how hauntingly beautiful 'Haunting of Hill House' is... It's easily the best show Mike Flanagan has ever done. A true masterpiece." Another commented: "I have never watched a show that is perfectly written, cast, directed, and executed. This one will always be my favorite series of all time."
All 10 episodes of The Haunting of Hill House remain available to stream on Netflix, with each episode running between 42 and 71 minutes.
