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The Haunting

The Haunting

You may not believe in ghosts but you cannot deny terror.

1963112 minGMidcredits score: 90th percentile of all films
Director
Robert Wise
Starring
Julie Harris, Claire Bloom, Richard Johnson, Russ Tamblyn

Dr. John Markway recruits three strangers for a sleep-disorder study at the eerie and isolated Hill House. It soon becomes clear his real interest lies in the mansion itself and its sinister history, as they are forced to confront the nature of its horror…

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Haunting?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Haunting streaming on AMC+ and Shudder via Prime Video and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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via Prime Video

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Haunting?

The Haunting earns 11 badges, led by Top 1% in Horror and Universally Loved.

Show 3 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Haunting worth watching?

The Haunting's Midcredits score is the 90th percentile of all films, from 114K ratings across 6 sources. 77% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

90th percentile

Better received than 90% of films

99th percentile among Horror87th percentile among 1960s
Acclaim (how much people like it)89th
Approval (how many liked it)87th

74 /100

89th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Horror88th percentile among 1960s

Critics 74 · Audience 74

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.5 — solid but not unanimous.

77% liked it

87th percentile of all films

97th percentile among Horror84th percentile among 1960s
77% rated it 7–1023% rated it 1–6

Critics 87% · Audience 82%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 2 noms overall

  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Director

93rd percentile

114K ratings across platforms

92nd percentile among Horror96th percentile among 1960s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26

Box office

Budget$1.4M
Worldwide gross$847

Returned 0.0× its budget — 2nd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film relies on unseen terror and psychological suggestion, and its effectiveness depends on the viewer's willingness to engage with that approach.

Fans praised

  • Psychological horror relying on suggestion and atmosphere rather than gore
  • Exceptional use of sound, lighting, and camera angles to build dread
  • Julie Harris's performance as emotionally fragile Eleanor

Detractors panned

  • Slow pacing with little happening for long stretches
  • Annoying lead character whose interior monologue grates and telegraphs everything
  • Failed to deliver real scares, feeling dated and melodramatic

What stands out

Cinematography90

Masterly black-and-white photography with distorted angles and shadows

AtmosphereDivisive90

Dense, claustrophobic, and chilling mood of Hill House

Acting85

Strong ensemble; Harris and Bloom widely praised, but some find Harris's performance overly neurotic

Sound and musicDivisive85

Eerie score and sound design crucial to the scares

OriginalityDivisive80

Groundbreaking for its time in psychological horror and 'less is more' approach

TensionDivisive75

Excellent build-up of dread for fans; flat and absent for detractors

CharactersDivisive65

Eleanor as a compelling, tragic study of loneliness vs. an insufferable, whiny protagonist

PacingDivisive45

Slow burn tension vs. sluggish and boring

Preferred by

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 15 points higher than under-30s.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 4 points apart
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 6 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Haunting like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Scary: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready to pay close attention and feel heavy feelings, and you want to be scared.

It is intense, takes its time and leaves you unsettled. Skip it when you want an easy night or you can only half-watch.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Your full attention, room for heavy feelings, patience and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Scary.

The answer rests on this: Moods
DreadTenseMelancholicContemplative
Heaviest: late
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film holds its material with absolute seriousness, relying on suggestion and atmosphere rather than irony or humor to create dread.
The rideThe mood builds from a slowly encroaching unease to sustained terror in the final act, with Eleanor's psychological breakdown and tragic death.
StructureThe story is told in straightforward chronological order, from the arrival of the group through their escalating encounters and the tragic climax.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

UnsettlingHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a persistent unease, with Eleanor's tragic fate and the house's continuing menace lingering long after the credits.
How it ends · evidence
Tragic ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterPredator
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% (this title) · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Predator: A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).

21% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe narrative follows a team of psychic researchers isolated in Hill House, where the malevolent supernatural force of the house itself becomes the predator that hunts and destroys its occupants, particularly Eleanor.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% (this title) · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% (this title) · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsTrauma · 7% of filmsIsolation · 5% of films
Mourns its theme: Grieves its theme, or what has been lost of it.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeEleanor's fragmented sense of self is tested and unraveled by the house, which preys on her loneliness and suppressed guilt.
StanceThe film mourns Eleanor's fragile identity and the isolation that makes her vulnerable to the house, treating her fate with tragic gravity.

The world

ContemporaryRuralDomesticInstitutionalHorror supernatural
Orchestral modernExperimentalSupportive music · original score · Humphrey Searle
SettingHill House, an isolated New England mansion, circa 1960s
MusicThe score uses dissonant strings and eerie percussion to amplify the house's menace without ever overwhelming the natural sound design.

Content guide

Is The Haunting okay for kids?

G

The Haunting is rated G. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (27/100), sexual content at minimal (6/100), language at mild (22/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (32/100) and frightening material at intense (66/100). Overall it is heavier than 83% of G-rated films.

Ratings in 7 other countries
  • UK12
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany16
  • Brazil10
  • Netherlands12
  • PortugalM/16
  • Spain12
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 28% of all filmsHeavier than 83% of G-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
typical for a G-rated film
heavier than 32%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a G-rated film
heavier than 13%
Profanity
Mild
typical for a G-rated film
heavier than 71%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a G-rated film
heavier than 70%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
heavy for a G-rated film
heavier than 93%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is frightening material. Everything else sits at or below what G-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Haunting have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Haunting?

Cast

Julie Harris
as Eleanor Lance
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Claire Bloom
as Theodora
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Richard Johnson
as Dr. John Markway
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Russ Tamblyn
as Luke Sannerson
Fay Compton
as Mrs. Sannerson
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Rosalie Crutchley
as Mrs. Dudley
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Lois Maxwell
as Grace Markway
Valentine Dyall
as Mr. Dudley
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Diane Clare
as Carrie Fredericks
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Ronald Adam
as Eldridge Harper
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Haunting?

Movies like The Haunting include The Haunting (1999), The Turning (2020) and Whisper (2007). Of the 12 closest matches, most are psychological horror films, and most are films set in New England.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

6 of these 12 share its story type: haunted house. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Haunting?

932 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: closed circle. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.