The genre of horror continues to be one of Hollywood’s most reliable moneymakers — and for good reason. It offers filmmakers a rich set of traditions to build upon, reinvigorate or subvert altogether. And of all the spooky genres, few are as enduring as movies about haunted houses.
Ari Aster made a big splash this year with Hereditary, a psychological horror movie about possession that separated itself from the countless Exorcist knockoffs. The film stars Toni Collette as a family destroyed by grief, anger and malevolent supernatural forces. It’s a twisted story of madness and loss that will remain with you long after the credits roll.
Poltergeist is another classic in the category, an adaptation of the real-life Lutz family’s claims of being haunted by evil spirits at their New York home. It’s a terrifying tale of demonic possession that’s as unnerving now as it was when it was first released in 1979.
For a less traditional take on the haunted house genre, check out We Have a Ghost, directed by Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day). The film stars Jahi Di’Allo Winston as a family that moves into a California home with a poltergeist living in the attic, alongside rising star Tig Notaro and Jennifer Coolidge. Landon’s mastery of teen-friendly screams and sophisticated meta commentary on the horror genre make him a natural for this type of film.
For a more lighthearted approach to the haunted house genre, there’s Beetlejuice, Tim Burton’s 1998 fantasy-comedy. The film is a cult favorite, beloved for its campy costumes and twisted sense of humor. It also tells a familiar story — a bereaved family is haunted by vengeful ghosts.