In a significant nod to prestige horror and serialized storytelling, Entertainment Weekly has named ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ as Netflix’s greatest original series. This recognition comes years after the show first premiered in 2018, proving that its influence and acclaim continue to grow. With its emotionally charged storytelling, eerie visuals, and unforgettable performances, Mike Flanagan’s gothic masterpiece has carved out a permanent place in streaming history.
But what makes The Haunting of Hill House deserving of such a title? Why does it continue to stand tall in Netflix’s vast library of acclaimed originals like Stranger Things, The Crown, or BoJack Horseman? Let’s take a deep dive into the reasons behind its enduring impact and the legacy it leaves behind in the horror genre and beyond.
A Masterclass in Horror and Drama
While many horror shows lean heavily on jump scares and gore, The Haunting of Hill House redefined what the genre could achieve on television. Adapted loosely from Shirley Jackson’s 1959 novel, Mike Flanagan’s series blended traditional haunted house tropes with deep psychological storytelling.
What set the series apart was its emotional core. Rather than focusing solely on frights, it explored family trauma, grief, addiction, and mental health, told through the lives of the Crain family — five siblings still haunted by their terrifying childhood in the now-infamous Hill House.
This dual-timeline narrative — flipping between the past and present — allowed for intense character development, a gripping mystery, and gradual reveals that packed both emotional and narrative punch.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception
Entertainment Weekly’s decision to name Hill House as Netflix’s best is hardly a surprise to fans and critics alike. The series received almost universal acclaim when it was first released:
- Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%
- Metacritic score: 79 (generally favorable reviews)
- IMDb rating: 8.6/10 (with over 280,000 votes)
Critics called it a “genre-defining” series, praising its emotional complexity, the ambition of its direction (especially the iconic single-take episode “Two Storms”), and the performances from actors like Victoria Pedretti, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Carla Gugino, and Henry Thomas.
Mike Flanagan’s Vision: Redefining Horror
Showrunner and director Mike Flanagan has since become synonymous with high-quality horror storytelling, with a Netflix resume that includes The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass, and The Fall of the House of Usher.
But it was Hill House that established him as a visionary in the genre. His decision to focus on the emotional resonance of fear, rather than just supernatural elements, elevated the genre and appealed to a broader audience — even those who don’t traditionally watch horror.
The show’s use of visual storytelling, like hidden ghosts, surreal dream sequences, and camera choreography, added a cinematic depth rarely seen on TV horror shows.
A Lasting Cultural Legacy
Even six years after its release, The Haunting of Hill House continues to influence:
- Film schools study its narrative and shot structure.
- Writers cite it as inspiration for character-driven horror.
- “Bent-Neck Lady” and “Red Room” have become part of horror pop culture.
Its success also paved the way for more sophisticated horror on streaming platforms, proving there is an appetite for shows that blend scares with substance.
Why Entertainment Weekly’s Title Matters
By declaring The Haunting of Hill House as Netflix’s greatest original, Entertainment Weekly acknowledges not only the show’s quality but its impact on TV storytelling. The title isn’t just about ratings or jump scares; it’s about legacy, innovation, and emotional resonance.
This win places Hill House above global phenomena like Stranger Things and Squid Game, suggesting that great storytelling endures longer than viral moments.
Cast Performances That Made a Difference
The ensemble cast of the show provided support for its complex narrative and weighty themes:
- Victoria Pedretti plays the story’s sad protagonist, Nell.
- Oliver Jackson-Cohen as Luke, battling addiction and trauma.
- Carla Gugino gave a haunting performance as Olivia Crain.
- Kate Siegel, Timothy Hutton, and others brought emotional realism to a supernatural setting.
These layered performances made the ghosts of Hill House feel as human as the living.
FAQs:
Q1: Why did Entertainment Weekly choose ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ as Netflix’s greatest original?
Entertainment Weekly praised the series for its emotional storytelling, innovative horror structure, and cinematic direction. It redefined what horror could achieve in a TV format and remains highly influential.
Q2: Is ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ based on a true story?
No. It is based on the groundbreaking horror novel by Shirley Jackson, published in 1959. However, Mike Flanagan’s adaptation takes creative liberties, expanding the plot and themes beyond the book.
Q3: Are there jump scares in the show?
Yes, but they are used sparingly and effectively. The show relies more on psychological horror, atmosphere, and emotional tension than on constant jump scares.
Q4: Does it have anything to do with “The Haunting of Bly Manor”?
Yes, but only spiritually. The Haunting of Bly Manor is a follow-up in the same anthology series, with some recurring actors, but a completely different story and setting.
Q5: What episode is the most famous?
Episode 6, titled “Two Storms”, is considered a television masterpiece. It’s known for its long, continuous takes (one over 17 minutes) and emotional intensity. Critics hailed it as one of the best TV episodes of the decade.
Q6: Will there be a sequel to ‘Hill House’?
Mike Flanagan has confirmed that no direct sequel to Hill House is planned, as the story of the Crain family is complete. However, he continues to create horror series in a similar style on Netflix and other platforms.
Q7: In what location can I view “The Haunting of Hill House”?
The Haunting of Hill House is available exclusively on Netflix. All 10 episodes are currently streaming.
Final Thoughts
The Haunting of Hill House is a profoundly human narrative about loss, grief, and the things that haunt us; it is more than just a ghost story. With its crown from Entertainment Weekly as Netflix’s greatest original, it secures its legacy as a benchmark for horror storytelling on TV.
If you haven’t experienced Hill House yet, now is the time to walk those haunted halls — just be ready for more than just ghosts.
