Director Quentin Tarantino has expressed admiration for several television series, naming Mike Flanagan’s The Haunting of Hill House as his top pick among Netflix’s offerings. Known for drawing inspiration from a variety of film and TV works, Tarantino’s favorite show choice highlights a blend of horror and drama that stands out on the streaming platform.
The Haunting of Hill House Earns High Praise for Its Exceptional Episode
In 2020, Tarantino revealed to The Jerusalem Post that he had been watching numerous Netflix shows, but declared The Haunting of Hill House as his undisputed favorite. The series, inspired by Shirley Jackson’s 1959 novel, follows the Crain family as they move into the infamous Hill House mansion with plans to renovate and sell it. However, unexpected delays extend their stay, during which each family member encounters paranormal disturbances that ultimately lead to tragedy. Years after these events, the surviving Crains gather once again after another loss, confronting the lingering effects of their experiences at Hill House.
What sets the series apart is its careful blend of horror and character-driven drama, steering clear of typical jump scares. Among its episodes, “Two Storms” is widely regarded as the series’ finest, showcasing impressive filmmaking through long, continuous shots that weave past and present as the family prepares for Nell’s funeral. This episode skillfully balances suspense, emotional depth, and horror by exploring each character’s complex feelings across different timelines.
More Than Just a Horror Story: The Psychological Depth of the Series
The Haunting of Hill House transcends typical horror tropes, focusing less on graphic scenes and more on the psychological struggles of its characters. The trauma carried by every Crain family member manifests in unique ways as they attempt to live normal lives beyond Hill House’s walls. Yet unresolved pain resurfaces, introducing a haunting psychological dimension to their experiences.
The show intensifies its eerie atmosphere by hiding ghosts in nearly every mansion scene, representing both the trapped souls within Hill House and the figurative ghosts each character carries internally. These layered hauntings symbolize past traumas that haunt the Crains long after their physical departure from the house.
Recognized as one of the most intelligent and emotionally resonant horror series on Netflix, The Haunting of Hill House remains unmatched—even by creator Mike Flanagan’s later works—cementing its status as a landmark in television horror storytelling.
Main Cast Bringing the Crain Family to Life
The series features Michiel Huisman portraying Steven Crain and Elizabeth Reaser as Shirley Crain, both of whom deliver compelling performances that enhance the deeply personal and frightening narrative surrounding the family’s ordeal in Hill House.
“Two Storms is a masterpiece of storytelling, blending past and present with incredible camera work that brings out the emotional weight of the family’s journey.” ?Quentin Tarantino, Director
“I’ve never seen a horror series that focuses so much on the characters’ internal struggles rather than cheap scares.” ?Quentin Tarantino, Director
With Tarantino’s endorsement and its critical acclaim—including a 93% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes—The Haunting of Hill House stands as a must-watch series for fans of horror and drama alike. Its unique approach to storytelling continues to influence and redefine what horror television can accomplish.
