Where to start withThe Haunting of Hill House
3 versions · originally a book, 1987
Themes: isolation, sanity, female hysteria, the uncanny, childhood trauma.
Start with The Haunting of Hill House (Shirley Jackson, 1987) — the book. The Haunting of Hill House exists in 3 versions across media, beginning as a book in 1987; each is ranked below by what it does best.
These chilling narratives explore the psychological disintegration of individuals trapped within the malevolent, sentient architecture of a sinister mansion.
✦ Most fans start here
The Haunting of Hill House (1987)
The original novel
✦ Start hereThe Haunting of Hill House
Shirley Jackson · Book · 1987
Shirley Jackson's 1987 book serves as the definitive source material, offering a claustrophobic, internal exploration of madness that remains the gold standard for psychological horror literature and atmosphere.
1963 film
The Haunting
Robert Wise · Film · 1963
The 1963 film, The Haunting, masterfully translates the book's creeping dread to the screen, relying on masterful sound design and shadows to build tension rather than overt visual effects.
2018 series
The Haunting of Hill House
Mike Flanagan · Series · 2018
The 2018 TV series, The Haunting of Hill House, reimagines the classic story as a sprawling multi-generational family drama, perfect for viewers who prefer character-driven trauma and non-linear storytelling.
Common questions
Is The Haunting of Hill House 2018 tv show based on the 1987 book?
The 2018 television series The Haunting of Hill House is inspired by the 1987 book of the same name. While the series reimagines the story for modern audiences, it draws its core themes and title directly from the original source material written by Shirley Jackson.
What order should I watch The Haunting of Hill House adaptations?
There is no required viewing order for the various versions of The Haunting of Hill House. You can choose to read the 1987 book, watch the 1963 film The Haunting, or view the 2018 television series independently, as each adaptation offers a distinct interpretation of the original narrative.
Is The Haunting 1963 movie a direct adaptation of The Haunting of Hill House?
Yes, the 1963 film titled The Haunting is a direct adaptation of the 1987 book The Haunting of Hill House. It serves as a classic cinematic representation of the story, focusing on the psychological tension present in the original text written by Shirley Jackson.
How long is the 2018 tv series The Haunting of Hill House?
The 2018 television series The Haunting of Hill House consists of ten episodes. This adaptation expands upon the events found in the 1987 book, allowing for a deeper exploration of the characters and the history of the house compared to the shorter film versions.