Author and screenwriter Richard Matheson, adapting his own novel, brings a rare intelligence, a literate sensibility, and a refreshing seriousness to this mix of haunted house thriller and paranormal science from 1973.

| Oct 21, 2024

Many of the plot and design elements used in this influential genre film went on to be quoted, if not expanded on, by budding young horror directors in love with its artfulness. "The Legend of Hell House" is a minor masterpiece.

| Original Score: FOUR STARS | Aug 20, 2024

...the screenplay, direction and performances are all top notch, but the icing on the cake is the foreboding electronic soundtrack by pioneer Delia Derbyshire, which adds an unsettling edge to the film

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 23, 2024

It may not be the most creative version of this timeless concept, but it approaches the many conventions with welcome severity; the ghastly bits are quite good, while the conclusion becomes the most startlingly singular piece of the puzzle.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Sep 22, 2022

This journey into a terrifying haunted house is one of metaphysics, exploring how disbelief, in many forms, can work against oneself.

| Original Score: 5/5 | May 7, 2019

The performances and script of this movie are all top notch, but what really makes this movie one of my favorites in the subgenre is its direction by Hough.

| Sep 27, 2018

Despite the fact that it was released over 40 years ago, John Hough's The Legend of Hell House still remains one of the greatest and most effective haunted house films ever committed to celluloid.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 7, 2016

The last-act revelation is a let-down and even somewhat silly, but this remains a top-tier ghost movie, thanks mostly to director John Hough, who privileges atmosphere over logic.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 4, 2014

Fans of "The Legend of Hell House" and haunted house stories in general should have no qualms about picking up a copy. Recommended.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 27, 2014

This intelligent, creepy and disturbing horror film preys upon the most primal aversions to discomposure and the paranormal that even the most staunch realists among us harbor, but hide.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Aug 27, 2014

A haunted house movie with a kinky twist. May feel slow to those accustomed to the hyper horror movies of today.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 26, 2014

Clive Revill, the physicist, who attempts to clear the house of its evil, Pamela Franklin, the mental medium and Roddy McDowall the survivor of the previous incursion, are all first-rate.

| Mar 26, 2009

John Hough does a fine job with the things-that-go-bump-in-the-night aspects of the material, he fails to breathe any life into Richard Matheson's woefully underdeveloped screenplay, which he adapted from his own novel.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Dec 10, 2007

Richard Matheson's disappointing adaptation of his own rather disappointing novel.

| Feb 9, 2006

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 23, 2005

If John Hough, the director, and his small, willing cast maintain mild tension during their harried visit to this haunted 'hell house,' the few chills they provide are of little help.

| Original Score: 2/5 | May 9, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 21, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 19, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 22, 2003

Incredibly flat-footed haunted house opus with even flatter ending.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Aug 21, 2003