12 Documentaries About Haunted Houses in History
Exploring the Eeriest Legends
Haunted houses have intrigued and frightened people for centuries, often serving as the settings for spine-chilling stories that blur the line between myth and reality. Documentaries exploring these eerie dwellings offer a fascinating glimpse into the historical and paranormal aspects that make these houses infamous.
These documentaries serve as both compelling narratives and historical records, shedding light on real locations with storied pasts. From creaking floors and ghostly whispers to documented investigations, the allure of haunted houses remains a captivating subject for both skeptics and believers alike.
1) The Haunting of Borley Rectory (2017)
Borley Rectory, located in Borley, Essex, has garnered a reputation as "the most haunted house in England." Built in 1862, it was home to the rector of the Borley parish and his family. Over the years, numerous reports of paranormal activity, including ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena, have emerged.
In 1939, the house suffered extensive damage due to a fire, and it was ultimately demolished in 1944. Despite its physical absence, its legacy of hauntings lives on in popular culture and paranormal studies.
The 2017 animated documentary "Borley Rectory" by Ashley Thorpe explores these legends in depth. The film mixes animation with interviews and historical records to recount the eerie tales that have fascinated many.
The narrative is fueled by the investigations of famed paranormal researcher Harry Price, whose explorations of ghostly activities at Borley Rectory captured public imagination and contributed significantly to its haunted lore.
More information on the film can be found here.
2) A Haunting in Connecticut (2002)
A Haunting in Connecticut is a documentary film directed by John Kavanaugh. It was released in 2002 and is based on the real-life experiences of the Snedeker family.
In 1986, the Snedeker family moved into a house in Southington, Connecticut. Shortly after moving in, they claimed to experience unsettling paranormal activity.
The documentary explores the various supernatural occurrences reported by the family. These include mysterious noises, moving objects, and ghostly apparitions.
The Snedekers' account attracted much attention and debate among paranormal enthusiasts and skeptics alike.
The film blends interviews, reenactments, and expert opinions to paint a picture of the alleged haunting. It provides a detailed look at the psychological and emotional impact of these events on the family.
More information can be found about the film on its IMDb page.
3) The Amityville Horror
The Amityville Horror is one of the most famous haunted house stories in American history. The story originates from a series of events that took place in 1974 when Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered six of his family members.
In 1975, George and Kathleen Lutz moved into the house with their three children. They claimed to experience numerous paranormal activities, which led them to flee the house after just 28 days.
The first-hand account of Daniel Lutz, the son of George and Kathleen, is captured in the documentary "My Amityville Horror" (2012). He recounts his traumatic childhood experiences in the house, providing a personal perspective on the haunting.
Another notable documentary, "The Amityville Haunting: Horror Or Hoax" (2005), was included in the special edition DVD of the 1979 film "The Amityville Horror." This documentary examines whether the events reported by the Lutz family were genuine or a fabrication.
The Amityville Haunting: Horror Or Hoax (2005)
In 2020, the "Shock Docs" series added an episode titled "Amityville Horror House," directed by Tom Jennings. This episode delves into the history of the house and discusses the mass murder committed by Ronald DeFeo Jr.
Amityville Horror House (2020)
Adding to the narrative, the four-part docuseries "Amityville: An Origin Story" (2023) explores the possibility of dark occult rituals contributing to the infamous hauntings of the house.
Amityville: An Origin Story (2023)
4) Paranormal Witness: The Real Amityville Horror
The documentary "The Real Amityville Horror" (2005) explores the infamous events at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York. This house became notorious after Ronald J. DeFeo Jr. murdered his family in 1974. He used a .35 Marlin rifle to kill his parents and four siblings while they slept.
Following the murders, George and Kathy Lutz moved into the house in December 1975. They claimed to experience various paranormal activities during their 28-day stay. Alleged incidents included strange noises, foul odors, and apparitions.
The documentary features interviews and archival footage, aiming to separate fact from fiction. It delves into the Lutzes' terrifying experiences and the subsequent investigations. This film helps viewers understand the context and impact of these haunting events on popular culture.
For more information, see The Real Amityville Horror on IMDb (2005).
5) The Enfield Haunting
The Enfield Haunting is one of the most famous poltergeist incidents in history. It took place between 1977 and 1979 at 284 Green Street, Enfield, North London.
The Hodgson family, particularly 11-year-old Janet and 13-year-old Margaret, experienced unexplained phenomena. These included furniture moving on its own, knocking sounds, and even levitation.
Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, among others, visited the site. Their findings and experiences added to the public fascination with the case.
"The Enfield Haunting" (2015) is a documentary that delves into these events. It examines eyewitness accounts and paranormal investigations done at the time.
Watch the documentary to explore this compelling case further and judge for yourself the nature of these mysterious happenings. More on IMDb
6) My Amityville Horror (2012)
Directed by Eric Walter, "My Amityville Horror" is a documentary that centers on the experiences of Daniel Lutz, who lived in the infamous Amityville house as a child.
The film delves into Lutz's recollection of the events that occurred in the house during a 28-day period from December 1975 to January 1976. These events have sparked both skepticism and fascination over the years.
In the documentary, Daniel Lutz recounts the haunting and the impact it had on his family, distinguishing itself from other Amityville-themed media by focusing on his personal narrative.
"My Amityville Horror" presents a blend of firsthand testimony and archival footage, allowing viewers to explore the psychological aftermath of the supposed haunting.
For more information, visit the IMDb page.
7) The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
"The Haunting of Hill House" is a television miniseries created and directed by Mike Flanagan. The series is based on Shirley Jackson's 1959 novel of the same name. It was produced by Amblin Television and Paramount Television for Netflix.
This horror drama alternates between two timelines. It follows the lives of five siblings who grew up in the haunted Hill House and are now dealing with the traumas they experienced.
The show features a talented cast including Michiel Huisman, Carla Gugino, Henry Thomas, and Elizabeth Reaser. The series is noted for its ability to blend character-driven drama with supernatural horror.
Flanagan's direction and the show's storytelling have been praised for their depth and emotional impact. The series remains a favorite among fans of the horror genre.
For more information, visit IMDb.
8) Paranormal Activity
The documentary "Paranormal Activity: Castle Ghosts of England" explores various haunted castles across England. The film dives into eerie stories, ghost sightings, and unexplained phenomena in these historical locations. It captures the chilling tales that have enshrouded these castles for centuries.
Notable sites include Warwick Castle and its infamous ghost, as well as Chillingham Castle, known for its disturbing past. Eyewitness accounts and expert testimonies add depth to the investigations, making it a compelling watch for enthusiasts of the supernatural.
For more information on this documentary, visit IMDb. (2013)
Another notable documentary is "Spooked: The Ghosts of Waverly Hills Sanatorium." This film documents paranormal evidence such as ORBS, EVPS, and shadow entities within the old sanatorium. It also features interviews with former patients who have shared their chilling experiences.
The focus on detailed investigations and historical context provides a comprehensive look at one of the most haunted places in the United States.
For more details, check out IMDb. (2006)
"Children of the Grave 2" explores true hauntings involving ghost children and their emotional stories. The documentary captures paranormal evidence and personal accounts, offering a haunting glimpse into these supernatural occurrences.
The film’s combination of storytelling and evidence makes it a poignant exploration of the afterlife and its impact on real people.
Learn more at IMDb. (2009)
These films serve as gripping explorations into the world of haunted houses and the paranormal activity that surrounds them.
9) The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020)
The Haunting of Bly Manor is a TV mini series created by Mike Flanagan. Released in 2020 on Netflix, it is part of Flanagan’s The Haunting anthology series. The show is a gothic romance supernatural horror drama that adapts elements from Henry James' novella, The Turn of the Screw, and his other ghost stories.
Set in the 1980s, the narrative follows a young American nanny hired to care for orphans at Bly Manor. The manor is staffed by a chef, groundskeeper, and housekeeper, all entangled in the manor’s eerie history. Themes of love, loss, and the supernatural are explored throughout the series.
Bly Manor's storytelling blends psychological horror with emotional depth, showcasing Flanagan’s expertise in the horror genre. The use of suspense and atmosphere rather than overt scares contributes to its unique appeal.
For more information, visit IMDb or Wikipedia.
10) The Haunting of Fox Hollow Farm (2011)
The Haunting of Fox Hollow Farm documents filmmaker Dan T. Hall’s investigation into the eerie occurrences at Fox Hollow Farm. This estate, located just north of Indianapolis, gained infamy in the early 1990s due to its connection with suspected serial killer Herb Baumeister.
Baumeister, a business owner, was never tried but became the prime suspect in the disappearance and murder of several men. These events turned the estate into a focal point for paranormal investigations.
Viewers are taken through the chilling history of the property and the alleged spectral manifestations that current residents and visitors have reported. The documentary provides interviews and first-hand accounts, diving into the mysterious and sinister past of Fox Hollow Farm.
For more information about The Haunting of Fox Hollow Farm, visit IMDb.
11) Ghosts of Shepherdstown (2016)
"Ghosts of Shepherdstown" explores the vibrant and often unsettling paranormal activity in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. This documentary series brings together a team of ghost hunters, including Nick Groff, Elizabeth Saint, and Bill Hartley, as they investigate numerous supernatural occurrences.
Shepherdstown, known for its historical significance, reportedly experiences a high level of paranormal events. The series follows the team as they address these phenomena, attempting to explain and alleviate the concerns of local residents.
In each episode, the investigators take on various haunted sites in the town, providing a detailed analysis of the paranormal evidence they uncover. The show combines historical context with modern investigative techniques, giving viewers an in-depth look at the town's haunted past.
For more information about "Ghosts of Shepherdstown," visit IMDb.
12) Winchester: The House That Ghosts Built (2018)
The documentary "Winchester: The House That Ghosts Built" delves into the intriguing story of the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California.
Sarah Winchester, widow of firearms magnate William Wirt Winchester, continuously built and rebuilt the house over 38 years.
The mansion features 160 rooms, 2,000 doors, 10,000 windows, 47 stairways and fireplaces, 13 bathrooms, and six kitchens.
The house is known for its architectural oddities, such as doors and stairs that lead to nowhere.
Many believe Sarah Winchester's constant construction was driven by guilt and a belief that she was cursed by spirits killed by Winchester rifles.
Today, the Winchester Mystery House is a popular tourist attraction and subject of various myths and legends.
For more information, visit Wikipedia.
Historical Contexts
The allure of haunted houses has long held a place in cultural history. Victorian mansions often symbolize this fascination. During the 1930s, documentary photography like Walker Evans's Victorian Series depicted these homes as eerie and abandoned, fueling public imagination.
Haunted houses in literature and media often stem from real historical places. Institutions such as asylums and prisons are frequently cited as haunted due to their dark histories.
Netherworld in Atlanta stands as a modern example. Once the Georgia Antique Center, it now serves as a popular haunted attraction, blending historical ambiance with contemporary design.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, spooky tales started focusing more on derelict Victorian-era houses. These homes, with their elaborate architecture, became known as epicenters of supernatural activity, embodying isolation and mystery.
Ghost documentaries often explore these themes, weaving together historical narratives and personal accounts. This blend captivates audiences by offering both entertainment and a glimpse into past events.
The portrayal of haunted houses evolved significantly over decades. Early representations in art and photography transitioned into complex narratives in film and television.
Victorian mansions and other historical buildings remain popular choices for setting haunted tales. Their architecture and history provide a rich backdrop for storytelling, enhancing their mystique.
Many of these haunted locations become tourist attractions. This phenomenon demonstrates society's lasting intrigue with places claimed to be haunted and their historical roots.
Notable Haunted Houses in History
Some of the most notable haunted houses in history have captivated the public with their eerie tales and mysterious happenings. These houses are more than just structures; they hold stories that intrigue and sometimes terrify.
The Winchester Mystery House
The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California, is famous for its labyrinthine layout. Built by Sarah Winchester, widow of the firearm magnate William Wirt Winchester, this sprawling mansion features staircases leading nowhere, doors opening to walls, and over 160 rooms.
Sarah Winchester believed that she was haunted by the spirits of those killed by her husband's invention. To appease them, she continuously built and renovated the house for 38 years until her death in 1922.
Today, the Winchester Mystery House stands as a peculiar testament to her fear and obsession with the supernatural. Tours of the house offer visitors a glimpse into its bizarre architecture and the haunting stories associated with it.
The Amityville Horror House
Located at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York, the Amityville Horror House gained international notoriety following the gruesome DeFeo family murders in 1974. Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered six members of his family in the house, claiming later that voices in his head had driven him to commit the heinous acts.
The subsequent residents, the Lutz family, moved out after just 28 days, reporting terrifying paranormal activities. Their experiences inspired the hit 1977 book and the successful movie franchise, "The Amityville Horror."
Paranormal investigators have frequented the house, contributing to its legends. Despite the controversies surrounding the authenticity of the Lutz family's account, the Amityville Horror House remains one of the most iconic haunted houses in American lore.
Cultural Impact of Haunted House Documentaries
Haunted house documentaries shape public perception and interests around the supernatural.
They offer insights into historical events, societal fears, and architectural marvels. These documentaries often highlight the intersection of folklore and fact.
"Haunted Houses (2023)", directed by Kim Harrington, explores the cultural significance of haunted places globally.
Documentaries can serve as cultural artifacts themselves, preserving local ghost stories and legends that might otherwise be forgotten.
McKamey Manor, featured in Monster Inside: America's Most Extreme Haunted House, illustrates the extreme side of haunted attractions. This documentary showcases the psychological and physical boundaries people are willing to cross for entertainment.
Such films spark debates about ethics, human curiosity, and the line between fear and excitement. They push audiences to question what they believe and why.
These documentaries often feature interviews with historians, psychologists, and participants, providing a well-rounded view of the haunted house phenomenon.
The portrayal of haunted houses in documentaries influences Halloween traditions, inspiring themed attractions and even ghost tours.
They also contribute to tourism, with enthusiasts visiting locations featured in these films. The impact extends to literature and popular media, often leading to books and scripted shows based on similar themes.
Ghost stories and hauntings tie into broader cultural narratives about death, fear, and the unknown. By documenting these tales, films preserve cultural heritage and foster a collective understanding of societal anxieties.
Through visual storytelling, haunted house documentaries offer both entertainment and education, cementing their place in popular culture.
