Buzz
While a decent horror film might frighten us with its phantoms, an exceptional one reveals ghosts as remnants of history. This history can be terrifying, laden with shadows we can never fully escape. Ghosts may also be alluring, pulling us toward a past we should have moved beyond, tempting us with the notion of revisiting long-lost individuals and forgotten locales, even if only in spirit. Our fascination with ghost stories may stem from our desire to believe in an afterlife and the idea that the past never truly vanishes. Yet, the narrative's logic ensures that this comfort comes at a cost, cautioning us to be mindful of our desires.
While it's worth noting that neither The Uninvited nor The Innocents, two of the genre's finest, are currently available for streaming, here are some of the most compelling and intriguing ghost tales.
Dead of Night (1945)
Organized as a collection of stories shared by a group of tired travelers, Dead of Night is best known for its segment featuring a ventriloquist and his dummy, Hugo—a scene that inspired countless eerie doll tales. This is the only part of the film without a ghostly presence, as the rest includes spectral carriages, crying ghostly children, a mirror haunted by the spirit of a murder it witnessed, and a golfing ghost seeking posthumous romance. Genuine ghost stories were surprisingly rare in early cinema, but this British production delivers several, all exceptionally crafted. The film is also renowned for its ingenious twist ending, which hints at science fiction—though I’ll refrain from revealing it here.
Where to stream: Kanopy, Screambox
Blithe Spirit (1945)
While later celebrated for grand epics like The Bridge on the River Kwai, Lawrence of Arabia, and Doctor Zhivago, director David Lean here presents a lighthearted adaptation of Noël Coward’s play. Rex Harrison stars as novelist Charles Condomine, who invites a medium for research, only to have her accidentally summon the ghost of his deceased wife (Kay Hammond). The mischievous spirit delights in disrupting the lives of Charles and his new wife (Constance Cummings). If you prefer witty romantic comedies over pure horror this spooky season, this film is an ideal choice.
Where to stream: Max, Prime Video, The Criterion Channel, Tubi
Carnival of Souls (1962)
It’s surprising how widely accessible Carnival of Souls is today, considering its initial obscurity. When I first encountered it during the DVD era, it was only available on an old VHS tape. Though it’s now in the public domain, even Criterion has recognized its value. This low-budget indie film follows a young woman who wanders into a hauntingly eerie carnival filled with unsettling, hollow-eyed visitors who don’t seem to be enjoying themselves. The film feels like a blend of George Romero and David Lynch, yet it predates both filmmakers’ iconic works.
Where to stream: Max, Tubi, The Criterion Channel, Shudder, Crackle, AMC+, Prime Video
The Haunting (1963)
Adapted from Shirley Jackson’s novel The Haunting of Hill House, this film begins with a familiar setup but escalates into something extraordinary. A scientist gathers a diverse group to spend a night in the infamous Hill House, a stunning yet bizarrely constructed mansion. Director Robert Wise (who deserves more recognition) crafts intense character drama from the terrifying events, delving into each visitor’s psyche, particularly Eleanor, a timid woman who spent years caring for her recently deceased mother. The story transforms into a poignant tale of two lost souls discovering what they’ve longed for in each other—forever.
The source material has seen numerous adaptations and inspired playful takes like the amusing yet entertaining The House on Haunted Hill. Most versions hold their own merit, with the Mike Flanagan miniseries being a must-watch, though the 1999 remake is best skipped.
Where to stream: MGM+, digital rental
Kwaidan (1964)
Modern horror themes, such as vengeful spirits and demons, have deep roots in Japanese culture. J-horror existed long before the term was coined—centuries earlier, in fact. It’s no wonder that some of the finest ghost films originate from Japanese directors.
Kwaidan, derived from an old term meaning “ghost story,” is an anthology film—a format that often suits horror perfectly. While anthologies can vary in quality, this one excels, with each of its four tales being distinct yet masterfully crafted. The film’s imagery, particularly in the first story, “The Black Hair,” has become iconic in the genre. Additionally, the movie is visually breathtaking, with exceptional use of color.
Where to stream: Max, The Criterion Channel, digital rental
Kuroneko (1968)
A tale of vengeance with unexpectedly feminist undertones, the minimalist Kuroneko begins simply but evolves into a layered narrative, culminating in a powerful yet ambiguous finale. Two women, a mother and her daughter-in-law, suffer a brutal fate at the hands of roaming samurai. Swearing revenge and striking a deal with dark forces, their spirits lure unsuspecting warriors to their doom. When a decorated soldier is dispatched to confront these vengeful apparitions, he discovers they are the ghosts of his wife and mother.
Where to stream: The Criterion Channel
The Stone Tape (1972)
This British TV movie was so profoundly impactful that it coined a term in paranormal studies: the idea that ghosts are not spirits of the deceased but rather recordings of traumatic events tied to specific locations. In the story, a tech company relocates to an old Victorian mansion to develop new sound recording technology (circa 1972), only to encounter a haunting presence linked to a maid who lived there a century earlier. As they attempt to unravel the scientific mystery for their research, they uncover ancient forces at play. True to its audio-centric setting, the film’s most unsettling element is its chilling sound design.
Where to stream: Shudder, AMC+, digital rental
House (1977)
A floating head bites someone’s backside; a piano devours a girl; a woman vanishes into a refrigerator. These are just glimpses of the intentional absurdity of House (or Hausu), which follows six friends visiting a eerie old house. The film lacks clear themes or a coherent plot, instead prioritizing style over substance—and what style it is! The vibrant, candy-colored visuals early on set the stage for the ensuing chaos. The result is a surreal, music video-like fever dream—not exactly frightening, but utterly unforgettable.
Where to stream: Max, The Criterion Channel, digital rental
The Changeling (1980)
Once again: Unless you fancy living in a horror film, reconsider cheap real estate. Here, it’s a sprawling, inherently eerie Victorian mansion that, oddly enough, has stood vacant for over a decade. George C. Scott overlooks the red flags and, after losing his wife and daughter in a car accident, sees the house as the fresh start he needs. Naturally, the most haunted homes reflect both their dark histories and the emotional baggage of their occupants. Scott’s character dives into investigating the bizarre occurrences in a house most would flee before even settling in.
This film is a cult classic for two reasons: George C. Scott’s dependable performance and the masterfully executed haunted house scares that define the genre.
Where to stream: Peacock, Tubi, Shudder, AMC+, digital rental
Beetlejuice (1988)
Before his style became iconic, Tim Burton stood out as one of the most innovative and boundary-pushing filmmakers of his era, infusing every project with his signature blend of spooky, dark-comedy eccentricity. Following his creation of an unforgettable ghost trucker in Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, he delivered a full-scale journey through the afterlife in Beetlejuice. Like his earlier works, the film champions the idea that outsiders—here, the deceased—are often the ones having the most fun.
Where to stream: Max, digital rental
Pet Sematary (1989)
A jarring mix of profound themes and horror tropes, Mary Lambert’s Pet Sematary adapts one of Stephen King’s most unsettling novels, adding elements that verge on campiness (like Fred Gwynne’s iconic "Ayup!" as neighbor Jud Crandall and his thick Maine accent). While the concept might not seem cohesive on paper, the film is packed with unforgettable visuals—creepy cats, menacing toddlers, and more—and has a lasting ability to unnerve viewers. Though the reanimated corpses might not qualify as ghosts, the story is anchored by the gory apparition of Victor Pascow, a deceased jogger who appears to warn Louis Creed (Dale Midkiff) against meddling with the cursed Pet Sematary. If only he’d heeded the warning.
Where to stream: digital rental
Candyman (1992)
While it carries the hallmarks of a slasher film, including the unforgettable Tony Todd as Daniel Robitaille, Candyman stands out by subverting genre norms. It not only centers Black characters but weaves a gothic romance into its tale of a vengeful spirit haunting Chicago’s projects. Robitaille, murdered for his relationship with a white woman, becomes a ghost whose trauma echoes through the decades. When he encounters a woman who may be the reincarnation of his lost love, Helen, his haunting leads to a tragic end. The '90s sequels are forgettable, but the 2021 reboot-sequel by Nia DaCosta surpasses them all.
Where to stream: Shudder, Peacock, AMC+, digital rental
Ghostwatch (1992)
Channeling the audacity of War of the Worlds, Ghostwatch shocked British audiences in 1992 by masquerading as a live Halloween TV special from a supposedly haunted house. Real-life TV host Sarah Greene and comedian Craig Charles of Red Dwarf fame play themselves, initially making it seem like a night of lighthearted scares. However, things take a dark turn when the entity, referred to only as "Pipes," manifests, unleashing chaos. Inspired by the "true" Enfield Poltergeist case, which also influenced the second Conjuring film, the special remains a chilling classic.
Where to stream: Shudder, AMC+, digital rental
Beloved (1998)
When Beloved debuted in 1998, audiences were unsure how to categorize it. Directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover, and Thandiwe Newton, it appeared to be a prestige drama, yet it’s undeniably a ghost story—and a harrowing one at that. The film opens with a chilling scene that sets the tone. Winfrey’s character, Sethe, escaped slavery years earlier, but the haunting specter of her past, along with the brutal choices she was forced to make, continues to torment her.
Where to stream: digital rental
The Sixth Sense (1999)
While time and M. Night Shyamalan’s inconsistent twists may have lessened its initial impact, revisiting this film reveals its enduring power. It’s more than just its famous ending; the chilling atmosphere and emotional depth remain effective even when the conclusion is known. Haley Joel Osment, who was overlooked for The Phantom Menace, delivers one of cinema’s greatest child performances, and Bruce Willis shines like never before.
Where to stream: Max, digital rental
The House on Haunted Hill (1999)
While The Sixth Sense was redefining horror in 1999, House on Haunted Hill offered a campy, thrilling ride. Starring Famke Janssen, Taye Diggs, Ali Larter, Bridgette Wilson, Peter Gallagher, and Chris Kattan, the film traps them in a former psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane, where Geoffrey Rush promises a million dollars to anyone who survives the night. Though not deeply terrifying, it’s slick, entertaining, and packed with gruesome effects by makeup legends Gregory Nicotero and Dick Smith (his final work). If the gore is too intense, the 1958 Vincent Price original offers similar fun without the bloodshed.
Where to stream: Tubi, digital rental
The Others (2001)
While the twist ending is best left unspoiled, what truly stands out in Alejandro Amenábar’s haunting ghost story is its rewatchability. The film’s oppressive, eerie atmosphere ensures that its scares remain effective even when you know where to look. Nicole Kidman delivers a stellar performance as a stoic yet fragile mother raising two children in a secluded Channel Islands home, awaiting her husband’s (Christopher Eccleston) return from war. The youngest child’s extreme photosensitivity, requiring the house to remain shrouded in darkness, adds to the tension. The arrival of enigmatic servants, including the brilliant Fionnula Flanagan, deepens the mystery, building toward a powerful and satisfying conclusion.
Where to stream: digital rental
Spirited Away (2001)
Spirits don’t always have to be frightening, though they can certainly be unpredictable and slightly perilous. Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece is not only one of the greatest animated films ever made but also a visually stunning journey, with meticulous attention to detail in every frame. The story follows Chihiro, a determined young girl who embarks on an adventure in a spirit world to save her parents and reclaim her identity.
Where to stream: Max, digital rental
The Devil’s Backbone (2001)
Through the perspective of young Carlos, we’re transported to Spain in 1939, the final year of the Spanish Civil War. As General Franco rises to power, two leftist sympathizers run a secluded orphanage, aware they’ve sided with the losing faction. The ghost, Santi, once occupied Carlos’ bed, and Guillermo del Toro masterfully employs ghost-story tropes, using the eerie spirit to challenge the living characters as they confront their world’s collapse. Del Toro’s later work, Crimson Peak, offers a different yet equally compelling take on ghostly tales.
Where to stream: Peacock, digital rental
Session 9 (2001)
A true cult horror gem, Session 9 features David Caruso as part of an asbestos removal team working in a deserted mental institution. Predictably, things don’t go well. While the eerie setting seems ripe for ghostly jump scares, the film aims higher, delivering a deliberately perplexing narrative that demands attention. The crew begins to mirror the asylum’s former inhabitants—or do they? Are they possessed, losing their sanity, or something else entirely? The movie is a psychological puzzle that rewards careful viewing.
Where to stream: digital rental
A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)
This chilling film by Kim Jee-woon is a visual masterpiece, weaving a tragic, Shakespearean tale of a South Korean teenager reuniting with her sister after a stay in a mental hospital. Their father’s new wife has a troubling connection to the spirits haunting the house, but even more bizarre and horrifying events unfold in this non-linear story. Like the best horror films, it ultimately reveals the dark family secrets that tore the sisters apart.
Where to stream: AMC+
Lake Mungo (2008)
This Australian film offers a subdued approach to found-footage horror, presented more as a documentary than shaky-cam footage. Rather than focusing on scares, it delves into the emotional void left by the death of 15-year-old Alice. Her family struggles to cope, and her brother becomes convinced he’s seen her ghost, prompting him to set up cameras to capture the phenomenon. While the setup is familiar, the film uses the supernatural to explore themes of grief and the ways we construct identities for loved ones without truly knowing them.
Where to stream: digital rental
The Innkeepers (2011)
Claire and Luke are managing the front desk during the final weekend of the once-grand Yankee Pedlar Inn, primarily there to shut it down. Both ghost enthusiasts, they see this as their last opportunity to document the long-rumored paranormal activity. What starts as lighthearted attempts to capture ghostly evidence takes a darker turn when the last guest arrives. While the film doesn’t break new ground, it’s a masterfully crafted example of the genre—humorous when needed, yet intelligent and genuinely chilling. The ending, crucial to ghost stories, delivers a satisfying payoff.
Director Ti West drew inspiration from the real-life—and allegedly haunted—Yankee Pedlar Inn for the film’s setting. The exterior and several scenes were filmed there, and the actual hotel closed just a few years later. Was it a ghostly curse? Did the spirits disapprove of being featured in a horror movie? Or did the attempt to rebrand it as a Best Western fail? You decide. (Probably the last one.)
Where to stream: Peacock, Shudder, Tubi, AMC+, Prime Video
The Conjuring (2013)
James Wan and his team launched a horror franchise akin to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with this classic haunted house tale. While not every spin-off may appeal, The Conjuring’s success is undeniable. After a decade dominated by found footage and grim torture films, this eerie ghost story (allegedly based on true events) offered a refreshing throwback. Clever and impactful, it remains the standout achievement tied to the careers of Lorraine Warren, a professional con artist, and her controversial husband, Ed.
Where to stream: Max, digital rental
Personal Shopper (2016)
Starting as a conventional ghost story, Personal Shopper evolves into something entirely unique. It follows a personal shopper with mediumistic abilities, trying to connect with her deceased brother. The cryptic texts she receives could be from the afterlife or a stalker, and the film’s fragmented structure keeps the tone unsettling yet playful. A follow-up to the acclaimed Clouds of Sils Maria, this collaboration between Kristen Stewart and director Olivier Assayas surpasses its predecessor.
Where to stream: The Criterion Channel, digital rental
A Ghost Story (2017)
David Lowery, a master of visual storytelling (as seen in The Green Knight), crafts a poignant tale of a man who dies unexpectedly but lingers as a ghost in the home he shared with his wife. Rather than focusing on scares, the film explores themes of love and loss, leaving a lasting emotional impact. The ghost, portrayed as a figure in a sheet, becomes a relatable and haunting presence, avoiding silliness through Lowery’s deft direction.
Where to stream: Max, digital rental
La Llorona (2019)
This is not to be confused with The Curse of La Llorona, the 2019 American film tied to the Conjuring universe. While that film is decent but forgettable, this Guatemalan version, directed by Jayro Bustamante, takes a far more compelling approach. It intertwines the legend of the weeping woman with the harrowing history of the Indigenous Mayan genocide, particularly its peak in the early 1980s. The story follows a fictionalized former Guatemalan president who escapes prosecution for his crimes and retreats to his mansion with his fractured family. Their lives are disrupted by a new housekeeper, Alma, whose name means “spirit”—a deliberate choice. The film forgoes typical thriller scares, focusing instead on atmosphere and the grim realities it depicts.
Where to stream: Shudder, The Criterion Channel, digital rental
His House (2020)
Effective horror frightens us, but exceptional horror lingers, reminding us that true terror exists beyond the screen. In writer/director Remi Weekes’ thriller, a refugee couple flees war-torn South Sudan, only to encounter malevolence lurking in the English town that reluctantly hosts them. His House serves as both a gripping tale of a haunted home and a profound exploration of survivor’s guilt and the refugee experience.
Where to stream: Netflix
I Was a Simple Man (2021)
While not frightening, Simple Man is deeply haunting. It follows Masao Matsuyoshi (Steve Iwamoto) in his final days, as the ghosts of his past, including his late wife Grace (Constance Wu), appear to him. Grace died in 1959, the night Hawaii became a U.S. state, and her presence is joined by other spirits reflecting Oʻahu’s transformation over the decades. The film explores Masao’s identities as Hawaiian, Japanese, and American, offering a touching meditation on how loved ones live on in memory until we reunite with them.
Where to stream: Tubi, digital rental
Deadstream (2022)
One of the most creative horror-comedies in recent memory, Deadstream pays homage to the original Evil Dead with its mix of humor, grotesque practical effects, and genuine scares. Director and star Joseph Winter portrays Shawn, a disgraced YouTube star attempting a comeback. The film’s brilliance lies in making you root for a character who gradually reveals his unlikable side. Known for his wild antics, Shawn plans an overnight livestream in a supposedly haunted house. While the premise is predictable, the film delivers a uniquely entertaining experience while critiquing the darker side of social media.
Where to stream: Shudder, AMC+, digital rental
