Why Tarantino Calls The Haunting of Hill House a Masterpiece

Quentin Tarantino is renowned for his encyclopedic knowledge of cinema, but his tastes extend to television as well. In a 2020 interview with The Jerusalem Post, the director revealed that his favorite Netflix series, "with no competition," is Mike Flanagan's The Haunting of Hill House. For a filmmaker known for his own distinctive style, what makes this horror masterpiece stand out? The answer lies in its profound emotional depth, masterful storytelling, and a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.

A Family Saga Wrapped in Horror

Loosely based on Shirley Jackson's 1959 novel of the same name, The Haunting of Hill House introduces the Crain family. Parents Hugh and Olivia move into the Hill House mansion with their five children, intending to renovate and sell it. But unexpected repairs keep them there longer than planned, and each family member begins to experience increasingly disturbing paranormal phenomena. The resulting tragedy fractures the family, and years later, the surviving Crains reunite after another loss, forced to confront the ghosts of their past—both literal and metaphorical.

As of 2026, the series still holds a 93% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, and no other Netflix horror show has matched its quality and success. The show's brilliance lies in its refusal to rely on cheap jumpscares; instead, it builds dread through atmosphere, character, and psychological tension.

"Two Storms": The Episode That Redefines Horror Television

Every episode of The Haunting of Hill House is a perfect blend of horror and drama, but one stands out as the show's crowning achievement: "Two Storms." The episode alternates between a storm in the past and one in the present, as the family prepares for Nell's funeral. Through smooth, impressive camera work and continuous takes, "Two Storms" seamlessly blends past and present, weaving together family drama, suspense, and horror. The emotional depth is what makes it unforgettable—each character is given space to confront their conflicting emotions, and the result is a masterclass in storytelling.

How often does a horror episode prioritize character over cheap scares? "Two Storms" proves that true terror comes from watching a family unravel, not from what lurks in the shadows.

The Real Ghosts Are Trauma

Although The Haunting of Hill House is undeniably a horror TV show, it is so much more than that. The horrors here don't come from shocking imagery, gore, or jumpscares—they come from the characters' struggles and personal demons. Each member of the Crain family carries deep trauma, which they dealt with in their own ways once they left Hill House. But unresolved individual and collective trauma eventually catches up with them, bringing unsettling psychological horrors into the mix.

Adding to the disturbing atmosphere, the show hides ghosts in almost every scene set at the mansion. These hidden figures represent not only the souls trapped in the house but also the "ghosts" of the Crain family—the burdens they already carried when they arrived. Viewers who rewatch the series will notice these subtle details, rewarding them with a deeper understanding of the story.

Why It Remains a Masterpiece in 2026

Even years after its release, The Haunting of Hill House stands as one of the cleverest, deepest, and best horror TV shows ever made. Not even Mike Flanagan himself has been able to match or surpass his own masterpiece. The series balances horror and heart in a way that few others have achieved, and its influence can be seen in the wave of elevated horror that followed.

Can any series truly replicate the delicate balance of terror and tenderness that Hill House achieved? For now, the answer seems to be no. Tarantino's praise is well-deserved—this is a show that transcends its genre, leaving an indelible mark on anyone who watches it. 🎬👻