Don't Look in the Basement

  • 1973
  • R
  • 89m
movieMx RATING
4.9/1066
VERDICT
AVERAGE
Advertisement

Performance & Direction: Don't Look in the Basement Review

Last updated: January 30, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 30, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Don't Look in the Basement (1973) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Don't Look in the Basement features a noteworthy lineup led by Bill McGhee . Supported by the likes of Jessie Lee Fulton and Robert Dracup , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Don't Look in the Basement (1973) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.9/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Result: AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Don't Look in the Basement stands as a AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Don't Look in the Basement

Quick Plot Summary: Don't Look in the Basement is a Horror, Thriller film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Ending Explained: Don't Look in the Basement

Ending Breakdown: Don't Look in the Basement attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.

The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Don't Look in the Basement reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Don't Look in the Basement?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Horror films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Advertisement

Top Cast: Don't Look in the Basement

All Cast & Crew →
Jessie Lee Fulton
Jessie Lee FultonJane St. Claire
Robert Dracup
Robert DracupRay Daniels
Harryette Warren
Harryette WarrenJennifer D.
Michael Harvey
Michael HarveyDr. Stephens
Hugh Feagin
Hugh FeaginSergeant Jaffee
Betty Chandler
Betty ChandlerAllyson King
Gene Ross
Gene RossOliver W. Cameron
Annabelle Weenick
Annabelle WeenickGeraldine Masters
Rosie Holotik
Rosie HolotikCharlotte Beale
Advertisement

Where to Watch Don't Look in the Basement Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

CultpixCultpix

Don't Look in the Basement Parents Guide & Age Rating

1973 Advisory
R

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Don't Look in the Basement age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Don't Look in the Basement is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. It is intended for mature audiences only.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Don't Look in the Basement is 89 minutes (1h 29m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.9/10, and global performance metrics, Don't Look in the Basement is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1973 cinematic calendar.

AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Don't Look in the Basement. Rating: 4.9/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Don't Look in the Basement worth watching?

Don't Look in the Basement is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 4.9/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Don't Look in the Basement parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Don't Look in the Basement identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Don't Look in the Basement?

The total duration of Don't Look in the Basement is 89 minutes, which is approximately 1h 29m long.

Best Movies to Watch if you liked Don't Look in the Basement

How Don't Look in the Basement Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Don't Look in the Basement

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

Advertisement
Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 4.9
Don't Look in the Basement
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/dont-look-in-the-basement-24097" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 4.9</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Don't Look in the Basement</div></div></a>

Share this rating on your blog or website. Includes a 100% organic backlink.

More with Bill McGhee

View full filmography