Is House Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, House is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 92 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
House Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1985, House emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Horror, Fantasy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Roger Cobb, a divorced horror novelist coming to terms with the disappearance of his young son, inherits an old mansion home to malevolent supernatural residents. Unlike standard genre fare, House attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and House features a noteworthy lineup led by William Katt . Supported by the likes of George Wendt and Richard Moll , 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 House (1985) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
House Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: House is a Comedy, Horror, Fantasy film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Roger Cobb, a divorced horror novelist coming to terms with the disappearance of his young son, inherits an old mansion home to malevolent supernatural residents. The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together running gags and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
House Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: House concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, 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 comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of House reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch House?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
House Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $19.4M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
House Budget
The estimated production budget for House is $3.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of House
- William Katt – Roger Cobb
- George Wendt – Harold Gorton
- Richard Moll – Big Ben
- Kay Lenz – Sandy Sinclair
- Mary Stavin – Tanya
Top Highlights
William KattRoger Cobb
George WendtHarold Gorton
Richard MollBig Ben
Kay LenzSandy Sinclair
Mary StavinTanya
Michael EnsignChet Parker
Erik SilverJimmy
Mark SilverJimmy
Susan FrenchAunt Elizabeth
Alan AutryCop #3
Where to Watch House Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Shout! Factory Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
House is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.2/10, and global collection metrics, House stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1985 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is House movie hit or flop?
House has received mixed reviews with a 6.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is House worth watching?
House is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Horror, Fantasy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch House online?
House is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Shout! Factory Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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How House Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for House
Roger Cobb is a author who has just separated from his wife. He moves into a new house and tries to work on a novel based on his experiences in the Vietnam War. Strange things start happening around him; little things at first, but as they become more frequent, Cobb becomes aware that the house resents his presence.
**_Amusing 80’s haunted house flick with William Katt and George Wendt_** When his aunt suddenly dies, a grieving horror writer and Vietnam vet (Katt) moves into her manor wherein he experience strange and frightening things. What’s going on? Wendt plays his neighbor, Kay Lenz his ex-wife and Richard Moll a soldier pal in Vietnam. "House" (1985) takes the done-to-death haunted house genre and adds creativity and humor along with the expected frights. It’s an entertaining horror/comedy where everything ‘clicks,’ mixing elements of “Poltergeist” (1982), “Basket Case” (1982) and “Ghostbusters” (1984). The Vietnam sequences are odd for the genre, but the pieces of the puzzle fit by the last act. Mary Stavin (Tanya) stands out on the feminine front with a couple quality scenes. The film runs 1 hour, 33 minutes, and was shot in Monrovia, California (house exteriors), which is just northeast of Los Angeles, as well as Doheny Mansion at Mount St. Mary's College in Los Angeles (interiors). GRADE: B
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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