The Haunting
Performance & Direction: The Haunting Review
Last updated: January 22, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Haunting (1999) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.5/10. 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 The Haunting features a noteworthy lineup led by Liam Neeson . Supported by the likes of Lili Taylor and Catherine Zeta-Jones , 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 The Haunting (1999) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: The Haunting
Quick Plot Summary: The Haunting is a Horror, Thriller, Fantasy, Mystery 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.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. Dr. David Marrow invites three distinct individuals to the eerie and isolated Hill House to be subjects for a sleep disorder study. The unfortunate guests discover that Marrow is far more interested in the sinister mansion itself — and they soon see the true nature of its horror. The film uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Ending Explained: The Haunting
Ending Breakdown: The Haunting 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 The Haunting reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Haunting?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Haunting
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $80.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $177.3M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Haunting Budget
The estimated production budget for The Haunting is $80.0M. 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.
Top Cast: The Haunting
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Haunting Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreThe Haunting Parents Guide & Age Rating
1999 AdvisoryWondering about The Haunting age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Haunting is 113 minutes (1h 53m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.5/10, and global collection metrics, The Haunting stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1999 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Haunting worth watching?
The Haunting is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 5.5/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Haunting parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Haunting identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Haunting?
The total duration of The Haunting is 113 minutes, which is approximately 1h 53m long.
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Critic Reviews for The Haunting
Pretty good cast, decent enough effects for its time but a lame movie. Saw this one before years ago, didn't care for it then, opinion remains the same today. Makes complete sense why Spielberg had his name removed. **2.0/5**
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.
