Check out these ghost-hunting films that explore hauntings, paranormal research and supernatural horrors – perfect for a terrifying Halloween night (or any other time of the year!)
If you love the thrill of ghost hunting but prefer to keep a safe distance from the supernatural, these ten eerie films will do the investigating for you.
From haunted houses to sinister experiments, each movie delves into the world of paranormal research, making them perfect for a spine-chilling Halloween viewing.
Editor’s note: Please be warned you are unlikely to learn anything about real ghost-hunting from these films – they’re just good spooky Halloween fun!
The Awakening 2011
Set in post-World War I England, The Awakening follows Florence Cathcart (Rebecca Hall), a paranormal debunker who exposes fraudulent hauntings. But when she is called to a remote boarding school to investigate ghostly sightings, her rational mind is put to the test. With its bleak setting and eerie atmosphere, this film offers a slow-burning ghost story packed with psychological twists.
Directed by Nick Murphy and produced by BBC Films, this gothic horror gem was praised for its chilling cinematography and strong performances. It leans heavily on psychological horror rather than jump scares, making it a visually stunning and unsettling experience.
Read review of The Awakening 2011
Borley Rectory 2017
Based on true events, Borley Rectory tells the tale of the infamous Essex manor, once dubbed “the most haunted house in England“. This striking black-and-white docudrama follows journalist V.C. Wall and paranormal investigator Harry Price as they attempt to uncover the truth behind the rectory’s chilling reputation. Expect shadowy figures, unexplained whispers, and an overwhelming sense of dread.
Written and directed by Ashley Thorpe, this indie film uses a unique blend of animation and live-action to create a dreamlike, unsettling atmosphere. Its haunting visuals make it stand out from conventional ghost stories.
Read review of Borley Rectory 2017
The Quiet Ones 2014
Inspired by real-life paranormal experiments, this Hammer horror film follows a university professor (Jared Harris) and his students as they attempt to manifest a poltergeist through psychological means. As their experiment spirals out of control, it becomes clear that something much darker is at play. A mix of found footage and traditional horror, The Quiet Ones is a sinister take on ghostly investigations.
A production of the revived Hammer Films, The Quiet Ones aimed to bring back the company’s signature eerie storytelling. Filmed in Oxfordshire, it blends classic supernatural horror with modern filmmaking techniques.
Read review of The Quiet Ones 2014
The Legend of Hell House 1973
A wealthy eccentric hires a team of researchers to investigate the sinister Belasco House, known as “Hell House”. As the investigators attempt to use scientific methods to explain the mansion’s violent hauntings, they soon find themselves in over their heads.
Based on the novel by I Am Legend author Richard Matheson, this chilling ’70s classic was directed by John Hough and features a deeply unsettling atmosphere. With its eerie score and relentless tension, it remains one of the most effective haunted house films ever made.
Read review of Legend of Hell House 1973
The Haunting 1963
Dr John Markway gathers a group of volunteers to stay in the eerie Hill House and document supernatural activity. What follows is a masterclass in psychological horror, where shadows, sounds, and suggestion are more terrifying than any CGI ghost.
Directed by Robert Wise, this adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House is a landmark in horror cinema. Its use of sound and cinematography influenced countless ghost films that followed.
Read review of The Haunting 1963
Ghostwatch 1992
Presented as a live BBC broadcast, Ghostwatch follows a television crew investigating a haunted house in North London. As the night unfolds, the events become increasingly terrifying, leaving viewers unsure of what is real and what is staged.
This infamous British TV special, directed by Lesley Manning and starring real-life presenters like Michael Parkinson, caused mass hysteria when it aired. Many viewers believed they were watching a genuine live broadcast, making it one of the most effective ghost stories ever told.
Read review of Ghostwatch 1992
The Stone Tape 1972
A team of scientists moves into an old mansion to develop new recording technology, only to discover the building itself may have stored past traumatic events—an idea that inspired the real-life “stone tape theory” in paranormal research.
Written by legendary Quatermass creator Nigel Kneale, this BBC TV film is a fascinating blend of horror and science fiction. Its unsettling atmosphere and unique concept make it a must-watch for ghost story fans.
Read review of The Stone Tape 1972
The Borderlands 2013
Vatican investigators are sent to a remote English church to examine claims of paranormal activity. As they install surveillance equipment and explore the crypts, they uncover something ancient and malevolent.
A chilling entry in the found footage genre, The Borderlands (also known as Final Prayer) was directed by Elliot Goldner and praised for its creeping dread and unexpected twists. Its claustrophobic horror is perfect for a late-night scare.
The Paranormal Diaries: Clophill 2013
A documentary crew investigates the ruins of St Mary’s Church in Clophill, notorious for its history of black magic rituals and hauntings. Their investigation soon takes a sinister turn.
Filmed in a documentary style, The Paranormal Diaries: Clophill blends real legends with fictional horror, creating an unsettlingly realistic experience. Directed by Kevin Gates and Michael Bartlett, it is an underrated gem of British indie horror.
Read review of The Paranormal Diaries: Clophill 2013
Malevolent 2018
A brother-and-sister team of con artists pretend to be paranormal investigators, tricking grieving families out of their money. But when they take on a case involving a genuinely haunted house, their scam quickly turns into a fight for survival.
This Scottish horror film, directed by Olaf de Fleur, is a tense and atmospheric ghost story featuring a strong performance from Florence Pugh. Its blend of psychological horror and supernatural chills makes it a gripping watch.
Whether you are in the mood for classic haunted house horror, a found footage fright-fest, or a psychological thriller, these ten ghost-hunting films offer plenty of paranormal scares for Halloween. Which one will you dare to watch first?
Tell us your thoughts on these ghost-hunting films in the comments section below!
