The Terrifying Haunting of Hill House vs Mike Flanagan's Netflix Horror Series: Which Will Haunt You More?

Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Fall of the House of Usher.

Summary

The Fall of the House of Usher falls short in comparison to The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor when it comes to providing scares and thrills. It is, however, equally matched with The Midnight Club in terms of delivering frightening moments, yet both prioritize storytelling over genuine scares.

Is Mike Flanagan's latest horror series, The Fall of the House of Usher, his most terrifying work yet? Known for delivering intense horror films like Hush, Gerald's Game, and Before I Wake, Flanagan solidified his reputation as a master of the genre with his captivating adaptation of Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House. Since then, he has continued to receive acclaim from renowned horror author Stephen King and has consistently produced successful horror series.

House Of Usher Isn't As Scary As Flanagan's Haunting Or Midnight Mass Shows

Mike Flanagan's horror television repertoire expands to The Fall of the House of Usher, marking his fifth venture into the genre. Following the success of The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass, and The Midnight Club, each of Flanagan's creations exhibits a distinct tone and thematic approach. While comparisons between them may be unjust, The Fall of the House of Usher appears to occupy a slightly lower position in terms of sheer fright and exhilaration. This is because both installments of Mike Flanagan's Haunting series, Hill House and Bly Manor, excel in delivering precisely timed jump scares and chilling plot twists that impeccably convey the overwhelming sense of terror experienced by their respective characters.

The Fall of the House of Usher is widely considered a superior series compared to The Midnight Club. It maintains a stronger sense of continuity and boasts higher production value, while still adopting a similar anthology format. In terms of scares, both shows take Flanagan's "story within a story" approach seriously, but prioritize atmosphere over genuine frights. They also take risks, with The Midnight Club playfully incorporating 21 jumpscares in its first episode, while The Fall of the House of Usher subtly references Edgar Allan Poe's works. These risks give the shows a distinct identity and set them apart from other formulaic horror series, but they do not escalate the terror factor significantly. Midnight Mass, similarly, falls into the same category as The Midnight Club and The Fall of the House of Usher when it comes to scares. However, Midnight Mass earns extra points for its atmospheric setting and the shocking church scene, which lingers in the viewer's mind long after the credits roll.

The Fall Of The House Of Usher's Horror Is More Gothic & Thematic

The Fall of the House of Usher, one of Mike Flanagan's shows, elevates its gothic undertones through its portrayal of decaying settings and macabre themes related to grief, guilt, morality, and mortality. Netflix's adaptation also shines a spotlight on humanity's primal fears through its portrayal of body horror, leaving viewers feeling unsettled and repulsed. Additionally, The Fall of the House of Usher delves deeper into real-world references compared to other shows by exploring the consequences of material success and shedding light on the impact and causes of the opioid crisis.