10 Chilling Horror Films Trapped in One House

Horror movies set in a single house turn a familiar space into a nightmare, where every creak and shadow ramps up the fear. The confined setting traps characters—and viewers—in a claustrophobic spiral of dread, making escape feel impossible.

I’ve chosen 10 of the best horror films that unfold entirely within one house, from ghostly hauntings to brutal home invasions. Each uses the setting to amplify terror. Let’s step inside these terrifying homes.

‘Session 9’ (2001)

A cleanup crew, led by Peter Mullan, works in an abandoned asylum, uncovering dark secrets. The eerie real-location shoot drew me in.

Tensions and hallucinations build in the decaying house, though the pacing can drag. I was chilled by the unsettling vibe and psychological unraveling.

‘Coherence’ (2013)

A dinner party spirals into cosmic horror as a comet passes overhead. The low-budget sci-fi twist hooked me.

Strange events and fractured realities grip the single house, but the shaky cam might annoy some. I loved the mind-bending plot and tense improvisation.

‘The Invitation’ (2015)

Karyn Kusama’s thriller follows a man, played by Logan Marshall-Green, at a creepy dinner party hosted by his ex-wife. The cultish vibe pulled me in.

Suspicion and paranoia simmer in the house, though the slow burn tests patience. I was gripped by the subtle dread and explosive payoff.

‘Hereditary’ (2018)

Toni Collette’s family faces grief and supernatural horror after a loss. The raw emotional buzz hooked me instantly.

The house becomes a stage for trauma and occult terror, though some find the ending divisive. I was haunted by Collette’s gut-wrenching performance.

‘The Others’ (2001)

Nicole Kidman plays a mother in a secluded mansion, suspecting ghosts haunt her kids. The gothic atmosphere drew me in.

Creaky rooms and foggy dread build suspense, though the twists might feel familiar now. I loved the eerie tone and Kidman’s fragile intensity.

‘Don’t Breathe’ (2016)

Three thieves, including Jane Levy, break into a blind man’s house, facing a deadly trap. The high-stakes premise grabbed me.

The house’s tight spaces amplify every sound and chase, though the villain’s motives stretch thin. I was on edge with the breathless cat-and-mouse game.

‘Paranormal Activity’ (2007)

A couple, played by Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat, films strange events in their home. The found-footage craze hooked me.

Nightly terrors in their house escalate quietly, though the slow start might bore some. I was spooked by the simple, creeping fear.

‘The Haunting’ (1963)

A paranormal team investigates a cursed mansion, based on Shirley Jackson’s novel. The classic status pulled me in.

Psychological dread and unseen horrors fill the house, though the old style might not click for all. I loved the chilling atmosphere and Julie Harris’ unraveling.

‘His House’ (2020)

Refugees, played by Wunmi Mosaku and Sope Dirisu, face horrors in their new UK home. The fresh perspective intrigued me.

Trauma and supernatural forces haunt the house, blending social commentary with scares, though some metaphors feel heavy. I was moved by the raw emotion.

‘The Shining’ (1980)

Jack Nicholson’s writer descends into madness in a snowbound hotel, directed by Stanley Kubrick. The iconic horror drew me in.

The Overlook’s eerie halls amplify isolation and terror, though the book’s fans might miss details. I was mesmerized by the psychological spiral and haunting visuals.

Which single-house horror film scared you the most, or did I miss a creepy home that got under your skin? Share your pick in the comments!