The Haunting (1999) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
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.
Rated PG-13 • 1999 • 1h 53m
This 1999 remake of 'The Haunting' earns its PG-13 rating with intense supernatural horror sequences, jump scares, and a dark backstory. The film follows a group, including the sensitive Nell, participating in a supposed insomnia study at the cavernous Hill House, only to discover it's haunted. Parents should be aware of several frightening scenes involving loud noises, ghostly apparitions, and supernatural attacks, culminating in a… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Haunting appropriate for kids?
This 1999 remake of 'The Haunting' earns its PG-13 rating with intense supernatural horror sequences, jump scares, and a dark backstory. The film follows a group, including the sensitive Nell, participating in a supposed insomnia study at the cavernous Hill House, only to… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Haunting
What happens in The Haunting, moment by moment
- 0:15 ♥ Sex & Nudity 1/10
- 0:28 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:35 🍷 Substances 1/10
Sex and nudity in The Haunting
Sexual content is very mild. A few scenes show classical-style statues with bare breasts as characters explore the mansion. One female character, Theo, wears some outfits that reveal cleavage, but there is no nudity or sexual activity.
Violence and gore in The Haunting
Violence is moderate but contains some strong, sudden moments. One character receives a bloody cut to the eye from a snapped piano wire. Another gets a deep, bloody gash on the hand. Supernatural violence includes characters being thrown against walls and attacked by animated statues. The film's most intense moment involves a main character being abruptly decapitated by a ghost, which is shocking but not graphically detailed.
Language in The Haunting
Language is infrequent and mild for a PG-13 film. There are a few uses of "shit" and exclamations like "hell," typically uttered during moments of fear or surprise.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Haunting
Substance use is very minor. During one dinner scene, characters are shown with glasses of wine on the table, but it is incidental to the scene and no one is shown drinking to excess or becoming intoxicated.
Mature themes in The Haunting
The film's primary themes are dark and mature. The haunting is rooted in the mansion's grim history, which involves the torture and murder of child laborers by the original owner, Hugh Crain. Themes of death, grief, psychological trauma (Nell is recovering from her mother's death), and trapped spirits are central to the plot. A main character dies at the end, though it is portrayed as a noble sacrifice leading to spiritual release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Haunting appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Haunting is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This 1999 remake of 'The Haunting' earns its PG-13 rating with intense supernatural horror sequences, jump scares, and a dark backstory. The film follows a group, including the sensitive Nell, participating in a…
What age rating does The Haunting have?
The Haunting is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Haunting about?
This 1999 remake of 'The Haunting' earns its PG-13 rating with intense supernatural horror sequences, jump scares, and a dark backstory. The film follows a group, including the sensitive Nell, participating in a supposed insomnia study at the cavernous Hill House, only to discover it's haunted. Parents should be aware…
Is there sex or nudity in The Haunting?
Sexual content is very mild. A few scenes show classical-style statues with bare breasts as characters explore the mansion. One female character, Theo, wears some outfits that reveal cleavage, but there is no nudity or sexual activity.
How violent is The Haunting?
Violence is moderate but contains some strong, sudden moments. One character receives a bloody cut to the eye from a snapped piano wire. Another gets a deep, bloody gash on the hand. Supernatural violence includes characters being thrown against walls and…
Is the language in The Haunting appropriate for kids?
Language is infrequent and mild for a PG-13 film. There are a few uses of "shit" and exclamations like "hell," typically uttered during moments of fear or surprise.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Haunting?
Substance use is very minor. During one dinner scene, characters are shown with glasses of wine on the table, but it is incidental to the scene and no one is shown drinking to excess or becoming intoxicated.
What mature themes appear in The Haunting?
The film's primary themes are dark and mature. The haunting is rooted in the mansion's grim history, which involves the torture and murder of child laborers by the original owner, Hugh Crain. Themes of death, grief, psychological trauma (Nell is recovering…
How long is The Haunting?
The Haunting runs 113 minutes, directed by Jan de Bont, released in 1999.
Where can I read the full The Haunting parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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