From The Haunting of Hill House to Midnight Mass – Every Mike Flanagan show, ranked

The Haunting of Hill House ( Image via Netflix )
The Haunting of Hill House ( Image via Netflix )

Mike Flanagan is a genre-transcending creator of modern horror television, best known for his ability to sync supernatural material to raw emotional storytelling. Much of what he produces is concerned with the subjects of loss, trauma, and the condition of humanity, all against atmospheric backgrounds that contribute to the emotional impact of the narrative.

Here, we list Mike Flanagan's TV shows, from critic to viewer to thematic depth. From Emmy-winning The Haunting of Hill House to meditative Midnight Mass, each series offers a different examination of fear, loss, and the human condition.


Have a look at every Mike Flanagan Show, ranked: From The Haunting of Hill House to Midnight Mass

1. The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

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Widely acclaimed as Mike Flanagan's magnum opus, The Haunting of Hill House retells Shirley Jackson's iconic novel as domestic drama and supernatural horror shows on an emotional level. The series jumps back and forth between two time periods, with the Crain family trying to deal with their ghostly history and literal ghosts haunting them.

It has won over the critics for its emotional complexity and non-linear narrative, with the episode "Two Storms" widely regarded as one of the best.


2. Midnight Mass (2021)

Midnight Mass (2021) ( Image via Netflix )
Midnight Mass (2021) ( Image via Netflix )

Mike Flanagan's most existence-conscious work, Midnight Mass, interlaces several religious, drug addiction, and redemption threads in a slow-burning horror story. The transformation of the priest character in Midnight Mass on a return trip back to the rural island society sets supernatural events into motion that challenge the town's moral and religious foundations.

The series is praised for the richness of its dialogue and philosophical undertones, elevating run-of-the-mill horror genre fare.


3. The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020)

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A supernatural spin-off of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor is a reimagining of Henry James's "The Turn of the Screw" and other tales. More gothic romance and less horror in so many words, the series plays with ideas of love, loss, and memory.

The performances, especially from Victoria Pedretti and Amelia Eve, have been praised as emotionally resonant, although some viewers have commented that there was a tone shift from its predecessor.


4. The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)

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Mike Flanagan's Edgar Allan Poe adaptation, The Fall of the House of Usher, is a contemporary adaptation of the tragic downfall of the Usher household. Blending gothic horror with current themes, the series explores greed, corruption, and family life.

As much as it was acclaimed for its fashion-forward style and performances, some bemoaned that utilizing a modern setting compromised the original Gothic atmosphere.


5. The Midnight Club (2022)

The Midnight Club (2022) ( Image via Netflix )
The Midnight Club (2022) ( Image via Netflix )

Aiming at a younger audience, The Midnight Club is about a group of terminally ill teenagers who gather to tell stories to each other in a hospice setting. It's a coming-of-age/horror mashup that explores the issues of death, legacy, and what stories can accomplish.

It's a different case, but some felt the pacing was not evened out and the horror was not as effective as in the other series Mike Flanagan has worked on.


Mike Flanagan's television work highlights his skill at balancing emotional storytelling with horror, creating something that functions on a higher level. Each series provides a unique exploration of fear and human emotion, reflective of his growth and versatility as a director.

Whether he explores family life or crises based on existence, Mike Flanagan is a voice needed in modern horror television.

Also read: 5 Netflix horror miniseries by Mike Flanagan that’ll haunt you long after the credits roll

Edited by Anjali Singh