ghost related series

Screen Rant

10 best tv shows like ghosts.

The TV series Ghosts uses humor to deal with the topic of the supernatural, much like these other similar shows, such as Inside No.9 and Yonderland.

The talented cast of  Ghosts  has appeared in many iconic British movies and TV series over the years, from Sex Education to Paddington 2 . The core cast often collaborates on projects together, bringing humor, elaborate costumes, and fun performances to the screen.

RELATED: Ranking The Ghost Whisperer Cast On Likability

While Ghosts uses a humorous tone to convey its story, many other ghost shows delve into the sentimentality and unfinished business that ghosts often bring with them, making the show more about their personal problems rather than finding fun ways to interact with supernatural creatures.

Horrible Histories (2009 - 2020) - Available On Hulu

Horrible Histories  is the children's history show that brought most of the core cast of Ghosts together, and it is based on the Terry Deary set of informational books. The series   aims to present historical facts and events in a fun and informative way, with  so many great episodes  that teach children (and adults) about the often gross and gory side of history.

The show contains some iconic songs such as the Charles II rap, but most importantly it features the core cast of  Ghosts  in their element, making the audience laugh and putting on brilliant performances. Although  Ghosts  is slightly more mature in tone, the costumes and outrageous characters are definitely reminiscent of  Horrible Histories.

Yonderland (2013 - 2016) - Available To Buy On Apple TV

Mom of two, Debbie, is startled by the sudden appearance of an elf in her house, who takes her to another world which she must save from dark forces. Debbie meets the elders of the realm, who have no idea how "The Chosen One" is supposed to save the world, but only that Debbie must fulfill the prophecy and save Yonderland.

RELATED: The Hogwarts House Ghost Backstories The Harry Potter Movies Left Out

The core cast of  Ghosts  created and wrote  Yonderland  together, creating a highly hilarious and absolutely bonkers show that keeps the audience engaged and laughing throughout. The CGI was kept to a minimum to preserve the magic of practical effects and the puppets that are used for various creatures throughout Yonderland, creating a classic charm to the series.

Being Human (2008 - 2013) - Available On Fubo

A darker show that is still suitable for fans of the supernatural elements in  Ghosts,  Being Human  follows vampire Mitchell and werewolf George as they move into a house together and attempt to become more human. Their quest is joined by Annie, the ghost of a woman who died in the house.

Their makeshift family is cute to watch as they form bonds with each other, but the darker elements of the show, such as the characters' urge to kill and feed, and Mitchell's turn from hero to villain , often overshadow any familial feelings. Fans of  Ghosts  may appreciate the supernatural references, as well as the dynamic of a family unit being trapped in a house together.

The Windsors (2016 - ) - Available On Netflix

An absolutely savage satire of the British royal family ,  The Windsors  parodies the British royal family and portrays them as bumbling or cartoonishly evil characters. In the series, Camilla is an evil genius that attempts to blow up the family in one episode, and Pippa Middleton is a conniving seductress that envies her more famous and beloved sister, Kate.

The show also stars Ghosts actress Katy Wix as Fergie, a dim-witted mother trying to relive her glory days. The British satire is sharp in this series, as are the performances from the entire cast, especially Prince William's Hugh Skinner, who portrayed Harry in  Mamma Mia 2.

The Wrong Mans (2013 - 2014) - Available On Hulu

Mathew Baynton from  Ghosts  and James Corden from  Gavin and Stacey (not to mention late-night talk show fame) star in  The Wrong Mans,  a show about two men who accidentally get caught up in a conspiracy and various crimes. Mathew Baynton co-wrote every episode with James Corden and Tom Basden, who portrayed politician Jeremy Corbyn in the satirical show  The Windsors.

RELATED: 10 Times Force Ghosts In Star Wars Created Some Serious Plot Holes

The Wrong Mans  is a fun action show with plenty of intrigue, physical comedy, and a fresh take on the crime-thriller genre. Likable characters propel the show forward, rarely allowing the audience and protagonists to relax, as the web of conspiracy unfolds around them.

You, Me, & The Apocalypse (2015) - Available To Buy On Apple TV

With a star-studded cast including Jenna Fischer, Rob Lowe, and Megan Mullally,  You, Me and the Apocalypse  follows a group of individuals as they try to survive the impending apocalypse. Mathew Baynton from Ghosts  plays bank manager, Jamie, who is trying to find his wife before the apocalypse happens, and also plays Jamie's twin brother, Ariel, the leader of a cyber-terrorist group.

This miniseries has a lot to like about it, with characters that have a lot of depth, and an intriguing premise that binds them all together despite their differing circumstances.

Marley's Ghosts (2015 - 2016) - Available To Buy On Apple TV

With the name taken from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol,  female magistrate, Marley, is able to see three ghosts: her husband Adam, her lover Michael, and the local vicar. The characters have a complicated relationship, which only gets even more complicated since each of the ghosts died in ridiculous circumstances, and now Marley is stuck with them.

RELATED: Every Ghost In Them, Amazon's Haunted House Show

Despite only having nine episodes, this series is a great watch for fans of Ghosts  that enjoy seeing humans grapple with the existence of the supernatural, especially when these forces are unpredictable. Each of the ghosts causes havoc in Marley's life, and the show has clever enough writing to keep an audience engaged in the concept.

Good Omens (2019 - ) - Available On Amazon Prime Video

Based on the Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett book of the same name,  Good Omens   follows the demon, Crowley, and the angel, Aziraphale, as they attempt to bring up the Antichrist and stop an impending apocalypse. The intimate rivalry between the angel and the demon drives much of the plot, which is brilliantly funny and adapts the book very faithfully, satisfying many fans of the novel.

The irreverent humor in the series is a highlight, as is the stellar cast which includes David Tennant, Michael Sheen, John Hamm, and Frances McDormand. Fans can look forward to season 2, coming soon, which will hopefully answer some Good Omens big questions and mysteries .

Inside No. 9 (2014 - ) - Available On Hulu

This dark comedy-drama follows various comic tales taking place behind a door marked "Number 9." Each episode is its own self-contained story, utilizing many famous actors and actresses to fulfill its roles, such as Katherine Parkinson from  The IT Crowd  and Gemma Arterton from  Clash of the Titans.

Inside No.9  has various themes and tones, but every episode is deeply creative and intriguing, with plots such as secrets being revealed in a game of hide and seek, and a loose adaptation of Shakespeare's  Macbeth,  featuring an understudy vying for the lead role in a production of the play. Fans of  Ghosts  will enjoy the satirical and dark humor of this strange and brilliant show.

Ghost Whisperer (2005 - 2010) - Available On Hulu

One of the most famous ghost-communication shows,  Ghost Whisperer   follows Melinda, an antique store owner who tries to live her life in peace but finds that she can communicate with ghosts, all of whom need their earthly problems resolved before they can move onto the afterlife.

Critics disliked the overly sentimental tone of the show, with each episode focusing on a ghost and its problems, as well as Melinda's personal issues. However, fans enjoyed seeing Melinda resolve problems and utilize the clues available to her, and many fans adored the well-acted characters, who they found relatable and easy to watch.

NEXT: Which Movie Ghost Are You According To Your Zodiac Sign?

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The best horror TV shows to watch on Netflix

The most spine tingling series available on streaming

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If you’re looking for a show that’s particularly scary this spooky season , you’re in luck: We’ve put culled through Netflix’s expansive library to bring you only the finest of horror shows to stream on the platform.

We’ve got horror auteurs! Breakout hits from overseas! Literary adaptations! Even a... horror comedy procedural? No matter your taste in horror, there’s something for you here.

From Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities to The Haunting of Hill House and beyond, here are the best horror TV shows to watch on Netflix.

Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities

Showrunner: Guillermo del Toro Cast: Tim Blake Nelson, F. Murray Abraham, Ben Barnes

Few horror anthologies boast a roster as impressive as Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities . While del Toro himself doesn’t contribute creatively beyond Rod Serling-style introductions and providing short story source material for a few entries, the filmmaker has assembled a hell of a dream team: The Empty Man ’s David Prior, Ana Lily Amirpour, Catherine Hardwicke, Panos Cosmatos, and The Babadook ’s Jennifer Kent are among the directors assembled, each bringing their signature stylistic flair. A mix of original stories and classic horror fables from the likes of H.P. Lovecraft and Henry Kuttner, Cabinet of Curiosities has something for every kind of horror fan, and at least one — for me, Prior’s “The Autopsy” — will knock it out of the park for you. — Joshua Rivera

The Haunting of Hill House

Showrunner: Mike Flanagan Cast: Michiel Huisman, Carla Gugino, Henry Thomas

Easily the spookiest of gothic horror maestro Mike Flanagan’s stable of Netflix series, The Haunting of Hill House updates Shirley Jackson’s classic horror novel and turns it into a sprawling family drama, rich with longing and loss as it is scares. The show follows the Crain siblings, who grew up together in the haunted Hill House, only to go on to have terribly maladjusted adult lives. As they’re all lured back one by one, the Crain family is forced to acknowledge things they’ve spent their whole lives running from — hopefully, while they’re still breathing. — JR

Showrunner: Yeon Sang-ho Cast: Yoo Ah-in, Kim Hyun-joo, Park Jeong-min

Here’s a spooky scenario: What if you knew beyond a shadow of doubt that you’re going to hell and there’s not a thing you can do to stop it? Also, what if a bunch of big burly smoke demons that look like the Michelin Man materialized out of nowhere and just proceeded to mollywhop the shit out of you in front of your loved ones as they helplessly look on? That’s the premise in a nutshell for Hellbound , the Korean dark fantasy drama from the director of Train to Busan . In the aftermath of this startling phenomenon, society undergoes a radical transformation as a new religious sect centered on this inexplicable worldwide terror rises to prominence. An engrossing thriller with the emotional gravitas of a disaster film, Hellbound is scary good time. —Toussaint Egan

Showrunner: Samuel Bodin Cast: Victoire Du Bois, Lucie Boujenah, Tiphaine Daviot

When compared to movies, a lot of horror TV shows appear to sacrifice scares as a cost of doing business in the medium. TV shows have to buckle down for the long haul, give the audience a sense of place and characters that they’re willing to follow for several hours, and maybe constant scares aren’t a good way to sustain dramatic tension. But if that’s true, Marianne simply doesn’t care. One of Netflix’s best hidden gems , Marianne is absolutely terrifying, with an Alan Wake-esque plot about an acclaimed horror writer returning to her hometown to discover that some of her stories may have come to life. Wickedly focused and pulling no punches, Marianne is a terrifyingly good time. — JR

The Sandman

Showrunner: Allan Heinberg Cast: Tom Sturridge, Boyd Holbrook, Vivienne Acheampong

While not strictly a horror show per se, the dark fantasy drama based on Neil Gaiman’s DC Comics certainly dabbles in some of the most horror-centric storytelling and settings of any Netflix series to date. What other show are you going to see the protagonist, who happens to be the anthropomorphic personification of dreams, embark on a journey to Hell to confront Satan (Gwendoline Christie), confront a DC comics villain in a diner bar, and crash a secret serial killer convention all in one season? It’s going to be awhile before the second season arrives, so in the meantime — whether you have or haven’t already — watch the first season of The Sandman if you’re aching for some spooky, gory thrills. —TE

Midnight Mass

Showrunner: Mike Flanagan Cast: Zach Gilford, Hamish Linklater, Kate Siegel

For me, there is a trifecta of great Mike Flanagan. Joshua extolled the virtues (and frights) of The Haunting of Hill House above, and Austen Goslin wrote about the excellent director’s cut of Doctor Sleep (which, notably, isn’t TV). That leaves, for my money, the best series Flanagan has ever created: Midnight Mass .

In Midnight Mass , a recovering alcoholic (Zach Gilford) returns to the isolated New England island he grew up on. He’s fresh out of prison, and looking for a new start. At the same time, the town’s long-tenured, much-loved priest is suddenly replaced by a charismatic, young stranger (Hamish Linklater), who has a dark secret waiting to be unleashed on the sleepy town.

Flanagan’s group of players are at their best, and Linklater is a fantastic, enigmatic addition to a group of actors well-versed in working with each other. The show makes the best use of Flanagan’s monologue-heavy style this side of Doctor Sleep , and is a fantastic and thrilling portrayal of a small town’s descent into demagoguery. – PV

Black Summer

Showrunners: John Hyams, Karl Schaefer Cast: Jaime King, Justin Chu Cary, Christine Lee

There are a lot of zombie shows out there. But if you want the best of the best, you have to go with Black Summer .

Co-created by the fantastic John Hyams ( Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning , Alone ), Black Summer takes a ground-level view of a zombie apocalypse, but with a higher caliber of filmmaking than seen on shows like The Walking Dead . Hyams, who has a penchant for ambitious one-take shots, directs many of the episodes, and his history filming tense and violent action sequences comes in handy for both seasons of the Z Nation spin-off. – PV

Showrunner: Rob Thomas Cast: Rose McIver, David Anders, Rahul Kohli

Now for the other side of the horror (and zombie) continuum: A mystery comedy dressed up in zombie trappings. You know the kind of show: A detective has a unique gift that allows them to solve crimes in ways no other person could. This time, that gift is BRAAAAAAAAINS.

Liv Moore (Rose McIver, and congrats — from her character name you now know right away whether or not this show is for you) is a medical student who gets turned into a zombie. Oops! She gets a gig at a coroner’s office to get access to brains, where she discovers she experiences the memories of the person whose brain she is eating. She uses this new skill to solve crimes, along with her friend/boss (Rahul Kohli) and a local detective (Malcolm Goodwin). – PV

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30 Best Terrifying Paranormal Documentaries & Series

These aren't blockbuster fiction films, but real life testimonies of the paranormal..

By Elizabeth Blasi — Last updated on Mar 09, 2023

For those most adventurous and horror-movie-loving individuals , these scary paranormal documentaries all follow non-fiction tales of the paranormal and ghosts existing within our own world .

Not for the faint of heart, we've rounded up the best paranormal movies filled with ghosts, the undead, and mysterious creature sightings.

Read on if you're looking for a recommendation for what to watch next as we review long-form movies, paranormal documentaries, and show series.

30 Best Paranormal Documentaries & TV Series

1. ghost adventures (2008-present).

Created over a decade ago, "Ghost Adventures" is one of the most famous paranormal shows on television. Following the lead investigator, Zak Bagans, he and his team (Nick Groff and Aaron Goodwin) search haunted houses all over the globe, with each episode covering a new location.

RELATED: Why Some People Are More Likely To See Ghosts And Other Paranormal Presences

2. Haunted Collector (2011-2013)

While some people collect magnets or shot glasses, some individuals (like John Zaffis) collect haunted possessions.

The show "Haunted Collector" is a tale of many show-style documentaries of how the Zaffis family comes to own and display their prized collection of spooky goods. Each episode breaks down how John and his family collect each object — and at what expense.

3. Killer Legends (2014)

Beyond the teachings of Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster, many urban legends haunt the world we live in. The documentary "Killer Legends" follows investigators Joshua Zeman and Rachel Mills as they review crimes that have led to the uncovering of certain urban legends.

4. A Haunting (2005-2017)

Ending in 2017 and running for almost 12 years on air, "A Haunting" is a spooky television documentary show that interviews victims on their encounters with paranormal activity. Entertainment value is added to the show, as the re-telling of the victim's stories are paired with narrations and reenactments.

5. Out of the Blue (2003)

Aired in 2003, "Out of the Blue" is a documentary film that speaks to the UFO craze . Premiering on the Sci-Fi Channel, many viewers tuned in to see true accounts from eyewitnesses, scientists, and previous government officials on space aircraft and the idea of extraterrestrial life.

6. Ghost Hunters (2004-present)

Following the founders of TAP (The Atlantic Paranormal Society), Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, "Ghost Hunters" answers and responds to those who report paranormal activity in their house. An interesting catch, both Grant and Jason are plumbers by day and ghost hunters by night.

7. Most Haunted (2002-2019)

A British television show, "Most Haunted" takes the viewer into the sites of paranormal activity. The host Yvette Fielding and a team of paranormal investigators lock themselves in the haunted location for 24 hours (yikes), explore the place's hauntings, and search for evidence of paranormal activity.

8. Cropsey (2009)

This documentary feature film covers two investigators as they uncover what really happened behind the disappearance of five children. What makes it even scarier? The documentary talks about how a real-life boogeyman could be to blame.

9. Paranormal Witness (2011-2016)

Highly discouraged for those who become scared easily or can be unnerved by the idea of spooky television, "Paranormal Witness" is unique, as it tells accounts of paranormal activity through the use of personal material like home videos, witness photography, along with their testimonials.

The show covers a wide range of the unexplained: haunted houses, UFO appearances, and ghosts.

10. The Nightmare (2015)

If you thought you couldn't sleep before, imagine what will rush through your mind after watching "The Nightmare." This documentary film follows eight different people who all experience sleep paralysis , and it may be at the hand of a paranormal existence.

RELATED: 15 Creepiest Ghost Videos On The Internet That'll Really Freak You Out

11. Demon House (2018)

Created in 2018, "Demon House" is a horror-style documentary film from Zak Bagans (the same individual from the famous "Ghost Adventurers"). The film follows the Ammons haunting case which happened back in 2014.

The Ammons family, living in Indiana, was experiencing mass hysteria and being possessed by demons. As "Demon House" moves to understand the story, the team realizes they may have embarked on a dangerous encounter.

12. Celebrity Ghost Stories (2009-present)

What's better than hearing ghost stories? Hearing celebrities tell ghost stories.

As celebrities share their personal encounters with ghosts, both fans of their work and fans of the paranormal are able to see a new perspective on the lives of these actors, singers, and sports professionals.

13. Quiet Rage: The Stanford Prison Experiment (1992)

Featuring dated and authentic footage, interviews, and testimonials by the cops and the prisoners, "The Stanford Prison Experiment" documentary breaks down what exactly happened during a study performed on those looking for insight on what life inside prison was like psychologically.

While the original documentary is only available on DVD, you can watch the reenactments of the experiment.

14. Hostage to the Devil (2016)

A documentary film following a possessed child is the premise for "Hostage to the Devil." This film uncovers testimonials by creating reenactments and dramatic reconstructions of the tales told of the exorcists.

15. The Enfield Poltergeist (2008)

The Enfield Poltergeist is the given name to the paranormal spirit living at 284 Green Street in Brimsdown, Enfield, England. Serving as a council house between the years 1977 and 1979, the infamous Enfield Poltergeist had its encounter with two young sisters (ages 11 and 13).

16. The Dead Files (2011-present)

A true account of the show "Medium," "The Dead Files" combines a homicide detective and a medium to be the ultimate crime-fighting duo. As they combine their investigation powders, they uncover the truth where deadly crimes were committed.

17. Paranormal Lockdown (2016-2019)

Instead of being in lockdown with the paranormal for 24 hours, imagine three times that! In "Paranormal Lockdown," hosts Nick Groff and Katrina Weidman spend 72 straight hours living among some of America's most haunted locations.

18. My Amityville Horror (2013)

This documentary was inspired by the book which tells the tale of a crime that took place in November of 1974. Ronald DeFeo Jr. shot and murdered six members of his family at their home on Ocean Avenue in Long Island, New York.

Look at what becomes uncovered as Daniel Lutz tells the story of the family over 35 years ago.

19. Alien Boy: The Life and Death of James Chasse (2013)

"Alien Boy" is a documentary film that tells the story of James Chasse. Uncovering the truths behind police accountability, the film covers the murder of James, a schizophrenic man who was murdered by police officers in Portland, Oregon in 2016.

While not necessarily a paranormal film as the name would lead us to believe, it instead speaks to mental health as an unknown frontier.

20. Monster Quest (2007-2010)

This television show covers (scientifically) the appearance and emergence of creatures all over the world. Some episodes include the most notable creatures like the Loch Ness Monster, werewolves, BigFoot, and (believe it or not) the breed of super soldiers said to be raised by Stalin himself.

Mixing science, paranormal activity, and history, viewers are able to get a little of everything each time they watch.

RELATED: Multiple UFO Sightings & Paranormal Experiences Have Been Tied To One Small Triangle In The U.S.

21. The Blackwell Ghost (2017)

"The Blackwell Ghost" follows a ghost-hunting filmmaker as he explores a haunted house. Having only one cast member, the ghost herself is the true star of this hour-long documentary.

22. Destination Truth (2007-2014)

What happens when you mix global adventurers with paranormal investigators? A very interesting television series. Presented by Josh Gates, "Destination Truth" takes us around the world as the group of explorers set out to uncover supernatural wonders and phenomena across land and sea.

23. The Institute (2013)

As the digital age starts to pick up, what's freakier or more paranormal than being sucked into an alternate reality universe from playing a game? "The Institute" covers just this, as this documentary tells the tale of players in San Francisco who spin out of control after playing an alternate reality game.

24. Paranormal State (2007-2011)

Covering the director of Penn State University's Paranormal Research Society, Ryan Buell, this television show uncovers paranormal mysteries. Some include demonic hauntings, sixth sense experiments, and ghost encounters.

25. The Sallie House (2006)

In 1906, a house in Atchison, Kansas became a paranormal staple and was named as one of (if not the most) haunted houses in America. The reason behind the house's reputation has to do with the owner.

Back in the early 1900s, home to the town's doctor, it's said that a girl passed away while being examined in the house and underwent tremendous pain.

26. Lore (2017-2018)

"Lore" is a collection of nightmarish mythologies that are based on real-life horror stories. The series was developed from an original podcast of the same name and stars Aaron Mahnke, Paula Malcomson, Maimie McCoy, and Steven Berkoff.

27. A Glitch In The Matrix (2021)

This American documentary film was directed by Rodney Ascher and is part science fiction, part mind scrambler, part horror story. It's an exploration of the simulation hypothesis, which is the concept that proposes our existence is a simulated reality .

28. The Blackout Experiments (2016)

"The Blackout Experiments" follows a group of people who discover the ultra-scary, psycho-sexual horror experience they term "Blackout." The group ends up becoming obsessed with the sensation, which eventually ends up hijacking their lives and blurs the line between reality and paranoid fantasy.

29. Beware the Slenderman (2016)

This documentary takes a deep dive into the terrifying creature Slenderman, and how this internet-created creature ended up causing two 12-year-old girls to brutally stab their friend almost to death.

The film discusses the case and how fantasy imagery can affect impressionable minds.

30. Hellier (2019)

This docuseries follows a small crew of paranormal researchers in the dying coal town of Hellier, Kentucky after receiving an email from a man who is being bothered by goblins. However, a series of strange coincidences ends up leading the crew to a decades-old mystery.

RELATED: Couple Captures Video Of ‘Ghosts’ Pillow Fighting In Their Empty Living Room On Security Camera

Elizabeth Blasi is a New York-based lifestyle and travel writer who is often seen with a suitcase in hand, jet-setting to her next location. Her work has been featured on Elite Daily, Yahoo Lifestyle, Good Housekeeping, and more.

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What’s streaming now: The Rolling Stones, John le Carré, ‘Living for the Dead’ and Harry Bosch

A fresh Rolling Stones album, a  revealing documentary on spy novelist  John le Carré and “Living for the Dead,” a new Hulu series that’s like “Queer Eye” meets “Ghost Hunters” are some of the new television, movies, music and games  headed to a device  near you

Among the offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’  entertainment journalists  are comedian Heather McMahan’s first network comedy special called “The Son I Never Had” and Nida Manzoor’s rollicking action-comedy movie “Polite Society.”

NEW MOVIES TO STREAM

— John le Carré, whose birth name was David Cornwell,  died in 2020.  But before his death, the author of “The Spy Who Came in From the Cold” and “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” sat down with documentarian Errol Morris for a series of probing interviews. The result,  “The Pigeon Tunnel,”  is one of the non-fiction highlights of the movie year. In the film, which streams Friday on Apple TV+, Cornwell discusses his career as a spy, his books and historical truth in a fittingly murky, noir-tinged documentary about one of the 20th century’s greatest writers. (  Read AP’s review .)

— DreamWorks Animation’s  “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken”  is about a 15-year-old with a secret. Ruby (voiced by Lana Condor) and her family are sea creatures who are passing as humans on land. Ruby is, in fact, not just an aquatic mammal, but one of the mightiest of all, a Kraken. Director Kirk DeMicco’s film, which begins streaming Friday on Peacock following a theatrical run this summer, is a coming-of-age tale with monsters, mermaids and overprotective moms (Toni Collette).  In his review,  AP’s Mark Kennedy praised it as “a tale of generational sisterhood with the message to not hide your difference.”

— Nida Manzoor’s  “Polite Society,”  is a coming-of-age tale, too, but a much different beast. In the directorial debut of the “We Are Lady Parts” creator, Priya Kansara and Ritu Arya play British-Pakistani sisters with divergent dreams. Ria (Kansara) pines to be a stuntwoman. Lena (Arya) has fading artistic hopes that are fast being consumed by an arranged marriage to (Akshay Khanna). Ria sets out to spoil their parents’ plans in a rollicking action-comedy that, as  I wrote in my review , “marries Jane Austen with kung-fu flare.” It began streaming Tuesday on Prime Video.

Trending now

—  AP Film Writer Jake Coyle

NEW MUSIC TO STREAM

— What was the music world before Cheryl “Salt” James, Sandra “Pepa” Denton and Deidra “DJ Spinderella” Roper became  Salt-N-Pepa ? Tracking their legacy is much simpler: Salt-N-Pepa’s no-nonsense femininity and agency, coupled with their activism and unabashed sexuality, opened the floodgates for all that followed. So, this year, celebrating both 50 years of hip-hop and the 30th anniversary of Salt-N-Pepa’s famed fourth studio album, Universal Music Group is re-releasing “Very Necessary” with bonus tracks, alternative mixes and beyond. Streaming this one is a no brainer — and for the record,  “Shoop”  hits every bit as hard in 2023 as it did in 1993.

— Last month,  The Rolling Stones  announced they were preparing to release their first album of original material in 18 years, since 2005’s “A Bigger Bang.” Come Friday, the wait is over. “Hackney Diamonds,” is the Stones’ first new record since the death of drummer  Charlie Watts in 2021.  (His drumming is included posthumously and poignantly on two of the album’s 12 tracks.) It is also their best in decades, a multigenerational affair produced by the pop-rock mastermind Andrew Watt (with credits including Post Malone, Justin Bieber) and featuring guest appearances from the likes of Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. Their rock ‘n’ roll vitality is as present as ever — there’s no interest in rehashing the past, rather, “Hackney Diamonds” is a joyful experiment, full of swagger. (  Read AP’s review .)

—  AP Music Writer Maria Sherman

NEW SERIES TO STREAM

—  “Living for the Dead,”  a new Hulu series executive produced and narrated by Kristen Stewart, is like “Queer Eye” meets “Ghost Hunters.” It follows a group of five queer ghost hunters who travel to haunted locations and use their individual skills to confront the spirits and clear the space. There’s Ken, who specializes in tarot, Juju the spiritual expert, Logan the psychic, a researcher named Roz and Alex who does the ghost hunting. The series debuted Wednesday.

— Comedian Heather McMahan debuted her first network comedy special called  “The Son I Never Had”  on Tuesday. If you haven’t followed McMahan, she’s got a popular podcast called “Absolutely Not” and a hilarious Instagram account that caught on during the pandemic, and led to sold-out comedy dates. McMahan’s schtick is both relatable and outrageous.

— The sweet and smart comedy  “Upload” is back on Prime Video for a third season.  Created by Greg Daniels (“The Office”), the series takes place in the (near) future where one can opt to be uploaded to a virtual afterlife. The more money you have, the better the second life is. It stars Robbie Amell, a computer programmer, who was uploaded in season one — and falls for his still-living digital concierge, Nora (Andy Allo.) The first two episodes drop Friday.

— Detective Harry Bosch returns in the second season of  “Bosch: Legacy”  on FreeVee on Friday. Bosch was originally introduced by author Michael Connelly in his books and adapted for TV. He’s now retired from the LAPD, solving cases as a private investigator.

—  Alicia Rancilio

NEW VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

— Two iconic characters who have recently become movie stars are returning to the medium that made them famous: the 2-D, side-scrolling, running-and-jumping game. First up is Sonic the Hedgehog with  Sonic Superstars . It’ll look familiar to anyone who grew up in the 1990s with the Sega Genesis, with the furry speed demon hurtling through loop-the-loops, caroming off springs and collecting gold rings. Sonic bounced back Tuesday on PlayStation 5/4, Xbox X/S/One, Nintendo Switch and PC. Three days later, everyone’s favorite plumber, Mario, returns with  Super Mario Bros. Wonder . Expect plenty of the block-breaking, mushroom-eating, warp-pipe-traveling antics that put Nintendo on the map in the 1980s. Plus, Mario can turn into an elephant. This one’s exclusive to the Switch, starting Friday.

— Speaking of multimedia legends, your friendly neighborhood web-slinger is back with  Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 . It’s actually Insomniac Games’ third crack at the character, after separate adventures starring alter egos Peter Parker and Miles Morales. This time the two Spideys are teaming up to battle notorious villains like Venom, Kraven the Hunter and The Lizard. If you enjoyed swinging between Manhattan’s skyscrapers in the previous games, get ready for an even bigger map, now including Queens and Brooklyn. And you can use your web shooters to create underarm “web wings,” which let you soar across spaces that don’t have tall buildings. Do whatever a spider can starting Friday on PlayStation 5.

—  Lou Kesten

Related Stories

Ghost Story

Host Tristan Redman is a seasoned journalist who doesn’t believe in ghosts. But weird things happened in the bedroom he lived in as a teenager. When he discovers years later that subsequent occupants of the same house have been visited by the ghost of a faceless woman, he’s curious. Because it just so happens that Tristan’s childhood home is right next door to the house where his wife’s great grandmother, Naomi Dancy, was murdered in 1937 – killed by two gunshots to the face. Could there be a connection between the...

Follow Ghost Story on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Listen everywhere on October 23rd or you can binge ad-free on Wondery Plus starting the same day. Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts.

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Introducing: ghost story.

Follow Ghost Story on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Listen everywhere on October 23rd or you can binge...

Wondery and Pineapple Street Studios present  Ghost Story  — a seven-part podcast series about family secrets, overwhelming coincidences and the things that come back to haunt us.

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Power Book 2: Ghost Season 3 Finale Recap & Ending Explained

Posted: October 16, 2023 | Last updated: October 16, 2023

• "Power Book II: Ghost" season 3 finale sets the stage for an exciting fourth season with open-ended twists and turns.
• The characters in "Power Book II" are brilliantly written and relatable despite their flaws, as they navigate the criminal world.
• Loyalty is a central theme in the series, driving characters' actions and defining their alliances, while disloyalty reveals true villainous nature.

The explosive conclusion to the Power Book II: Ghost season 3 finale was an ending of sorts, but it also left the door open for more exciting twists and turns in the forthcoming fourth season. Debuting in 2020 on Starz , Power Book II is a spinoff of the network's wildly popular crime drama series Power. It follows Tariq St. Patrick (Michael Rainey Jr.) as he tries to go straight while being constantly called back into the criminal world. Much like its predecessor, Power Book II is a classic crime drama that builds upon its fascinating characters in each successive season.

Though Power Book II: Ghost was the first spinoff, it was soon joined by two additional series that explore the world of Power and expand upon the vibrant characters and their backstories. The characters of Power Book II might not be the most likable, but their struggles are brilliantly written in a way that makes them relatable. The entire Power franchise finds a strong synthesis between its overt violence and crime, and the overarching ideas of family, loyalty, and ultimately power through wealth and influence. After the Power Book II: Ghost season 3 finale, the show was greenlit for season 4, though a release date hasn't been set yet.

RELATED: Power Book III Rasing Kanan Season 3 - Release Date, Cast, Story & Everything We Know

Power Book II: Ghost Series Recap - Everything That Happened So Far

After murdering his father Ghost (Omari Hardwick) in Power season 6, Power Book II as season 1 sees Tariq enroll at Stansfield University as a full-time student in order to inherit his father's estate. However, Tariq quickly recognizes an opportunity to make money and increase his standing, and he produces a study app that is actually a front for pushing pills on campus. This need for "product" brings him into league with the powerful Tejada clan, which is headed by the matriarch Monet (Mary J. Blige). This causes jealousy between Tariq and Cane (Woody McClain), Monet's son, which eventually leads to a violent confrontation between Tariq and his professor.

Following the murder of his professor, Tariq finds himself at a crossroads in Power Book II season 2, and that drives him even further into the arms of the Tejada crime family. Meanwhile, Monet's close association with Mecca (Daniel Sunjata) threatens her professional standing and further erodes the foundation of trust within her family. Diana (LaToya Tonodeo) begins conspiring with her father Lorenzo (Bertolo Colon), and Monet even begins to trust Cane again. Meanwhile, Tariq's relationship with Lauren (Paige Hurd) is put in jeopardy as he is dragged deeper into the hornet's nest of crime.

While the first few seasons answered questions left over after the finale of Power , the third season of Power Book II finally saw the series and its characters come into their own. Tariq tries to go straight by joining with his best friend Brayden (Gianni Paolo) as a hedge fund intern at the family business. However, Tariq's new Wall Street connections eventually lead him right back into the world of crime. A RICO investigation eerily echoes his own father's demise, and Tariq is well aware of the similarities between himself and his father. Meanwhile, Monet fall headlong into discovering who killed her son Zeke (Daniel Bellomy).

Tommy And Tasha Call A Truce

The Power Book II: Ghost season 3 finale opens with something of a shock as Tommy (Joseph Sikora) and Tasha (Naturi Naughton) are brought face to face for the first time since Power season 6. Tommy has been tipped off on the whereabouts of Tariq's mom, and he hunts her down despite her being in witness protection. Tommy is out for revenge, and the main character of Power Book IV: Force is seemingly unstoppable. The entire beef started back in Power season 6 when Tasha killed Tommy's fiancee LaKeisha (La La Anthony) accidentally, but had to conceal her actions to protect her son.

In an even bigger shock, Tasha is able to talk her way out of the situation, and she appeals to Tommy's basic humanity. Instead of fighting back, she asks for forgiveness from the man and exclaims how they are the only two members of Ghost's crew that still live. The emotional appeal works, and the duo decide to squash their beef for their own sake and for the sake of Tariq who Tommy clearly still cares for. In his own twisted way, Tommy has a chance to be a positive influence on Tariq by showing loyalty and forgiveness, two traits that will be crucial to the character going forward.

Does Brayden Quit?

Loyalty is an overarching theme throughout the season, and the Power Book II: Ghost season 3 finale illustrates that through Brayden's conflicted choices. Early in the episode, Brayden, who has found success in his family's business, finds his new life incongruous with the life of Tariq and he tells him so in an emotional scene. The duo have been best friends for years, and Brayden's departure is seemingly the last straw for Tariq who has been waffling between his two worlds all season long. Tariq plunges ahead with his dangerous schemes despite Tommy's warning and he is seemingly even more self-destructive on his path to perceived glory.

However, in a classic crime show trope , Brayden's own loyalty is a tie that binds him to a life of crime, even as he has found a path to legitimacy. In the final gunfight that concludes the season, Tariq is rescued at the last moment by his longtime friend, and Brayden dips back into crime out of respect, friendship, and a skewed sense of honor. Season 4 of Power Book II will likely show the consequences of Brayden's actions as he too has jeopardized his good standing because of his love for Tariq.

Tasha’s Drive-By

Proving herself to be one of the most cunning characters in the entire Power franchise, Tariq's fiercely protective mother Tasha clearly recognizes the signs of her own son's demise. She watched her husband fall, and even while in witness protection she has been pulling some strings behind the scenes. Even as Tariq struggles with his path, Tasha makes choices that seem to set her son up with the best chance for success, though she isn't so naive as to think he can go fully legitimate. She squashed her beef with Tommy which earned Tariq another mentor, and she knew what she had to do when Tariq didn't heed Tommy's advice.

Determined to make a big move on the Tejada family, Tariq planned to gun the matriarch down in a violent show of strength. Tommy tried to talk him out of it, but he was encouraged by Diana's own machinations as she also wanted her mother dead. Shockingly, Tasha stepped in and pulled the trigger before her son could, which was further proof she would do anything to shield Tariq. Always something of an anti-hero, Tasha choice vindicated her in many ways, though she will likely face dangerous consequences in Power Book II: Ghost season 4 .

RELATED: Power Book IV Force Season 2 - Release Date, Trailer & Everything We Know

Diana’s Double Cross

Diana's discontent with her mother has been brewing since season 2, and it finally boiled over in the Power Book II: Ghost season 3 finale. She conspired with Tariq to plan the shooting which would get her mom out of the way and usher in a new era for her family. However, Tasha's drive-by wasn't the only twist, as it was revealed that Diana ratted on Tariq after the fact, even though he didn't shoot her mother. Clearly, Diana planned to kill two birds with one stone, and the murder of her mom would remove the matriarch while allowing her to sell out her biggest up-and-coming rival.

The Real Meaning Of Power Book II: Ghost Season 3’s Ending

Unlike other shows which find a sense of balance after each season, Power Book II: Ghost never takes its foot off the gas pedal and plunges ahead. The Power Book II: Ghost season 3 finale was in keeping with that spirit, though it fulfilled its long-running theme of loyalty. Tariq is driven by a sense of loyalty to his family, and he is willing to do anything for them. Similarly, characters like Tasha and Brayden also act out of loyalty. The flip side to that is show in the villains, as Diana's lack of loyalty is the only true way to spot her for the heel that she is.

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Meet the cast of BBC One sitcom Ghosts

Get to know the all-star cast ahead of the final season.

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Those mischievous Ghosts are playing tricks on us again! After warning that this week's fifth outing would be the final episodes of the hit sitcom, we now know that a Christmas special will offer one last hurrah this festive season.

Still, fans can expect emotional moments in the six episodes launching on Friday (6th October) as long-awaited backstories are told and Button House's living residents face some major challenges.

Of course, the Ghosts cast are back for this latest edition, led by co-creators and star writers Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond.

Only Katy Wix is absent, following Mary's shock exit in season 4, with Charlotte Ritchie , Kiell Smith-Bynoe and Lolly Adefope rounding out the celebrated series regulars.

Read on for everything you need to know about the Ghosts cast.

Charlotte Ritchie plays Alison

Who is Alison? Alison is a cash-strapped woman who finds out that she has inherited a country manor from her "step-great-auntie" – a distant relative who died leaving no direct descendants.

In the first series, she has a near-death experience that gives her the ability to see ghosts, allowing her to get to know the larger-than-life personalities haunting her new home. Over time, they become unlikely friends, but life in Button House still has plenty of challenges.

Where have I seen Charlotte Ritchie before? She played Nurse Barbara Gilbert on Call The Midwife until making a heartbreaking exit in season 7 , and previously starred in Channel 4 comedy Fresh Meat as Oregon.

Since leaving Midwife, she has also co-starred in Netflix's Feel Good and E4's Dead Pixels , as well as making guest appearances in Doctor Who and Death in Paradise . More recently, she joined the Grantchester cast for season 7, playing a love interest to vicar William Davenport (Tom Brittney), and took on a dark new role for You season 4.

Kiell Smith-Bynoe plays Mike

Who is Mike? Mike is Charlotte's husband, who moves with her to Button House to help renovate the dilapidated property. He isn't able to see the ghosts like Alison can, but does believe that they exist and supports her in coping with them where he can.

The writers of Ghosts have dismissed the idea of finding a way for Mike to see the paranormal tenants himself, feeling it would change the premise of the show too radically and irreversibly. Besides, Mike gets into plenty of hijinks all on his own, with the season 4 finale follow his ill-fated purchase of a taxidermy bear.

Where have I seen Kiell Smith-Bynoe before? Smith-Bynoe is best known for playing Dean in acclaimed Channel 4 comedy Stath Lets Flats, while he has also appeared in Man Like Mobeen, Death in Paradise and Bloods.

He made a guest appearance in Daisy May Cooper comedy The Witchfinder and featured in Dave mockumentary Live at the Moth Club. Most recently, he starred alongside Lily Allen and Freema Agyeman in Sky comedy Dreamland .

Mathew Baynton plays Thomas

Who is Thomas? A failed romantic poet who now haunts Button House. He quickly becomes infatuated with Alison, and finds it hard to accept that she isn't interested in him.

Where have I seen Mathew Baynton before? The Horrible Histories and Yonderland star first came to national attention in the Gavin & Stacey cast , where he played Smithy's dim-witted friend and colleague, Deano. He teamed up with James Corden once again on comedy-drama series The Wrong Mans.

His other television credits include ITV's Vanity Fair, The Split, Peep Show and Sky's You, Me and the Apocalypse. He'll next be seen in family blockbuster Wonka, which is co-written by Simon Farnaby (more on him below).

Simon Farnaby plays Julian

Who is Julian? A Conservative MP who passed away under embarrassing circumstances. Hint: he's not wearing any trousers. Julian also has the ability to move objects in the real world, but only short distances and with great concentration. His fellow ghosts regard Julian as morally bankrupt, although he has shown a softer side from time to time.

Where have I seen Simon Farnaby before? As well as Horrible Histories and Yonderland, Simon Farnaby has also had roles in Detectorists and This Time with Alan Partridge, as well as a brief cameo appearance in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Behind the camera, he is known for co-writing family adventure Paddington 2, which received critical acclaim and was a box office hit. He's reuniting with director Paul King for Hollywood blockbuster Wonka, starring Timothée Chalamet.

Lolly Adefope plays Kitty

Who is Kitty? One of the ghosts haunting Alison and Mike, Kitty is a Georgian noblewoman who is very kind and easily excited. Sadly, she's also rather naive and this has been exploited in the past – including by her mean sister.

Where have I seen Lolly Adefope before? The comedy star played infuriating roving reporter Ruth Duggan in This Time with Alan Partridge , while she also stars in US comedies Shrill and Miracle Workers.

She also competed on the fourth season of Greg Davies and Alex Horne's smash hit Taskmaster . This year, we've seen her in offbeat Channel 4 sitcom Everyone Else Burns and Emerald Fennell's awards contender Saltburn.

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Martha Howe-Douglas plays Lady Button

Who is Lady Button? A distant relative of Alison who passed away in Button House during the Edwardian era. She starts out extremely pompous and elitist, still considering the house to be her home above all else. However, over time, she has warmed to her fellow ghosts as well as the latest living owners.

Where have I seen Martha Howe-Douglas before? The Horrible Histories and Yonderland regular also featured in Doctor Foster and made a surprise appearance on EastEnders back in 2018. More recently, she has guest starred in BBC One sitcom Motherland and Sky comedy Breeders .

Ben Willbond plays The Captain

Who is The Captain? A former army officer who fancies himself the leader amongst the spirits in the mansion. It has been strongly implied that the Captain is gay, with one emotional episode revealing he developed feelings for one of his fellow soldiers during World War II. However, he did not come out of the closet before his death – and may not completely understand his feelings to this day.

Where have I seen Ben Willbond before? Another Horrible Histories and Yonderland favourite, Willbond has also featured in comedies such as The Thick of It, Tracey Ullman's Show, There She Goes and Alma's Not Normal. He also appeared in Neil Gaiman's fantasy series Good Omens .

On the big screen, you may recognise him from belated sequel Bridget Jones's Baby. He collaborated with Ghosts co-star Laurence Rickard on the UKTV sci-fi feature We Are Not Alone .

Jim Howick plays Pat

Who is Pat? Another of the ghosts in Button House: a former scout leader who got an arrow in the neck during a day trip gone horribly wrong. He is a warm-hearted soul and expresses much nostalgia for the 1970s and early '80s, when he lived.

Where have I seen Jim Howick before? The Horrible Histories, Yonderland and Peep Show favourite has a memorable recurring role as teacher Mr Hendricks in Netflix's Sex Education . He currently stars in another BBC sitcom, Here We Go , while he recently took a dramatic turn for ITV thriller Hollington Drive .

Laurence Rickard plays Robin

Who is Robin? A caveman and the longest serving ghost in the house by far, Robin also has the ability to make the lights in the house flicker.

Where have I seen Larry Rickard before? As well as Horrible Histories and Yonderland, Rickard has also written for and starred in Tracey Ullman's Show and Tracey Breaks the News. He co-wrote and appeared in UKTV sci-fi comedy We Are Not Alone, alongside Ben Willbond.

Laurence Rickard plays Sir Humphrey Bone

Who is Sir Humphrey Bone? Humphrey is a ghost from the Tudor period who was beheaded. As a result, his head often detaches from his body and goes missing around the house. In season 3, we learn more about the surprising circumstances that led to his grisly fate.

Where have I seen Larry Rickard before? See above.

Anna Crilly plays Joy

Who is Joy? Joy is an ironically stern individual who works for Mike and Alison's insurance company.

What else has Anna Crilly been in? Crilly starred opposite former Ghosts star Katy Wix in the 2013 sketch show Anna & Katy. More recently, she's had roles in television dramas COBRA, The Sixth Commandment and Still Up.

Geoffrey McGivern plays Barclay Beg-Chetwynde

Who is Barclay Beg-Chetwynde? Barclay is Mike and Alison's wealthy neighbour. He frequently annoys the young couple with his arrogant attitude, but did have a heroic moment on the night Button House was almost burgled.

What else has Geoffrey McGivern been in? McGivern has a brilliant role on the Mitchell and Webb sitcom Back , where he plays the outrageously loudmouthed Uncle Geoff. His other credits include ITV drama Quiz, BBC sitcom Semi-Detached and Grantchester.

Former cast

Katy wix plays mary.

Who is Mary? A dim-witted "witch" who was burnt at the stake in the Middle Ages. She was "sucked off" – that is to say, elevated to the next stage of the afterlife – in season 4, effectively removing her from the show.

Where have I seen Katy Wix before? She played Daisy in Not Going Out, Fergie in The Windsors, and Carole in Stath Lets Flats. Wix has made memorable guest appearances in This Time with Alan Partridge, Sherlock and Death in Paradise among others. Most recently, she co-starred in acclaimed Channel 4 sitcom Big Boys .

Comic Relief 2023 guest stars

Kylie minogue plays herself.

Who is Kylie Minogue? Kylie is a world famous pop star, known for hits including Can't Get You Out of My Head, Spinning Around and most recently Padam Padam. She arrives at Button House in search of a possible venue for a gig.

What else has Kylie Minogue been in? Before her music career took off, Minogue was known for playing Charlene Robinson on the Australian soap opera Neighbours – a character she returned to for the terrestrial finale.

She has also taken acting roles in video game adaptation Street Fighter, Dwayne Johnson disaster flick San Andreas, and BBC sci-fi drama Doctor Who .

Tanya Moodie plays Tess Ross

Who is Tess Ross? Tess is a music promoter, who works closely with Kylie Minogue.

What else has Tanya Moodie been in? Earlier this year, Moodie starred opposite Ghosts co-creator Jim Howick in Channel 4 comedy-drama The Change . She is also known for acclaimed dramas Silo and Rain Dogs as well as popular sitcom Motherland.

2022 Christmas special guest stars

Oliver maltman plays alexander.

Who is Alexander? Alexander is a scout leader in the present day, who is friends with Pat's widow and continues the troop he once worked for.

What else has Oliver Maltman been in? Maltman played pub barman Mike in the Mitchell & Webb comedy Back. He is also known for roles in Red Dwarf, Liar, The Crown and Brexit: The Uncivil War, where he portrayed Michael Gove.

Sophie Bould plays Carol

Who is Carol? Carol was Pat's wife, before his tragic accident.

What else has Sophie Bould been in? Bould played Miss Talbot in the third season of Sex Education .

Lauren Douglin plays Andi

Who is Andi? Andi is a qualified archery tutor. She is hired as the Pat's old scouting troop don't want another life lost due to carelessness.

What else has Lauren Douglin been in? Douglin has recently appeared in Prime Video's Mammals, BBC One's Marriage and crime drama Grantchester , which also features Ghosts star Charlotte Ritchie.

Billy Byers plays Young Daley (12)

Who is Daley? One of Pat's sons.

Who is Billy Byers? Byers is a screen newcomer.

Charlie Mackinnon plays Young Daley (7)

Who is Charlie Mackinnon? Mackinnon is a screen newcomer.

2021 Christmas special guest stars

Jennifer saunders plays lavinia, mother to lady button.

Who is Lavinia? Lavinia is the overbearing mother of Lady Button who is determined to see her daughter married and settled down in the near future.

What else has Jennifer Saunders been in? Saunders rose to fame as part of the Comic Strip troupe on Channel 4, later forming a double act with Dawn French.

The duo specialised sketch comedy for a number of years and later shared the screen again in BBC sitcom Jam & Jerusalem. Saunders is also known for creating the legendary sitcom Absolutely Fabulous, where she co-starred opposite Joanna Lumley.

More like this

Christopher villiers plays simeon, father to lady button.

Who is Simeon? Simeon is a businessman and father to Lady Button.

What else has Christopher Villiers been in? Villiers played the role of Grayson Sinclair in ITV soap opera Emmerdale, but was written out of the show in 2008. Since then, he has appeared in The ABC Murders, The Royals and Indian Summers, among several other television programmes.

Justin Edwards plays Nicholas

Who is Nicholas? Nicholas is a homeless man who Mike and Alison find camped out on their lawn. Kitty quickly becomes convinced that he is Father Christmas.

What else has Justin Edwards been in? Edwards has worked with Armando Iannucci on both The Thick of It and US spin-off Veep, with other small screen projects including Father Brown and Murder in Successville.

2020 Christmas special guest stars

Leon herbert plays mike's dad, errol.

Who is Errol? Errol is Mike's father, who comes to stay at Button House with the rest of his family for Christmas. He's a kind and caring man, but his eagerness to help in all the preparations rather than simply relax proves frustrating for his son.

What else has Leon Herbert been in? Herbert's previous roles include Eutroclus in fantasy drama Outlander and Dr Kahari on BBC One's Silent Witness . He also appeared in sci-fi blockbuster Alien 3 and made his directorial debut with 2003's Emotional Backgammon.

Lorna Gayle plays Mike's mum, Betty

Who is Betty? Betty is Mike's loving mother who also comes to stay for the festivities. Much like her husband, she finds it difficult to sit down and relax, preferring to find things to help out with.

What else has Lorna Gayle been in? Gayle's recent projects include Steve McQueen's Small Axe film Red, White and Blue, as well as hard-hitting drama Anthony .

Timmika Ramsay plays Leila

Who is Leila? Leila is one of Mike's sisters who delights in winding him up.

What else has Timmika Ramsay been in? Timmika played Sabelle on Channel 4 drama series Adult Material . She also appeared in an episode of BBC iPlayer's Enterprice, which also featured Ghosts star Kiell Smith-Bynoe.

Samantha Pearl plays Angela

Who is Angela? Angela is Mike's other sister who comes to stay for Christmas. Her partner is a paramedic working the busy Christmas shift, meaning it's down to her to look after their newborn baby.

What else has Samantha Pearl been in? Pearl's previous acting credits include Tom Hardy crime thriller Legend and BBC Three comedy Lee Nelson's Well Funny People.

Ghosts returns to BBC One at 7:25pm on Christmas Day. Catch up on iPlayer. Check out more of our Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on.

The Christmas double issue of Radio Times magazine is on sale now – subscribe now . For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times View From My Sofa podcast .

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50 Of The Best Ghost Movies

My favourite ghost-themed horror movies! Every film on this list I'd rate at least a 7/10. I guess the list is in a vague order, but don't pay too much attention to it. There's quite a few highly regarded asian films I've not seen, so if they're not on this list that's probably why. Quite a few ghost films (especially English-speaking ones) didn't make my cut of the 50 best, so here are some other recommendations of good (but not great) ghost films: Pulse (2001), Wind Chill, The Uninvited (2009), The Bunker, Grave Encounters 2, A Tale Of Two Sisters, They Wait, Ghost Ship, The Haunted (1991), White Noise, Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones, House On Haunted Hill (1959), Death Ship, Half Light, Mama, Haunted (1995), What Lies Beneath, The Woman In Black (1989), The Innkeepers, Crimson Peak, Below (2001), The Awakening and The Entity.

• Movies or TV
• IMDb Rating
• In Theaters
• Release Year

1. The Shining (1980)

R | 146 min | Drama, Horror

A family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter where a sinister presence influences the father into violence, while his psychic son sees horrific forebodings from both past and future.

Director: Stanley Kubrick | Stars: Jack Nicholson , Shelley Duvall , Danny Lloyd , Scatman Crothers

Votes: 1,075,758 | Gross: $44.02M

Arguably the best ghost movie - if not the best horror movie - of all time.

2. The Changeling (1980)

R | 107 min | Horror, Mystery

After the death of his wife and daughter in a car crash, a music professor staying at a long-vacant Seattle mansion is dragged into a decades-old mystery by an inexplicable presence in the mansion's attic.

Director: Peter Medak | Stars: George C. Scott , Trish Van Devere , Melvyn Douglas , Jean Marsh

Votes: 38,517

Genuinely unsettling. A must see classic.

3. The Others (2001)

PG-13 | 104 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller

In 1945, immediately following the end of Second World War, a woman who lives with her two photosensitive children on her darkened old family estate in the Channel Islands becomes convinced that the home is haunted.

Director: Alejandro Amenábar | Stars: Nicole Kidman , Christopher Eccleston , Fionnula Flanagan , Alakina Mann

Votes: 384,018 | Gross: $96.52M

A modern classic, one that earns its place among the all time great ghost movies. A creepy old mansion, set in 1920's England, an intriguing mystery and a creepy kid - it ticks all the boxes! The twist is a highlight, so loses a little punch on a second viewing, but that's common with most ghost movies.

4. Ringu (1998)

Not Rated | 96 min | Horror, Mystery

A reporter and her ex-husband investigate a cursed video tape that is rumored to kill the viewer seven days after watching it.

Director: Hideo Nakata | Stars: Nanako Matsushima , Miki Nakatani , Yûko Takeuchi , Hitomi Satô

Votes: 75,224

Some say the American remake is actually a little better, and it is good, but it's a tiny bit too glossy for my taste, the original just has that grittier *edge* If you're not keen on subtitles then absolutely go for the American remake!

5. The Haunting (1963)

G | 112 min | Horror

Hill House has stood for about 90 years and appears haunted: its inhabitants have always met strange, tragic ends. Now Dr. John Markway has assembled a team of people who he thinks will prove whether or not the house is haunted.

Director: Robert Wise | Stars: Julie Harris , Claire Bloom , Richard Johnson , Russ Tamblyn

Votes: 41,538 | Gross: $2.62M

Has set the standard for all haunted house movies since it's release. It's creepy now, so this must have been terrifying back in 1963!

6. It Follows (2014)

R | 100 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller

A young woman is followed by an unknown supernatural force after a sexual encounter.

Director: David Robert Mitchell | Stars: Maika Monroe , Keir Gilchrist , Olivia Luccardi , Lili Sepe

Votes: 259,816 | Gross: $14.67M

Such a simple concept, but utterly terrifying. You have to see this movie. Not a traditional ghost movie by any means, but I still consider it part of that sub genre. You can run away, but it will never stop following...

7. The Devil's Backbone (2001)

R | 106 min | Drama, Horror, Thriller

After Carlos - a 12-year-old whose father has died in the Spanish Civil War - arrives at an ominous boys' orphanage, he discovers the school is haunted and has many dark secrets which he must uncover.

Director: Guillermo del Toro | Stars: Marisa Paredes , Eduardo Noriega , Federico Luppi , Fernando Tielve

Votes: 69,747 | Gross: $0.75M

Made when Guillermo del Toro was at his peak, and a film that earned him his stripes on the international scene, way before Pan's Labyrinth. A great story that doesn't lose anything by his later overuse of CGI. A classic.

8. Lake Mungo (2008)

R | 87 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery

Strange things start happening after a girl is found drowned in a lake.

Director: Joel Anderson | Stars: Rosie Traynor , David Pledger , Martin Sharpe , Talia Zucker

Votes: 27,060

Combining a realistic documentary-style format with found footage elements interspersed throughout, this film is a slow burning mystery with a terrifying payoff. Good luck sleeping after seeing this! A masterclass in the found footage genre.

9. The Fog (1980)

R | 89 min | Horror, Thriller

An unearthly fog rolls into a small coastal town exactly 100 years after a ship mysteriously sank in its waters.

Director: John Carpenter | Stars: Adrienne Barbeau , Jamie Lee Curtis , Janet Leigh , John Houseman

Votes: 80,623 | Gross: $21.38M

It's got that slightly garish and cheesy 80's thing going on in places, but if you can set that aside this is an absolute classic. A definite top 10 ghost movie for me.

10. R-Point (2004)

R | 107 min | Action, Horror, War

During the Vietnam War, a South Korean base receives a radio transmission from a missing squad, presumed dead, and sends a platoon to rescue the lost squad from the R-Point.

Director: Su-chang Kong | Stars: Woo-seong Kam , Byung-ho Son , Lee Sun-kyun , Park Won-sang

Votes: 5,751

The scariest and most engaging Korean horror movie I've seen yet. Horror films centred around war naturally have an unsettling edge, and this film uses it brilliantly.

11. The Woman in Black (2012)

PG-13 | 95 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror

A young solicitor travels to a remote village where he discovers that the vengeful ghost of a scorned woman is terrorizing the locals.

Director: James Watkins | Stars: Daniel Radcliffe , Janet McTeer , Ciarán Hinds , Emma Shorey

Votes: 190,117 | Gross: $54.33M

Some prefer the 1989 version, and while I'm usually not a fan of remakes, for me this version is the superior film. A moody creep-fest with an atmosphere so think you can cut it with a knife. If you can get past Harry Potter in a serious role you'll be in for a treat.

12. The Conjuring 2 (2016)

R | 134 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Ed and Lorraine Warren travel to North London to help a single mother raising four children alone in a house plagued by a supernatural spirit.

Director: James Wan | Stars: Vera Farmiga , Patrick Wilson , Madison Wolfe , Frances O'Connor

Votes: 291,560 | Gross: $102.47M

I found The Conjuring 2 slightly scarier than the first, but both are very good - you can't go wrong with either! This sequel is about the famous Enfield Haunting in the UK during the 70's.

13. The Eye (2002)

R | 99 min | Fantasy, Horror, Mystery

A blind girl gets a cornea transplant so that she will be able to see again. She gets more than she bargained for upon realizing she can also see ghosts.

Directors: Danny Pang , Oxide Chun Pang | Stars: Angelica Lee , Chutcha Rujinanon , Lawrence Chou , Jinda Duangtoy

Votes: 29,828 | Gross: $0.51M

From when asian horror was at its peak, this is one of the highlights of that era, only topped by Ringu in my opinion. A woman undergoes an operation to restore her sight, but as her sight slowly returns she see things that no one else can... Very, very creepy. Skip the American remake, it's not very good.

14. The Sixth Sense (1999)

PG-13 | 107 min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Malcolm Crowe, a child psychologist, starts treating a young boy, Cole, who encounters dead people and convinces him to help them. In turn, Cole helps Malcolm reconcile with his estranged wife.

Director: M. Night Shyamalan | Stars: Bruce Willis , Haley Joel Osment , Toni Collette , Olivia Williams

Votes: 1,027,966 | Gross: $293.51M

We all know about this one. Minus the plot twist, there are some great creepy moments that make it worth watching, even if you know how it all ends.

15. Session 9 (2001)

R | 97 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery

Tensions rise within an asbestos cleaning crew as they work in an abandoned mental hospital with a horrific past that seems to be coming back.

Director: Brad Anderson | Stars: David Caruso , Stephen Gevedon , Paul Guilfoyle , Josh Lucas

Votes: 61,794 | Gross: $0.38M

An overlooked gem that has been gaining more of a cult following in recent years, and deservedly so. That guy from CSI takes on a restoration job at an old mental hospital, naturally things get pretty creepy.

16. Ju-on: The Grudge (2002)

R | 92 min | Horror

A mysterious and vengeful spirit marks and pursues anybody who dares enter the house in which it resides.

Director: Takashi Shimizu | Stars: Megumi Okina , Misaki Itô , Misa Uehara , Yui Ichikawa

Votes: 47,129 | Gross: $0.33M

More commonly known as The Grudge. Again, I'd say this is slightly better than the American remake, only due to the grittiness the lower budget lends to the feel of the film. The remake is more than acceptable if you don't like subtitles.

17. Candyman (1992)

R | 99 min | Horror, Thriller

The Candyman, a murderous soul with a hook for a hand, is accidentally summoned to reality by a skeptic grad student researching the monster's myth.

Director: Bernard Rose | Stars: Virginia Madsen , Xander Berkeley , Tony Todd , Kasi Lemmons

Votes: 97,786 | Gross: $25.79M

Commonly mislabelled as a slasher flick, this shockingly well made film is actually a very clever urban ghost story ...just a very gory one! Some brilliant cinematography and a haunting score by Phillip Glass make this a cut above, not to mention the career defining performance from Tony Todd as the titular Candyman. Shame about the "twist" ending.

18. The Legend of Hell House (1973)

PG | 95 min | Horror

A physicist, his wife and two mediums are hired to investigate the Belasco House, where 27 guests had inexplicably died in 1927, along with most of a team of paranormal investigators that was sent in the early 1950s.

Director: John Hough | Stars: Roddy McDowall , Gayle Hunnicutt , Pamela Franklin , Clive Revill

Votes: 13,731

A really classy production from the 70's. A bunch of paranormal researchers set up camp in an old mansion, of course the sceptics soon question their convictions. It's a pretty generic plot, but it's so well made it really set the standard for this style of ghost movie - films today that use the same set-up usually can't come close to this.

19. Poltergeist (1982)

PG | 114 min | Horror, Thriller

A family's home is haunted by a host of demonic ghosts.

Director: Tobe Hooper | Stars: JoBeth Williams , Heather O'Rourke , Craig T. Nelson , Beatrice Straight

Votes: 174,775 | Gross: $76.61M

All time classic, and surprisingly spooky for a family friendly film! The sequels aren't up to much, nor the remake.

20. Under the Shadow (2016)

PG-13 | 84 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror

As a mother and daughter struggle to cope with the terrors of the post-revolution, war-torn Tehran of the 1980s, a mysterious evil begins to haunt their home.

Director: Babak Anvari | Stars: Narges Rashidi , Avin Manshadi , Bobby Naderi , Arash Marandi

Votes: 29,457 | Gross: $0.03M

A great slow-burner from Iran. If you don't mind a fairly slow-paced film then you'll be in for a creepy treat! Definitely one for folks looking for something in the vein of The Babadook. I didn't think that much of the dubbing job, so would recommend the original version with subtitles if you can find it.

21. Grave Encounters (2011)

Not Rated | 92 min | Horror, Mystery

For their ghost hunting reality show, a production crew locks themselves inside an abandoned mental hospital that's supposedly haunted - and it might prove to be all too true.

Directors: Colin Minihan , Stuart Ortiz , The Vicious Brothers | Stars: Benjamin Wilkinson , Sean Rogerson , Ashleigh Gryzko , Merwin Mondesir

Votes: 62,310

What starts out as a typical found-footage horror film soon does a bait and switch and turns in to a terrifying roller coaster with nightmarish, surreal qualities. It successfully parodies, then wipes the floor with the majority of found footage horror films.

22. Silent Hill (2006)

R | 125 min | Horror, Mystery

A woman, Rose, goes in search for her adopted daughter within the confines of a strange, desolate town called Silent Hill.

Director: Christophe Gans | Stars: Radha Mitchell , Laurie Holden , Sean Bean , Deborah Kara Unger

Votes: 239,532 | Gross: $46.98M

This film gets a bit of a hard time due to its video game origins and OTT third act, but I think people are too hard on it. If you want to see some really, really creepy ghosts & creatures this is a must see. Great atmosphere.

23. Deathwatch (2002)

R | 94 min | Drama, Horror, War

In the middle of World War I, nine British soldiers caught behind enemy lines seek refuge in a complex network of German trenches. What they soon discover is that they aren't alone - and it isn't a German soldier that's hunting them down.

Director: M.J. Bassett | Stars: Jamie Bell , Rúaidhrí Conroy , Mike Downey , Laurence Fox

Votes: 13,079

The best horror film set in either World War. Captures the horrific nature of trench warfare during WWI and throws the supernatural in to the mix. Claustrophobic and unsettling, a must see.

24. The Innocents (1961)

Not Rated | 100 min | Horror

A young governess for two children becomes convinced that the house and grounds are haunted.

Director: Jack Clayton | Stars: Deborah Kerr , Peter Wyngarde , Megs Jenkins , Michael Redgrave

Votes: 32,324 | Gross: $2.62M

25. The Orphanage (2007)

R | 105 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery

A woman brings her family back to her childhood home, which used to be an orphanage for handicapped children. Before long, her son starts to communicate with an invisible new friend.

Director: J.A. Bayona | Stars: Belén Rueda , Fernando Cayo , Roger Príncep , Mabel Rivera

Votes: 161,245 | Gross: $7.16M

A great spooky ghost mystery. A young boy moves in to a new house that used to be an orphanage and acquires an "imaginary" friend. Very good.

26. The Conjuring (2013)

R | 112 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren work to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse.

Director: James Wan | Stars: Patrick Wilson , Vera Farmiga , Ron Livingston , Lili Taylor

Votes: 540,018 | Gross: $137.40M

Released during a glut of substandard supernatural / exorcism-themed horror movies, this one really stood out as an example of how to do a modern ghost movie. Followed up by a spin-off called Annabelle which really isn't up to the same standard.

27. The Blair Witch Project (1999)

R | 81 min | Horror, Mystery

Three film students vanish after traveling into a Maryland forest to film a documentary on the local Blair Witch legend, leaving only their footage behind.

Directors: Daniel Myrick , Eduardo Sánchez | Stars: Heather Donahue , Michael C. Williams , Joshua Leonard , Bob Griffin

Votes: 277,422 | Gross: $140.54M

Does this count as a ghost film? The film never clarifies exactly what the Blair Witch is, obviously a witch is strongly implied, but a ghost is also hinted at - maybe a ghost witch? It's some kind of supernatural being in either case, just watch the film and judge for yourself, you'll either be bored or terrified!

28. Dark Water (2002)

PG-13 | 101 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery

A mother and her 6-year-old daughter move into a creepy apartment whose every surface is permeated by water.

Director: Hideo Nakata | Stars: Hitomi Kuroki , Rio Kanno , Mirei Oguchi , Asami Mizukawa

Votes: 34,248

Another quality asian horror film from the boom that started with Ringu. The creepy setting and unfolding mystery helps Dark Water hold it's own against Ringu, The Eye and The Grudge. The remake is a bit flat, but not terrible. I'd recommend putting up with the subtitles on this one tho.

29. Stir of Echoes (1999)

R | 99 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller

After being hypnotized by his sister-in-law, a man begins seeing haunting visions of a girl's ghost and a mystery begins to unfold around him.

Director: David Koepp | Stars: Kevin Bacon , Zachary David Cope , Kathryn Erbe , Illeana Douglas

Votes: 85,533 | Gross: $21.13M

A solid ghost mystery with the legendary Kevin Bacon. After being hypnotised at a party, Mr. Bacon starts to see things... is he going mad, or is he being guided by supernatural forces? Some great creepy moments. Well worth a watch!

30. House on Haunted Hill (1999)

R | 93 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller

An amusement park mogul offers a group of diverse people $1,000,000 to spend the night in a haunted house with a horrifying past.

Director: William Malone | Stars: Geoffrey Rush , Famke Janssen , Taye Diggs , Peter Gallagher

Votes: 59,307 | Gross: $40.85M

Despite the cheesy, generic characters, cringy dialogue and very limp ending, when it comes the scares and pure entertainment this really delivers! Plays out like a carnival ghost train in movie form. If you can handle the cheese this is creepy as hell and very entertaining!

31. The Uninvited (1944)

Passed | 99 min | Fantasy, Horror, Mystery

A composer and his sister discover that the reason they are able to purchase a beautiful gothic seacoast mansion very cheaply is the house's unsavory past.

Director: Lewis Allen | Stars: Ray Milland , Ruth Hussey , Donald Crisp , Cornelia Otis Skinner

Votes: 12,095

It may be a bit tame by todays standards, but this classic still gives us a good mystery with a few creepy moments. See it to know your roots, as it were!

32. Oculus (2013)

R | 104 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller

A woman tries to exonerate her brother, who was convicted of murder, by proving that the crime was committed by a supernatural phenomenon.

Director: Mike Flanagan | Stars: Karen Gillan , Brenton Thwaites , Katee Sackhoff , Rory Cochrane

Votes: 136,552 | Gross: $27.70M

A good bit of psychological horror mixed in with some nicely underplayed ghost encounters. Definitely has a Amityville Horror feel about it, but with far more subtext to get your teeth into. Kept me thinking / guessing well after the credits rolled.

33. Sleepy Hollow (1999)

R | 105 min | Fantasy, Horror, Mystery

Ichabod Crane is sent to Sleepy Hollow to investigate the decapitations of three people; the culprit is legendary apparition The Headless Horseman.

Director: Tim Burton | Stars: Johnny Depp , Christina Ricci , Miranda Richardson , Michael Gambon

Votes: 376,078 | Gross: $101.07M

A very well-made, big budget telling of the Sleepy Hollow story. A good story, great performances all around and some stunning visuals thanks to Tim Burton's unique style. It's PG-13, so don't go expecting any huge scares though.

34. Don't Look Now (1973)

R | 110 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery

A married couple grieving the recent death of their young daughter are in Venice when they encounter two elderly sisters, one of whom is psychic and brings a warning from beyond.

Director: Nicolas Roeg | Stars: Julie Christie , Donald Sutherland , Hilary Mason , Clelia Matania

Votes: 60,430 | Gross: $0.98M

After a couples young daughter tragically drowns in a pond, they go on vacation to Venice to help get over their grief and repair their marriage. Not long after arriving, the girls father keeps seeing what looks to be a child who's wearing the exact same red coat, hat and boots that his daughter wore when she died. Is it the ghost of his daughter? A haunting, unsettling film that explores grief. You will not see the ending coming...

35. The Skeleton Key (2005)

PG-13 | 104 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery

A hospice nurse working at a spooky New Orleans plantation home finds herself entangled in a mystery involving the house's dark past.

Director: Iain Softley | Stars: Kate Hudson , Peter Sarsgaard , Joy Bryant , Gena Rowlands

Votes: 120,694 | Gross: $47.81M

Seems to split opinion in some quarters, but I've always thought rather highly of this film. A very solid spooky mystery set in New Orleans, a must see for fans of the genre.

36. Drag Me to Hell (2009)

PG-13 | 99 min | Horror

A loan officer who evicts an old woman from her home finds herself the recipient of a supernatural curse. Desperate, she turns to a seer to try and save her soul, while evil forces work to push her to a breaking point.

Director: Sam Raimi | Stars: Alison Lohman , Justin Long , Ruth Livier , Lorna Raver

Votes: 213,399 | Gross: $42.10M

While this isn't strictly a ghost film, there are so many horror tropes thrown in the mix that it it hits the ghost quota well enough to get a place on this list. A young woman receives a gypsy curse and is subjected to unrelenting barrage of creepy and horrific things - a real roller coaster of a film! May be a little bit full-on / OTT for some.

37. Lady in White (1988)

PG-13 | 113 min | Fantasy, Horror, Mystery

An author tells the story of how, as a young boy growing up in a 1960s small town, he was haunted after witnessing the murder of a little girl.

Director: Frank LaLoggia | Stars: Lukas Haas , Len Cariou , Alex Rocco , Katherine Helmond

Votes: 7,841 | Gross: $1.71M

A slightly fluffy ghost movie, not quite as raw or spooky as I usually like. It's held in high esteem though, and I did enjoy it, so happily recommend it here.

38. The Sentinel (1977)

A young woman moves into an apartment in a building which houses a sinister evil.

Director: Michael Winner | Stars: Cristina Raines , Ava Gardner , Chris Sarandon , Martin Balsam

Votes: 11,427

Solid horror-mystery with an unsettling and slightly odd atmosphere, as well as some really creepy scenes. It's a little rough around the edges and it's very 70's, plus it's more about demonic entities than traditional ghosts, but I think it still deserves to be on this list. Great ending.

39. The Ward (2010)

R | 89 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller

An institutionalized young woman becomes terrorized by a ghost.

Director: John Carpenter | Stars: Amber Heard , Mamie Gummer , Danielle Panabaker , Laura-Leigh

Votes: 44,114

A slightly underrated horror film from John Carpenter. Not his best movie, but far from bad. Recommended.

40. Hide and Seek (2005)

R | 101 min | Horror, Mystery

As a widower tries to piece together his life in the wake of his wife's suicide, his daughter finds solace, at first, in her imaginary friend.

Director: John Polson | Stars: Robert De Niro , Dakota Fanning , Famke Janssen , Elisabeth Shue

Votes: 87,836 | Gross: $51.10M

Enjoyable mystery flick with a slightly undercooked psychological/drama element. Solid performances from Bobby DeNiro and Dakota Fanning, as well as a nice twist ending make this worth a look.

41. Jessabelle (2014)

PG-13 | 90 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery

Returning to her childhood home in Louisiana to recuperate from a horrific car accident, Jessabelle comes face to face with a long-tormented spirit that has been seeking her return -- and has no intention of letting her escape.

Director: Kevin Greutert | Stars: Sarah Snook , Mark Webber , Joelle Carter , David Andrews

Votes: 25,361

Good performances, high production values and an engaging mystery with some pretty creepy moments - you can't really go wrong with this!

42. The Guard Post (2008)

121 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller

A group of GP506 soldiers have been brutally massacred, leaving only one alive but comatose. A military police investigator has only that night to uncover the facts, but ends up discovering a terrifying truth.

Director: Su-chang Kong | Stars: Ho-jin Chun , Hyun-jae Cho , Young-hoon Lee , Kim Byeong-cheol

Votes: 1,857

Another classic from South Korea. A military guard post on the South / North Korean border has been abandoned for an unknown reason. Cue an ongoing mystery and lots of creepy goings on!

43. Housebound (2014)

Not Rated | 107 min | Comedy, Horror, Mystery

A young woman is forced to return to her childhood home after being placed under house arrest, where she suspects that something evil may be lurking.

Director: Gerard Johnstone | Stars: Morgana O'Reilly , Rima Te Wiata , Glen-Paul Waru , Ross Harper

Votes: 36,967

A film with genuinely scary moments and a good sense of humour, also. A young woman is under house arrest, and when spooky things start happening she literally cannot get away - a great set up for some good thrills! There's a big twist ending, but you'll have to see it to find out what it is, I'm keeping shtum!

44. Paranormal Activity (2007)

R | 86 min | Horror, Mystery

After moving into a suburban home, a couple becomes increasingly disturbed by a nightly demonic presence.

Director: Oren Peli | Stars: Katie Featherston , Micah Sloat , Mark Fredrichs , Amber Armstrong

Votes: 251,403 | Gross: $107.92M

I'd say this is a bit overrated, but it was hugely influential and is a damn sight better than the sequels. If you don't mind a slow found footage ghost film where you don't see any ghosts, you may get something out of this - it does have a couple of pretty creepy moments.

45. Insidious (I) (2010)

PG-13 | 103 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller

A family looks to prevent evil spirits from trapping their comatose child in a realm called The Further.

Director: James Wan | Stars: Patrick Wilson , Rose Byrne , Ty Simpkins , Lin Shaye

Votes: 331,227 | Gross: $54.01M

Despite an overabundance of jump scares, some oddly out of place comic characters and a monster that looks like Darth Maul, this film is, surprisingly, still worth watching. Some really good moments and a fast pace help keep you engaged.

46. 1408 (2007)

PG-13 | 104 min | Fantasy, Horror, Mystery

A man who specialises in debunking paranormal occurrences checks into the fabled room 1408 in the Dolphin Hotel. Soon after settling in, he confronts genuine terror.

Director: Mikael Håfström | Stars: John Cusack , Samuel L. Jackson , Mary McCormack , Tony Shalhoub

Votes: 287,237 | Gross: $71.99M

Flawed, but very imaginative and original. If you don't go in expecting a classic you'll probably have a good time with this.

47. The Canal (2014)

Not Rated | 92 min | Drama, Horror, Mystery

A film archivist finds his sanity crumbling after he is given an old 16mm film reel with footage from a horrific murder that occurred in the early 1900's.

Director: Ivan Kavanagh | Stars: Rupert Evans , Antonia Campbell-Hughes , Hannah Hoekstra , Kelly Byrne

Votes: 14,693

Pretty slow moving, but well worth a watch if you like a good mystery.

48. Burnt Offerings (1976)

PG | 116 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller

A family moves into a large old mansion in the countryside which seems to have a mysterious and sinister power over its new residents.

Director: Dan Curtis | Stars: Karen Black , Oliver Reed , Burgess Meredith , Eileen Heckart

Votes: 13,161

I wasn't as keen on this as most ghost-film aficionados, but I still liked it and would gladly recommend it. Good story and a great cast. Similar to The Shining.

49. The Amityville Horror (1979)

R | 117 min | Horror

Newlyweds and their three children move into a large house where a mass murder was committed. They start to experience strange, inexplicable manifestations which have strong effects on everyone living in or visiting the house.

Director: Stuart Rosenberg | Stars: James Brolin , Margot Kidder , Rod Steiger , Don Stroud

Votes: 43,178 | Gross: $86.43M

A solid classic. While the 2005 remake is pretty decent, it doesn't do much to improve on the original, if anything the heavy 70's look helps this version feel like a far more authentic telling of the Amityville story. Essential viewing for any lover of spooky ghost movies. If you really don't like older horror films then the 2005 remake is decent enough.

50. Thir13en Ghosts (2001)

R | 91 min | Fantasy, Horror

When Cyrus Kriticos, a very rich collector of unique things, dies, he leaves his house, fortune, and his prized collection of ghosts.

Director: Steve Beck | Stars: Tony Shalhoub , Shannon Elizabeth , Embeth Davidtz , Matthew Lillard

Votes: 91,928 | Gross: $41.87M

Cheesy beyond belief, very much a junk food kinda ghost flick. Switch your brain off and appreciate the cool ghost designs. A carnival ghost train kinda film, very much in the vein of 1999's House On Haunted Hill, so if you enjoyed that then give this a go. Delicious, trashy popcorn fodder.

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15 Seriously Scary Ghost Movies (And How To Watch Them)

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Whether or not you believe in ghosts, few would deny that the mere idea of being in a haunted house is unsettling. For that reason, there are many great horror movies based on the premise of sharing a home or any isolated area with a deceased individual’s spectral remains, yet some are more frightening than others. If you are looking for a truly terrifying supernatural movie night, these scary ghost movies should do the trick.

The Shining (1980)

While trying to finish a novel, a recovering alcoholic author (Jack Nicholson), his wife (Shelley Duvall) and young son ( Danny Lloyd ) become caretakers of a desolate Colorado hotel where a sinister presence threatens to tear them apart.

Why it is a seriously scary ghost movie: While the author himself was not a fan of Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of his 1977 novel , The Shining is considered to be among the best Stephen King movies — if not the best — for its unrelentingly eerie atmosphere and aimlessly unique depiction of hauntings.

Stream The Shining on Max . Rent or buy The Shining on Amazon .

The Changeling (1980)

A recently widowed music professor (Academy Award winner George C. Scott) becomes wrapped up in a disturbing mystery about his new home — a long-vacant mansion in Seattle — with guidance from the ghost haunting it.

Why it is a seriously scary ghost movie: One of Martin Scorsese’s favorite horror movies is The Changeling , which is acclaimed as one of the best horror movies that address grief in a profound way in addition to its top-notch scares.

Stream The Changeling on Tubi . Stream The Changeling on Peacock . Stream The Changeling on Plex . Rent or buy The Changeling on Amazon .

Poltergeist (1982)

A real estate agent (Craig T. Nelson) and his wife (JoBeth Williams) tries to rescue their youngest daughter (Heather O’Rourke) from the evil spirits that have invaded their home and abducted her into their realm.

Why it is a seriously scary ghost movie: Hailing from producer Steven Spielberg and director Tobe Hooper, Poltergeist is an essential haunted house movie — not just for its indelibly frightening elements, but also for its emotionally grounded depiction of parents longing to find their missing child.

Stream Poltergeist on Max . Rent or buy Poltergeist on Amazon .

The Sixth Sense (1999)

A child psychologist (Bruce Willis) with his own dark past tries to help a young boy (Haley Joel Osment) come to terms with his disturbing gift.

Why it is a seriously scary ghost movie: Arguably M. Night Shyamalan’s best movie , the clever and frightening classic The Sixth Sense has a unique set of rules about the afterlife which, once you see the killer twist ending , you’ll never think of the same way again.

Rent or buy The Sixth Sense on Amazon .

Stir Of Echoes (1999)

After agreeing to be hypnotized by his sister-in-law at a party just for a laugh, it quickly proves to be no laughing matter for the man (Kevin Bacon) as he begins to see visions of a girl who is dead.

Why it is a seriously scary ghost movie: Because it was released not long after The Sixth Sense and bore similar themes of ESP and paranormal activity, writer and director David Koepp’s intense adaptation of Richard Matheson’s novel Stir of Echoes did not get the attention it deserved, and rarely has since then.

Stream Stir Of Echoes on Tubi . Stream Stir Of Echoes on Plex . Stream Stir Of Echoes on Freevee through Amazon .

Session 9 (2001)

Relations between the somewhat normally close-knit crew of an asbestos removal company grow sour as they race to complete a job at an abandoned mental hospital with a dark past that slowly comes to light.

Why it is a seriously scary ghost movie: From director Brad Anderson — who also co-writes with star Stephen Gevedon — and also starring CSI: Miami star David Caruso, Session 9 is yet another unfairly overlooked horror movie with some really good scares and a chilling final act.

Rent or buy Session 9 on Amazon .

1408 (2007)

A grieving father who specializes in disproving supernatural phenomena (John Cusack) puts the legend of an hotel room with a supposedly deadly curse to the test, only to find a reason to believe.

Why it is a seriously scary ghost movie: From director Mikael Håfström, 1408 is another haunted hotel story from author Stephen King that mostly plays out like a spooky one-man show, while also starring Cusack’s future Cell co-star, Samuel L. Jackson.

Rent or buy 1408 on Amazon .

The Orphanage (2007)

During a visit to the foster home where she grew up, a woman (Belén Rueda) and her husband (Fernando Cayo) accidentally lose their young son (Roger Príncep) and turn to unusual measures in hopes of finding him.

Why it is a seriously scary ghost movie: From producer Guillermo del Toro and writer and director J.A. Bayona, the Spanish-language thriller The Orphanage is already spine-tingling as a missing child story, but its ghostly elements make for an unforgettable frightening experience.

Rent or buy The Orphanage on Amazon .

Lake Mungo (2008)

A family from Australia recalls in interviews the strange events that would begin to plague their home shortly after their teenage daughter drowned to death.

Why it is a seriously scary ghost movie: From writer and director Joel Anderson, and one of the most unlikely After Dark Horror Fest entries, Lake Mungo is an overlooked supernatural drama that's so mysteriously compelling, delicately constructed, and convincingly acted, no one could fault you for assuming this faux documentary was real.

Stream Lake Mungo on Tubi . Stream Lake Mungo on Plex . Rent or buy Lake Mungo on Amazon .

Grave Encounters (2011)

The typically skeptical crew of a docuseries that explores notorious sightings of alleged hauntings find the irrefutable evidence they never thought they would after locking themselves in an empty insane asylum.

Why it is a seriously scary ghost movie: Part satire of paranormal investigation reality series like Ghost Adventures , and another part relentless nightmare fuel, Grave Encounters is another relatively underrated found footage thriller featuring some of the most unforgivably frightening supernatural entities you could imagine.

Stream Grave Encounters on Freevee through Amazon . Stream Grave Encounters on Tubi . Stream Grave Encounters on Plex .

Insidious (2011)

A teacher (Patrick Wilson), his wife (Rose Byrne) and their children begin to suffer from very strange and disturbing circumstances after their eldest son (Ty Simpkins) mysteriously falls into a coma.

Why it is a seriously scary ghost movie: Writer Leigh Whannell and director James Wan of Saw fame already turned the haunted house genre on its head with the unique concept of Insidious , but rarely had a film of this kind been so visually arresting and indelibly frightening at this time either.

Stream Insidious on Max . Rent or buy Insidious on Amazon .

The Pact (2012)

After her sister goes missing not long after the death of their mother, a woman (Caity Lotz) begins to suspect that the secret behind her disappearance is tied to the unexplainable events she begins to experience in her childhood home.

Why it is a seriously scary ghost movie: If you have never seen or heard of writer and director Nicholas McCarthy’s The Pact , I highly recommend it to people who enjoy engrossing mystery stories that do not hold back on high-stakes frights.

Stream The Pact on Tubi . Rent or buy The Pact on Amazon .

The Woman In Black (2012)

A widowed legal practitioner (Daniel Radcliffe) is shocked to learn that an abandoned manor in a small London village is haunted by a vengeful spirit who struck fear in the locals.

Why it is a seriously scary ghost movie: Based on the novel by Susan Hill, The Woman in Black is one of Daniel Radcliffe’s best movies outside of the Harry Potter franchise in the way it harkens back to a forgotten era of gothic tales of the unexplainable, but with haunting imagery for audiences of any generation to get spooked by

Stream The Woman In Black on Paramount+ . Rent or buy The Woman In Black on Amazon .

The Conjuring (2013)

A family calls upon the help of famed paranormal investigators Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) to help rid their new Rhode Island home of the evil presence inhabiting it.

Why it is a seriously scary ghost movie: While the more memorable antagonists in any of the Conjuring Universe movies are of the demonic sort, director James Wan’s original that started it all has its fair share of great and grandly creepy ghostly moments.

Stream The Conjuring on Max . Rent or buy The Conjuring on Amazon .

Ouija: Origin Of Evil (2016)

A mother of two (Annalise Basso and Lulu Wilson) who makes a living as a fake medium (Elizabeth Reaser) adds a new element to her performance that turns out to be much more real than she could have envisioned.

Why it is a seriously scary ghost movie: Some of the earliest proof of writer and director Mike Flanagan’s expertise in horror storytelling was the surprisingly taut and viscerally unsettling Ouija: Origin of Evil — a prequel to an almost universally reviled generic teen thriller from 2014.

Stream Ouija: Origin Of Evil on Netflix . Rent or buy Ouija: Origin Of Evil on Amazon .

If these ghost movies do not manage to scare you, we hope they at least warm your spirit as a horror fan.

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Pokémon Go Adds Houndstone and Greavard for Halloween 2023

Pokémon Go introduces two spooky new additions to the game's Pokedex -- the Ghost Dog Pokemon Greavard and its evolved form, Houndstone.

Pokémon Go players can add Greavard and Houndstone to their Pokedex this Halloween.

According to Pokemon's official website , these two Pokémon became available to catch in Pokémon Go on Oct. 19 and will be available through Oct. 26. Introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet , the "Ghost Dog" Pokémon Greavard and Houndstone are among the more popular additions to Gen 9's roster, serving as spooky canine counterparts to Fidough and Dachsbun. As part of its Halloween celebration, Pokemon Go is also hosting raids for various ghost and dark-type Pokémon while surrounding players with a festive Halloween aesthetic at PokeStops and Gyms. Trainers eager to flesh out their roster with powerful monsters can also participate in five-star raids for the legendary Pokémon Darkrai and the Ultra Beast Guzzlord.

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According to its Pokédex entry, Greavard is believed to be the spirit of a dog Pokémon that died in the wild. Although it supposedly never interacted with humans during its lifetime, it has a naturally loyal personality, devoting itself to anyone who pays it even a small amount of attention. This personality carries over to its evolved form, Houndstone , which is easily recognizable due to the large tombstone-shaped protuberance sticking out of its head. Houndstone also has a special signature move called Last Respects, which deals an additional amount of damage for every ally Pokémon that has fainted within the same battle.

Throughout the month of October, players will come across certain Pokémon in droves, such as Gastly, Haunter, Poochyena, Shuppet, Drifloon, Zubat, Litwick, Phantump, Sandyghast and Alolan Meowth. Pokémon Go will reward trainers with extra candies for successful catches with nice throws, great throws and excellent throws. Players who complete special event-themed research tasks will similarly be rewarded with Pokeballs, as well as encounters with ghost-types like Misdreavus and Phantump.

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Timed Research tasks, which began on Oct. 19 and will continue through Oct. 31, will earn players encounters with other ghost-types like Spiritomb. In addition to Darkrai and Guzzlord, players also have the chance to encounter Mega-Gengar and Mega-Banette in raid battles. Although Mega-Gengar's raid window has already closed, Mega-Banette is currently available and will remain so until Nov. 3. Pokémon players interested in further developments with Gen 9 can also look forward to the release of The Indigo Disk , the second half of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's main DLC, The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero . The current release window for this DLC is Winter 2023.

Pokémon Go is available now for iPhone and Android devices.

Source: Pokemon's official website