The original The Amityville Horror (1979) is one of the most well-known haunted house films of its time. Based on the allegedly true events surrounding the Lutz family, the film taps into the classic haunted house formula and delivers an eerie, slow-burning horror experience. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it succeeds in building a creeping sense of dread. James Brolin and Margot Kidder give solid performances as the couple trying to survive the supernatural horrors of their new home, and the film’s atmosphere is its strongest element. The tension builds gradually, and even though some of the effects feel dated today, there’s still something unnerving about its execution. It’s not the scariest film out there, but it works well as a chilling ghost story that lingers.
The 2005 remake, starring Ryan Reynolds and Melissa George, updates the story with a more modern horror approach—quicker pacing, more jump scares, and a heavier focus on psychological horror. While Reynolds is known for his comedic roles, he does a surprisingly good job portraying a man slowly unraveling under the influence of the house. The film leans more into visual horror, with disturbing imagery and a darker tone, but in doing so, it loses some of the eerie, subtle tension that made the original effective. Instead of a slow descent into madness, this version feels more like a rapid breakdown, making it less atmospheric and more reliant on shock value.
While the remake is a decent retelling, it doesn’t quite capture the same unsettling feeling as the original. It’s well-made and has its moments, but it feels more like a polished Hollywood horror film rather than a truly haunting experience. The original, despite its flaws, still holds up as the stronger film with its lingering sense of unease and classic haunted house horror.
Winner: The Amityville Horror (1979)
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