Common Sense Media Review
By Fernanda Camargo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
So-so anime has exaggerated scares, complex plots.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Haunted House
What's the Story?
Two siblings move into an apartment building that's haunted by a spirit that grants them the ability to see ghosts and enlists their help to get rid of them. In each episode, a ghostly force controls a character or a group of characters into harming others or themselves. The siblings must find the ghost, reverse the damage, and bring their spirit "into the light." Once the ghost is released, their magical power stays behind and the siblings get to summon their powers whenever they need.
Is It Any Good?
Good ideas in this anime get lost in a disappointing, convoluted plot. The Haunted House attempts to juggle too many ideas at once and misses the mark. Mysteries are overly complicated, and the visuals and sound effects can be quite scary, which may not be suitable for young kids. The story of the gnome and the siblings collecting ghostly powers felt like an afterthought rather than the main quest. It doesn't help that each ghost's backstory is only revealed at the very end, after they've already acted out so much that it can be difficult to empathize. While the overall plot may be too complicated for younger ones to follow, kids who enjoy mysteries and zombies may find it entertaining.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about ways to stand up to bullies at school. The main character in The Haunted House has good intentions, but sometimes goes about it by yelling and intimidating others. What are some ways you can think of to help a friend who is being bullied?
Discuss the concept of revenge by getting kids to think about what the characters needed versus what they got.
Most of the ghosts tell stories of how they were wronged in the past. Talk about the validation they get when the main character uses empathy to understand their struggle and recognize their pain.
TV Details
- Premiere date : June 12, 2023
- Cast : Anna Cummer , Natasha Strickey , Megan Baldrey
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Anime
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Fantasy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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