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I have a confession: I’m a Flanagan-aholic. I absolutely adore his shows, as they explore unique adaptations of my favorite authors, including Shirley Jackson, Henry James, and Edgar Allan Poe. A creator who actively reads (and interprets) literature is a brilliant creator, indeed. His shows are proof of this fact, but which of Flanagan’s programs are the best of the best? I’m ranking his series from best to worst, which is hard to do, since they’re all so epic.
Scroll to see all the best Mike Flanagan shows, ranked from best to worst!
Netflix
1. The Haunting of Bly Manor
Hill House this, Hill House that — I will go on the record and say that The Haunting of Bly Manor is Mike Flanagan's greatest TV show (yet). While there are plenty of supernatural elements to this story, the real haunting factor is grief and heartbreak and every emotion in between that you're left with by the end of the series. Victoria Pedretti, Amelia Eve, T'Nia Miller — and well, the whole cast, really — shattered my heart into a million tiny pieces with this one. (And yet, I will be watching it again this fall!)
Netflix2. The Haunting of Hill House
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson is one of the best books I’ve ever read, so I was skeptical initially about Netflix’s adaptation. I was surprised to discover that Flanagan took the original book and breathed new life into it, which strayed a lot from the source material. It’s so spectacular, well-acted, directed, and thought-provoking, that I might even consider it better than the novel… is that blasphemy to admit?
Netflix
3. Midnight Mass
We need to talk about Midnight Mass, you guys. Flanagan’s masterpiece, which seems heavily inspired by Stephen King’s Salem Lot, tells the story of a small town that’s being cursed by omens. Things used to be all fine and dandy, but everything shifted into ominous territory as soon as the charming new priest arrived. Is it possible he’s playing a role in the madness? I love Midnight Mass for its unique premise, genuine horror, and ensemble cast. Frightening!
Netflix
4. The Midnight Club
Next, we have The Midnight Club, which is considered a fan-favorite amongst Mike Flanagan stans. The ominous setting of Brightcliffe Home hospice sets the tone, where a group of terminally ill youngsters gather round to tell horror stories every night. It’s heartbreaking, horrifying, and altogether fascinating. While I find the premise chilling, I prefer the execution of The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass a bit more.
Netflix
5. The Fall of the House of Usher
The Fall of the House of Usher tells the tragic tale of greed as it overrides one’s moral compass. Written by the OG scream queen himself, Edgar Allen Poe, the story explores the tragic downfall of the Usher family, who are cursed with untimely deaths and a decaying mansion. Flanagan takes this story to a whole other level by adding the fact that the Usher fam makes a deal with Verna, who provides them with all the riches in the world in exchange for their health. It’s a devastating story, yet the characters feel so sinister in The Fall of the House of Usher that it’s hard to consider this one a favorite. While it can be enjoyable watching villains on screen, they have to at least be charismatic in some way or fascinating to watch. While they are to a degree in The Fall of the House of Usher, it’s just not enough for me to be as invested as I am with the others.
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