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Hell House

Play trailer Poster for Hell House Released Oct 4, 2002 1h 25m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
94% Tomatometer 34 Reviews 66% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
Filmmaker George Ratliff explores the bizarre phenomenon of Halloween "hell houses": evangelical fright fests that use grisly skits to demonstrate the consequences of homosexuality, abortion, drug use and other condemned behaviors. This documentary chronicles a full performance season at the original hell house in Dallas -- which boasts an annual audience of more than 10,000 people -- and investigates whether its organizers go too far in their attempt to save souls.

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Critics Consensus

A fascinating, even-handed account of Hell Houses.

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Critics Reviews

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Keith Uhlich ToxicUniverse.com Perhaps it is as Albert Einstein said, 'Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish.' Rated: 4/5 May 25, 2003 Full Review V.A. Musetto New York Post Frightening, well-done documentary. Rated: 3/4 Nov 15, 2002 Full Review Dave Kehr New York Times As a director, Mr. Ratliff wisely rejects the temptation to make fun of his subjects. Rated: 3/5 Nov 14, 2002 Full Review Steve Biodrowski ESplatter Even if you do not agree with the message that the Hell House haunt is purveying, you will find the Hell House documentary fascinating. Jul 22, 2008 Full Review Jason Gorber Film Scouts The tour of the house itself is a surreal mix of cheap gore and religious zeal. It's a penetrating look into life in rural Texas, and a thoroughly enjoyable, disturbing, and darkly-funny film to watch. Rated: A- Jun 21, 2007 Full Review Jake Euker F5 (Wichita, KS) Rated: 4/5 Feb 18, 2007 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member Accurately portrays the sheer lunacy of some fundamentalist christians Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/20/23 Full Review Audience Member it's very interesting to watch all these fundamentalist churchgoers playing god while reinforcing their roots of bigotry,hate,judgmentalism and homophobia at the same time...I guess,in the end,THEY ARE THE FREAKS. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/29/23 Full Review Audience Member ajale! aplicando las técnicas de conversión de los Sacerdotes Católicos que llegaron a América a mediados del siglo pasado¡? bueno, si funciono esa vez, porque no ahora? Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/16/23 Full Review Audience Member incredibly sad and more frightening than any halloween horror movie Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/08/23 Full Review Audience Member An open window to a church community's salvation-themed haunted house. The direction seems neutral in message and allows the audience to make its own determinations. Quite tame. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/05/23 Full Review Audience Member A documentary that looks at the "Hell House" performed annually in October by the youth members of Trinity Church (Assemblies of God) in Cedar Hill, Texas. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 02/05/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Hell House

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Cast & Crew

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George Ratliff

Director

Selina Lewis Davidson

Producer

Zachary Mortensen

Producer

George Ratliff

Producer

Paige West

Executive Producer

Jawad Metni

Cinematographer

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Hell House

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Movie Info

Synopsis Filmmaker George Ratliff explores the bizarre phenomenon of Halloween "hell houses": evangelical fright fests that use grisly skits to demonstrate the consequences of homosexuality, abortion, drug use and other condemned behaviors. This documentary chronicles a full performance season at the original hell house in Dallas -- which boasts an annual audience of more than 10,000 people -- and investigates whether its organizers go too far in their attempt to save souls.
Director
George Ratliff
Producer
Selina Lewis Davidson, Zachary Mortensen, George Ratliff
Production Co
GreenHouse Pictures, Mixed Greens Media, Cantina Pictures
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 4, 2002, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 19, 2017
Runtime
1h 25m
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