Haunted

Haunted

Year: 1977

Runtime: 81 mins

Language: English

Directors: Michael A. DeGaetano, Alessandro De Gaetano

Horror

During the Arizona Civil War era, a woman accused of witchcraft is bound to a horse and abandoned in the desert. A century later, the descendants of those who condemned her are murdered one by one. Fear spreads as townsfolk believe her vengeful spirit has returned, unleashing an ancient evil that seeks retribution.

Haunted (1977) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Haunted (1977) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the scorched heart of Arizona, a lingering legend blossoms from the Civil‑War era: a young Native American woman, Abanaki, is falsely condemned as a witch and left to die bound to a horse in the unforgiving desert. Her unjust fate imprints a scar upon the land, and whispers of her restless spirit have survived the centuries, turning the barren horizon into a place where history feels alive and vengeful.

A century later, the remnants of those once tied to the town’s dark judgment gather to breathe new life into the abandoned settlement. Patrick, a college student, returns with his younger brother Russell to help his widowed mother, Michelle, a once‑vibrant woman now coping with sudden blindness, oversee the transformation of the ghost town into a modest movie ranch. Andrew, the steadfast brother of Michelle’s late husband, watches over the property with a blend of guardianship and unease, aware that the past may still linger in the very soil they till.

When a stranded traveler, Jennifer, a curious British visitor, finds herself stranded at the ranch, her arrival stirs the already tense atmosphere. Her presence forces the family to confront the stories that have been passed down—tales of curses, restless spirits, and a lingering sense that the desert itself watches and remembers. The town’s descendants feel the weight of an unseen audience, as superstition and reality blur at the edge of the campfire glow.

The film moves through sun‑baked mesas and shadowed canyons, painting a world where the line between folklore and fact is as thin as the desert wind. Moodily shot with a muted palette, the story invites viewers to feel the oppressive heat, the echo of ancient drums, and the quiet dread that something long buried may yet ride the night. As the characters navigate familial bonds and inherited dread, they stand on the brink of a mystery that promises to test their faith in the past and in each other.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 18:06

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Generational curses and ancestral hauntings like in Haunted

Stories where sins of the past return to torment the present.If you liked the historical curse in Haunted, you'll find similar stories here. These movies connect past atrocities to present-day supernatural terror, featuring vengeful spirits, family secrets, and the inescapable consequences of ancestral sins. They are perfect for viewers seeking horror with a deep historical connection and a sense of tragic fate.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically unfold across two timelines: a past event involving injustice or a terrible crime, and a present-day scenario where descendants are systematically targeted by a supernatural force. The journey involves uncovering the forgotten history and racing to break the cycle before the curse claims its final victim, often culminating in a confrontation with an ancient, unforgiving evil.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together because they share a core premise: the past is not dead. They blend historical drama with supernatural horror, creating a specific kind of tension rooted in inherited trauma and the slow, methodical revelation of a family or town's dark secret. The mood is consistently oppressive and fatalistic.

Atmospheric slow burn horror with creeping dread like in Haunted

Where a pervasive sense of unease builds steadily into sheer terror.For fans of the steady, dread-filled pacing in Haunted, this section features similar horror movies. These films use atmosphere and suspense to build a pervasive sense of unease, favoring psychological terror and a slow, oppressive build-up over jump scares. If you like horror that gets under your skin, you'll find more like it here.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread unfold methodically, often beginning with a subtle, unexplained phenomenon that gradually escalates. The plot focuses on the characters' growing realization and psychological unraveling as the threat becomes clearer. The narrative structure is less about frantic action and more about the inexorable advance of an unseen evil, leading to a climactic, often devastating, confrontation.

Why These Movies?

These movies are united by their shared approach to horror: a slow, steady pacing that builds an immersive and oppressive atmosphere. They rely on suspense, supernatural dread, and a pervasive feeling of doom to create a deeply unsettling experience. The similarity lies in the vibe and pacing, making them perfect for viewers who prefer tension to terror.

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Don't stop at just watching — explore Haunted in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Haunted is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Haunted Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Haunted, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Haunted Summary

Haunted Timeline

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Haunted Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Haunted

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Haunted

More About Haunted

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