"The Amityville Horror" is a chilling tale based on the allegedly true events experienced by the Lutz family after they moved into a large Dutch Colonial house in Amityville, New York. Unknown to the family, the house was the site of a gruesome mass murder a year prior.
As the Lutz family settles in, they begin to experience a series of terrifying and supernatural events, from cold spots to ghostly apparitions, and even demonic possession. As the days pass, the malevolent forces in the house grow stronger, pushing the family to the brink of sanity.
Release Information
Release Date:
July 27, 1979
Duration:
117 minutes
Rating:
R
Country of Origin:
United States
Cast & Crew
Main Cast:
- James Brolin as George Lutz
- Margot Kidder as Kathy Lutz
- Rod Steiger as Father Delaney
Director:
Stuart Rosenberg
Writers:
Screenplay by Sandor Stern, based on the book "The Amityville Horror" by Jay Anson.
Where to Stream
United States (US)
There are currently no streaming offers in the US.
Streaming: Max Amazon Channel, Max
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Australia (AU)
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United Kingdom (GB)
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Germany (DE)
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Streaming: MGM Amazon Channel
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Brazil (BR)
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Streaming: MGM Amazon Channel
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Spain (ES)
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Streaming: MGM Amazon Channel
Buy/Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video
France (FR)
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Streaming: MGM Amazon Channel
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Canada (CA)
There are currently no streaming offers in the CA.
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video, MGM Amazon Channel, Super Channel Amazon Channel
Buy/Rent: Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Cineplex, Microsoft Store, YouTube, Amazon Video
Production Details
Production Company:
American International Pictures
Distributor:
American International Pictures
Budget:
Estimated at $4.7 million
Box Office Collection:
The film was a massive success, grossing over $86 million domestically, making it one of the highest-grossing independent films of its time.
Reception
Critical Reception:
Upon its release, "The Amityville Horror" received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised its atmospheric tension and strong performances, particularly from Brolin and Kidder, others felt the film relied too heavily on conventional horror tropes and lacked the depth of other haunted house films of its era.
Vincent Canby of The New York Times wrote, "It's all pretty silly, but some of it is fun, especially a sequence in which the house is blood-tested, as if it were a diabetic." Roger Ebert, on the other hand, gave the film 1 out of 4 stars, stating, "There's no payoff. We're toyed with, manipulated, and finally just cheated."
Despite the mixed critical reception, the film found a significant audience, with many viewers finding genuine scares in the Lutz family's ordeal. The film's success can be attributed to the public's fascination with the "true story" angle, as the real Amityville house and its dark history were well-publicized at the time.
Audience Reception:
Audiences flocked to theaters to witness the cinematic adaptation of the Lutz family's harrowing tale. The film's reputation as being based on true events added an extra layer of terror for many viewers. Over the years, "The Amityville Horror" has gained a cult following, with fans praising its eerie atmosphere, memorable score, and the chilling performance of James Brolin.
Awards & Nominations:
"The Amityville Horror" received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score. Lalo Schifrin's haunting music was recognized for its ability to heighten the film's tension and create an unsettling mood. Additionally, the film received a Saturn Award nomination for Best Horror Film and Best Actress for Margot Kidder.