Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The House with a Clock in Its Walls

film

The House with a Clock in Its Walls

2018

When ten-year-old Lewis is suddenly orphaned, he is sent to live with his Uncle Jonathan in a creaky (and creepy) old mansion with a mysterious ticking noise that emanates from the walls. Upon discovering that his uncle is a warlock, Lewis begins learning magic, but when he rebelliously resurrects an evil warlock he must find the secret of the house and save the world from destruction.

Ages 11+Source checked

Why this age? PG fantasy horror includes orphanhood, parents' death, necromancy, corpses, bones, demons, frightening creatures, magical peril, and villain disintegration. Family support and hopeful themes balance the intensity. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age11+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Death of a character3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Brief mention of a Magic 8 Ball, which is a classic toy, not overt commercial product placement.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Lewis's parents die in a car crash, and the story involves dead warlocks, resurrection, grief, and villains being destroyed. Grief is ultimately handled supportively.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Features creepy visuals like reanimated corpses and skeletal remains, but avoids graphic or realistic injury depiction.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Contains very mild language and name-calling typical of a PG-rated family film.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Features light, age-appropriate crushes and the close, platonic bond between the uncle and his neighbor.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

The haunted house, ticking clock, warlocks, cemetery necromancy, demon references, transformed bodies, snake, and extinction threat create sustained spooky tension.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional scenes of social drinking by adult characters.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Characters face magical attacks, a snake, animated objects, and peril. Lewis magically bounces a basketball off bullies' faces; violence is fantastical rather than realistic.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Lewis, Jonathan, and Florence confront frightening magic, grief, monsters, and a world-threatening ritual rather than giving in to fear.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Magic, inventive house objects, secret passages, the clock, the Magic 8 Ball, and imaginative problem-solving strongly encourage fantasy play and curiosity.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse cast in terms of acting talent, though the core family unit is small.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental lessons on confidence and navigating social exclusion.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, caregiving, family acceptance, and helping others are important. The film also shows betrayal and exploitation by a classmate as harmful behavior.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The film emphasizes processing grief, accepting supportive family, resisting manipulation, repairing mistakes, and using courage and empathy against destructive power.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Lewis learns from serious mistakes, Jonathan and Florence protect him, and the adults provide a caring family. Lewis's retaliatory magic toward bullies is a mild complication.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in The House with a Clock in Its Walls would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The House with a Clock in Its Walls, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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