Discover entertaining house sitting movies and TV shows featuring unexpected twists and quirky adventures. Perfect for your next binge-watch session.
If you’ve ever been curious about what it’s like to look after someone else’s home or have found yourself as the designated house sitter, you’ve probably thought, “What could go wrong?” Well, plenty.. if Hollywood has anything to say about it. The concept of house-sitting has inspired some fun and dramatic stories in both film and television. From unexpected adventures to chaotic mishaps, these films with house sitter plots show that anything can happen when someone else is in charge of the house.
Let’s dive into some of the best house-sitting movies and TV series that bring this unique theme to life. Whether you’re looking for comedy, mystery, or even a bit of romance, this list has something for everyone.
Movie Lists:
1. “Housesitter” (1992)
Let’s start with a classic. “Housesitter” is an underrated TV movie that tells the story of a seemingly perfect house sitter who’s hired by a wealthy couple to look after their lavish home. It all seems pretty innocent, but things quickly take a dark turn when the sitter becomes a little *too* comfortable in her new surroundings. What I love about this film is how it teases the idea of trust. You never quite know what a person might do when given the keys to your castle.
It’s the kind of movie that will make you think twice before handing over your home to anyone.. friends, family, or otherwise.
2. “The Holiday” (2006)
Okay, maybe we’re not talking about traditional house-sitting here, but a house swap definitely counts. In this beloved romantic comedy, two women from opposite sides of the world swap homes for the holidays. Kate Winslet’s character leaves her quaint English cottage to stay in Cameron Diaz’s swanky L.A. mansion, and vice versa.
While this film is more about finding love and rediscovering oneself, it’s also a fun example of what happens when you live in someone else’s home, surrounded by their things, their lifestyle, and their vibe. You can’t help but wonder, what would I do if I swapped homes with someone? If you haven’t watched it yet, add it to your house sitting movie marathon.
3. “While You Were Sleeping” (1995)
Let’s talk about an all-time feel-good film. In “While You Were Sleeping“, Sandra Bullock plays a lonely train token collector who ends up looking after a man in a coma after saving his life. His family, mistaking her for his fiancée, brings her into their home. Though not a typical house sitter movie, the plot cleverly revolves around Lucy (Bullock) being brought into someone else’s world. In essence, she’s sitting in on his life.
The film is both heartwarming and hilarious, showcasing how quickly life can change when you’re suddenly thrust into someone else’s personal space. While not a literal house-sitting story, it taps into the theme of navigating new surroundings and unexpected relationships.
4. “Don’t Breathe” (2016)
On the flip side of cozy, romantic comedies, we have “Don’t Breathe“, a thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This film follows a group of friends who break into a blind man’s house, thinking it’ll be an easy heist. Spoiler alert: It’s not.
Although this isn’t your traditional house sitting scenario, it’s a terrifying look at what happens when you’re somewhere you’re not supposed to be. What makes Don’t Breathe stand out is its unique take on the horror genre.. showing us that even in a seemingly powerless position, you can still be very much in control of your surroundings. If you love suspense and a good jump scare, this one’s for you.
5. “You’re Next” (2011)
Speaking of thrillers, “You’re Next” is another fantastic entry in the world of house sitting gone wrong. A family reunion turns into a nightmare when masked assailants target the family in their home. Erin, the girlfriend of one of the sons, takes charge, and we soon learn she has some serious survival skills.
While Erin isn’t exactly a house sitter, she embodies the idea of taking control of a space that isn’t hers, defending it with everything she’s got. You’re Next adds a horror twist to the house sitting movie concept, blending tension, action, and a good amount of gore. Not for the faint of heart!
6. “The House Bunny” (2008)
If you’re looking for something lighter, you can’t go wrong with “The House Bunny“. This hilarious comedy stars Anna Faris as Shelley, a Playboy Bunny who, after getting kicked out of the Playboy Mansion, ends up becoming the house mother for an unpopular sorority. While not a house sitter movie in the strictest sense, the plot revolves around Shelley stepping into a new environment and completely transforming it with her bubbly personality and unorthodox approach to life.
It’s an uplifting, funny take on what happens when someone with a whole different set of skills is put in charge of a space they know nothing about.
7. “The Night Sitter” (2018)
For horror fans, “The Night Sitter” is a fantastic mix of scares and laughs. This indie horror-comedy follows a house sitter who ends up in a nightmare scenario when she accidentally unleashes an ancient trio of witches while looking after the home of a wealthy man. The film is a clever blend of supernatural horror and dark comedy, making it a unique addition to the house sitting movie genre.
It’s a fun ride, especially for those who enjoy films that don’t take themselves too seriously while still delivering some seriously spooky moments.
TV Series Lists:
1. “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody” (2005-2008)
While primarily a comedy series, there are a few episodes where the characters act as if they are “house sitting” by taking care of the hotel when others are away. Zack and Cody, two mischievous twins living in a luxury hotel, often find themselves in situations where they need to “take care” of the space, leading to hilarious and unexpected consequences.
2. “The Good Place” (2016-2020)
Though not directly about house sitting, this show explores the idea of managing and maintaining a living space for others, which ties into the house-sitting concept. The characters in *The Good Place* are responsible for taking care of their surroundings in the afterlife, navigating moral dilemmas, and forming bonds as they seek redemption. With a quirky and philosophical twist, the series brings an interesting angle to the idea of “caretaking.”
3. “House of Anubis” (2011-2014)
Though centered on mystery and adventure, this show takes place in a large house inhabited by a group of teens. The concept of looking after the house.. while unraveling its hidden secrets, mirrors elements of house sitting. The students, living in the boarding house, must balance their personal lives with the responsibility of protecting the house’s enigmatic history.
These series, while not focused entirely on house sitting, incorporate the essence of taking care of a space in various unique ways, whether it’s in a hotel, an afterlife setting, or a mysterious boarding house. They add an intriguing twist to the house-sitting theme!
So..
It’s fascinating to see how much can happen when someone else is responsible for your home. These movies featuring house sitting stories range from laugh-out-loud comedies to nail-biting thrillers, proving that this simple concept has a lot of potential for drama, romance, and even horror.
Whether you’re looking for your next binge-worthy house-sitting TV series recommendation or just a good house sitter movie to enjoy with friends, the above list has you covered. Next time you’re tasked with house-sitting, just remember: in Hollywood, nothing ever goes according to plan!