[3] Ghost hunter Cyrus Kriticos and his psychic assistant Dennis Rafkin lead a team on a mission to capture a spirit called the Juggernaut.

The residence is made entirely of glass sheets inscribed with Latin phrases, which Dennis recognizes as barrier spells.

Bobby sees several of the ghosts, including the Withered Lover – his mother, Jean, who had died of injuries sustained in a house fire.

Dennis uses a pair of spectral glasses that allow the wearer to see the supernatural realm to avoid the ghosts.

Kalina explains that the house is a machine powered by captive ghosts, allowing its users to see the past, present, and future.

Cyrus has orchestrated the abduction of Kathy and Bobby so that Arthur will become the 13th ghost, which will not stop the machine as Kalina had claimed but trigger its activation.

Arthur witnesses all 12 ghosts in the main hall orbiting a clockwork device of rotating metal rings, with his children at the center.

Praise was directed toward the production design but the film was criticized for its lack of scares and a number of strobe effects throughout that could induce seizures.

The website's critical consensus reads, "The production design is first rate, but 13 Ghosts is distinctly lacking in scares.

[16] In the years since its release and disappointing box office performance, the film has gathered a prominent cult following, finding further success and more positive reception.

"[17] In August 2023, Dark Castle Entertainment announced that they're planning to make a Thirteen Ghosts series.