Poltergeist (1982)
A suburban family's home turns chilling as they battle a spectral entity for their daughter's soul.
The Freelings' suburban home becomes the center of paranormal activity that opens a portal to the 'other side'. With help, they must cross over to get their daughter back.
How intense is Poltergeist?
Poltergeist is properly scary, with light gore and some violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch. Rated PG.
What Poltergeist feels like
- Tone
- suspensefulchilling
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attention
Where to stream Poltergeist
Not on a US subscription service at our last check. Rent or buy may still be an option.
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 14, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is Poltergeist for you?
Is Poltergeist scary?
Yes, properly. Poltergeist is scare level 2 of 3, the real thing without being an endurance test.
Is Poltergeist gory or violent?
Light gore (1 of 3) and some violence (1 of 3).
Is Poltergeist sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
Is Poltergeist OK for kids?
It is rated PG, but the intensity tags run warmer than the rating suggests: scare 2, gore 1, violence 1, each out of 3. Know your kid.
How long is Poltergeist?
Poltergeist runs 1h 54m.
Where can I stream Poltergeist?
Poltergeist is not on a US subscription service right now (rent or buy may still be an option).
Does Poltergeist have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
Bittersweet. It earns its ending, but not everyone gets what they want.
Cast and crew
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