The Poltergeist movies in order

In 1982, Poltergeist spooked its way into cinemas. The supernatural horror movie, about a family terrorised by malevolent spirits, was a box office smash which led to a series of movies.

But how many Poltergeist movies are there and what is the viewing order? Keep reading for all the spooky details.

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The Poltergeist movies

Poltergeist (1982)

In Poltergeist, Steven and Diane Freeling live with their three children in the planned community of Cuesta Verde, California. For a while they are living the perfect life, but all that changes when they begin to experience some strange phenomena.

This strange phenomena takes a terrible turn when youngest daughter, Carol Anne disappears. A team of parapsychologists are called in to investigate and determine the Freelings are being haunted by poltergeists. (114 mins)

Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986)

The story continues in movie No. 2, Poltergeist II: The Other Side. In this instalment, the Freelings are under attack once again, with Carol Anne caught up in the middle of the drama.

The main antagonist is the crazed preacher, Reverend Henry Kane. During the 19th century, Kane led an apocalyptic cult, and now he has set his sights on Carol Anne. (91 mins)

Poltergeist III (1988)

In Poltergeist III, Carol Anne has been sent to Chicago to live with her aunt and uncle. The hope is to keep her out of trouble and out of harm’s way.

However, Carol Anne is once again terrorised by spirits, as well as Reverend Kane. Chaos ensues. (98 mins)

Poltergeist (2015)

For the fourth instalment, the series resets for a remake of the original film. The movie follows the story of the Bowen family, who fall foul of a poltergeist. (93 mins)

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The Poltergeist movies in order

To date, there are four Poltergeist movies. The films were released in this order:

• Poltergeist (1982)
• Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986)
• Poltergeist III (1988)
• Poltergeist (2015)

The series breaks down as follows:

The original trilogy

• Poltergeist (1982)
• Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986)
• Poltergeist III (1988)

The remake

• Poltergeist (2015)

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Who are the cast of the Poltergeist movies and are the films the work of the same director?

Notable actors in the Poltergeist series include Heather O’Rourke, Craig T. Nelson, JoBeth Williams, Dominique Dunne, Oliver Robins, Zelda Rubinstein, Beatrice Straight, Julian Beck, Tom Skerritt, Nancy Allen, Lara Flynn Boyle, Nathan Davis, Sam Rockwell, Rosemarie DeWitt, and Jared Harris.

In terms of directors, the Poltergeist movies are the work of the following:

• Tobe Hooper directed Poltergeist ‘82
• Brian Gibson directed Poltergeist II
• Gary Sherman directed Poltergeist III
• Gil Kenan directed Poltergeist 2015

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Which is the best Poltergeist movie?

According to IMDb the Poltergeist movies are rated as follows:

• Poltergeist (1982) – 7.3/10
• Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986) – 5.7/10
• Poltergeist III (1988) – 4.7/10
• Poltergeist (2015) – 4.9/10

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Editor/Writer/Parapsychologist

Alex Wiggan

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