Poltergeist (1982)

Kernel Score: 80% · 3,263 ratings · Rated PG

Genres: Horror

Released: 1982-06-04

Runtime: 114 minutes

Is Poltergeist worth watching?

Worth watching. A suburban family's home is invaded by ghosts in this ghost story from the early 1980s. It's more spooky fun than deep film, but the special effects are inventive and the scares work well, if you can ignore the dated bits.

Watch it if you

  • like classic haunted-house movies
  • enjoy 1980s horror
  • want scares without too much gore

Skip it if you

  • want modern, intense horror
  • dislike dated effects

Best for: Scary night in

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Poltergeist

  • Stream: HBO Max
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

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.

Poltergeist parents' guide: ages 8+

Parents need to know that Poltergeist is a PG-rated horror classic with supernatural scares centered on a family fighting to save their daughter.

  • Violence & scariness: Moderate — Contains frightening supernatural imagery, a haunted house, and intense scary sequences suitable for its horror genre.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Poltergeist

If you liked Poltergeist, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • The Conjuring (2013) — 90%: Modern haunted-house hit with great suspense
  • The Orphanage (2007) — 82%: Spanish ghost story with real emotional weight
  • Insidious (2011) — 78%: Modern ghost story about a possessed child
  • The Shining (1980) — 95%: Slow-building classic about a haunted hotel
  • Rosemary's Baby (1968) — 88%: Slow-burn horror classic about creeping dread
  • Ghostbusters (1984) — 90%: Funny, ghost-hunting classic from the same era

Director

Tobe Hooper

Cast

  • JoBeth Williams as Diane Freeling
  • Craig T. Nelson as Steve Freeling
  • Beatrice Straight as Dr. Lesh
  • Dominique Dunne as Dana Freeling
  • Heather O'Rourke as Carol Anne Freeling
  • Oliver Robins as Robbie Freeling
  • Zelda Rubinstein as Tangina Barrons
  • Richard Lawson as Ryan
  • Martin Casella as Dr. Marty Casey
  • Michael McManus as Ben Tuthill

Poltergeist FAQ

Is Poltergeist worth watching?

Worth watching. A suburban family's home is invaded by ghosts in this ghost story from the early 1980s. It's more spooky fun than deep film, but the special effects are inventive and the scares work well, if you can ignore the dated bits.

Where can I watch Poltergeist?

In the US you can stream Poltergeist on HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Poltergeist OK for kids?

Poltergeist is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that Poltergeist is a PG-rated horror classic with supernatural scares centered on a family fighting to save their daughter.

What movies are like Poltergeist?

If you liked Poltergeist, try The Conjuring, The Orphanage, Insidious and The Shining.