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Poltergeist II

Play trailer Poster for Poltergeist II PG-13 Released May 23, 1986 1h 32m Horror Play Trailer Watchlist
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20% Tomatometer 56 Reviews 35% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
The Freelings have escaped their haunted house, which is now being studied by paranormal investigators, including shaman Taylor (Will Sampson). When Taylor realizes that the Beast, masquerading as the Rev. Kane (Julian Beck), knows where young Carol Anne Freeling (Heather O'Rourke) now lives, he goes to warn the family that their daughter is in danger again. To protect Carol, her father, Steve (Craig T. Nelson), and the rest of the family must plot to take down the Beast.
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Poltergeist II

Poltergeist II

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Critics Consensus

They're back, but this hollow sequel retains none of the charm or suspense that made the original Poltergeist such a haunting specter.

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Critics Reviews

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Debra Oswald Sydney Morning Herald The annoying thing is that the movie doesn't make sense. Poltergeist II doesn't stick to its own supernatural rules and leaves lots of loose ends waving in the breeze. Rated: 1/5 Nov 3, 2021 Full Review Alexander Walker London Evening Standard It's a tacky tale of terror. It creates no plausible atmosphere, but springs its shocks indiscriminately. Nov 3, 2021 Full Review Neil Jillett The Age (Australia) Not much of the first film's tincture of humor is revived, but most of the tiresome mumbo-jumbo routines get another going-over. Nov 3, 2021 Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com …Poltergeist II sticks closely to the first film’s structure, doing most of the same spooky things but not as well…. Rated: 2/5 Oct 8, 2023 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Pretty lousy. Rated: 1.5/4 Mar 21, 2023 Full Review Philip French Observer (UK) The original Steven Spielberg-Tobe Hooper Poltergeist was an effective shocker. Gibson's sequel is a maudlin, religiose affair. Nov 3, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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BRENDEN J Poltergeist 2 The Other Side was not that bad of a sequel that people are saying that it is. The story and everything else were fine I wish they would do a lot better with the story but what they did I was fine with it, and I love how they brought back the same characters from the first film but this time they are living with their grandma in a different house, but they get haunted again by ghosts and also Reverend Kane. Which Reverend Kane was terrifying in this movie because the moment when this guy shows up on screen is scary when he's talking to Carol Ann at a shopping mall with her mom and her brother and also in the next scene when he came to the family's house and starts talking to them so, this guy did a great job of just being really creepy and scary. But overall, this was a good movie that will have you on the each of your set the whole time when you are watching it because you don't know what's going to happen next after what just happened from the first movie so, I think they did a good job on that also this film is not as good as the original film but it's still a good time. So, if you are a big fan of horror movies and you love the first film, I definitely recommend watching Poltergeist 2 The Other Side because it was just a fun scary film that you will not be disappointed by. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/28/25 Full Review Jared N. Poltergeist II: The Other Side is such an underrated sequel. Sure, it’s not on the same level as the first film, but it has its own unique charm. What really makes it stand out is the introduction of Reverend Kane—one of the creepiest villains in horror history. Julian Beck’s performance is unforgettable and gives the movie a whole different kind of scare. The Freeling family’s story still has heart, and the mix of creepy visuals, practical effects, and emotional moments makes this way better than people give it credit for. It’s eerie, creative, and has some truly chilling scenes. If you’re a horror fan, this sequel is absolutely worth watching. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/24/25 Full Review Abigail L its definitely not nearly as good as the first movie but the acting is decent. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 07/18/25 Full Review Audience Member It's just like the first one, almost same story... Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 05/31/25 Full Review Ken P I love this movie! It’s fun, the cast is great, and it’s completely entertaining. Viva la 80’s! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 04/16/25 Full Review Alejandro J Flawed, but painfully underrated. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/28/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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Poltergeist II

Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Possessed Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Possessed 2:13 Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Chainsaw Attack Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Chainsaw Attack 2:03 Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Kane Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Kane 2:32 Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Vomit From Hell Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Vomit From Hell 1:14 Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Braces Attack Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Braces Attack 2:01 Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Diane's Nightmare Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Diane's Nightmare 0:35 Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - The Bottle Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - The Bottle 2:35 Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Mind Control Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Mind Control 4:06 Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Final Resting Place Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Final Resting Place 1:55 Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Good vs. Evil Poltergeist II: The Other Side: Official Clip - Good vs. Evil 2:09 View more videos
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Movie Info

Synopsis The Freelings have escaped their haunted house, which is now being studied by paranormal investigators, including shaman Taylor (Will Sampson). When Taylor realizes that the Beast, masquerading as the Rev. Kane (Julian Beck), knows where young Carol Anne Freeling (Heather O'Rourke) now lives, he goes to warn the family that their daughter is in danger again. To protect Carol, her father, Steve (Craig T. Nelson), and the rest of the family must plot to take down the Beast.
Director
Brian Gibson
Producer
Michael Grais, Mark Victor
Screenwriter
Mark Victor, Michael Grais
Distributor
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production Co
Metro Goldwyn Mayer, Freddie Fields Productions
Rating
PG-13
Genre
Horror
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 23, 1986, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 16, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA)
$38.8M
Runtime
1h 32m
Sound Mix
Surround
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