Poltergeist II

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Poltergeist II

PG-13

1986

1h 32m

Horror

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

20%

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55 Reviews

35%

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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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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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Debra Oswald

Sydney Morning Herald

Nov 3, 2021

1/5

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.

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Alexander Walker

London Evening Standard

Nov 3, 2021

It's a tacky tale of terror. It creates no plausible atmosphere, but springs its shocks indiscriminately.

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Neil Jillett

The Age (Australia)

Nov 3, 2021

Not much of the first film's tincture of humor is revived, but most of the tiresome mumbo-jumbo routines get another going-over.

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

Oct 8, 2023

2/5

…Poltergeist II sticks closely to the first film’s structure, doing most of the same spooky things but not as well….

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Mar 21, 2023

1.5/4

Pretty lousy.

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Philip French

Observer (UK)

Nov 3, 2021

The original Steven Spielberg-Tobe Hooper Poltergeist was an effective shocker. Gibson's sequel is a maudlin, religiose affair.

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Anthony H

@Hardy Sep 24, 2026

Poltergeist 2 is a sloppy mess that doesn’t know what kind of story it wants to tell. It tries to do too much at once and unfortunately fails at establishing any kind of good plot. The one good thing about this film is the creepy looking creature manifestation that they only used for 5 minutes. This is not worth your time.

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Christian K

@ckacar Sep 21, 2026

Big disappointment, retains nothing of value from the original while also trying nothing new.

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 4, 2026

No way near as close as the original Poltergeist movie...

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B P

@Bradster69 Sep 2, 2026

Not Bad, but Not My Favorite

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Ricardo D

@RT43154676 Aug 2, 2026

Although not as grand as the first one, it remains a horror classic with special effects that were very good for the time. The plot loses its way compared to the original, causing the quality to drop—not to mention the eldest daughter, the fact that the spirits now speak, and Tangina appearing as a silly archaeologist with little reference to her powers; Taylor shows up without explanation, seemingly just so the story could include a Native American character. Despite everything that happened in the first film, Steven remains skeptical and cynical, making him annoying in many scenes.

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Anthony S

@SpraAnt Jul 31, 2026

Poltergeist 2 Struggles to recapture the charm of the first film. Heavily leaning on the foundation established in the last movie. While I do enjoy the practical effects, and even the actors at play, the dialog and story itself are really quite forced.

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Brian Gibson

Director

JoBeth Williams

Diane Freeling

Craig T. Nelson

Steve Freeling

Julian Beck

Kane

Heather O'Rourke

Carol Anne Freeling

Oliver Robins

Robbie Freeling

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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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