"Poltergeist" is a supernatural horror film that delves into the terrifying experiences of the Freeling family after they move into a suburban home in California. The family's life takes a nightmarish turn when their youngest daughter, Carol Anne, starts communicating with unseen entities through the television set.
As paranormal events escalate, the family discovers that their house is built on a burial ground, and the spirits are restless. The malevolent force, which identifies itself as the "Beast," kidnaps Carol Anne, forcing the family to seek the help of parapsychologists and a spiritual medium to rescue
Release Information
Release Date:
June 4, 1982
Duration:
114 minutes
Rating:
PG (Note: This was before the introduction of the PG-13 rating, and the film's intense scenes led to discussions about the need for an intermediate rating between PG and R.)
Country of Origin:
United States
Cast & Crew
Main Cast:
- Craig T. Nelson as Steve Freeling
- JoBeth Williams as Diane Freeling
- Beatrice Straight as Dr. Lesh
- Dominique Dunne as Dana Freeling
Director:
Tobe Hooper
Writers:
- Steven Spielberg
- Michael Grais
- Mark Victor
Where to Stream
United States (US)
There are currently no streaming offers in the US.
Buy/Rent: In the US, your options include Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Microsoft Store, Redbox, DIRECTV, and AMC on Demand.
Australia (AU)
There are currently no streaming offers in the AU.
Streaming: For those in Australia, you can stream the movie on Stan.
Buy/Rent: Your choices for buying or renting include Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, YouTube, and Fetch TV.
United Kingdom (GB)
There are currently no streaming offers in the GB.
Buy/Rent: In the UK, the movie is available on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Sky Store, Microsoft Store, YouTube, and Rakuten TV.
Germany (DE)
There are currently no streaming offers in the DE.
Buy/Rent: Germans can purchase or rent the movie on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Rakuten TV, maxdome Store, MagentaTV, and Microsoft Store.
Brazil (BR)
There are currently no streaming offers in the BR.
Streaming: Brazilians can stream the movie on HBO Max.
Buy/Rent: The movie is available for purchase or rent on Apple TV, Amazon Video, and Google Play Movies.
Spain (ES)
There are currently no streaming offers in the ES.
Streaming: In Spain, the movie is available for streaming on HBO Max and Movistar Plus.
Buy/Rent: For those looking to buy or rent, the movie is available on Apple TV, Rakuten TV, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Video.
France (FR)
There are currently no streaming offers in the FR.
Buy/Rent: The French have a variety of options including Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Orange VOD, Microsoft Store, YouTube, Canal VOD, Rakuten TV, Bbox VOD, and Amazon Video.
Canada (CA)
There are currently no streaming offers in the CA.
Streaming: Canadians can stream the movie on Crave Starz and the Starz Amazon Channel.
Buy/Rent: For those in Canada, the movie can be purchased or rented on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Cineplex, Microsoft Store, YouTube, and Amazon Video.
Production Details
Production Company:
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) and SLM Production Group
Distributor:
MGM/UA Entertainment Co.
Budget:
$10.7 million
Box Office Collection:
$121.7 million
Reception
Critical Reception:
"Poltergeist" was met with critical acclaim upon its release. Critics praised the film for its effective blend of horror and family drama, making it both terrifying and emotionally resonant.
The film's special effects, particularly for the time, were lauded for their innovation and ability to evoke fear. The performances, especially that of young Heather O'Rourke and Zelda Rubinstein, were highlighted for their depth and authenticity.
Roger Ebert, in his review, wrote, "It's not just a ghost story, but also a meditation on the mysteries that surround the daily lives of everyone." The film's ability to turn the familiar, like a suburban home, into a place of terror was noted by many as its standout feature.
Audience Reception:
Audiences flocked to theaters to experience the chills and thrills "Poltergeist" had to offer. Its box office success is a testament to its widespread appeal.
Over the years, the film has garnered a cult following and is often cited as one of the best horror films of the 1980s. Its iconic scenes, like the static-filled TV and the clown doll, have become ingrained in popular culture.
Awards & Nominations:
"Poltergeist" was nominated for three Academy Awards: Best Original Score, Best Sound Editing, and Best Visual Effects. Jerry Goldsmith's haunting score was particularly praised for elevating the film's eerie atmosphere.
While it didn't win in any of the categories, the nominations solidified the film's place as a technical and artistic achievement in the horror genre.