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Released: 1982Director: Tobe HooperStarring: Craig T. Nelson, JoBeth Williams, Beatrice Straight, Dominique Dunne, Heather O’RourkeRuntime: 1h 54mRotten Tomatoes: 89% Critics Score | 79% Audience Score

Synopsis: The Freeling family’s quiet suburban life is turned upside down when strange supernatural events begin occurring inside their home. What starts as unusual and seemingly harmless activity quickly becomes far more sinister, forcing the family to confront a terrifying presence that has taken an interest in their youngest daughter.

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Comments

Lemurian Jones

Synchronicity. This movie has been coming up quite a bit in the last 2 days. I hope that's not a sign of anything.

Chester Beals

Before there was 24-hour cable programming, the national anthem thing was how broadcast television stations used to sign off for the day, around 1 AM or so. After that, just static. :)

EastPeak Slim

"They're h-e-e-e-e-r-e." And I am again terrified.

SteveW (edited)

Comment edits

2026-09-09 08:00 Such a great movie, and such a great reaction. Thank you, Kate, for a delightful Friday night. :)
2026-08-08 00:31 Such a great movie, and such a great reaction. Thank you, Kate, for a delightful Friday night. :) As for the sequels, I wouldn't waste my time with them, particularly the third one. It's utter and complete bollocks.

Such a great movie, and such a great reaction. Thank you, Kate, for a delightful Friday night. :) As for the sequels, I wouldn't waste my time with them, particularly the third one. It's utter and complete bollocks.

Robert Durant

The movie was directed by Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre) but you mistakenly said it was Steven Spielberg. The funny thing is many, MANY people believe Spielberg really did direct this movie or at least most of it and Tobe Hooper was like the ghost director. The film feels too Spielberg to be anyone else, it has too many of his hallmarks and it's not that far after E.T. The Extra Terrestrial so it wouldn't be far off to think Spielberg was behind the whole thing.

Bob McFadden

Horror films are not my first choice to watch unless it’s something top drawer like The Exorcist or Carrie. Poltergeist definitely fits the bill. Spielberg has a unique style in shaping family atmosphere in many of his films. Makes it easy to spot his work or, in this case, influence. The last shot when the TV gets pushed out of the room might well be my favorite final shot from any movie ever. I really liked that there were no actors in that movement, just the TV set going out the door. Seeing the national anthem sign off is nostalgic. That used to be my signal to get my butt in bed before my mom woke up and had to yell at me. In any case, she caught me plenty of times smuggling my transistor radio into bed and listening to the rock ‘n’ roll deep into the night from far away places like New York and Chicago. 😄

ButtercupsTrueLove

The stacked chairs in the kitchen scene must've inspired M. Night Shyamalan for his later film. Won't name it in case Kate hasn't watched it.

Dan M

Hollywood just can’t make scary movies like this anymore. A perfect blend of light comedy to give you a break from the tension, and legitimate top notch jump scares and creepy, disturbing images. Most of the scary movies made over the last decade or so take themselves too seriously and are so bleak to the point where I feel depressed after watching them. This movie is a pure thrill ride that gets the adrenaline pumping and the goosebumps popping. And there always a big grin on my face when I’m done watching it…its so much fun. Tobe Hooper did an amazing job of building tension for what seemed like an eternity at times. The combination of an all American family doing everyday family things and having everyday family conversations mixed with extended periods of silence…you’re just waiting for something scary to happen. And when it does, it hits you like you weren’t even prepared for it. Perfect example…kids are playing in their room, getting ready for bed, mom is in the tub winding down, the dog is laying on the floor next to her. And then it’s super quiet…for a LONG time. Until Robbie looks under the bed twice…and that FLIPPING clown doll grabs him from behind! Best jump scare ever! And that reminds…why the hell is the world’s creepiest clown doll in that room in the first place?!?!?! No way would that thing ever make it through my front door. I knew you’d love Tangina’s speech about spiritual planes, different spheres of consciousness, and the strength of life forces as a guiding light for those “stuck in a perpetual dream state”. Her delivery of that speech is ethereal, hypnotic, and comforting. Until she flips the switch and starts talking about the “beast” that’s restraining Carol Anne. That scene is my favorite in the movie. I have to say, Kate, your perception and ability to foresee what eventually comes to light in a movie is incredible. At one point, before everything starts to unravel, you mentioned that perhaps the homes in Cuesta Verde are built on sacred ground that was now disturbed. You’ve displayed this ability so many times in past reactions, and it’s really impressive. The Force is strong with you! So, we’re only a couple of months away from this year’s Spooky Season. I’m looking forward to seeing what scary movies you have lined up for us come October. And I’ll definitely be revisiting your reaction to Poltergeist right around Halloween.

EastPeak Slim

Dan, the socks will turn into moldy corpses in my half-dug pool.

ButtercupsTrueLove

It's been many years since I've watched "Poltergeist" in its entirety so Kate's reaction was the perfect time to re-visit the Freeling family. The part of the movie I enjoyed the most was not the scary bits but the family dynamic. Steve and Diane had a fun relationship between each other and their kids. I got a kick out of the pot smoking at bedtime while reading Ronald Reagan's biography - your Orange County moderate Republicans of that era! My favorite scene was Diane busting at the seams, waiting for Steve to come home from work, just so she could demonstrate the magical mystery spot on the kitchen floor.