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MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 1982 โ€บ Poltergeist

Poltergeist poster

Poltergeist (1982)

โ€œ"They're here."โ€

7.2/10 ยท 3,460 votes 1h 54m pg Horror

#18 of 41 films from 1982 #130 of 1243 in horror

Directed by Tobe Hooper ยท Written by Steven Spielberg, Michael Grais, Mark Victor

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

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.

Cast

Craig T. Nelsonas Steve Freeling
JoBeth Williamsas Diane Freeling
Beatrice Straightas Dr. Lesh
Dominique Dunneas Dana Freeling
Oliver Robinsas Robbie Freeling
Heather O'Rourkeas Carol Anne Freeling
Michael McManusas Ben Tuthill
Virginia Kiseras Mrs. Tuthill
Martin Casellaas Dr. Marty Casey
Richard Lawsonas Ryan
Zelda Rubinsteinas Tangina Barrons
James Karenas Mr. Teague
Lou Perrymanas Pugsley
Clair E. Leucartas Bulldozer Driver

Facts

Release dateJune 4, 1982
Runtime114 min (1h 54m) โ€” about the same as the 1982 average of 110 min
GenresHorror
LanguageEN
Budget$10,700,000
Box office$121,733,131 (11.4ร— budget)
IMDbtt0084516

More from Tobe Hooper

The Texas Chain Saw MassacreThe Texas Chain Saw Massacre1974 ยท โ˜… 7.3 ยท 1h 23m LifeforceLifeforce1985 ยท โ˜… 6.2 ยท 1h 42m The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 21986 ยท โ˜… 5.7 ยท 1h 40m

If you liked Poltergeist

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Michael Jackson's ThrillerMichael Jackson's Thriller1983 ยท โ˜… 8.3 ยท 0h 14m AlienAlien1979 ยท โ˜… 8.2 ยท 1h 57m The ShiningThe Shining1980 ยท โ˜… 8.2 ยท 2h 24m Come and SeeCome and See1985 ยท โ˜… 8.2 ยท 2h 22m The ThingThe Thing1982 ยท โ˜… 8.1 ยท 1h 49m JawsJaws1975 ยท โ˜… 7.7 ยท 2h 4m Deep RedDeep Red1975 ยท โ˜… 7.7 ยท 2h 7m HalloweenHalloween1978 ยท โ˜… 7.6 ยท 1h 31m

Questions

How long is Poltergeist?
Poltergeist runs 114 minutes (1h 54m).
Is Poltergeist worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.2/10 across 3,460 votes, which places it #18 of 41 films released in 1982 in this index (top 59%) and #130 among 1243 horror titles.
Who directed Poltergeist?
Poltergeist was directed by Tobe Hooper. Other well-rated titles by the same director: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974), Lifeforce (1985), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2 (1986).
Who stars in Poltergeist?
Craig T. Nelson as Steve Freeling; JoBeth Williams as Diane Freeling; Beatrice Straight as Dr. Lesh; Dominique Dunne as Dana Freeling; Oliver Robins as Robbie Freeling; Heather O'Rourke as Carol Anne Freeling.
What is Poltergeist rated?
It carries a pg certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Poltergeist?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/45237.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.