Poltergeist II: The Other Side

  • 1986
  • PG-13
  • 91m
movieMx RATING
6.0/10744
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Poltergeist II: The Other Side Review

Last updated: January 31, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 31, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Poltergeist II: The Other Side features a noteworthy lineup led by Craig T. Nelson . Supported by the likes of JoBeth Williams and Heather O'Rourke , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Poltergeist II: The Other Side stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Poltergeist II: The Other Side

Quick Plot Summary: Poltergeist II: The Other Side is a Horror, Thriller film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Story Breakdown

The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. The Freeling family move in with Diane's mother in an effort to escape the trauma and aftermath of Carol Anne's abduction by the Beast. But the Beast is not to be put off so easily and appears in a ghostly apparition as the Reverend Kane, a religious zealot responsible for the deaths of his many followers. His goal is simple - he wants the angelic Carol Anne. The film uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.

Ending Explained: Poltergeist II: The Other Side

Ending Breakdown: Poltergeist II: The Other Side concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.

The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Poltergeist II: The Other Side reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Poltergeist II: The Other Side?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere

Box Office Collection: Poltergeist II: The Other Side

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $19.0M
Worldwide Gross $41.0M
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

Poltergeist II: The Other Side Budget

The estimated production budget for Poltergeist II: The Other Side is $19.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: Poltergeist II: The Other Side

All Cast & Crew →
Craig T. Nelson
Craig T. NelsonSteve Freeling
JoBeth Williams
JoBeth WilliamsDiane Freeling
Heather O'Rourke
Heather O'RourkeCarol Anne Freeling
Oliver Robins
Oliver RobinsRobbie Freeling
Zelda Rubinstein
Zelda RubinsteinTangina Barrons
Noble Craig
Noble CraigVomit Creature
Susan Peretz
Susan PeretzDaughter
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Where to Watch Poltergeist II: The Other Side Online?

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Poltergeist II: The Other Side Parents Guide & Age Rating

1986 Advisory
PG-13

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Poltergeist II: The Other Side age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Poltergeist II: The Other Side is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains frightening scenes, intense suspense, mature themes, violence. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Poltergeist II: The Other Side is 91 minutes (1h 31m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.0/10, and global performance metrics, Poltergeist II: The Other Side is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1986 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Poltergeist II: The Other Side. Rating: 6.0/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Poltergeist II: The Other Side worth watching?

Poltergeist II: The Other Side is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Poltergeist II: The Other Side parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Poltergeist II: The Other Side identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Poltergeist II: The Other Side?

The total duration of Poltergeist II: The Other Side is 91 minutes, which is approximately 1h 31m long.

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Critic Reviews for Poltergeist II: The Other Side

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.0
Poltergeist II: The Other Side
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