Poltergeist II: The Other Side
Performance & Direction: Poltergeist II: The Other Side Review
Last updated: January 31, 2026
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?
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 / Region | Collection (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.
Top Cast: Poltergeist II: The Other Side
All Cast & Crew →








Where to Watch Poltergeist II: The Other Side Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MGM Plus Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StorePoltergeist II: The Other Side Parents Guide & Age Rating
1986 AdvisoryWondering about Poltergeist II: The Other Side age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ 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.
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.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Poltergeist II: The Other Side
How Poltergeist II: The Other Side Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Poltergeist II: The Other Side
No reviews found for this filter.
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.
Useful Links
More with Craig T. Nelson
View full filmographyPart of the Poltergeist Collection
Explore the full watch order, ratings, and collection details.
View Full Franchise








