Is Poltergeist III Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Poltergeist III is likely a skip if you enjoy Horror movies.
It features a runtime of 98 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Poltergeist III Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1988, Poltergeist III emerges as a significant entry in the Horror, Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Carol Anne has been sent to live with her Aunt and Uncle in an effort to hide her from the clutches of the ghostly Reverend Kane, but he tracks her down and terrorises her in her relatives' appartment in a tall glass building. Unlike standard genre fare, Poltergeist III attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Poltergeist III features a noteworthy lineup led by Tom Skerritt . Supported by the likes of Nancy Allen 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 III (1988) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Poltergeist III Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Poltergeist III 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. Carol Anne has been sent to live with her Aunt and Uncle in an effort to hide her from the clutches of the ghostly Reverend Kane, but he tracks her down and terrorises her in her relatives' appartment in a tall glass building. Will he finally achieve his target and capture Carol Anne again, or will Tangina be able, yet again, to thwart him? 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: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Poltergeist III Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Poltergeist III attempts to tie together its various plot elements. 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 III reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Poltergeist III?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Poltergeist III Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $10.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $14.1M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Poltergeist III Budget
The estimated production budget for Poltergeist III is $10.5M. 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.
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Poltergeist III
- Tom Skerritt – Bruce Gardner
- Nancy Allen – Patricia Wilson-Gardner
- Heather O'Rourke – Carol Anne Freeling
- Lara Flynn Boyle – Donna Gardner
- Kipley Wentz – Scott
Top Highlights
Tom SkerrittBruce Gardner
Nancy AllenPatricia Wilson-Gardner
Heather O'RourkeCarol Anne Freeling
Lara Flynn BoyleDonna Gardner
Kipley WentzScott
Zelda RubinsteinTangina Barrons
Richard FireDr. Seaton
Nathan DavisReverend Henry Kane
Joey GarfieldJeff
Heather HoltyCarol Anne Freeling (Stand-in)
Where to Watch Poltergeist III Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MGM Plus Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Poltergeist III 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.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.2/10, and global collection metrics, Poltergeist III stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Poltergeist III movie hit or flop?
Poltergeist III has received mixed reviews with a 5.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Poltergeist III worth watching?
Poltergeist III is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Horror, Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Poltergeist III online?
Poltergeist III is currently available for streaming on MGM Plus Amazon Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like MGM Plus Amazon Channel depending on your region.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Poltergeist III
How Poltergeist III Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Poltergeist III
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
More with Tom Skerritt
View full filmography
Part of the Poltergeist Collection
Explore the full watch order, ratings, and collection details.
View Full Franchise