Poltergeist
7.3
Poltergeist fingerprint
Relentless energy, big heart, no humor.
Energy
Terrifying and nerve-racking
Fast from start to finish.
- Scare10
- Tension9
- Adrenaline7
Heart
Wondrous and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics9
- Wonder8
- Pathos7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor3
- Situational Comedy2
- Wit & Wordplay2
World
Everyday modern life, family, and fantasy
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Novelty8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
- Intrigue9
- Direction8
- Acting8
Style
Standout sound design, cinematography, and score
- Sound Centrality9
- Cinematography8
- Music Composition8
Energy
Very highTerrifying and nerve-racking
Fast from start to finish.
Poltergeist is terrifying, nerve-racking, and thrilling.
All energy traits
- Scare10Frightening moments and scares.
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Uncanny9Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighWondrous and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's wondrous, moving, and hopeful. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder8Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age1Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, family, and fantasy
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and fantasy. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Fantasy8Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Pop Culture7References and cultural commentary.
- Spiritual7Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace7Quick tempo and momentum.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Style
HighStandout sound design, cinematography, and score
Look and sound: the sound design, cinematography, and score stand out.
All style traits
- Sound Centrality9Sound design as core element.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality7The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Grotesque6Macabre, distorted imagery.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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About
"They're here."
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
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Questions about Poltergeist
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Poltergeist worth watching?
Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 79/100 (IMDb 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes 89%, and Metacritic 79). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Poltergeist rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: disturbing imagery.
How long is Poltergeist?
1 h 54 min
Poltergeist runs 1 h 54 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Poltergeist?
Not quite. Critics rate Poltergeist higher (84) than audiences (76). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was Poltergeist a box office hit?
Yes, a big one. It cost about $11 million to make and earned $122 million worldwide, 11.4 times its budget.
What language is Poltergeist in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Poltergeist?
+87GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Poltergeist in 101 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.