MGM Studios
The notorious phrase “They’re here” may be simple, but it sent chills down the spine of an entire generation, ushering them into an unseen mystical universe. “Poltergeist,” a supernatural horror film deeply embedded in the contemporary world, takes place in a suburban house, where spirits inhabit everyday appliances and comforts, such as the television. John Carpenter’s “Halloween” brought the terror to the heart of the suburbs with a serial killer, unlike other horror flicks set in distant, isolated houses. The “Poltergeist” franchise went a notch higher, depicting that spirits could not only haunt suburban areas but also city skyscrapers, a concept that isn’t as widespread as it should be.
The franchise centers around the Freeling family members who are targeted by a group of ghosts led by a demonic entity known as the Beast. The spirits exhibit a strange attraction towards the Freelings’ young daughter, Carol Anne, who starts as an innocent 5-year-old in the first film. Directed by Tobe Hooper and based on a story by Steven Spielberg, “Poltergeist” was a massive commercial success, earning three Oscar nominations and spawning a franchise with varying degrees of success.
“Poltergeist” has become synonymous with a series of unfortunate real-life incidents that led to widespread belief in a curse attached to these films. Regardless of the truth of this, it’s undeniable that the “Poltergeist” movies, particularly the first one, are a significant part of American horror cinema history.
As “Poltergeist” gears up for another small screen appearance with a recently announced TV show, it’s the perfect time to revisit the franchise that scared America into reconsidering their movie ratings. Whether you’re a first-time viewer or a returning fan, here’s your ultimate guide to watching the “Poltergeist” franchise.
How to watch the Poltergeist movies in order
MGM Studios
The optimal way to start is with “Poltergeist,” “Poltergeist II,” and “Poltergeist III,” in that order. Begin with the movie that possibly drew inspiration from real-life poltergeist encounters, and delve into the complete narrative of Carol Anne and the Freelings. The first “Poltergeist” movie unveils their initial encounter with The Beast and the other ghosts as these entities infest their new home in a California housing development.
“Poltergeist II” delves into the past, uncovering more about the ghosts’ origins and even the Beast’s backstory, turning him from an ordinary evil man into a demon. The third movie shifts the setting to a Chicago skyscraper, where Carol Anne is sent to live with relatives for safety from ghosts, only to be found and kidnapped through a mirror. All three original movies feature the remarkable Zelda Rubinstein as Tangina Barrons, who sets the standard for horror movie mediums.
The original trilogy is the must-watch marathon. There were two more franchise additions, which are optional for thorough viewers, but can easily be skipped.
“Poltergeist: The Legacy”, the first actual “Poltergeist” TV show, debuted in 1996 and lasted four seasons. It narrates the tale of a secret society that safeguards humans from supernatural threats. Although the show carries the “Poltergeist” title, it has no connection to the franchise. The 2015 “Poltergeist” remake, on the other hand, is simply subpar and doesn’t enhance the “Poltergeist” experience, though Jared Harris’s performance is worth watching.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
