Order to Watch the Poltergeist Franchise

The Definitive Guide to Watching the Poltergeist Series

By Rafael Motamayor

The phrase “They’re here” may seem simple, but it has haunted audiences for decades, introducing viewers to a realm of terror they’d never experienced before. The original “Poltergeist” film is a landmark supernatural horror tale set in a familiar suburban environment, where malevolent spirits invade our everyday lives, manipulating even the most mundane appliances, such as televisions. While John Carpenter’s “Halloween” brought fear to traditional homes with its tale of a serial killer, “Poltergeist” expanded the horror narrative, suggesting that spirits could invade not just suburban homes but also towering city apartments, a concept worthy of exploration.

At its core, the franchise tells the unsettling story of the Freeling family, who find themselves in the crosshairs of a group of vengeful ghosts led by a sinister entity known as the Beast. From the very start, the ghosts seem particularly fixated on the youngest Freeling daughter, Carol Anne, an innocent five-year-old girl introduced in the first film. Directed by Tobe Hooper and shaped by a narrative from Steven Spielberg, “Poltergeist” was a box office sensation, garnering multiple Oscar nominations and setting the stage for a franchise that, let’s be honest, has experienced a mixed level of success over the years.

The “Poltergeist” franchise is perhaps best known for its association with a series of real-life tragedies that have led some to believe the films are cursed. Regardless of the truth behind these claims, the impact of the “Poltergeist” movies—especially the original—on American horror cinema is undeniable. With a new television adaptation on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to dive back into the franchise that once made the Motion Picture Association of America reconsider its rating system.

If you’re new to the “Poltergeist” saga or simply wish to revisit the chilling journey of the Freelings, we’ve put together a comprehensive viewing guide for the franchise.

To properly experience the “Poltergeist” series, start with the original films: “Poltergeist,” “Poltergeist II,” and “Poltergeist III.” This order offers the best way to fully engage with the storyline, allowing you to witness Carol Anne and her family’s horrifying encounters with The Beast and its ghostly minions. The first installment details the Freelings’ initial brush with the supernatural after moving into a housing development in California. The sequel, “Poltergeist II,” delves deeper into the origins of the ghosts and the Beast, revealing him as a malevolent figure who became a demon—a narrative choice that is open to debate in terms of its effectiveness.

As the series progresses to “Poltergeist III,” the action shifts to a high-rise in Chicago, where Carol Anne seeks refuge with relatives, only to find that the terrors of her past are not far behind, leading to a terrifying kidnapping through a mirror. All three films feature the brilliant Zelda Rubinstein as Tangina Barrons, establishing her as the quintessential horror medium.

While the original trilogy is essential viewing for any horror fan, there are two additional installments in the franchise that are more optional. “Poltergeist: The Legacy,” which aired in 1996 and ran for four seasons, is the first of the “Poltergeist” TV adaptations. This series revolves around members of a secret society dedicated to safeguarding people from supernatural threats. Despite its title, it bears little connection to the films.

Then there’s the 2015 “Poltergeist” remake, which is widely regarded as a misfire, failing to contribute meaningfully to the “Poltergeist” legacy, although Jared Harris’s performance is a highlight.

In summary, for a comprehensive understanding of the “Poltergeist” universe, begin with the original trilogy and consider the later additions only if you’re a completionist.