Poltergeist Movies: Release Order
The Poltergeist franchise encompasses both the original trilogy that defined suburban supernatural horror and a modern reboot that reimagines the concept for contemporary audiences. The original films follow the Freeling family and young Carol Anne's ongoing connection to malevolent spirits, creating a continuous narrative across three films.
The 2015 reboot presents a completely separate story with the Bowen family, serving as a standalone reimagining rather than a continuation. This release order watch list provides the complete franchise experience, including the unrelated reboot.
There is 1 other watch order available - see the link up above.
Poltergeist
When a suburban family's home becomes plagued by malevolent supernatural forces, they must call in paranormal experts to save their family from the evil presence.
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Poltergeist II: The Other Side
The Freeling family attempts to start fresh after their supernatural ordeal, but the malevolent Beast returns in the form of Reverend Kane, a sinister religious zealot who continues to pursue young Carol Anne.
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Poltergeist III
Young Carol Anne is sent to live with her aunt and uncle in a high-rise apartment building to escape the malevolent Reverend Kane, but the ghostly entity tracks her down for another supernatural confrontation. The third installment in the horror franchise brings the paranormal terror to an urban setting as Carol Anne faces familiar supernatural threats.
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Poltergeist
A suburban family's home becomes invaded by malevolent spirits who escalate their supernatural attacks and abduct the youngest daughter, forcing the family to fight to rescue her.
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Other Film Series
Child's Play
A horror franchise following the murderous adventures of Chucky, a killer doll possessed by the soul of serial killer Charles Lee Ray.
Cloverfield
Science fiction anthology series where each standalone film explores mysterious threats and cosmic horror within the shared Cloververse.
Darkman
Sam Raimi's cult superhero-horror trilogy following a disfigured scientist who becomes a vigilante.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Four films exploring alien pod people replacing humans, each updating the concept for different eras and anxieties.
The Crow
Gothic supernatural revenge saga based on James O'Barr's graphic novel, following different protagonists resurrected by mystical forces to avenge their murders.
Underworld
A gothic action series following the centuries-old war between vampires and Lycans (werewolves), centered on vampire Death Dealer Selene.