Poltergeist - Watch Order: 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.

Poltergeist II: The Other Side
The Freeling family move in with Diane's mother in an effort to escape the trauma and aftermath of Carol Anne's abduction by the Beast. But the Beast is not to be put off so easily and appears in a ghostly apparition as the Reverend Kane, a religious zealot responsible for the deaths of his many followers. His goal is simple - he wants the angelic Carol Anne.

Poltergeist III
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?

Poltergeist
A family's suburban home is invaded by angry spirits. When the terrifying apparitions escalate their attacks and take the youngest daughter, the family must come together to rescue her.
Other Film Series
Edgar Wallace
German crime thriller series from 1959-1972 that created a distinctive subgenre of atmospheric gothic mysteries, featuring recurring cast and iconic villains.
Hannibal Lecter
A psychological thriller franchise following the brilliant and cannibalistic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter, adapted from Thomas Harris's novels across multiple timelines and interpretations.
Hellraiser
Supernatural body horror centered on a mysterious puzzle box and the sadomasochistic Cenobites led by Pinhead.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Four films exploring alien pod people replacing humans, each updating the concept for different eras and anxieties.
Romero's Living Dead
George A. Romero's groundbreaking zombie saga, featuring classic horror films and several reboots.
X Horror Series
Ti West's acclaimed horror trilogy following the intertwined fates of Maxine and Pearl across generations, blending slasher thrills with character-driven storytelling and period-specific atmosphere.