Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986)
The Freeling family faces a new supernatural terror as the ghostly Reverend Kane relentlessly pursues young Carol Anne beyond the grave.
Poltergeist II: The Other Side - Movie Information
- Original Title: Poltergeist II: The Other Side
- Release Year: 1986
- Directed by: Brian Gibson
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 23, 1986 (Brazil - 18), May 23, 1986 (United States - PG-13), May 23, 1986 (Canada - 14A), September 19, 1986 (United Kingdom - 15), September 18, 1986 (Germany - 16), July 27, 1986 (France - U), August 7, 1986 (Australia - M), July 19, 1986 (Spain - 18)
- Alternative Titles: Poltergeist 2 - Die andere Seite (DE), Juegos Diabolicos II El Otro Lado (SV), Poltergeist 2 (US)
- Production Companies: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Production Countries: United States of America
Poltergeist II: The Other Side - Plot
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 II: The Other Side - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see what awaits the Freeling family in this chilling sequel:
"They're back"
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Poltergeist II: The Other Side - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Brian Gibson
Main Cast
- Craig T. Nelson
- JoBeth Williams
- Heather O'Rourke
- Oliver Robins
- Zelda Rubinstein
- Will Sampson
- Julian Beck
- Geraldine Fitzgerald
- John P. Whitecloud
- Noble Craig
Writers
- Michael Grais
- Mark Victor
Producers
- Michael Grais
- Mark Victor
Poltergeist II: The Other Side - FAQs
What is Poltergeist II: The Other Side about?
Poltergeist II follows the Freeling family as they try to rebuild their lives after the terrifying events of the first film. Their peace is shattered when a sinister preacher named Reverend Kane — a ghostly zealot who led his followers to their deaths — sets his sights on young Carol Anne, determined to drag her to the other side.
Who is Reverend Kane and why is he so frightening?
Reverend Kane is the film's central villain, played with chilling intensity by Julian Beck. A 19th-century cult leader who sealed his followers underground to await the apocalypse, Kane became one of horror's most unsettling antagonists. Beck's gaunt, skeletal appearance — the result of his real-life terminal illness — gave the character an authenticity no makeup could replicate.
Where can you stream Poltergeist II: The Other Side?
You can watch Poltergeist II: The Other Side for free on Tubi TV, YouTube Free, The Roku Channel, VIX, or Kanopy. It's also available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. If you prefer to own it, it's available to buy or rent on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Did Julian Beck really die during production?
Yes — Julian Beck, who played the terrifying Reverend Kane, passed away from stomach cancer in September 1985, before the film was released. He completed his scenes knowing he was terminally ill, which adds a haunting layer to his already unsettling performance. His work in Poltergeist II remains one of horror cinema's most memorable villain portrayals.
Who are the main cast members in Poltergeist II?
Craig T. Nelson and JoBeth Williams return as Steve and Diane Freeling, with Heather O'Rourke back as the imperiled Carol Anne. Julian Beck delivers an unforgettable performance as the villainous Reverend Kane, while Will Sampson joins the cast as Taylor, a Native American shaman who helps the family fight back against the supernatural threat.
Is Poltergeist II: The Other Side worth watching?
If you enjoyed the original, Poltergeist II is worth a watch — especially for Julian Beck's spine-chilling turn as Reverend Kane. While critics felt it didn't quite match the original's tension, the film delivers solid supernatural scares, strong performances from the returning cast, and some genuinely memorable creature effects courtesy of special effects legend Richard Edlund.
Was Poltergeist II: The Other Side a box office success?
Poltergeist II earned around $41 million at the box office against a $19 million production budget, making it a modest commercial success. While it didn't replicate the massive impact of the original, it performed well enough to keep the franchise alive, leading to Poltergeist III in 1988.
Is Poltergeist II connected to the original Poltergeist film?
Absolutely — Poltergeist II picks up directly where the 1982 original left off, reuniting the core Freeling family cast. It expands the mythology by revealing the origin of the supernatural evil haunting Carol Anne, tracing it back to a 19th-century cult leader. Familiarity with the first film greatly enriches the viewing experience.
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