Poltergeist III
Performance & Direction: Poltergeist III Review
Last updated: February 20, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Poltergeist III (1988) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and Poltergeist III features a noteworthy lineup led by Tom Skerritt . Supported by the likes of Nancy Allen and Heather O'Rourke , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Poltergeist III
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1988, Poltergeist III is a Horror, Thriller film directed by Gary Sherman. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Tom Skerritt.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. 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? Director Gary Sherman uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Ending Explained: Poltergeist III
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Gary Sherman, Poltergeist III attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Tom Skerritt, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Poltergeist III reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Poltergeist III?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Poltergeist III
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $10.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $14.1M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Poltergeist III Budget
The estimated production budget for Poltergeist III is $10.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Poltergeist III
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Poltergeist III Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
MGM Plus Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StorePoltergeist III Parents Guide & Age Rating
1988 AdvisoryWondering about Poltergeist III age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Poltergeist III is 98 minutes (1h 38m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.3/10, and global performance metrics, Poltergeist III is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1988 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Poltergeist III worth watching?
Poltergeist III is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 5.3/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Poltergeist III parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Poltergeist III identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Poltergeist III?
The total duration of Poltergeist III is 98 minutes, which is approximately 1h 38m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Poltergeist III
How Poltergeist III Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Poltergeist III
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
More with Tom Skerritt
View full filmography
Part of the Poltergeist Collection
Explore the full watch order, ratings, and collection details.
View Full Franchise