The 1980s was a landmark decade for horror films. Defined by movies like Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining and Sam Raimi’s The Evil Dead, as well as the rise of iconic and chilling slasher franchises like Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street, the ‘80s marked a chilling turn for scares on the big screen. One of the most iconic horror movies from the ‘80s with a PG rating is just as scary as the rest, and horror fans won’t want to miss it now that it’s returned to streaming.
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HBO Max subscribers looking for a genuine scare this Halloween season can now stream Poltergeist (1982). Directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, the movie has a surprising PG rating, but it’s certainly not kid-friendly. Poltergeist centers around the Freeling family, whose peaceful home turns into a nightmare when ghosts commune with them through the TV and young Carol Ann goes missing. The movie began streaming on HBO Max on October 1st. It stars JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson, and Beatrice Straight.
Why You Should Watch Poltergeist
Don’t let the PG rating fool you – Poltergeist is absolutely terrifying. The movie, which originally got tagged with an R rating before Spielberg and Hooper appealed and got it lowered to PG in the period before PG-13 existed, is a psychological horror that taps into a collective nightmare of suburban safety being invaded by the supernatural and puts a young child at the center of the terror. From the jump scares to the nightmarish sequences and disturbing imagery, like a malevolent clown doll and skin-peeling hallucinations, and the general atmosphere of terror the film creates, Poltergeist definitely isn’t a family-friendly Halloween movie and is a solid and intense horror film perfect for braver audiences. The film has even been ranked among the scariest films ever made.
Poltergeist brings its scares to life through groundbreaking practical effects and Jerry Goldsmith’s frightening score that helps build suspense and helps keep viewers invested by centering a family drama at its core as the Freeling family fights to get Carol Anne back. The film is a certified horror classic and is “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes with an 87% critic score. The movie, which grossed over $121 million worldwide, went on to spawn a franchise that now includes a total of four movies and a TV series.
Other Horror Movies Now on HBO Max
Poltergeist arrived on HBO Max on October 1st alongside a long list of other terrifying new additions perfect for Halloween. HBO Max subscribers looking for titles to add to their Halloween movie marathon list can now stream horror hits like Beetlejuice, Drag Me to Hell, Hereditary, Talk to Me, The Exorcist (1973), and The Shining. The streamer also added titles from fan-favorite horror franchises, including A Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, and Insidious.
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