Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986)
12-month trend
12-month trend
Monthly article views
2025-09 to 2026-08
The story
The Cuesta Verde neighborhood becomes an archaeological dig, leading to the discovery of a cave. Psychic Tangina Barrons informs her friend Taylor, a Native American shaman, that the spirit of an insane preacher named Henry Kane is pursuing Carol Anne Freeling. The Freeling family, having relocated to a new home, finds themselves under siege by Kane's minions. After the family is forced to flee their house, Taylor convinces them that they must return to face the threat. He provides Steven with a spirit to repel Kane, while Tangina helps Diane understand the history of the 'Beast' stalking them.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Following the discovery of a cave in Cuesta Verde, psychic Tangina Barrons and shaman Taylor warn the Freeling family that the spirit of Henry Kane, an insane 19th-century preacher, is seeking Carol Anne. The family, living in a new home with Diane's clairvoyant mother Jess, is attacked by Kane's minions through Carol Anne's toy telephone. Taylor gives Steven the 'Power of Smoke' to repel the spirit. Diane experiences visions of Kane's apocalyptic cult, revealing he became a monster after death. During an attack, Steven accidentally swallows a possessed Mezcal worm, leading to a temporary possession and the manifestation of a large, tentacled monster. The family eventually decides to confront the Beast in the 'Other Side.' They enter the cavern where Kane pulls Diane and Carol Anne into a floating limbo. Steven and Robbie follow through a fire. In the Other Side, Kane drains Carol Anne's life force until Taylor provides Steven with a charmed Native spear to defeat the monster. Carol Anne is saved by the spirit of Jess, and the family returns safely. Steven gifts his car to Taylor, and the family chases after him as he drives away with Tangina.
- First release year
- 1986
- Runtime (minutes)
- 91
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Brian Gibson
- Writers
- Michael Grais · writer; Mark Victor · writer
- Cast and characters
- JoBeth Williams · Diane Freeling; Craig T. Nelson · Steven Freeling; Heather O'Rourke · Carol Anne; Oliver Robins · Robbie; Julian Beck · Reverend Henry Kane; Zelda Rubinstein · Tangina Barrons; Will Sampson · Taylor; Geraldine Fitzgerald · Jess
- Genres
- supernatural horror
- Themes
- supernatural horror; spirituality; family protection
- Tone and mood
- eerie; psychological terror
- Premise and plot tags
- sequel; ghost story; archaeology
- Franchise connections
- Poltergeist
- Content notes
- horror
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 20% · review count: 54
- Awards and nominations
- Academy Award · Best Visual Effects · nomination
- Production trivia
- The film features designs by surrealist artist H. R. Giger.; The catchphrase "They're ba-aaack" was popularized by the television advertisement.; Several scenes, including a flying toaster and a confrontation with Henry Kane, were cut from the final film.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
Your lists
Loading your lists…