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Quizzes > Entertainment & Pop Culture > Movies

Think You Know Poltergeist? Take the Ultimate Trivia Quiz!

Think you can ace our Poltergeist trivia quiz? Dive in now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Poltergeist trivia quiz on a coral background

Horror enthusiasts, get ready for the Ultimate Poltergeist Trivia Quiz - the supernatural movie quiz that tests your knowledge of the classic 1982 film! From eerie quotes to chilling behind-the-scenes tidbits, this poltergeist movie quiz challenges you with the best poltergeist quiz questions around. You'll uncover fun facts and test your recall to see how well you know every twist and scare. Need a refresher? Explore our poltergeist trivia and sharpen your skills, then dive into the main test. For more ghostly fun, check out these ghost trivia questions and answers . Whether you're a casual viewer or horror movie trivia master, click start now and see if you can survive the scares!

Who directed the 1982 horror film Poltergeist?
Tobe Hooper
Steven Spielberg
John Carpenter
Wes Craven
Tobe Hooper directed Poltergeist, marking a high-profile collaboration with producer Steven Spielberg, who also co-wrote the screenplay. Despite Spielberg’s creative influence, it was Hooper who took the formal directing credit. Hooper’s background in low-budget horror films shaped the film’s eerie atmosphere. Wikipedia
What is the surname of the family terrorized by supernatural events in Poltergeist?
Freeling
Palmer
Myers
Torrance
The Poltergeist story centers on the Freeling family, who move into a suburban home haunted by malevolent spirits. Their surname appears repeatedly in dialogue and credits. The name Freeling has become synonymous with classic supernatural horror. Wikipedia
What famous line does Carol Anne say when the paranormal activity begins?
They're here!
They're coming!
They're back!
They're watching!
Carol Anne’s iconic line “They’re here!” signals the arrival of spirits and has become one of the most quoted moments in horror cinema. It underscores the sudden shift from normalcy to terror in the Freeling home. The moment is celebrated for Heather O’Rourke’s chilling delivery. Wikipedia
Through what device do the ghosts primarily communicate with the Freeling family?
Television
Radio
Telephone
Computer
In Poltergeist, the spirits use the family’s television set to communicate, appearing as static figures and messages. The TV static becomes a conduit between worlds, creating one of the film’s most memorable motifs. This concept influenced many later supernatural thrillers. Wikipedia
Which two writers are credited with the screenplay for Poltergeist?
Michael Grais & Mark Victor
Steven Spielberg & Tobe Hooper
Richard Matheson & Dean Koontz
Lawrence Kasdan & George Lucas
Michael Grais and Mark Victor wrote the official screenplay for Poltergeist, developing the story originally conceived by Steven Spielberg. Their work balanced family drama and supernatural horror. The duo later collaborated on other genre films. Wikipedia
What is the first name of the youngest child in the Freeling family?
Carol Anne
Robbie
Dana
Molly
Carol Anne Freeling is the youngest member of the Freeling family and central to the film’s haunting events. Heather O’Rourke’s portrayal anchors much of Poltergeist’s emotional resonance. Her character’s innocence contrasts with the film’s terror. Wikipedia
What is Steve Freeling's occupation in the film?
Real estate developer
Police officer
Mechanic
Teacher
Steve Freeling works as a real estate developer, which explains why he and his family move into a new suburban housing development at the film’s start. His job sets up the central location for the haunting. This detail also comments on suburban expansion. Wikipedia
Which of these household items moves on its own during the family's first encounter with the spirits?
Television
Refrigerator
Lamp
Couch
During the first major haunting sequence, the television turns itself on and shows static images, marking the spirits’ intrusion into the Freeling home. This scene established the TV as the main supernatural interface. It remains one of the film’s most iconic moments. Wikipedia
Who composed the musical score for Poltergeist?
Jerry Goldsmith
Hans Zimmer
John Williams
Danny Elfman
Jerry Goldsmith provided the haunting and atmospheric score for Poltergeist, enhancing the film’s tense and emotional moments. Goldsmith was an Academy Award–winning composer known for his work in science fiction and horror. His music remains a defining element of the film’s legacy. Wikipedia
In what year was Poltergeist released?
1982
1978
1985
1990
Poltergeist premiered in 1982, during a peak era of supernatural horror in cinema. Its success helped define the genre throughout the 1980s. The release date places it between other Spielberg productions like E.T. and Indiana Jones. Wikipedia
What is the name of the psychic medium who helps the Freeling family?
Tangina Barrons
Madame Zelda
Dr. Rhine
Agnes Moorehead
Tangina Barrons, played by Zelda Rubinstein, is the psychic medium summoned to combat the poltergeist haunting. Her portrayal is memorable for its empathy and intensity. Tangina’s rituals and chants are central to the film’s climax. Wikipedia
What is the name of the housing development where the Freelings live?
Cuesta Verde
Shady Oaks
Cedar Heights
Pine Ridge
The Freeling family moves into Cuesta Verde, a newly built suburban development. The development’s name appears on entrance signs and in dialogue. It symbolizes middle-class American living, which the film critiques through the haunting. Wikipedia
What color is the glowing portal that appears in the living room TV?
Blue
Green
Red
Purple
The portal that opens in the Freeling living room TV is characterized by a swirling blue glow and static. This vivid hue distinguishes it from typical static and heightens the supernatural visual. The effect became a hallmark of the franchise’s look. Wikipedia
What is the subtitle of the first sequel released after Poltergeist?
The Other Side
Bloodlines
Haunted Souls
Return to the Dark
The first sequel is titled Poltergeist II: The Other Side and was released in 1986. It continues the Freeling family’s fight against the spirit world. The subtitle reflects the film’s exploration of the afterlife. Wikipedia
Who portrayed Diane Freeling in Poltergeist?
JoBeth Williams
Heather O'Rourke
Zelda Rubinstein
Catherine Hicks
JoBeth Williams played Diane Freeling, the devoted mother trying to save her daughter Carol Anne from the spirit realm. Williams’ performance anchors the family drama at the film’s core. Her emotional scenes are often cited as highlights. Wikipedia
Which type of toy comes to life and attacks Carl the handyman?
Clown doll
Ventriloquist dummy
Teddy bear
Jack-in-the-box
A sinister clown doll animated by the spirits kills Carl the handyman in one of the film’s most disturbing sequences. The scene is often highlighted for its effective use of a child’s toy as a weapon. It underscores the film’s themes of innocence turned deadly. Wikipedia
What was Steven Spielberg’s formal credited role on Poltergeist?
Executive producer
Lead actor
Cinematographer
Composer
Although Steven Spielberg co-wrote and supervised Poltergeist, he is formally credited as an executive producer. Tobe Hooper received the directing credit. Spielberg’s behind-the-scenes involvement led to ongoing debates about the film’s directorial authorship. Wikipedia
Which visual effects artist led the special effects team on Poltergeist?
Richard Edlund
Rick Baker
Stan Winston
Dennis Muren
Richard Edlund supervised the special effects for Poltergeist, winning an Academy Award for his work on The Empire Strikes Back earlier in his career. His team created the film’s signature practical effects, including the swirling portal and animated toys. Edlund’s expertise helped define 1980s horror visuals. Wikipedia
To which establishment does the Freeling family temporarily relocate to escape the hauntings?
Howard Johnson's Motel
Holiday Inn
Motel 6
Best Western
After the haunting escalates, the Freelings check into a Howard Johnson’s motel to flee Cuesta Verde. The orange roofs and vintage décor of the motel provide a brief respite before the spirits follow them. This setting highlights the inescapable nature of the haunting. Wikipedia
Which musical instrument does Robbie Freeling play?
Trumpet
Violin
Drums
Piano
In the film, Robbie Freeling is briefly seen practicing the trumpet, a detail that underscores his youth and normalcy before the supernatural events intensify. The trumpet appears in his bedroom scenes. This subtle character touch adds realism to the family dynamic. Wikipedia
Who was the director of photography (cinematographer) for Poltergeist?
Matthew F. Leonetti
Dean Cundey
Vilmos Zsigmond
Gordon Willis
Matthew F. Leonetti served as the cinematographer for Poltergeist, crafting its memorable lighting and framing to heighten suspense. Leonetti’s use of shadows and color helped define the film’s eerie mood. He later collaborated on other horror and sci-fi projects. Wikipedia
What MPAA rating was assigned to Poltergeist upon its release?
PG
PG-13
R
G
Poltergeist was rated PG by the MPAA in 1982, a rating that raised concerns among parents due to the film’s intense horror imagery. This PG rating predates the creation of the PG-13 category. The rating debate influenced future classification standards. Wikipedia
Which film studio originally distributed Poltergeist?
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Universal Pictures
Paramount Pictures
Warner Bros.
Poltergeist was distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) in partnership with Columbia Pictures. MGM’s logo appears at the start of the film. The studio’s distribution helped the movie reach a wide international audience. Wikipedia
Which character declares "This house is clean" after the final exorcism?
Tangina Barrons
Diane Freeling
Carol Anne Freeling
Steve Freeling
After completing the final exorcism, Tangina Barrons proclaims “This house is clean!” as a triumphant declaration that the haunting has ended. The line caps the film’s emotional climax. It remains one of the franchise’s most quoted moments. Wikipedia
On which studio lot were the interior sets of Poltergeist primarily filmed?
Sunset Gower Studios
Pinewood Studios
Universal Studios
MGM Studios
Most of Poltergeist’s interior scenes were shot on sound stages at Sunset Gower Studios in Los Angeles. The controlled environment allowed precise lighting and effects work. Many of the family home sets were custom-built for the production. Wikipedia
Which special effects technique was used to bring the clown doll to life during its attack?
Animatronic puppet
Stop-motion animation
Computer-generated imagery
Hand-drawn animation
The attacking clown doll sequence was achieved using an animatronic puppet built by the special effects team. This practical effect allowed realistic movement and close-up shots. Animatronics were a hallmark of 1980s creature effects. Wikipedia
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Iconic Poltergeist Moments -

    Recollect key scenes and plot twists from the classic Poltergeist movie to strengthen your poltergeist trivia knowledge.

  2. Identify Memorable Characters -

    Recognize the roles, names, and significance of main and supporting characters featured in the supernatural movie quiz.

  3. Analyze Supernatural Elements -

    Examine the ghostly occurrences and special effects that define Poltergeist's spine-tingling appeal in horror movie trivia.

  4. Evaluate Behind-the-Scenes Facts -

    Assess interesting production notes and real-life anecdotes that enhance your understanding of the film's creation.

  5. Test Your Poltergeist Trivia Skills -

    Challenge your memory and gauge your mastery of tricky Poltergeist quiz questions to see if you can score big.

  6. Apply Knowledge to Future Quizzes -

    Use insights gained from this Poltergeist movie quiz to tackle other horror movie trivia and supernatural movie quizzes with confidence.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Spielberg's Shadow & Hooper's Touch -

    Though Spielberg wrote and produced Poltergeist, Tobe Hooper directed, blending Spielberg's family-friendly flair with Hooper's horror expertise. Remember "sPEilberg + HOOper = SHADOW," a fun mnemonic to lock in who handled writing, production and direction (Source: American Film Institute archives).

  2. Practical Effects Magic -

    Industrial Light & Magic pioneered interactive puppetry and animatronics for the iconic clown doll and spectral hands - practical effects that predate CGI dominance. Visual effects legend Richard Edlund's work is detailed in Cinema Journal (Vol. 20, 1988), showcasing how tactile set pieces heighten suspense with real-world physics.

  3. Bone-Chilling Soundscapes -

    Composer Jerry Goldsmith's atonal score uses dissonant strings and eerie synths to mirror paranormal tension; listen for the "murmur motif" in the closet scene. A simple memory trick: "STRINGS = Spine-Tingling Reactions In Noisy Ghost Screams" to recall his ghostly themes (Source: Journal of Film Music Studies, 1993).

  4. Parapsychology Meets Cinema -

    Poltergeist incorporates real poltergeist research, like the Edinburgh Parapsychology Department's 1979 case files on object movements without physical contact. This blend of science and storytelling is explored in the Journal of Parapsychology (1980), giving the haunting a grounded authenticity.

  5. Cultural Legacy & Recognition -

    Ranked #45 on the American Film Institute's "100 Years…100 Thrills," Poltergeist reshaped horror and inspired generations. Use the acronym H.O.R.R.O.R (Highly Outstanding Ritual Of Revenant Onscreen Reputation) to remember its top-tier status (Source: AFI Website).

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