If your child is 10 or a strong 9 and isn't the type to get scared at night, then this is their gateway into the land of Horror. Don't let them watch this on their own though! If at that age, this movie should be watched with family sitting close by to remind them it's all just a movie, and that they're safe.

Deciding whether to let a 10-year-old watch the 1982 classic Poltergeist depends heavily on the individual child's maturity and their previous experience with scary movies. The film is rated PG, but it was released before the PG-13 rating existed, meaning it contains some intense imagery that might be considered "too much" by modern PG standards. For a 10-year-old, the primary concerns are several "nightmare fuel" scenes, such as the creepy clown doll attacking a child, a man appearing to tear his own face off in a mirror (a hallucination), and the skeletons popping up in the swimming pool. However, unlike modern "slasher" films or "R-rated" horror, Poltergeist emphasizes suspense and family bonds rather than gore or sexual content. Many parents find it to be an excellent "entry-level" horror film because the protagonists are a relatable family trying to protect one another. If your child is sensitive to themes of kidnapping or "monsters under the bed," you might want to wait. A good strategy is to watch it with them so you can explain the practical effects and provide comfort during the more intense sequences.