The first Ghostbusters movie came in 1984 and since then, four more titles, two animated shows and a video game have rolled out proving it remains an evergreen franchise. In fact, in August 2024, Netflix greenlit a Ghostbusters animated series, signalling a new instalment in the popular franchise. So, let us look at all the original Ghostbusters movies from worst to best, ranked according to IMDb ratings.
While the new Netflix project is under wraps, this year, a live-action Ghostbusters film — Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire — hit the theatres in March. It failed to attract the same enthusiasm and audience adulation as the previous instalments but reminded us of the spirit hunters and that the skill of paranormal investigators and their job is as relevant as ever.
About the Netflix Ghostbusters series
The Netflix series was first announced in 2022 under Sony Pictures Animation. However, the official green signal came two years later. Joining the team are Jason Reitman and Gil Kenan of Ghost Corps, Inc. executive producers. Netflix and Ghost Corps, Inc., based at Sony’s Columbia Pictures, will produce the series.
This marks the third animated horror-comedy series in the beloved franchise. Previously, The Real Ghostbusters (1986-1991) aired for 140 episodes, mostly on ABC and in syndication, and was an extension of the adventures from the original film. This was followed by Extreme Ghostbusters (1997), which aired for 40 episodes in syndication. They have raked in an IMDb rating of 7.6 and 6.9, respectively.
All the horror comedy movies, series video games, comic books, merchandise and cosplay later, there is no doubt that the box office still loves the original Ghostbusters movies and does not shy away from bringing the ’80s spook back again. The high-tech innovative equipment, sci-fi elements, horror streak and a very unique branch of supernatural elements make the franchise an entertaining watch and a Halloween staple.
Here are all the Ghostbusters movies, ranked by IMDb ratings
IMDb rating: 6.1
Directed by: Gil Kenan
Cast: Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard
Synopsis: After saving the world from an ancient god of destruction in Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021), Gary (Rudd) and the Spengler family settle into the New York City firehouse where the franchise first began. Just when they thought things had settled down, the Ghostbusters stumble upon a mysterious object that unleashes an indomitable evil force. As it wreaks havoc and creates chaos, the spirit hunters must step in. As two generations of the team work together, will they be able to save the city before a second ice age takes over?
About the film: This marks the second Sony Pictures-backed Ghostbusters film and is a continuation of Ghostbusters: Afterlife. It comes back to New York City and is loaded with several references to the first Ghostbusters movies. However, it missed the mark with a low IMDb rating.
Image: Courtesy Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire/ Photo by Jaap Buitendijk – © 2023 CTMG, Inc/ IMDb
IMDb rating: 6.6
Directed by: Ivan Reitman
Cast: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Annie Potts, Rick Moranis
Synopsis: Five years after the events of the 1984 film where the Ghostbusters cleansed New York City of the shapeshifting Gozer, they lose credibility and are sued for covering the city with gooey roasted marshmallows. The once-successful spirit hunters find it difficult to keep their business afloat and officially disband. However, when Dana (Weaver) and her baby face another paranormal encounter, it is up to Peter Venkman (Murray) and his ghost-busting team to help them. This time, rivers of psycho-reactive ectoplasm and the dreadful manifestation of evil sixteenth-century tyrant Vigo the Carpathian threaten humanity.
About the film: This film is the direct sequel to the first Ghostbusters, with scenes very similar to those of the original movie. Unfortunately, it failed to create a buzz at the box office and raked in very low ratings.
Image: Courtesy Ghostbusters II/ © Columbia Pictures Home Entertainment/ IMDb
3 /5
IMDb rating: 6.8
Directed by: Paul Feig
Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones
Synopsis: Paranormal researcher Abby Yates (McCarthy) and physicist Erin Gilbert (Wiig) are on a quest to prove that ghosts exist in modern society. When Manhattan is haunted by supernatural apparitions, they, along with nuclear engineer Jillian Holtzmann (McKinnon), try to stop the occult. Subway worker Patty Tolan (Jones), who knows the city inside out, also joins the party. Armed with ample proton packs and a fearless attitude, the four women decide to cleanse Times Square of all demons and ghosts.
About the film: This movie comes nearly 30 years after the last film was released in 1989, and is often referred to as Ghostbusters: Answer the Call. Although not a box-office success, it falls in the continuity of the original film franchise. However, original actors Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver and Annie Potts make cameos, but as other characters. Slapstick jokes that didn’t work, the idea of a new Ghostbusters team and an attempt to reboot the original film seemed to fall flat with the audience.
Image: Courtesy Ghostbusters/ IMDb
IMDb rating: 7
Directed by: Jason Reitman
Cast: Carrie Coon, Paul Rudd, Finn Wolfhard, Ernie Hudson, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Mckenna Grace
Synopsis: A new generation of Spengler kids arrive to pick up the proton packs to contain new ghosts and demons. The film follows Egon Spengler’s grandkids as they discover what their grandfather used to do and why he abandoned his teammates. Egon’s daughter and single mom Callie (Coon) move into the Spengler family farmhouse in Oklahoma with her two kids Trevor (Wolfhard) and Phoebe (Grace). Soon, Phoebe figures the farmhouse is haunted and locates her grandfather’s ghost trap with the help of the farm ghost. She shows it to Gary Grooberson (Rudd), her teacher, who is a fan of the Ghostbusters and they accidentally release the spirit of Vinz Clortho, one of Gozer the Gozerian’s gatekeepers.
Why you should watch this: The film comes as a continuity of the 1984 blockbuster with Ivan Reitman’s son Jason helming it. The reunion of the OG trio, Ramis’ legacy, Phoebe’s deadpan humour and a certain sense of loss and languish in Oklahoma in contrast to a dazzling New York City, make it a fitting tribute to the original Ghostbusters. What works best is the fact that despite all this, it is not a direct sequel and very little of the 1984 film appears here. Rather, the characters are fresh and take the story to a different tangent, while keeping the essence intact.
Image: Courtesy Ghostbusters Afterlife/ IMDb
These are the highest-grossing comedy movies of all time; check out the list
5 /5
IMDb rating: 7.8
Directed by: Ivan Reitman
Cast: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver
Synopsis: After Columbia University expels Peter Venkman (Murray), Raymond Stantz (Aykroyd) and Egon Spengler (Ramis) for carrying out unethical paranormal experiments on students, the trio open their own paranormal business and call themselves Ghostbusters. They set up headquarters in a New York City firehouse and are determined to rid the Big Apple of all rogue spirits. While a surge in New York City’s supernatural activities makes the three famous with soaring demand, it also makes the police suspicious. However, all speculations are put to rest when the fearless Ghostbusters take up the case of cellist Dana Barrett (Weaver).
Awards won: Nominated for 1985 Oscar for Best Effects, Visual Effects and Best Music, Original Song. Won BAFTA Award for Best Original Song.
Why you should watch this: The first of the original Ghostbusters movies and also the highest-rated title, it stands out for its seamless blend of science fiction, adult humour and antics. It also laid the foundation for rising comedy icons like Murray, Aykroyd and Ramis, while Weaver’s spectacular performance remains unforgettable. Supernatural elements aside, the actors make the film extremely character-driven. Interestingly, at the time of release, makers were only concerned whether the high-concept film would break even and, perhaps, be able to get a small profit. Little did they know, that it would become such a box-office hit collecting over USD 229.3 million worldwide, states Box Office Mojo.
Image: Courtesy Ghostbusters/ © Sony Pictures Home Entertainment/ IMDb