As Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is set to expand the world of Ghostbusters, it's the perfect time to revisit the series. Want to tackle the Ghostbusters movies in order, but need a starting point? Clear the ectoplasmic confusion with this straightforward guide.
The Ghostbusters franchise offers nostalgia, timeless humor and plenty of crazy special effects. From the original Ghostbusters’ 1984 debut to Ghostbusters: Afterlife’s revival of the ghost-chasing lore, we’ve got your back. Follow this sequence for the full spectral experience.
Key Takeaways
• The Ghostbusters movies are pop culture staples that blend comedy and supernatural themes. The franchise started in the ‘80s and over the years has included reboots, sequels and two animated series, The Real Ghostbusters and Extreme Ghostbusters.
• The ideal viewing order for context and appreciate of the series' evolution starts with Ghostbusters (1984) and continues through Ghostbusters II (1989), Ghostbusters: Answer the Call (2016) and Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021).
• Directors and actors like Ivan and Jason Reitman, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis have significantly shaped and extended the Ghostbusters universe.
The Ideal Sequence: Watching Ghostbusters Movies in Order
Given the numerous films in this franchise, it’s natural to question the best order to view them. Fans prepping for the release of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, here's our suggested order!
To fully appreciate the narrative arc and character development, we recommend:
1. Ghostbusters (1984)
2. Ghostbusters II (1989)
3. Ghostbusters: Answer the Call (2016)
4. Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
5. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)
Although Ghostbusters: Answer the Call can serve as a stand-alone film, viewing it as a third film in the series gives context to the classic first and second movies and sets the stage for what comes next in the expansive Ghostbusters universe.
The Ghostbusters Legacy: A Brief Overview
Once upon a time, in a city that never sleeps, a team of paranormal investigators set out on a mission to capture ghosts, leading to an adventure that would leave a lasting impact on pop culture. This team, known as the Ghostbusters, became a cultural phenomenon. The Ghostbusters franchise, with its unique blend of comedy and supernatural elements — not to mention Ray Parker Jr.'s unforgettable theme song — has become a cornerstone of pop culture. Lines from the movies are still widely quoted today. Thanks to the films' broad cultural influence, the term "busters" even became a popular suffix.
The groundbreaking visual effects of the Ghostbusters films, such as the memorable Stay Puft Marshmallow Man sequence, set new standards for incorporating supernatural elements into modern, urban environments in cinema. Memorable monsters like Slimer and the Terror Dogs have become staples in pop culture. But where did this all originate? Embark on a spectral journey back to the 1980s.
The Original Films
The Ghostbusters franchise kicked off with Ghostbusters (1984), a film celebrated for its well-structured plot, distinct characters, smart humor and excellent pacing. This movie laid the foundation for the Ghostbusters concept and their role in fighting paranormal activities in New York City. This first installment established the core busting team of Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) and Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis), later joined by Winston Zeddmore (Ernie Hudson) and Janine Melnitz (Annie Potts). The main cast of Ghostbusters also included notable talents like Rick Moranis and Sigourney Weaver, who played a significant role in bringing the story to life.
In Ghostbusters II (1989), the original team reunited to tackle a new paranormal threat endangering the city. While not reaching the iconic status of its predecessor, the sequel is still important for viewers to watch for a comprehensive experience of the original Ghostbusters narrative. (It's also very entertaining!)
Reboots and Sequel
With the original Ghostbusters films setting a solid groundwork, the narrative continued to evolve. In 2016, the reboot Ghostbusters — better known as Ghostbusters: Answer the Call — was released. This film draws from its predecessors, but it's a stand-alone movie with no narrative connection to the previous Ghostbusters films. Directed by Paul Feig, the franchise reboot featured a fresh cast of leads. The core team in this installment consists of four women, played by Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones, who start their own ghost-catching buisness in New York City.
The 2016 Ghostbusters reboot also featured cameos from the original core cast, although Bill Murray initially refused to participate following the death of Harold Ramis in 2014. However, the film came together in plenty of time for a summer 2016 release. While it received a mixed reception, it's a fresh taste on the franchise, offering a new perspective while maintaining the classic aspects that made the original Ghostbusters so beloved.
In 2021, the sequel Ghostbusters: Afterlife furthered the story initiated in the first two films. The film is packed with nostalgic references to events, tehnologies and ghosts from the previous films, making it a treat for fans of the original movies
While paying homage to the original moveis, Affterlife introduces new character and a coming-of-age story, and the small-town setting creates a different tone from previous Ghostbusters movies. The plot revolves around the descendants of Egon Spengler, an original Ghostbuster, as they uncover Egon's legacy and face new supernatural threats on an Oklahoma farm.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife stars Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard and Mckenna Grace. The original Ghostbusters are back for the final act, and the film pays tribute to the late Harold Ramis. Understanding the original team's backstory is crucial for appreciating those characters' cameos. Even though Ghostbusters: Afterlife can serve as its own entry point to the Ghostbusters saga, this is a film best wathed after the original movies.
The sequel received praise for its direction, tribute and its ability to evoke nostalgia, making it another worthy addition to the Ghostbusters franchise.
Animated Adventures: The Real Ghostbusters and Extreme Ghostbusters
Ghostbusting isn’t just limited to the big screen. The franchise has also ventured into the realm of animation with two series that further expanded on the movies.
The Real Ghostbusters
The Real Ghostbusters continues the adventures of the original team. The show aired for seven seasons beginning in 1986 and featured characters from the films like Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, Egon Spengler, Winston Zeddermore and secretary Janine Melnitz, although they were voiced by different actors than those who originated the roles. The human characters were joined by popular monster Slimer.
The Ghostbusters film series brought to life a diverse array of ghosts and supernatural phenomena, and this show took the scope of the story beyond the cinematic experiences and deeper into the realm of subsequent Ghostbusters fiction.
Extreme Ghostbusters
The animated escapades expanded beyond The Real Ghostbusters. Extreme Ghostbusters, which first aired in 1997, focuses on a new team under the leadership of Egon Spengler. The series bridges the old with the new, incorporating classic characters from the original series like Janine Melnitz and Slimer, and even includes a special appearance by the original Ghostbusters team as older versions of themselves. The 40 episodes of this series further expanded the lore and adventures of the Ghostbuster team, making it a must-watch for fans of the franchise.
Behind the Scenes: Directors and Actors
Having discussed the films and series, let’s delve into the backstage workings. The Ghostbusters franchise is the brainchild of some incredible directors and actors who brought these stories and characters to life.
Ivan Reitman and Jason Reitman
At the helm of the original Ghostbusters films was Ivan Reitman, a celebrated director known for his notable films such as Meatballs, Stripes and Twins. Apart from directing, Ivan Reitman produced numberous influential films, including National Lampoon’s Animal House and Space Jam. His impact extends beyond the franchise, with his contributions to the Canadian film and television industries earning him an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Ivan Reitman's Ghostbusters legacy has been carried forward by his son, Jason Reitman. Jason Reitman has proven his directorial chops: He was nominated for the Best Director Oscar for his films Juno and Up in the Air, and took home a Golden Globe for Best Screenplay for Up in the Air. He carried on his father’s legacy by directing Ghostbusters: Afterlife, providing a direct connection between the original movies and the new generation, and is a producer on Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
Bill Murray, Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd
The Ghostbusters franchise owes much of its unique charm to the original cast. The actors’ performance and improvisational skills were critical to the films’ success, establishing a signature subtle humor for the franchise. In particular, Bill Murray’s performance has continued to have a strong connection with the franchise, making appearances in Ghostbusters: Answer the Call, Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis were also pivotal to the success of the original movies. Aykroyd, aside from acting, has pursued his interests in music and business with ventures like the House of Blues and Crystal Head Vodka. He has also made appearances in the franchise reboot films. Harold Ramis, known for directing classic movies such as Caddyshack, National Lampoon’s Vacation, and Groundhog Day, was posthumously honored in Ghostbusters: Afterlife through a motion capture performance and superimposed likeness, paying homage to his character Egon Spengler.
The Final Word
From the bustling streets of New York City to an Oklahoma farm and back again to the Big Apple, the Ghostbusters movies have taken fans on a thrilling journey. The franchise’s unique blend of comedy and supernatural elements has left a lasting impact on pop culture, with its legacy carried forward through reboots, sequels and even animated series. Whether you’re newly interested or a die hard fan, watching the Ghostbusters films and series in order will offer a comprehensive experience of the Ghostbusters universe and prepare you for the supernatural spectacle of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "Ghostbusters 5" called?
The fifth installment in the Ghostbusters franchise is called Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. It serves as a sequel to 2021's Ghostbusters: Afterlife.
What is the recommended sequence to watch the Ghostbusters films?
Watch the film series in this order: Ghostbusters (1984), Ghostbusters II (1989), Ghostbusters: Answer the Call (2016), Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024). Enjoy!
