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5 Ghostbusters Movies Ranked

Since its debut in 1984, the Ghostbusters franchise has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique blend of supernatural comedy, thrilling spectral encounters, and unforgettable characters. From the original classic to modern reboots, each entry in the series has left an indelible mark on pop culture. In this post, we’ll rank the top 5 Ghostbusters movies, exploring what makes each film special and how they stack up against each other. So, strap on your proton pack, grab your PKE meter, and let’s dive into the ectoplasmic world of Ghostbusters!

5

Ghostbusters: Answer the Call (2016)

IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 74%
Letterboxd Rating: 2.7/5
Odyssey Score: 6.5/10
Box Office: $229.1 million worldwide

The 2016 reboot of Ghostbusters, directed by Paul Feig, took a bold step by reimagining the classic with an all-female lead cast. Starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones, the film brought fresh energy to the franchise while paying homage to its roots. Despite mixed reviews and controversy surrounding its marketing, the movie delivered laughs and spectral action, showcasing impressive visual effects and undeniable chemistry among its lead actors.

A Controversial but Impactful Reboot

“Answer the Call” sparked intense debates about gender representation in Hollywood and the treatment of beloved franchises. While it faced significant online backlash, the film also garnered a dedicated fanbase who appreciated its fresh take on the Ghostbusters concept.

The movie’s impact extended beyond the screen, inspiring discussions about inclusivity in mainstream cinema and the challenges of rebooting iconic properties. Its reception highlighted the evolving landscape of film criticism in the age of social media and fan culture.

Despite the controversy, “Answer the Call” demonstrated the enduring appeal of the Ghostbusters concept and paved the way for future installments that would attempt to bridge the gap between nostalgia and innovation.

4

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)

IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 76%
Letterboxd Rating: 3.2/5
Odyssey Score: 7.0/10
Box Office: $145.3 million worldwide (as of April 14, 2024)

The latest entry in the Ghostbusters saga, “Frozen Empire” continues the story from “Afterlife,” bringing the action back to New York City. Directed by Gil Kenan, the film sees the return of both veteran Ghostbusters and the new generation introduced in “Afterlife.” Paul Rudd and Carrie Coon lead the ensemble cast alongside original stars Dan Aykroyd and Ernie Hudson. The movie skillfully blends nostalgia with fresh threats, as the team faces a powerful ancient evil that threatens to plunge the Big Apple into a new ice age.

A New Chapter in the Ghostbusters Legacy

“Frozen Empire” has been praised for its ability to balance fan service with new storylines, offering a mix of familiar faces and fresh talent. The film’s success suggests a renewed interest in the Ghostbusters franchise, potentially paving the way for future installments.

Critics have noted the film’s improved special effects and its efforts to expand the Ghostbusters mythology, introducing new spectral threats and delving deeper into the supernatural lore of the series.

As the franchise continues to evolve, “Frozen Empire” represents a crucial step in determining the long-term viability of Ghostbusters as a modern cinematic universe, balancing the nostalgia of long-time fans with the need to attract new audiences.

3

Ghostbusters II (1989)

IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 53%
Letterboxd Rating: 3.1/5
Odyssey Score: 6.3/10
Box Office: $215.4 million worldwide

Five years after the events of the original film, “Ghostbusters II” (1989) reunites the beloved paranormal investigators to face a new supernatural threat. Directed by Ivan Reitman, the sequel brings back Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson as they confront a river of psychomagnotheric slime and the malevolent spirit of Vigo the Carpathian. While it didn’t quite capture the same magic as its predecessor, the film still offers plenty of quotable lines, imaginative special effects, and memorable moments.

A Sequel That Expanded the Ghostbusters Universe

“Ghostbusters II” introduced several elements that have become iconic in their own right, including the pink mood slime and the unforgettable scene of the Statue of Liberty coming to life. These additions to the Ghostbusters lore have endured in pop culture, often referenced and parodied in various media.

The film’s exploration of positive energy influencing the supernatural world added a new dimension to the franchise’s mythology, inspiring fans to consider the power of human emotions in shaping reality.

Despite mixed critical reception, “Ghostbusters II” has gained a dedicated following over the years, with many fans appreciating its attempts to expand the series’ scope while maintaining the charm of the original cast’s chemistry.

2

Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 63%
Letterboxd Rating: 3.3/5
Odyssey Score: 6.9/10
Box Office: $204.4 million worldwide

Directed by Jason Reitman, son of original Ghostbusters director Ivan Reitman, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” (2021) serves as a direct sequel to the first two films, bridging generations of ghost-catching action. The movie follows the grandchildren of Egon Spengler as they unearth their family’s spectral-busting legacy in the small Oklahoma town of Summerville. Starring Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, and Paul Rudd, “Afterlife” successfully blends nostalgia with a new generation of characters, offering a heartfelt tribute to the franchise’s roots while pushing the story forward.

Revitalizing the Franchise for a New Era

“Afterlife” successfully rekindled interest in the Ghostbusters franchise by introducing a new generation of characters while honoring the legacy of the original films. The movie’s approach to blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling has been praised as a template for reviving classic franchises.

The film’s focus on family legacy and the passing of the torch to younger characters resonated with both long-time fans and newcomers, creating a bridge between different generations of Ghostbusters enthusiasts.

By moving the setting from New York City to rural Oklahoma, “Afterlife” expanded the Ghostbusters universe, suggesting that supernatural threats can emerge anywhere and setting the stage for potential future installments in diverse locations.

1

Ghostbusters (1984)

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Letterboxd Rating: 4.0/5
Odyssey Score: 8.5/10
Box Office: $295.2 million worldwide (original release)

The original “Ghostbusters” (1984) remains the gold standard of the franchise, perfectly blending comedy, action, and the supernatural. Directed by Ivan Reitman and written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, the film stars Bill Murray, Aykroyd, Ramis, and Ernie Hudson as eccentric parapsychology professors turned ghost-catching contractors in New York City. With its endlessly quotable dialogue, unforgettable characters like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, and groundbreaking special effects, “Ghostbusters” became a cultural phenomenon that continues to resonate with audiences decades later.

A Timeless Classic That Defined a Genre

“Ghostbusters” not only launched a multi-billion dollar franchise but also redefined the possibilities of blending comedy with science fiction and horror. Its influence can be seen in countless films that followed, attempting to capture the same magic of humor and spectacle.

The film’s iconography, from the Ghostbusters logo to the Ecto-1 vehicle, has become deeply embedded in popular culture, recognized worldwide and often referenced or parodied in various media.

Beyond its entertainment value, “Ghostbusters” sparked interest in the paranormal and pseudoscience among the general public, influencing everything from academic parapsychology studies to ghost-hunting reality TV shows.

The movie’s theme song, performed by Ray Parker Jr., became an instant hit and remains one of the most recognizable film themes in cinema history, further cementing the movie’s place in pop culture.

From the groundbreaking original to the latest supernatural adventures, the Ghostbusters franchise has left an indelible mark on pop culture. While each film brings its own unique flavor to the series, the original 1984 classic remains the standout, setting the gold standard for supernatural comedies. “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” successfully bridged the gap between nostalgia and a new generation, while “Ghostbusters II” and the 2016 reboot each added their own twists to the formula. The latest entry, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” continues to expand the ghostbusting universe with its blend of familiar faces and fresh threats.

Whether you’re a longtime fan who can quote every line or a newcomer curious about proton packs and ectoplasm, these films offer a perfect blend of laughs, thrills, and spectral excitement. From Slimer to mood slime, from Zuul to Vigo the Carpathian, the Ghostbusters saga has given us iconic characters and moments that continue to resonate across generations, proving that bustin’ still makes us feel good.

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