In a realm where marshmallow men roam and proton packs hum with otherworldly energy, the Ghostbusters franchise has carved its place in the hallowed halls of pop culture history! From the iconic theme music to the memorable quotes that have transcended time, the ghost-busting franchise has successfully blended humor, horror, and heart for over three decades. With a legacy that spans four movies, the franchise has taken audiences on a rollercoaster ride through the paranormal, all while keeping the spirit of camaraderie alive with its crew of ghost-hunting heroes.
Over the years, the franchise has evolved, bringing new characters, fresh comedic takes, and a blend of old and new to the silver screen. With four installments released to date, each entry has its own distinct charm and flavor, catering to both long-time enthusiasts and those just discovering the world of ectoplasmic adventures. Come along with us as we carefully evaluate all four Ghostbusters films, organizing them from worst to best!
But before we delve into the rankings, let’s take a moment to refresh our memories!
What are the Ghostbusters movies about?
The movies tell the story of a group of quirky and unorthodox people who become investigators and eliminators of paranormal activity. These adventurers use state-of-the-art tools such as proton packs and ghost traps to get rid of troublesome and often humorous supernatural beings in their town or city. With a mix of science fiction, humor, and supernatural elements, the team faces various challenges, creating a unique combination of action, comedy, and spooky thrills.
From fighting ancient spirits to preventing supernatural apocalypses, the Ghostbusters navigate a world where the supernatural collides with the ordinary, all while delivering clever jokes and unforgettable moments of ghost-hunting.
When did the first Ghostbusters movie come out?
The first Ghostbusters movie was released on June 8, 1984. It was a sci-fi/comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman and written by Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd. The film was a box office smash and has since become a beloved classic!
Is there a Ghostbusters 5 in the works?
Yes! Exciting news for Ghostbusters fans as the franchise gears up for its fifth installment, a direct sequel to Afterlife. The much-anticipated Ghostbusters 5 was officially confirmed by Sony at CinemaCon 2023. The confirmation was accompanied by behind-the-scenes footage from the set of the upcoming movie. Director Gil Kenan, writer Jason Reitman, and the core cast of the Afterlife sequel including Paul Rudd, Mckenna Grace, Carrie Coon, and Finn Wolfhard were featured in the video.
Originally slated to hit theaters on December 20, 2023, in time for the holiday season, Ghostbusters 5 now faces a slight setback. The ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike has prompted Sony to make an official decision to delay the sequel’s release. Fans will need to exercise a bit more patience, as the film’s premiere date has been pushed from December 2023 to March 2024.
Now, let’s kick off our ranking with the worst movie in the franchise …