Ghostbusters Movies in Order: Get ready for some serious slime-time and redo one of those old ghost comedies, with the ultimate Ghostbusters film series, The Ghostbusters franchise has been a beloved part of pop culture since its debut in 1984, blending supernatural elements with comedy to create an iconic series. Created by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, the films follow a group of eccentric parapsychologists who dedicate their lives to capturing ghosts and defending New York City from paranormal threats.
Over the decades, the franchise has expanded into multiple sequels, a 2016 reboot, animated series, video games, comics, and even theme park attractions. The main continuity includes the original classic, Ghostbusters (1984), its sequel Ghostbusters II (1989), the modern revival Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021), and the latest installment Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024). Meanwhile, the reboot universe features the all-female Ghostbusters (2016), also known as Ghostbusters: Answer the Call. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer eager to experience the ghost-hunting action, this guide to Ghostbusters Movies in Order will help you navigate the films in both their original and rebooted timelines.
In what order should I watch Ghostbusters movies?
There are four different way to enjoy Ghostbusters story chronology:
1. Original continuity Ghostbusters
2. Ghostbusters film/animated continuity
3. Ghostbusters The Video Game continuity
4. Ghostbusters Reboot continuity
How to Watch Ghostbusters Movies in Chronological Order
[Including TV Series and Game]
Original Ghostbusters Continuity
- Ghostbusters (1984)
- Ghostbusters II (1989)
- Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
- Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed (2022–2023)
- Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)
The original Ghostbusters continuity follows a rich and evolving storyline that spans over four decades, beginning with the 1984 classic. Ghostbusters (1984) introduced audiences to the eccentric parapsychologists—Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, and Egon Spengler—who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. Its massive success led to Ghostbusters II (1989), which saw the team reunite to battle supernatural threats fueled by negative human emotions. After years of stalled sequels, Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) revived the original timeline, following Egon’s grandchildren as they uncover his ghost-hunting legacy.
The franchise expanded with Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed (2022–2023), an interactive game continuing the story. Most recently, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) brought together the new generation and original team to fight a powerful spectral entity threatening New York. This enduring saga has blended comedy, action, and nostalgia, maintaining its legacy as a beloved supernatural franchise.
Ghostbusters Film/Animated Continuity
- Ghostbusters (1984)
- The Real Ghostbusters (Season 1-4)
- Ghostbusters II (1989)
- The Real Ghostbusters (Season 5-7)
- Extreme Ghostbusters (Season 1)
The Ghostbusters film and animated continuity follows the journey of the original team and their successors across multiple media. It begins with Ghostbusters (1984), a supernatural comedy that introduced parapsychologists Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, and Egon Spengler, along with Winston Zeddemore, as they tackled paranormal threats in New York City. The success of the film led to The Real Ghostbusters (1986–1991), an animated series that expanded on their ghost-hunting adventures, running for seven seasons.
The storyline then continued in Ghostbusters II (1989), where the team reunites to battle a malevolent slime-driven force. The animated series resumed after the sequel, continuing until 1991. Later, Extreme Ghostbusters (1997) introduced a new team of young recruits led by Egon, updating the franchise with darker themes and fresh characters. This animated and cinematic timeline bridges classic and modern Ghostbusters lore, keeping the franchise alive across decades.
Ghostbusters The Video Game Continuity
- Ghostbusters (1984)
- Ghostbusters II (1989)
- Ghostbusters: The Video Game (2009)
Continuing the story of original films, Ghostbusters: The Video Game is set two years after Ghostbusters II, in 1991, with the Ghostbusters team training the player’s character while investigating paranormal activities in New York City.
The single player campaign will put you through a story full of mystery and adventure. Based on the Ghostbusters media franchise, many of the principal cast members from the films were involved in the game’s production. Each of the actors who portrayed the Ghostbusters in the films (Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Bill Murray, and Ernie Hudson) lent their voices and likenesses to the in-game characters.
The game follows the player’s character as a recruit in the Ghostbusters, a team of parapsychologists who pursue and capture ghosts. The game features elements of typical third-person shooters, but instead of a traditional gun, each player is equipped with a Proton Pack, and other technological means of fighting and capturing ghosts.
Ghostbusters Reboot Continuity
1. Ghostbusters (2016)
Ghostbusters makes its long-awaited return, rebooted with a cast of hilarious new characters. Thirty years after the beloved original franchise took the world by storm, Ghostbusters is back and fully rebooted for a new generation. Director Paul Feig brings his fresh take to the supernatural comedy, joined by some of the funniest actors working today, but follows a similar narrative as the original film.
This time Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Chris Hemsworth team up to save Manhattan from a sudden invasion of spirits, spooks and slime that threaten to engulf the entire city.
In the film, Paranormal researcher Abby Yates and physicist Erin Gilbert are trying to prove that ghosts exist in modern society. When strange apparitions appear in Manhattan, Gilbert and Yates turn to engineer Jillian Holtzmann for help. Also joining the team is Patty Tolan, a lifelong New Yorker who knows the city inside and out. Armed with proton packs and plenty of attitude, the four women prepare for an epic battle as more than 1,000 mischievous ghouls descend on Times Square.
The film received mixed reviews, and grossed $229 million worldwide against its $144 million budget, making it a box office bomb with losses of over $70 million following theaters taking their revenue cut.
How many Ghostbusters Movies are there?
The Ghostbusters franchise consists of five main films: Ghostbusters (1984), Ghostbusters II (1989), Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021), Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024), and the Ghostbusters (2016) reboot. These supernatural comedies follow ghost-hunting scientists battling paranormal threats, with expansions into animated series, comics, and video games.
All Ghostbusters Movies in Order of Release Date
Here is the Ghostbusters movie franchise, in the order, they were released.
1. Ghostbusters — June 8, 1984
2. Ghostbusters II — June 16, 1989
3. Ghostbusters — July 15, 2016 (1984’s Reboot)
4. Ghostbusters: Afterlife — November 19, 2021
5. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire — March 22, 2024
Is Ghostbusters a horror movies?
When it comes to Ghostbusters, the line between funny and scary is razor thin. The original 1984 film was a little scarier, but there was enough comedy woven throughout to keep things from going full horror.
Where to watch Ghostbusters Movies?
You are able to stream the Ghostbusters films in order by renting or purchasing on Amazon Prime because it is pretty much solely available to watch on Amazon Prime, you may be able to Rent and buy on Vudu and iTunes Apple.
Conclusion:
The Ghostbusters franchise has captivated audiences for decades with its unique blend of comedy, supernatural thrills, and unforgettable characters. From the original Ghostbusters (1984) to Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024), each film has expanded the universe while maintaining the charm that made the series iconic. Beyond the movies, the franchise includes animated series, comics, video games, and even theme park attractions. Whether you’re revisiting the classics or discovering the latest installment, following the Ghostbusters Movies in Order offers a thrilling journey through paranormal adventures, nostalgic moments, and exciting new stories that continue to keep fans engaged across generations.
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