The Ghostbusters movie franchise consists of five official films released between 1984 and 2024, blending supernatural comedy, action, and nostalgia. These movies span the original continuity, a reboot, and recent sequels featuring both legacy and new characters, making Ghostbusters one of the most recognizable film franchises in popular culture.
Ghostbusters
PG
1984
Action, Comedy
1h 45m
Ratings
7.8/10
8.1/10
Directed by
Ivan Reitman
Starring
Bill Murray
Watch on
Streaming links via Reelgood
The original 1984 classic introduces the team of Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, Egon Spengler, and Winston Zeddemore, setting the template for all future films. Its huge success launched the multimedia Ghostbusters universe.
Ghostbusters Movie List and Timeline
1. Ghostbusters (1984)
Directed by Ivan Reitman, this film is the foundation of the franchise and follows four scientists as they establish a ghost-catching business in New York City.
2. Ghostbusters II (1989)
The original team reunites five years later to face a new supernatural threat—a river of ectoplasmic slime under Manhattan, powered by negativity.
3. Ghostbusters (2016) — Reboot (Answer the Call)
Directed by Paul Feig, this alternate timeline features a brand new cast—Erin Gilbert, Abby Yates, Jillian Holtzmann, and Patty Tolan—tackling a ghost invasion in Manhattan. It stands alone from the other storylines.
4. Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
Set 32 years after Ghostbusters II, Afterlife passes the torch to a new team as a family discovers their connection to the original Ghostbusters and uncovers Egon Spengler’s legacy. Directed by Jason Reitman, it reignites the original timeline with appearances by classic cast members.
5. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)
This sequel picks up from Afterlife, returning the action to New York as both new and old Ghostbusters join forces against an ancient evil that threatens a supernatural ice age. Directed by Gil Kenan, it continues the original legacy with new characters, fresh threats, and classic humor.
Franchise Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness
- Information here is based on authoritative sources: IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Wikipedia, and official studio releases—all confirm the five core films released by Sony/Columbia Pictures between 1984 and 2024.
- The franchise also includes animated series (The Real Ghostbusters, Extreme Ghostbusters) and numerous video games, but only five feature films are recognized as official entries in the main series.
- The 2016 reboot is frequently separated from the main canon, while Afterlife and Frozen Empire are direct sequels in the original continuity.
Popularity and Cultural Impact
- The original Ghostbusters (1984) was a critical and box office hit, sparking decades of sequels, TV adaptations, merchandise, and an enduring fan base. It is widely considered one of the most iconic comedies in history and has been ranked among the greatest films of the 1980s.
- Each subsequent movie builds on the franchise’s blend of humor, supernatural adventure, and recognizable branding—Slimer, Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, Ecto-1, and the classic “Who ya gonna call?” tagline.
- The newest films revive interest by combining nostalgia with new stories and protagonists, ensuring ongoing relevance.
Images and Videos for Enrichment
- Images: Include official posters for each film, cast group photos (original and new teams), iconic ghosts/creatures, and Ecto-1 car artwork.
- Videos: Embed official trailers for each movie: Ghostbusters (1984), Ghostbusters II, Ghostbusters (2016), Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. Featurette videos of behind-the-scenes, cast interviews, and special effects documentaries are available on YouTube and studio platforms.
- Timeline Infographic: Illustrate release years, connecting film continuity, and character evolution.
These media elements add visual appeal, guide fans through Ghostbusters history, and highlight the franchise’s lasting pop-culture legacy.
Conclusion
There are five official Ghostbusters films:
- Ghostbusters (1984)
- Ghostbusters II (1989)
- Ghostbusters (2016)
- Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
- Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)
Animated series, comics, and games expand the universe, but as of August 2025, these five movies form the recognized core of the Ghostbusters film franchise. For full expertise, always verify using reputable databases and official studio sources.