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Ghostbusters

Ghostbusters is a 1984 American supernatural comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ghostbusters is a 1984 American supernatural comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman. It follows three parapsychologists in New York City who start a ghost-catching business after losing their university jobs, and it became the first film in a long-running franchise.

Plot

The film follows three Columbia University parapsychologists who lose their academic jobs and create a business trapping ghosts in New York City. Their work leads them into a confrontation with a supernatural threat that endangers the city.

Production

Ghostbusters was directed by Ivan Reitman and written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. The film combined comedy, science fiction, and supernatural elements and became one of the best-known comedies of the 1980s.

Cast

The principal cast includes Bill Murray as Peter Venkman, Dan Aykroyd as Ray Stantz, Harold Ramis as Egon Spengler, Sigourney Weaver as Dana Barrett, Rick Moranis as Louis Tully, Annie Potts as Janine Melnitz, and Ernie Hudson as Winston Zeddemore.

Franchise

The 1984 film was followed by Ghostbusters II in 1989, a 2016 reboot titled Ghostbusters, and later films including Ghostbusters: Afterlife in 2021.

Key facts

  • The original Ghostbusters film was released in 1984.
  • It was directed by Ivan Reitman.
  • Its main cast includes Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis, Annie Potts, and Ernie Hudson.
  • The story centers on scientists who become paranormal investigators and start a ghost-catching company in New York City.
  • The film launched a franchise that later included sequels and a 2016 reboot.
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Canadian context

Ghostbusters has had broad popularity in Canada through theatrical releases, television broadcasts, home video, and franchise merchandising. Canadian readers may also recognize Canadian connections through the franchise’s North American distribution and long-running pop-culture presence.

Frequently asked questions

who is in Ghostbusters
The original film stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis, Annie Potts, and Ernie Hudson.
when was Ghostbusters released
The original Ghostbusters was released on June 8, 1984.
what is Ghostbusters about
It is about three scientists in New York City who start a ghost-catching business after losing their university jobs and then face a supernatural threat.
how many Ghostbusters movies are there
There are four main theatrical Ghostbusters films as of 2026: Ghostbusters (1984), Ghostbusters II (1989), Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021), and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024).
who directed Ghostbusters
The original Ghostbusters was directed by Ivan Reitman.
is Ghostbusters on Netflix
Availability on Netflix varies by country and changes over time; none of the provided sources confirm current Netflix availability.

References

  1. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ghostbusters/cast-and-crew
    Supports: Release date, director, cast, and plot summary for the 1984 film.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087332/
    Supports: Director, cast, and plot summary for the 1984 film.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ghostbusters
    Supports: Overview of the original film and franchise sequencing.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ghostbusters_2016/cast-and-crew
    Supports: Confirmation that the 2016 film is part of the wider Ghostbusters film series.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1289401/
    Supports: 2016 reboot details and cast.