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Ghostbusters (2016 film)

Ghostbusters (also known as Ghostbusters: Answer the Call) is a 2016 American supernatural comedy film directed by Paul Feig and co-written with Katie Dippold.

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

Ghostbusters (also known as Ghostbusters: Answer the Call) is a 2016 American supernatural comedy film directed by Paul Feig and co-written with Katie Dippold. It is a reboot of the Ghostbusters franchise and features an all-female team of paranormal investigators in New York City. The film was released in the United States on July 15, 2016.

Premise

The film follows Abby Yates, Erin Gilbert, Jillian Holtzmann, and Patty Tolan as they investigate paranormal activity in New York City and form a team to confront a supernatural threat.

Production

Paul Feig directed the film and co-wrote the screenplay with Katie Dippold. The cast includes Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Chris Hemsworth.

Release

Ghostbusters premiered at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on July 9, 2016, and was released theatrically in the United States on July 15, 2016. Sony Pictures Releasing distributed the film through its Columbia Pictures label.

Reception and box office

The film earned about $229 million worldwide. Sources describe it as a box-office bomb relative to its reported $144 million production budget.

Key facts

  • It is a reboot of the Ghostbusters franchise and is also described as its third installment.
  • The story follows four women who form a ghost-catching business after a paranormal encounter.
  • The film premiered at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on July 9, 2016.
  • Sony Pictures Releasing distributed the film through its Columbia Pictures label.
  • The film grossed about $229 million worldwide against a reported $144 million production budget.
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Canadian context

The film was released in Canadian theatres in 2016 and is part of a major Hollywood franchise that has been widely distributed and discussed in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Ghostbusters (2016)?
It is a 2016 American supernatural comedy film and reboot of the Ghostbusters franchise directed by Paul Feig.
What is the alternate title of the film?
It is also known as Ghostbusters: Answer the Call.
Who stars in the film?
The main cast includes Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Chris Hemsworth.
When was it released?
It premiered on July 9, 2016, and was released in the United States on July 15, 2016.
What is the plot about?
Four women in New York City start a ghost-catching business after experiencing paranormal activity.
Was it financially successful?
It grossed about $229 million worldwide but is described in sources as a box-office bomb because of its reported production budget.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghostbusters_(2016_film)
    Supports: Director, cast, premise, release dates, alternate title, and worldwide box office.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ghostbusters-2016
    Supports: Film identification and alternate title.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ghostbusters_2016
    Supports: Synopsis, director, producer, genre, runtime, and release date.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1289401/
    Supports: Release year, runtime, rating, and director.