Where to start
Ghostbusters
4 versions · originally a film, 1984
Ghostbusters is a comedic exploration of blue-collar paranormal extermination, blending high-stakes supernatural threats with dry, cynical wit.
✦ Most fans start here
Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
The original movie
Ghostbusters
Ivan Reitman · Film · 1984
Ghostbusters (1984) establishes the quintessential comedic tone of the franchise, introducing the iconic team of parapsychologists as they transition from disgraced academics to essential New York City ghost exterminators.
1986 series
The Real Ghostbusters
Dan Aykroyd · Series · 1986
The Real Ghostbusters (1986) leans into the animated medium, expanding the lore of the original team while focusing on the episodic, episodic supernatural adventures of the core cast and Slimer.
2021 film
✦ Start hereGhostbusters: Afterlife
Jason Reitman · Film · 2021
Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) captures a poignant, multi-generational legacy, shifting the perspective to a new family discovering their mysterious connection to the original team in a small-town, atmospheric setting.
2024 film
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Gil Kenan · Film · 2024
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) focuses on the convergence of legacy characters and new recruits, forcing them to unite against a catastrophic, ancient evil threatening to unleash a second Ice Age.
Common questions
What order should I watch the Ghostbusters movies in?
You should begin with the original Ghostbusters from 1984. Follow this with the sequels Ghostbusters: Afterlife released in 2021 and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire released in 2024 to maintain the chronological narrative established by the film franchise.
Is The Real Ghostbusters related to the 1984 Ghostbusters movie?
The Real Ghostbusters is the 1986 animated television series that serves as a direct spin-off adaptation of the 1984 Ghostbusters film. It continues the adventures of the characters introduced in the original movie within an episodic television format.
How long after the original movie is Ghostbusters: Afterlife set?
Ghostbusters: Afterlife is set decades after the events of the original 1984 Ghostbusters film. It functions as a direct sequel that bridges the gap between the initial supernatural encounters of the eighties and the modern day setting of the newer entries.
Should I watch Ghostbusters: Afterlife before Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire?
Yes, you should watch Ghostbusters: Afterlife before viewing Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. Frozen Empire is the direct sequel to Afterlife and continues the storyline and character developments established in that specific film, making it necessary to watch them in that sequence.