Ghostbusters Movies In Order (Release Date Order At A Glance)
Ghostbusters(1984)
Ghostbusters II(1989)
Ghostbusters(2016)
Ghostbusters: Afterlife(2021)
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Best Way To Watch The Ghostbusters Movies In Order
The Ghostbusters series is about a group of scientists who start a business catching ghosts. They soon find out that New York is full of ghosts and other paranormal activity, and they have to use all their skills to keep the city safe. The films are full of action, humor, and suspense, and they are sure to keep you entertained from beginning to end.
If you’re looking to jump into this series but aren’t sure where to start, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered! This guide will show you exactly how to watch all the Ghostbusters movies in order from beginning to end!
Ghostbusters Movies In Order Of Release Date
To kick us off, we’ll be covering the Ghostbuster movies in release date order. The franchise started back in 1984 with the original Ghostbusters film and has spanned almost 30 years with its latest release in 2021 and its upcoming release this year (2023). Below you’ll find all the information you need about each movie, including a trailer, synopsis, where to watch each movie, and more!
1. Ghostbusters
Details
Release Date: June 8, 1984
Genre: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-fi
Runtime: 105 minutes
Rating: PG
Director: Ivan Reitman
Ratings
Watch NowEndless Popcorn
97%Rotten Tomatoes
7.8/10IMDB
71/100MetaCritic
Cast
Name
Character
Bill Murray
Dr. Peter Venkman
Dan Aykroyd
Dr. Raymond Stantz
Sigourney Weaver
Dana Barrett
Harold Ramis
Dr. Egon Spengler
Rick Moranis
Louis Tully
Annie Potts
Janine Melnitz
William Atherton
Walter Peck
Ernie Hudson
Winston Zeddemore
David Margulies
Mayor
Steven Tash
Male Student
Reginald VelJohnson
Jail Guard
Alice Drummond
Librarian
Jordan Charney
Dean Yeager
Where To Watch
Ghostbusters Movie Description
When their cushy positions at a university in New York City are taken away, a team of scientists (Harold Ramis, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray) decides to become “ghostbusters” and wage a high-an all-out war with the supernatural to make money.
The Ghostbusters find a portal to another realm that will unleash evil if opened, ultimately leaving them to save the city from total annihilation.
2. Ghostbusters II
Details
Release Date: June 16, 1989
Genre: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-fi
Runtime: 108 minutes
Rating: PG
Director: Ivan Reitman
Ratings
Must WatchEndless Popcorn
55%Rotten Tomatoes
6.6/10IMDB
56/100MetaCritic
Cast
Name
Character
Bill Murray
Dr. Peter Venkman
Dan Aykroyd
Dr. Raymond Stantz
Sigourney Weaver
Dana Barrett
Harold Ramis
Dr. Egon Spengler
Rick Moranis
Louis Tully
Ernie Hudson
Winston Zeddemore
Annie Potts
Janine Melnitz
Peter MacNicol
Dr. Janosz Poha
Harris Yulin
The Judge
David Margulies
The Mayor of NY
Ivan Reitman
Man Walking Outside Firehouse
Ivan Reitman
Slimer
Max Von Sydow
Vigo
Philip Baker Hall
Police Commissioner
Brian Doyle-Murray
Psychiatrist
Cheech Marin
Dock Supervisor
Wilhelm Von Homburg
Vigo
Where To Watch
Ghostbusters II Movie Description
The Ghostbusters saved New York City from a ghost attack but were disbanded for demolishing parts of the city during the battle.
After Ghostbusters’ Peter Venkman (Bill Murray) learns that ghosts are targeting his son, the men go on a mission to stop them. Though they get into some trouble with the law, they’re allowed to keep ghostbusting when the ghosts turn on the judge.
3. Ghostbusters
Details
Release Date: July 15, 2016
Genre: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-fi
Runtime: 117 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Director: Paul Feig
Ratings
Must WatchEndless Popcorn
73%Rotten Tomatoes
6.9/10IMDB
60/100MetaCritic
Cast
Name
Character
Melissa McCarthy
Abby Yates
Kristen Wiig
Erin Gilbert
Kate McKinnon
Jillian Holtzmann
Leslie Jones
Patty Tolan
Zach Woods
Tour Guide Garrett
Ed Begley Jr.
Ed Mulgrave
Charles Dance
Harold Filmore
John Milhiser
Higgins Student
Ben Harris
Higgins Student
Karan Soni
Bennie
Bill Murray
Martin Heiss
Dan Aykroyd
Cabbie
Sigourney Weaver
Rebecca Gorin
Ernie Hudson
Uncle Bill
Annie Potts
Desk Clerk
Joel Murray
Security Guard
Stephen Boss
Police Officer
Chris Hemsworth
Kevin
Andy Garcia
Mayor Bradley
Elizabeth Perkins
Phyllis Adler
Justin Kirk
Phil Hudson
Where To Watch
Ghostbusters Movie Description
Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy), a paranormal researcher, and Erin Gilbert (Kristen Wiig), a physicist, are trying to substantiate the existence of ghosts in modern society. When curious apparitions begin appearing in Manhattan, Gilbert and Yates team up with engineer Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon) for assistance.
Also joining the squad is Patty Tolan (Leslie Jones), a lifelong New Yorker who knows the city extensively. Equipped with proton packs and adequate sassiness, the four women prepare for an epic battle against more than 1,000 unruly ghouls descending upon Times Square.
4. Ghostbusters: Afterlife
Details
Release Date: November 19, 2021
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-fi
Runtime: 124 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Director: Jason Reitman
Ratings
Must WatchEndless Popcorn
63%Rotten Tomatoes
7.1/10IMDB
45/100MetaCritic
Cast
Name
Character
Carrie Coon
Callie
Paul Rudd
Grooberson
Finn Wolfhard
Trevor
Mckenna Grace
Phoebe
Logan Kim
Podcast
Celeste O’Connor
Lucky
Bill Murray
Peter Venkman
Dan Aykroyd
Ray Stantz
Ernie Hudson
Winston Zeddemore
Annie Potts
Janine Melnitz
Ivan Reitman
Ghost Egon Spengler
Sigourney Weaver
Dana Barrett
J.K. Simmons
Ivo Shandor
Tracy Letts
Hardware Store Owner
Olivia Wilde
Gozer
Bob Gunton
The Ghost Farmer (Egon Spengler)
Shelby Young
Mini Stay-Puft Marshmallow Men
Josh Gad
Muncher
Bokeem Woodbine
Sheriff Domingo
Marlon Kazadi
Thick Neck
Where To Watch
Ghostbusters: Afterlife Movie Description
After moving to a new town, a single mother and her children soon find out that they have ties to the original Ghostbusters and a hidden legacy their grandfather left behind.
Ghostbusters Movies In Order Chronologically
So that about covers it for the Ghostbusters movies in order of their release! But what if you want to watch them in chronological order?
Well, it’s not that complicated. There are actually two timelines within the franchise. The first is the original and the second is a new timeline focusing on female ghostbusters. To watch the original Ghostbuster timeline, follow this order:
- Ghostbusters(1984)
- Ghostbusters II(1989)
- Ghostbusters: Afterlife(2021)
Next is the rebooted Ghostbusters timeline which consists of one movie. We most likely won’t see any additions to this timeline as it really wasn’t that popular with audiences.
- Ghostbusters (Answer The Call)(2016)
Ghostbusters Movies FAQs
Now that you know how to watch the Ghostbusters movies in order, we’re going to cover a few more of the most frequently asked questions about the series.
Are Ghostbusters Movies Connected?
Yes, Ghostbusters (1984), Ghostbusters II, and Ghostbusters: Afterlife are all connected and build upon one another. However, Ghostbusters (2016) is not part of the timeline and actually acts as a reboot of the franchise.
Is Ghostbusters: Afterlife The Last One?
No, Ghostbusters: Afterlife is not the last movie and will be receiving a sequel that should release sometime this year (2023).
Who Are The Four Main Ghostbusters?
The original Ghostbusters are Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, Egon Spengler, and Winston Zeddemore.