Ranking All The Ghostbusters Movies

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re ranking all five “Ghostbusters” films from worst to best. We’re not including Ivan Reitman’s “Evolution,” even though it’s basically a “Ghostbusters” remake.

#5: “Ghostbusters” (2016) aka “Ghostbusters: Answer the Call” (2016)

Before anyone even saw the 2016 “Ghostbusters” reboot, the public had virtually made up their minds. Some denounced the film for taking place in an alternate reality with new Ghostbusters. Meanwhile, the original cast got roped into cheesy cameos - not even as their iconic characters. Others boycotted for sexist and racist reasons, unable to fathom the idea of female Ghostbusters. Thus ensued one of modern cinema’s most toxic and dumbest controversies, which was only intensified by an equally insufferable election year. In retaliation against the trolls, various critics were compelled to support the film, which earned mostly favorable reviews. Now that the dust has settled, we can safely say that Paul Feig’s film isn’t nearly as bad as YouTube commenters made it sound. That said, it isn’t anything special either.

While Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones, and especially Kate McKinnon do what they can, the jokes are hit-and-miss at best with an overreliance on improv. The story is another copy/paste job with a villain who’s completely forgettable until he takes over Chris Hemsworth’s body. Feig brings a vibrant visual eye to the set pieces, although the R-rated comedy king feels restrained by a PG-13 rating and an emphasis on entertaining kids. On that note, kids who are just being introduced to Ghostbusters will probably enjoy the film fine, but there’s little for longtime fans. It’s not one of the worst reboots ever made. As far as “Ghostbusters” movies go, though, you can afford to miss this call.

#4: “Ghostbusters II” (1989)

Debuting five years after the original, “Ghostbusters II” was not only seen as a disappointment. Critics acted as if the filmmakers personally slimed them. Bill Murray felt the sequel merely existed to make money, only signing on due to a promising pitch that didn’t translate into the finished film. This made Murray even more reluctant to star in “Ghostbusters III,” despite Dan Aykroyd’s attempts to resurrect the franchise. After years of being a punchline for lazy sequels, “Ghostbusters II” has seen a reevaluation with many arguing that it isn’t so bad. If anything, the general consensus is that the sequel is actually good… enough.

We’re not going to act like the criticisms surrounding “Ghostbusters II” aren’t still valid. It’s the same story, with several plot points repeated for no reason. Seriously, did everyone in New York just forget that ghosts exist? For all of the rehashing, though, a fair deal makes this sequel stand out, such as new additions like Peter MacNicol, expanded roles for Rick Moranis and Annie Potts, and a villain with Max von Sydow’s voice. Fans will recognize February 14, 2016 as the day the world was supposed to end. In addition to other memorable lines like “free balloons,” the film is full of creative imagery, from the creepy ghost nanny to the Ghostbusters controlling the Statue of Liberty with an NES Advantage Controller. Yeah, the message about positivity never quite materializes and a baby’s presence reflects the franchise’s descent into family-friendly territory. We can’t say that it’s great, but it makes us feel good nonetheless.

#3: “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” (2024)

Hot off the success of the previous film, “Frozen Empire” continues to develop the next generation of Ghostbusters while also bringing more familiar faces into the fold. Dan Aykroyd is prominently featured as a mentor figure while Ernie Hudson and Annie Potts are given time to shine as well. Even William Atherton makes his long-awaited return as Walter Peck, who remains the apex of movie snobs. Somewhat unsurprisingly, Bill Murray only appears for a couple of major sequences. Every moment he’s on screen, though, it’s classic Peter Venkman. Beyond the throwbacks, “Frozen Empire” continues to evolve the franchise with new threats, new comedic relief, and creative new ghosts - not just ones to bust, but ones to befriend as well.

An engaging rapport emerges between Mckenna Grace’s Phoebe and a teenage ghost played by Emily Alyn Lind. Where most of the ghosts in this series have emphasized the frightening and bizarre, their dynamic touches upon something deeper, exploring where humanity and the supernatural intersect. It’s the most fascinating element in an otherwise good “Ghostbusters” sequel. The exposition can get heavy and the story doesn’t have the emotional core of its 2021 predecessor. Where “Afterlife” kept matters fairly small, though, “Frozen Empire” delivers the large-scale spectacle we expect. Director Gil Kenan does so without losing any of the humor, charm, or heart. Even if you go in a cold cynic, you’re sure to come out feeling like a kid.

#2: “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” (2021)

“Ghostbusters II” and the 2016 reboot leaned toward children with much of the first film’s adult humor missing. Ironically, the most adult film in the franchise might be the one that shifts the focus to kids. Returning to the original’s continuity, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” is about passing the torch. This is reflected behind the scenes as well with director ​​Jason Reitman stepping in for his father, who died a few months after the film’s release. It’s the loss of Harold Ramis that looms over the surprisingly poignant story, which centers on Egon’s estranged family. Mckenna Grace and Finn Wolfhard bring new life to the franchise as Egon’s grandchildren. As they learn about their grandfather’s ghostbusting past, his daughter (played by Carrie Coon) learns to forgive.

Amid the grief, there’s room for humor, much of which comes from Paul Rudd as a science teacher. Yet, “Afterlife” puts more emphasis on the franchise’s supernatural horror side, which isn’t a bad thing. It has the essence of a dark 80s kids movie, which is fitting given when the original was made. The filmmakers essentially borrow the best elements of “Stranger Things,” right down to Wolfhard’s casting. “Afterlife” doesn’t stray too far from its roots either, seeing Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and even Bill Murray suit up for a finale that honestly got us a little teary-eyed. While draped in our nostalgia for the first film, “Afterlife” still takes chances that ultimately deliver. Even if it’s not the “Ghostbusters” sequel we always wanted, it’s one we didn’t know we wanted.

#1: “Ghostbusters” (1984)

Before 1984, most people associated the name “Ghostbusters” with the 1975 Filmation sitcom, which led to some copyright issues. That’s just one reason Ivan Reitman’s film shouldn’t have worked. One of the intended stars, John Belushi, died during the scripting stages, being immortalized through Slimer. Aykroyd’s original script treatment was seen as too serious and ambitious with Reitman bringing the premise down to earth. Ramis helped flesh out the script while Reitman encouraged the cast to improvise, playing to Murray’s strengths. Even with comedic talent in spades, you wouldn’t expect “SNL” humor to blend with ghosts, demigods, and giant marshmallow men. Against all the odds, “Ghostbusters” achieved a balance that’s never been replicated, juggling comedy, horror, romance, and creativity.

The lore was complicated, but the central characters were simple and incredibly likable. The stakes were high, yet the Ghostbusters treated their job like a casual day at the office. The effects were state-of-the-art (for the time at least) without overshadowing the character dynamics and jokes that kids probably shouldn’t have repeated around their parents. For all the immature moments, “Ghostbusters” had an adult edge with legitimately scary imagery and an atmospheric portrait of New York. Few could’ve predicted “Ghostbusters” would become the highest-grossing comedy of its time, which might be why the film succeeded. The production was an experiment that paid off with little studio interference or pressure to recapture what worked in the past. We can’t say the same about every sequel, but the original still has us quoting dialogue and busting to Ray Parker’s theme song forty years later.