Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters is a 1984 American supernatural comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman.
Ghostbusters is a 1984 American supernatural comedy directed by Ivan Reitman. It follows three parapsychologists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City.
What it is
Released on June 8, 1984, Ghostbusters was written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. The film stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis, Annie Potts, and Ernie Hudson. It blends comedy, supernatural elements, and fantasy.
Why it matters
Ghostbusters became the first film in a long-running franchise that includes sequels, a 2016 reboot, and later films like Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021). Its popularity in Canada and worldwide has been sustained through theatrical releases, home video, and merchandising.
Key details
The plot follows three Columbia University parapsychologists who lose their jobs and launch a ghost-trapping business in New York City. They eventually confront a supernatural threat endangering the city. The film was directed by Ivan Reitman and became one of the best-known comedies of the 1980s.
In short
- Original Ghostbusters film released June 8, 1984
- Directed by Ivan Reitman, written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis
- Main cast includes Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver, and others
- Launched a franchise with multiple sequels and a reboot
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.
Quick questions
who is in Ghostbusters
when was Ghostbusters released
what is Ghostbusters about
Sources
- Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ghostbusters/cast-and-crewSupports: Release date, director, cast, and plot summary for the 1984 film.
- IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087332/Supports: Director, cast, and plot summary for the 1984 film.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/GhostbustersSupports: Overview of the original film and franchise sequencing.
- Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ghostbusters_2016/cast-and-crewSupports: Confirmation that the 2016 film is part of the wider Ghostbusters film series.
- IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1289401/Supports: 2016 reboot details and cast.