When there’s nothing on TV around this Halloween, who ya gonna watch? The Ghostbusters of course! Since 1984, the ragtag trio (er, quartet) of scientists has charmed millions of kids and adults alike, with three films, TV shows and games featuring the characters. With all this success, it can be safe to say that the films have earned many fans and rightfully so. Although it would be great if all three films could be ranked equally, this list requires that I rank them from the absolute worst to the absolute best, so I will oblige. Without further ado, here are the Ghostbusters films ranked!
3. Ghostbusters II (1989)
Sometimes, the first truly is better than the sequel and that is certainly the case for this film. In it, the Ghostbusters have fallen from grace since the first film and what do you know? They have to rescue New York from sure destruction once more! Featuring the same quartet of Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) and Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson), the same hijinks occur with the same laughs and the same ghosts.
Ghostbusters II’s largest failing isn’t necessarily a lack of quality, but rather it’s its repetitive, cut-and-paste plot that doesn’t do anything to build upon the first movie. While not completely abysmal, it certainly is a letdown.
2. Ghostbusters (2016)
Reboots are easy targets for controversy and the 2016 version of Ghostbusters is no exception. Featuring a mostly female cast, this version stars Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones. As to be expected in a Ghostbusters movie, the main protagonists have to face off against hoards of, yes, ghosts! Can the Ghostbusters get New York to believe them, or will it be a fruitless endeavor?
This version of Ghostbusters doesn’t quite stack up to the original. The comic timing between the leads isn’t as organic as it was for the original cast, but it’s nevertheless a solid effort with a lot of heart. The special effects are not quite what would be expected from a recent film, but they still accomplish the task of scaring the audience silly. At the end of the day, that’s hardly the worst thing that can be said for a film.
1. Ghostbusters (1984)
Was any other film going to be number 1 on this list? The answer is a resounding “no” and it’s easy to see why. When hapless parapsychologists Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz and Egon Spengler are fired from their cushy college posts, they open up their own titular ghost busting business. Along with everyman Winston Zeddemore, the four must face off against not only ghosts, but the many naysayers who think they’re nothing but trouble. Can the Ghostbusters save New York and win over the crowds, or will their career be ghosted?
It’s safe to say that Ghostbusters is a classic. Not only does it feature dazzling visuals, but it also features charismatic leads and endlessly quotable dialogue. Although some of the special effects don’t entirely hold up to the standards of 2019, it nevertheless remains an absolute classic on all fronts.