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Okay, so like, you KNOW we’re obsessed with all things spooky, gooey, and proton-packed. Ghostbusters has been a whole vibe since ’84, but let’s be real—not every trip to the firehouse has been a winner. With *Frozen Empire* out in 2024, it’s time to finally put them all in order. Grab your Ecto-Cooler, because we’re ranking every single Ghostbusters movie, from the ones that made us go ‘huh?’ to the absolute legends. Don’t @ me until you’ve seen the whole list!
1. Ghostbusters (2016) — We Don’t Talk About Bruno… Or This One
Look, I’ll be honest — this movie, starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones, really tried. It had a stacked cast, but the script just wasn’t it. The jokes felt forced, the villain was forgettable, and honestly, the internet backlash before it even dropped was a whole mood. It only pulled in about $229.1 million worldwide against a huge budget, and while Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 74%, fans were… divided, to say the least. It’s available to stream on Hulu or rent/buy, but maybe just skip it? No cap.
2. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) — A Chilly Reception, Literally
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Okay, so *Frozen Empire* dropped in March 2024 and it was… fine? It brought back the *Afterlife* crew (Paul Rudd, Mckenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard) and the OGs, which was great to see. But the plot felt a bit overstuffed, and while the new ghost designs were cool, the actual threat felt a little underdeveloped. It netted around $188 million worldwide and has a 43% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is a bit of a bummer. You can catch it streaming on Starz or rent/buy it now, but it definitely didn’t hit the nostalgic highs we wanted.
3. Ghostbusters II (1989) — The Underappreciated Middle Child
This one gets a lot of flak, but honestly, it’s not *that* bad! The original crew — Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson — was back, and Vigo the Carpathian was a genuinely creepy villain. Plus, a river of mood slime under New York City? Iconic! It grossed $215.4 million worldwide and sits at a 55% on Rotten Tomatoes. Sure, it didn’t capture the magic of the first, but it was still a fun ride with some classic lines. You can usually find it streaming on Paramount+ or rent/buy it.
4. Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) — The Nostalgia Hit We Deserved
OMG, *Afterlife* was such a breath of fresh air! Jason Reitman, Ivan Reitman’s son, took the reins and delivered a movie that felt like a true continuation of the original spirit. Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, and Mckenna Grace were perfect as the new generation, and seeing the OG Ghostbusters back in action? We literally screamed. It made $204.4 million worldwide and got a respectable 64% on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s streaming on Starz and is a must-watch if you love the ’84 classic. Total mood!
5. Ghostbusters (1984) — THE OG. The ONE. The Only.
Was there ever any doubt?! The original *Ghostbusters* isn’t just a movie; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Bill Murray’s deadpan delivery, Dan Aykroyd’s earnest belief, Harold Ramis’s brains, and Ernie Hudson’s heart — it’s pure perfection. From Stay Puft to Slimer, every moment is gold. It absolutely crushed the box office with $295.2 million worldwide and boasts an almost perfect 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. Seriously, if you haven’t seen this, what are you even doing? It’s available to rent or buy everywhere, and honestly, you need it in your life. No cap, this is cinema history.
FAQs
How many Ghostbusters movies are there?
As of April 2026, there are five main theatrical Ghostbusters movies: the original (1984), Ghostbusters II (1989), the 2016 reboot, Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021), and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024).
Which Ghostbusters movie is considered the best?
Most fans and critics agree that the original 1984 Ghostbusters movie is the absolute best. It has a stellar 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and is widely considered a comedy classic for a reason!
Is the 2016 Ghostbusters movie canon?
No, the 2016 Ghostbusters movie is generally considered a standalone reboot and not part of the main storyline continued by Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Frozen Empire. Those films directly follow the original 1984 and 1989 movies.
Phew! Ranking these was a wild ride, but honestly, it had to be done. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the originals or a new recruit, there’s no denying the Ghostbusters legacy is here to stay. Did we get it right? Are you screaming because your fave isn’t number one? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this list with your fellow ghost-busting besties! Who ya gonna call?
