(Photo by Sony Pictures)
If you want to un-cross the streams and see the Ghostbusters movies in order, here’s how they released, starting with the 1984 original:
95%
Ghostbusters
(1984)
55%
Ghostbusters II
(1989)
74%
Ghostbusters
(2016)
64%
Ghostbusters: Afterlife
(2021)
45%
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
(2024)
Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II have the most connected story, sharing the same cast (Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis, Annie Potts, and Ernie Hudson) and director (Ivan Reitman).
The 2016 remake set up its own continuity, but audience reaction and box office all but guarantee that’ll be a one-off.
2021’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife resumes the original storyline with Reitman’s son, Jason, directing, for a nostalgic ride starring Paull Rudd, Mckenna Grace, and Finn Wolfhard. The sequel reins are handed over to director Gil Kenan for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, which returns to the old New York City stomping grounds, with Murray, Hudson, Aykroyd, and Potts back in the mix.
#1
Adjusted Score: 102058%
Critics Consensus: An infectiously fun blend of special effects and comedy, with Bill Murray’s hilarious deadpan performance leading a cast of great comic turns.
#2
Adjusted Score: 58126%
Critics Consensus: Thanks to the cast, Ghostbusters 2 is reasonably amusing, but it lacks the charm, wit, and energy of its predecessor.
#3
Adjusted Score: 93334%
Critics Consensus: Ghostbusters does an impressive job of standing on its own as a freewheeling, marvelously cast supernatural comedy — even if it can’t help but pale somewhat in comparison with the classic original.
#4
Adjusted Score: 79525%
Critics Consensus: Ghostbusters: Afterlife crosses the streams between franchise revival and exercise in nostalgia — and this time around, the bustin’ mostly feels good.
#5
Adjusted Score: 57547%
Critics Consensus: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire offers a certain amount of nostalgia-fueled fun for fans of the original, but a crowded cast and surprisingly serious tone prevent this sequel from truly sparking.