How To Watch The Ghostbusters Movies & TV Shows in Order

Fans of the Ghostbusters movies franchise often wonder the best way to watch the movies in order. To get the full experience, you should watch the movies in the order they were released. This means starting with the 1984 classic “Ghostbusters,” followed by “Ghostbusters II” from 1989, the 2016 reboot, and then “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” which came out in 2021. A new sequel is also set to be released in 2024.

The original “Ghostbusters movies” introduced us to the paranormal exterminators played by Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and Harold Ramis. These movies mix comedy with supernatural adventure, captivating audiences for decades. If you love the original, you’ll definitely want to see how the story and the characters evolve through the sequels and the reboot.

Ghostbusters Movies in Order of Release

• Ghostbusters (1984)
• The Real Ghostbusters (1986 – 1991)
• Ghostbusters II (1989)
• Extreme Ghostbusters (1997)
• Ghostbusters (2016)
• Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
• Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)

Ghostbusters Movies in Order in Chronological Order

Here is a guide to watch the Ghostbusters movies and TV shows in chronological order. This list covers both the main films and the animated series, offering a timeline that helps you follow the story as it unfolded.

1. Ghostbusters (1984)

This is the movie that started it all. Released in 1984, Ghostbusters introduces you to the team of parapsychologists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. The film stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson. It blends comedy, horror, and science fiction, making it a classic.

2. The Real Ghostbusters (Seasons: 7 | Episodes: 140)

After the success of the original movie, an animated TV series, The Real Ghostbusters, aired from 1986 to 1991. This show features the same characters from the movie and expands on their ghost-busting adventures. It’s a family-friendly series with 140 episodes across seven seasons.

3. Ghostbusters II

The second movie, Ghostbusters II, was released in 1989. The original cast returns to battle a new supernatural threat. The film picks up five years after the first movie, with the Ghostbusters out of business but soon reuniting when a new wave of paranormal activity begins.

4. Extreme Ghostbusters (Seasons: 1 | Episodes: 40)

Extreme Ghostbusters is another animated series that aired in 1997. It features a new team of Ghostbusters movies led by Egon Spengler, one of the original members. The series includes 40 episodes and introduces new characters who continue the ghost-busting work in modern-day New York.

5. Ghostbusters: Afterlife

Released in 2021, Ghostbusters: Afterlife serves as a direct sequel to the original movies. It follows a new generation, including the grandchildren of Egon Spengler, as they discover their family’s ghost-busting legacy. The film ties back to the original timeline and sets up future sequels.

6. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is set to be released in 2024. This film continues from Afterlife, bringing back the new characters while also connecting to the original team. The plot involves a new supernatural threat that requires both old and new Ghostbusters to unite once again.

7. Ghostbusters (2016)

The 2016 Ghostbusters film is a reboot with an all-new cast. It features Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones. While not connected to the original timeline, it offers a fresh take on the Ghostbusters story, introducing different characters and new ghostly adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions