The Ghostbusters franchise has delighted fans for decades, blending humor, supernatural thrills, and iconic characters. With its original classics, a reboot, and modern sequels, the franchise offers a timeless mix of nostalgia and fresh adventures.
Here’s how to watch the Ghostbusters movies in order for the full experience. Our guide also shows you where you can find these movies streaming online.
How to watch the Ghostbusters movies in chronological order
This is the order to watch Ghostbusters chronologically:
- Ghostbusters (1984)
- Ghostbusters II (1989)
- Ghostbusters (2016)
- Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
- Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)
Ghostbusters (1984)
The franchise begins with the original classic that started it all. Directed by Ivan Reitman, Ghostbusters follows three parapsychologists—Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), and Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis)—who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. Their adventures lead them to face Gozer, an ancient entity threatening to destroy the world. This film established the franchise's humor, iconic characters, and memorable soundtrack.
Ghostbusters II (1989)
The sequel brings back the original cast as the Ghostbusters reunite to save New York from another paranormal threat. This time, they face Vigo the Carpathian, a malevolent spirit intent on world domination. The movie delves deeper into the team’s dynamics and relationships, building on the charm of its predecessor.
Ghostbusters (2016)
This reboot offers a fresh take on the franchise, introducing a new team of Ghostbusters, including Erin Gilbert (Kristen Wiig), Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy), Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon), and Patty Tolan (Leslie Jones). While not connected to the original timeline, this film adds modern humor and innovative ghost-busting gadgets, giving a fun twist to the beloved series.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
A direct sequel to the original films, Afterlife explores a new generation of Ghostbusters. Directed by Jason Reitman, the son of Ivan Reitman, the movie follows Egon Spengler’s grandchildren as they discover their grandfather’s ghostbusting legacy. With nods to the original films and appearances from the original cast, Afterlife is a heartfelt homage that bridges past and present.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)
The latest installment, Frozen Empire, brings back the legacy team alongside the new generation. This film raises the stakes as the Ghostbusters face a supernatural phenomenon that plunges the city into an apocalyptic freeze. With an ensemble cast and epic visuals, Frozen Empire adds a thrilling continuation of the story.
How to watch the Ghostbusters movies in release order
The Ghostbusters release order is the same as the chronological order. Considering that the 2016 film was a reboot, it’s optional to watch it as it doesn’t affect the main series. The list below shows you all the options to stream, buy or rent these movies on streaming platforms in India.
