Ghostbusters (1984)
Kernel Score: 90% · 9,604 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Comedy, Fantasy
Released: 1984-06-08
Runtime: 107 minutes
Is Ghostbusters worth watching?
Must-watch. A classic comedy that mixes sharp jokes with real spooks, and Bill Murray at his best. It's still funny, and the effects have charm. If you somehow haven't seen it, start here.
Watch it if you
- love 1980s comedies
- enjoy supernatural films that don't take themselves seriously
- want something the whole family can share
Skip it if you
- want a scary film
- dislike dated effects
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Ghostbusters
- Stream: Hulu, Fubo, YouTube TV
- Free with ads: Fandango at Home
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
After losing their university jobs, three parapsychologists start a ghost-catching business in New York City and uncover a supernatural threat that could destroy the world.
Ghostbusters parents' guide: ages 6+
Parents need to know that Ghostbusters is a PG comedy-fantasy with mild supernatural scares and some innuendo typical of 1980s comedy.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Supernatural threats and ghost encounters may be mildly scary for younger children but are largely played for comedy.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Ghostbusters
If you liked Ghostbusters, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) — 83%: The sequel with the original cast, a warmer, more family-led adventure
- Groundhog Day (1993) — 85%: Classic comedy with a supernatural idea
- The Princess Bride (1987) — 85%: Funny, charming adventure for all ages
- Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) — 89%: Absurd comedy that is endlessly quotable
- Poltergeist (1982) — 80%: Spooky family-friendly haunted-house film
- Being John Malkovich (1999) — 85%: Inventive, weird comedy
Director
Ivan Reitman
Cast
- Bill Murray as Peter Venkman
- Dan Aykroyd as Ray Stantz
- Sigourney Weaver as Dana Barrett
- Harold Ramis as Egon Spengler
- Rick Moranis as Louis Tully
- Annie Potts as Janine Melnitz
- William Atherton as Walter Peck
- Ernie Hudson as Winston Zeddemore
- Slavitza Jovan as Gozer
- David Margulies as Mayor
Ghostbusters FAQ
Is Ghostbusters worth watching?
Must-watch. A classic comedy that mixes sharp jokes with real spooks, and Bill Murray at his best. It's still funny, and the effects have charm. If you somehow haven't seen it, start here.
Where can I watch Ghostbusters?
In the US you can stream Ghostbusters on Hulu, Fubo and YouTube TV, watch it free with ads on Fandango at Home and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Ghostbusters OK for kids?
Ghostbusters is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that Ghostbusters is a PG comedy-fantasy with mild supernatural scares and some innuendo typical of 1980s comedy.
What movies are like Ghostbusters?
If you liked Ghostbusters, try Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Groundhog Day, The Princess Bride and Monty Python and the Holy Grail.