Ghostbusters (1984), directed by Ivan Reitman, follows three eccentric parapsychologists, Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd), and Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis), who establish a ghost-catching business in New York City. The film blends supernatural elements with comedy as the team confronts a surge in paranormal activity. Starring alongside Murray, Aykroyd, and Ramis (who also co-wrote the script) are Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis. The supporting cast includes Annie Potts, Ernie Hudson, and William Atherton. The story unfolds as the Ghostbusters investigate and capture various ghosts, facing escalating challenges that culminate in a major supernatural confrontation.
1915: Archival Photo in Ghostbusters Firehouse
An archival photograph from 1915 of an active crew in Fire House No. 23 was used as set dressing in the Ghostbusters' office.
1940: The Ghost Breakers Release
Bob Hope's comedic ghost film "The Ghost Breakers" was released in 1940, serving as another influence for Ghostbusters.
1941: Hold That Ghost Release
Abbott and Costello's comedic ghost film "Hold That Ghost" was released in 1941, influencing Aykroyd's vision for Ghostbusters.
1951: Ghost Chasers Release
The Bowery Boys' comedic ghost film "Ghost Chasers" was released in 1951, also influencing Aykroyd's vision for Ghostbusters.
1959: The Ectomobile's Origins
The 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance served as the base for the Ectomobile, featured in Ghostbusters.
1976: Taxi Driver's portrayal of New York influence
In 1976, the film 'Taxi Driver' depicted a gritty and crime-ridden New York City, influencing the backdrop for films like Ghostbusters, which embraced the post-economic recovery era of New York.
1977: Star Wars' merchandising success
In 1977, the merchandising success of Star Wars set a new standard for film franchises, a model that Ghostbusters would later follow with its own brand and subsequent spin-offs.
1977: Close Encounters Influences Ghostbusters
Reitman drew inspiration from the 1977 film Close Encounters of the Third Kind for the scene where Dana is pinned to her chair.
1978: Animal House Release
Ivan Reitman's successful comedy film "Animal House" was released in 1978.
1979: The Warriors' depiction of New York City
In 1979, 'The Warriors' presented a gritty portrayal of New York City, setting the stage for the backdrop of films like Ghostbusters, which would later embrace a more optimistic view of the city.
1979: Sigourney Weaver's Casting in Ghostbusters
In 1979, Sigourney Weaver, known for her serious roles in films like Alien (1979), was considered for the role of Dana Barrett in Ghostbusters.
1981: Escape from New York's dystopian vision
In 1981, 'Escape from New York' offered a dystopian vision of the city, contributing to the filmic landscape that Ghostbusters would later contrast with its comedic and optimistic take on New York.
1981: Aykroyd's Inspiration
In 1981, Dan Aykroyd read an article on quantum physics and parapsychology, which sparked the idea for Ghostbusters.
1981: Stripes Release
Ivan Reitman's comedy film "Stripes" was released in 1981.
1981: Inspiration from An American Werewolf in London
Johnson's Zombie Cab Driver puppet for Ghostbusters was based on his work for An American Werewolf in London in 1981.
March 1982: John Belushi's Death and Bill Murray's Casting
After John Belushi's death in March 1982, Bill Murray joined the Ghostbusters cast.
1982: Poltergeist Influences Ghostbusters Design
In 1982, Edlund's work on the film Poltergeist influenced the ghost designs for Ghostbusters.
1982: John Belushi's Death and Script Rewrites
Following John Belushi's death in 1982, the original Ghostbusters concept, which involved time travel and battling supernatural threats, was deemed too expensive. Harold Ramis was brought in to rewrite the script, setting the story in New York City and making it more realistic.
1982: Tootsie's Success
Ghostbusters became Columbia Pictures' first major success since the release of Tootsie in 1982.
1982: Sigourney Weaver's Comedic Background
Before being cast in Ghostbusters, in 1982 Sigourney Weaver showcased her comedic background from Yale School of Drama, which ultimately led to her securing the role.
March 1983: Ghostbusters Pitch to Columbia Pictures
In March 1983, Ivan Reitman pitched the Ghostbusters concept to Columbia Pictures executive Frank Price.
July 1983: Script Rewrites on Martha's Vineyard
Aykroyd, Ramis, and Reitman sequestered themselves on Martha's Vineyard in July 1983 to rewrite the Ghostbusters script.
September 1983: Ghostbusters Equipment Design and Build
In September 1983, the iconic Ghostbusters equipment, including the proton packs, ghost traps, and Ectomobile, were designed and built in just six weeks.
October 1983: Filming Begins
Filming for Ghostbusters commenced in October 1983 in New York City and Los Angeles.
October 28, 1983: Principal Photography Begins for Ghostbusters
On October 28, 1983, principal photography for Ghostbusters commenced in New York City.
1983: Release of "I Want a New Drug"
Huey Lewis released the song "I Want a New Drug" in 1983, which later became the basis of a plagiarism lawsuit against Ray Parker Jr.'s "Ghostbusters" theme.
January 1984: Filming Ends
Filming for Ghostbusters concluded in January 1984.
January 1984: Principal Photography Concludes for Ghostbusters
Principal photography for Ghostbusters concluded at the end of January 1984.
February 3, 1984: Ghostbusters Test Screening
Ghostbusters held its first test screening on February 3, 1984, with unfinished effects.
June 7, 1984: Ghostbusters Premieres
Ghostbusters premiered on June 7, 1984, in Los Angeles.
June 8, 1984: Ghostbusters Theatrical Release
Ghostbusters was released in theaters on June 8, 1984, to critical acclaim and became a cultural phenomenon.
June 1984: Target Release Date Set
Columbia Pictures set a target release date of June 1984 for Ghostbusters.
1984: Ghostbusters Filming and The Cotton Club
During the filming of Ghostbusters in 1984, the production team sometimes blamed Francis Ford Coppola's The Cotton Club (1984) for any inconvenience caused to the public.
1984: Ghostbusters Theme Song Success and Legal Disputes
Ray Parker Jr.'s "Ghostbusters" theme song topped the Billboard charts in 1984, contributing significantly to the film's box office success. However, legal disputes arose, including a plagiarism lawsuit by Huey Lewis and another by Harvey Cartoons over the Ghostbusters logo.
1984: Ghostbusters phenomenon in popular culture
In 1984, the Ghostbusters film became a phenomenon, significantly impacting popular culture. The theme song was a hit, and the film's mix of comedy and special effects was highly influential, leading to its selection for preservation by the United States Library of Congress in 2015.
1984: Cultural impact of Ghostbusters
In 1984, Ghostbusters had a substantial cultural impact, with its catchphrases and logo being widely referenced and adapted, including in political protests and advertisements. This year marked the first historic usage of 'toast' as slang, popularized by the film.
1984: Box Office Success of Ghostbusters and Beverly Hills Cop
In 1984, Ghostbusters became the second highest-grossing film, briefly holding the record for highest-grossing comedy before being surpassed by Beverly Hills Cop.
1984: Ghostbusters (1984) Release
Ghostbusters, a supernatural comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman, was released in 1984. The film starred Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis as parapsychologists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City.
1984: Bill Murray Films The Razor's Edge
Bill Murray filmed "The Razor's Edge" in 1984.
January 1985: Ghostbusters Leaves Cinemas
Ghostbusters ended its theatrical run in January 1985.
August 1985: Ghostbusters Re-release and Box Office Record
In August 1985, Ghostbusters was re-released, earning an additional $9.4 million and becoming the most successful comedy of the 1980s, surpassing Beverly Hills Cop.
October 1985: Ghostbusters VHS Release
Ghostbusters was released on VHS in October 1985, priced at $79.95. Despite competition from Beverly Hills Cop, it became a top-selling VHS, earning significant revenue for Columbia Pictures.
1985: Settlement of Huey Lewis Lawsuit
The plagiarism lawsuit filed by Huey Lewis against Ray Parker Jr. was settled out of court in 1985. Parker Jr. later sued Lewis for breaching the confidentiality agreement.
1985: Release of Ghostbusters novelizations and script
In 1985, two novelizations of Ghostbusters were released: 'Ghostbusters: The Supernatural Spectacular' by Richard Mueller and 'Making Ghostbusters', an annotated script by Ramis. These releases expanded the franchise's reach beyond film.
1985: Library Ghost repurposed for Fright Night
In 1985, the original Library Ghost puppet from Ghostbusters, deemed too frightening for young audiences, was reused in the film Fright Night.
1985: Elmer Bernstein Discusses Ghostbusters Score
In 1985, composer Elmer Bernstein described scoring Ghostbusters as a challenging experience due to the film's blend of comedic and serious tones.
1985: Ghostbusters Academy Awards and Golden Globe Nominations
In 1985, Ghostbusters received two Academy Award nominations (Best Original Song and Best Visual Effects) and three Golden Globe nominations (Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Actor, and Best Original Song). It won the BAFTA Award for Best Original Song and the Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film.
1985: Huey Lewis and Ghostbusters Theme
Huey Lewis, who had a song temporarily used in the film, was considered to compose the Ghostbusters theme in 1985, but declined due to his commitment to Back to the Future.
February 1986: Ghostbusters VHS Sales Success
By February 1986, Ghostbusters became one of the best-selling VHS tapes of 1985, earning substantial revenue.
1986: Merchandising success with The Real Ghostbusters
In 1986, the animated spin-off 'The Real Ghostbusters' led to a surge in merchandising success for the Ghostbusters franchise. This success helped generate significant revenue and increased the popularity of Ghostbusters-related products.
1986: Slimer Gets His Name
The Onion Head ghost, later known as Slimer, officially received his name in 1986 with the animated series The Real Ghostbusters.
1986: The Real Ghostbusters animated series premieres
The animated series "The Real Ghostbusters" premiered in 1986, expanding the Ghostbusters franchise to television and leading to spin-offs and merchandise.
1986: The Real Ghostbusters Premiere
The animated television series "The Real Ghostbusters" premiered in 1986, expanding the Ghostbusters franchise.
1987: Ghostbusters Financial Success and 1987 Box Office
In 1987, the studio received a substantial share of Ghostbusters' box office profits, estimated at $128 million. The main cast, especially Bill Murray, earned significant amounts from their participation. The film's worldwide gross reached an estimated $282.2 million. 1987 was a notable year in film history, with several iconic movies released, and Ghostbusters was one of four films to gross over $100 million that year.
1987: Hi-C Ecto Cooler drink released
The Slimer-inspired Hi-C Ecto Cooler drink was first released in 1987. This limited-edition citrus-flavored beverage became one of the more popular Ghostbusters merchandise items.
1988: Bill Murray's Return to Acting
Bill Murray returned to acting in 1988 with the Christmas comedy Scrooged after a four-year hiatus following Ghostbusters' success and the failure of his personal project The Razor's Edge.
1988: Ghostbusters merchandise peaks in popularity
In 1988, Ghostbusters merchandise reached a new height, with the Ghostbusters proton pack becoming the most popular toy in the United Kingdom. The franchise's merchandise generated up to $200 million in revenue, largely due to the success of 'The Real Ghostbusters'.
1989: Ghostbusters II Release
Ghostbusters II, the sequel to the original film, was released in 1989.
1989: Ghostbusters LaserDisc Release
Ghostbusters was released on LaserDisc in 1989, offering both a standard and special edition version.
1989: Ivan Reitman's Perspective on Ghostbusters Reception
In 1989, director Ivan Reitman expressed disappointment over the lack of serious recognition for Ghostbusters, feeling it was dismissed as just an action-comedy.
1989: Ghostbusters II Released
The film sequel, Ghostbusters II, was released in 1989, breaking box office records but receiving a less enthusiastic response than the original.
1989: Release of Ghostbusters II
Ghostbusters II was released in 1989.
1990: Ghostbusters stage show at Universal Studios
In 1990, Universal Studios Florida launched a special-effects laden stage show based on Ghostbusters, which ran until 1996. The show focused on the film's final battle with Gozer.
1995: Ghostbusters cameo in Casper
In 1995, Dan Aykroyd reprised his Ghostbusters character for a cameo in the film 'Casper', demonstrating the long-lasting appeal and cultural impact of the franchise.
1996: End of Ghostbusters stage show
In 1996, the Ghostbusters stage show at Universal Studios Florida concluded its run. The show had been a popular attraction since its debut in 1990.
1997: Extreme Ghostbusters Sequel Series
A sequel animated series, "Extreme Ghostbusters", premiered in 1997, continuing the Ghostbusters story on television.
1997: Influence on Men in Black
In 1997, the release of 'Men in Black' showcased the influence of Ghostbusters' genre-mixing formula, combining comedy with action and science fiction elements.
1997: Extreme Ghostbusters Premiere
The animated television series "Extreme Ghostbusters," a sequel to "The Real Ghostbusters," premiered in 1997.
1999: Ivan Reitman on Ghostbusters LaserDisc Release
In 1999, Ivan Reitman admitted his lack of involvement in and dissatisfaction with visual changes in the LaserDisc releases of Ghostbusters.
2001: AFI Recognizes Ghostbusters's comedic brilliance
The American Film Institute ranked Ghostbusters number 28 on its "100 Years...100 Laughs" list in 2001, recognizing its contribution to comedy cinema.
2001: Influence on Evolution
In 2001, 'Evolution' was released, demonstrating the continued influence of Ghostbusters' blend of comedy and science fiction in the film industry.
2001: End of production for Hi-C Ecto Cooler
In 2001, production of the Hi-C Ecto Cooler drink ceased. The drink had been a popular Ghostbusters-themed item since its introduction in 1987.
2004: Ghostbusters: The Return Novel Published
In 2004, "Ghostbusters: The Return", the first in a planned series of sequel novels, was published before the publisher went out of business.
2006: Peter Venkman Among Greatest Movie Characters
Bill Murray's portrayal of Peter Venkman was recognized in 2006, with the character appearing at number 44 on Empire's list of the "100 Greatest Movie Characters".
2008: Ghostbusters USB Flash Drive Release
Ghostbusters became the first full-length film released on a USB flash drive in 2008.
2009: Ghostbusters: The Video Game Released
"Ghostbusters: The Video Game" was released in 2009, featuring the original cast's voice acting and serving as a narrative sequel to Ghostbusters II.
2009: Ghostbusters 25th Anniversary Blu-ray Release
A Blu-ray edition of Ghostbusters was released for its 25th anniversary in 2009.
2009: National Review's Political Ranking of Ghostbusters
In 2009, National Review ranked Ghostbusters number 10 on its list of the "25 Best Conservative Movies of the Last 25 Years", highlighting its portrayal of the EPA and the private sector.
2009: Murray expresses reluctance for Ghostbusters III
In a 2009 interview, Bill Murray expressed his reluctance to participate in a third Ghostbusters film, hindering the project's development for years.
2010: Boss Film Studios Works on Ghostbusters and 2010
During the production of Ghostbusters, Boss Film Studios, a newly established special effects company, worked on both Ghostbusters and the science-fiction film 2010: The Year We Make Contact.
2012: Ghostbusters memorabilia auction
In 2012, a screen-used proton pack from Ghostbusters was sold at auction for $169,000, highlighting the enduring popularity and value of the franchise's memorabilia.
2012: Ghostbusters' influence on The Avengers
In 2012, the celebratory parade in 'The Avengers' was inspired by the ending of Ghostbusters, reflecting the film's influence on later cinematic works.
2012: Influence on The Watch
In 2012, the film 'The Watch' was released, reflecting the lasting impact of Ghostbusters' comedic approach to genre storytelling.
2013: Influence on R.I.P.D.
In 2013, 'R.I.P.D.' was released, showcasing the enduring influence of Ghostbusters' mix of comedy and supernatural elements in cinema.
2013: Ghostbusters listed in "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die"
In 2013, Ghostbusters was included in the film reference book "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die", further solidifying its legacy.
August 2014: Ghostbusters 30th Anniversary Re-release
A restored version of Ghostbusters was re-released in August 2014 for its 30th anniversary, earning $3.5 million.
2014: Ghostbusters 30th Anniversary Blu-ray Release
A Blu-ray edition of Ghostbusters was released for its 30th anniversary in 2014.
2014: Ramis's death and franchise rights sale
Following Harold Ramis's death in 2014, Ivan Reitman sold the Ghostbusters franchise rights to Columbia Pictures, leading to the creation of Ghost Corps and subsequent reboots and sequels.
2014: Harold Ramis's Death and Sequel Delay
Following Harold Ramis's death in 2014, attempts to develop a third Ghostbusters film were paused.
2014: Ernie Hudson's Reflections on Ghostbusters
In 2014, Ernie Hudson expressed mixed feelings about his role in Ghostbusters, acknowledging the character's popularity but also the frustration of its limited development in the original script.
2014: Ghostbusters's 30th Anniversary Accolades
In 2014, Ghostbusters celebrated its 30th anniversary with various accolades. The Hollywood Reporter ranked it the 77th best film of all time, Time Out gave it a perfect 5/5 rating, Empire ranked it 68th on its list of greatest movies, and Rolling Stone readers voted it the 9th greatest film of the 1980s.
2014: Reitman Discusses Filming in NYC
In 2014, director Ivan Reitman discussed his decision to film Ghostbusters in New York City, citing his desire to make it his "New York movie".
November 2015: Ghostbusters screenplay honored by the Writer's Guild of America
The screenplay of Ghostbusters was recognized for its comedic brilliance in November 2015, ranking 14th on the Writers Guild of America's "101 Funniest Screenplays" list.
2015: National Film Registry Induction
In 2015, Ghostbusters was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.
2015: Library of Congress preservation
In 2015, Ghostbusters was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the United States Library of Congress, recognizing its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.
2016: Ghostbusters Reboot Released
The female-led Ghostbusters reboot, later retitled "Ghostbusters: Answer the Call", was released in 2016, facing controversies and mixed reviews.
2016: Release of Ghostbusters: Answer the Call
The Ghostbusters reboot, Ghostbusters: Answer the Call, was released in 2016.
2016: Release of the Ghostheads documentary
In 2016, the documentary 'Ghostheads' was released, exploring the dedicated fan base of the Ghostbusters franchise and featuring interviews with the crew and fans.
2016: Ghostbusters Reboot Release
A reboot of the original Ghostbusters film was released in 2016.
2017: Discovery of Zuul crurivastator
In 2017, a newly discovered ankylosaur fossil was named Zuul crurivastator after a Ghostbusters character, underscoring the franchise's influence even in paleontology.
2017: BBC's Global Critics Poll
In a 2017 BBC poll of global film critics, Ghostbusters was ranked the 95th funniest film ever made.
June 2019: Ghostbusters Soundtrack Remaster
A remastered version of the Ghostbusters score, including unreleased tracks, was released in June 2019. Special edition vinyl records of Ray Parker Jr.'s "Ghostbusters" theme were also released.
2019: Ghostbusters haunted maze at Universal Studios
In 2019, the Halloween Horror Nights event at Universal Studios featured a haunted maze attraction inspired by Ghostbusters, including locations, characters, and ghosts from the film.
2020: Ghostbusters Adjusted Box Office
By 2020, Ghostbusters' North American box office, adjusted for inflation, reached $667.9 million, making it one of the highest-grossing films ever.
2020: Release of Cleanin' Up the Town documentary
In 2020, 'Cleanin' Up the Town: Remembering Ghostbusters', a documentary detailing the film's production, was released, providing insights into the making of the iconic movie.
2021: Release of Ghostbusters: Afterlife
Ghostbusters: Afterlife was released in 2021.
2021: Ghostbusters: Afterlife Release
Ghostbusters: Afterlife, a sequel to the original 1984 film, was released in 2021.
2021: Ghostbusters: Afterlife Released
The sequel "Ghostbusters: Afterlife", directed by Jason Reitman, was released in 2021, returning to the story of the original films.
February 2022: Ghostbusters Ultimate Collection Blu-ray Release
The Ghostbusters: Ultimate Collection, including all Ghostbusters films and bonus features, was released on Blu-ray in February 2022.
2024: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Release
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire was released in 2024, continuing the franchise's legacy.
2024: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Released
The sequel "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" was released in 2024, continuing the franchise's legacy.