Ghostbusters (1984)

Comedy Fantasy
→ Influenced 5 films ← Inspired by 5 films

After losing their academic posts at a prestigious university, a team of parapsychologists goes into business as proton-pack-toting "ghostbusters" who exterminate ghouls, hobgoblins and supernatural pests of all stripes. An ad campaign pays off when a knockout cellist hires the squad to purge her swanky digs of demons that appear to be living in her refrigerator.

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Connections

← Inspired By

The Ghost Breakers
The Ghost Breakers (1940)1
 Hold That Ghost
Hold That Ghost (1941)2
 Ghost Chasers
Ghost Chasers (1951)3
 Poltergeist
Poltergeist (1982)4
 An American Werewolf in London
An American Werewolf in London (1981)5

→ Influenced

Men in Black
Men in Black (1997)6
 Evolution
Evolution (2001)7
 R.I.P.D.
R.I.P.D. (2013)8
 Pixels
Pixels (2015)9
 DeadTectives
DeadTectives (2018)10

Sources

Influenced By

  1. The Ghost Breakers (1940)
    "This film, starring Bob Hope and Paulette Goddard, combines comedy with a ghostly mystery, setting a precedent for the comedic supernatural genre. Dan Aykroyd cited it as an inspiration for "Ghostbusters."" The Ghost Breakers Wikipedia
  2. Hold That Ghost (1941)
    "Featuring the comedic duo Abbott and Costello, this movie involves the protagonists inheriting a haunted house, blending humor with spooky elements. Aykroyd aimed to modernize such mid-20th-century comedic ghost films." Why Was Ghostbusters So Popular? | 80s Movies Blog | About the 80s About the 80s
  3. Ghost Chasers (1951)
    "Part of the Bowery Boys series, this film involves the group encountering a phony medium and real ghosts, mixing comedy with supernatural themes. Aykroyd was influenced by these types of films in developing "Ghostbusters."" Why Was Ghostbusters So Popular? | 80s Movies Blog | About the 80s About the 80s
  4. Poltergeist (1982)
    "The special effects work on this supernatural horror film influenced the ghost designs in "Ghostbusters."" Full History Of Ghostbusters In Timeline From 1915 - Popular Timelines populartimelines.com
  5. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
    "The makeup and creature effects in this horror-comedy influenced the visual effects in "Ghostbusters," particularly the design of the Zombie Cab Driver puppet." Full History Of Ghostbusters In Timeline From 1915 - Popular Timelines populartimelines.com

Influenced

  1. Men in Black (1997)
    "This film follows a secret organization monitoring extraterrestrial activity on Earth, combining science fiction with comedy. Its dynamic of a team handling otherworldly threats mirrors the premise of "Ghostbusters."" 6 films that desperately tried to be Ghostbusters Digital Spy
  2. Evolution (2001)
    "Directed by Ivan Reitman, who also directed "Ghostbusters," this movie features a team of scientists combating rapidly evolving alien organisms. The film's tone and structure are reminiscent of "Ghostbusters," blending humor with a science fiction narrative." 10 Productions That Were Clearly Inspired By Ghostbusters Walt Braley ScreenRant
  3. R.I.P.D. (2013)
    "This film centers on deceased law enforcement officers who patrol the afterlife to protect the living from rogue spirits. Its concept of a team dealing with supernatural entities draws clear parallels to "Ghostbusters."" 10 Productions That Were Clearly Inspired By Ghostbusters Walt Braley ScreenRant
  4. Pixels (2015)
    "In this movie, former arcade champions are recruited to combat video game characters attacking Earth. The film's team dynamic and the use of specialized equipment to combat unusual threats are reminiscent of "Ghostbusters."" 6 films that desperately tried to be Ghostbusters Digital Spy
  5. DeadTectives (2018)
    "This horror-comedy follows a team of reality TV ghost hunters who encounter real supernatural events. The film's blend of humor and paranormal investigation is influenced by "Ghostbusters."" 10 Productions That Were Clearly Inspired By Ghostbusters Walt Braley ScreenRant