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Ghostbusters (1984) is one of the rare movies that’s both a pop-culture catchphrase factory and a legitimately great comedy. It follows three ousted parapsychologists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City—then accidentally stumble into an apocalyptic problem involving Gozer, a possessed high-rise, and one unforgettable marshmallow mascot.
This updated post focuses on verifiable Ghostbusters facts and stats: box office performance, Rotten Tomatoes score, theme song chart history, major honors, and the franchise timeline through Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
Ghostbusters by the Numbers (2026)
- Original film release date: June 8, 1984
- Rotten Tomatoes score (1984 film): 95% Tomatometer (83 reviews) / 88% Popcornmeter (250,000+ ratings)
- Domestic box office (lifetime, incl. re-releases): $243.64M
- Theme song achievement: #1 on Billboard Hot 100 for 3 weeks (1984)
- Major honor: Selected for the U.S. National Film Registry (2015)
- Recent franchise box office: Afterlife (2021) $204.45M worldwide; Frozen Empire (2024) ~$202M worldwide
Sources:
Rotten Tomatoes (score) |
Box Office Mojo (1984 gross) |
Billboard #1 detail (song) |
Library of Congress (National Film Registry) |
Box Office Mojo (Afterlife) |
Frozen Empire worldwide gross
Key Metrics Table
| Metric | Figure | Year / As-of | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotten Tomatoes (Ghostbusters 1984) | 95% / 88% | As displayed (2026) | Rotten Tomatoes |
| Domestic box office (lifetime) | $243,640,120 | All releases (as listed) | Box Office Mojo |
| Theme song Billboard Hot 100 peak | #1 for 3 weeks | 1984 | Song chart history |
| National Film Registry selection | Selected for preservation | 2015 | Library of Congress |
| Ghostbusters: Afterlife worldwide gross | $204,445,747 | 2021 (all releases) | Box Office Mojo |
| Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire worldwide gross | ~$202M | 2024 | Film box office summary |
10 Fun Facts About Ghostbusters
- It’s one of the best-reviewed ’80s blockbusters on Rotten Tomatoes. Ghostbusters sits at 95% Tomatometer and 88% Popcornmeter. Source
- The theme song became a chart monster. Ray Parker Jr.’s “Ghostbusters” hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for three weeks. Source
- The movie is officially preserved as U.S. film history. The Library of Congress selected Ghostbusters for the National Film Registry in 2015. Source
- The Firehouse HQ is a real NYC landmark. The exterior used for Ghostbusters headquarters is FDNY’s Hook & Ladder Company 8 at 14 North Moore Street in Tribeca. Source
- The 1984 film’s domestic box office is huge even decades later. Box Office Mojo lists $243.64M domestic lifetime (including re-releases). Source
- The original concept was wilder than “three guys start a business.” Dan Aykroyd’s early draft (“Ghost Smashers”) is widely described as involving big sci-fi concepts like other dimensions and time travel before the story was reworked into the NYC-based comedy. Source
- “Slimer” wasn’t called Slimer in the 1984 movie. The ghost wasn’t given that name until later; the creature was referred to as “Onionhead” on set/credits. Source
- The franchise still pulls big worldwide audiences. Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) grossed $204.45M worldwide. Source
- Frozen Empire continued the modern run. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) is reported at about $202M worldwide. Source
- Critics generally liked the original a lot. Metacritic lists a 71 Metascore (based on archived critic reviews on the site). Source
Ghostbusters Movies in Order
- Ghostbusters (1984)
- Ghostbusters II (1989)
- Ghostbusters (2016)
- Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
- Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)
Source: Rotten Tomatoes franchise order guide
FAQ
What is Ghostbusters about?
Ghostbusters follows three parapsychologists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City and end up battling a major supernatural threat. Source
How much did Ghostbusters (1984) make at the box office?
Box Office Mojo lists the film at $243.64M domestic lifetime (including re-releases). Source
What is Ghostbusters’ Rotten Tomatoes score?
Rotten Tomatoes shows 95% Tomatometer and 88% Popcornmeter for the 1984 film. Source
Did the Ghostbusters song hit #1?
Yes. Ray Parker Jr.’s “Ghostbusters” reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for three weeks in 1984. Source
Is the Ghostbusters firehouse real?
Yes. The exterior used as Ghostbusters HQ is a real FDNY firehouse: Hook & Ladder Company 8 in Tribeca, Manhattan. Source
