How to watch

Ghostbusters Movie Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch the Ghostbusters movies in order

Last updated: April 13 2026

Written by: ChronoBob

Ghostbusters has been busting supernatural threats since 1984, spawning sequels, a reboot, and a beloved legacy continuation. Knowing how the films connect — and which ones exist in separate timelines — will help you get the most out of every encounter with the supernatural.

When Dr. Peter Venkman, Dr. Egon Spengler, and Dr. Ray Stantz got fired from Columbia University in 1984, they did what any self-respecting parapsychologists would do: they started a ghost-catching business. The original Ghostbusters is one of the most perfectly crafted comedies ever made, and its legacy has only grown over the decades. The franchise now spans five films across two distinct continuities, with the Afterlife series breathing fresh life into the original mythology for a new generation.

🕐 Release Order

Release order is the best way to experience Ghostbusters, as it shows how the franchise evolved from its original comedic roots through a standalone reboot and back to a heartfelt legacy sequel.

  1. Ghostbusters (1984)
  2. Ghostbusters II (1989)
  3. Ghostbusters: Answer the Call (2016)
  4. Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
  5. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)

It's worth noting that Ghostbusters: Answer the Call (2016) is a standalone reboot set in its own universe, while Afterlife and Frozen Empire are direct continuations of the original 1984 timeline.

📖 Story Chronology

The franchise splits into two separate timelines. The Original Timeline flows directly from the 1984 classic through to Frozen Empire. The Reboot Timeline is entirely self-contained with the 2016 film.

  1. Ghostbusters (1984) — Original Timeline: the team forms and defeats Gozer the Destructor
  2. Ghostbusters II (1989) — Original Timeline: a river of slime and a painting of Vigo threaten New York
  3. Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) — Original Timeline: Egon's grandchildren discover his secret legacy in Summerville, Oklahoma
  4. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) — Original Timeline: old and new Ghostbusters unite against an ancient evil
  5. Ghostbusters: Answer the Call (2016) — Reboot Timeline: a new team of scientists investigate paranormal activity in New York

Which Order Should You Choose?

Start with the original 1984 Ghostbusters — it's a stone-cold classic that holds up brilliantly. Follow it with Ghostbusters II, then skip ahead to Afterlife and Frozen Empire, which directly continue the story of the original team. Ghostbusters: Answer the Call is a fun film in its own right, but since it exists in a separate timeline, you can watch it any time as a standalone. The original-to-Afterlife pathway offers the most emotionally satisfying experience, especially as Afterlife pays tribute to the legacy of the franchise in a genuinely moving way.

🔗 Related Guides

  • The Conjuring Watch OrderGuide
  • Back to the Future Watch OrderGuide
  • The Matrix Watch OrderGuide

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!