Ghostbusters Movies in Order: All 5 Films and the Reboot

For one connected Ghostbusters story, watch Ghostbusters (1984) → Ghostbusters II → Afterlife → Frozen Empire. The 2016 Ghostbusters, also called Answer the Call, is a separate reboot. You can watch it on its own without inserting it into that four-film sequence.

Want every live-action movie instead? There are five released films as of September 25, 2026. The release list below includes all of them and marks the reboot so you do not mistake it for a missing chapter before Afterlife.

All Ghostbusters movies in release order

What should you watch before Afterlife or Frozen Empire?

• Before Afterlife: watch Ghostbusters (1984). Add Ghostbusters II for the full lead-in; the first film is the most useful choice if you only have time for one.
• Before Frozen Empire: Afterlife is the immediate catch-up film. For more background without a full marathon, watch the 1984 original and Afterlife. For the complete story, include Ghostbusters II as well.

Afterlife introduces a younger generation but builds on the original team’s history. Frozen Empire brings those generations together, so familiarity with both makes the returning characters easier to follow. The shorter routes above are practical compromises, not the complete series.

Is Answer the Call another movie?

No. Ghostbusters (2016) and Ghostbusters: Answer the Call are two names for the same film, not two different installments. Sony’s catalogue entry identifies Paul Feig’s film starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones.

If 2016 is the only one you have seen, begin with the 1984 film when moving to the original story. The new team you met in the reboot is not the family introduced in Afterlife.

Does chronological order change the sequence?

No. For the four connected movies, release and story order agree: Ghostbusters (1984) → Ghostbusters II → Afterlife → Frozen Empire. There is no prequel to move ahead of the original. Choose the five-film release list if you also want the separate 2016 adventure.

Do the animated series belong in the movie marathon?

No. The Real Ghostbusters and Extreme Ghostbusters are optional television viewing, not required chapters between the movies. Netflix’s Ghostbusters: Night Shift is listed for 2027 and is still upcoming animation at this update; it does not add a sixth released live-action film.

Avoid buying the wrong Ghostbusters

When a listing simply says “Ghostbusters,” check the year: 1984 is the original and 2016 is Answer the Call. A familiar logo alone will not distinguish them.

Also read a collection’s actual contents. A four-film set released before Frozen Empire may include the reboot instead of the latest sequel. Match the titles—not just the number on the box—to the route you want.