Common Sense Media Review
Paranormal '80s classic has some scares, innuendo.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
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Ghostbusters
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 73 parent reviews
Parents say many users find the movie suitable for children aged 7 and up, highlighting its humor, teamwork, and classic special effects. However, there's significant concern over the sexual innuendos, swearing, and some scary scenes, leading many to believe that the movie may not align with today's standards for children and might be better suited for older viewers.
- family-friendly humor
- parental guidance needed
- mixed age suitability
- sexual content concerns
- inappropriate for young kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 156 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In GHOSTBUSTERS, the comedic team of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis fight ghosts and ghouls as paranormal sanitation workers. With fully charged proton packs strapped to their backs, they venture around New York City exterminating pesky apparitions. Peter Venkman (Murray) falls for Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver), a professional musician who unwillingly becomes the gatekeeper for an apocalyptic spiritual dimension. The team, along with a late-hire Ghostbuster played by Ernie Hudson, face off against demonic forces with cataclysmic magnitude. One indelible scene involves the eradication of a 50-foot Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.
Is It Any Good?
Director Ivan Reitman's movie succeeds in combining comedy, action, and some scary stuff. Although Ghostbusters has some frightening moments -- and its "boys will be boys" handling of romance holds up extremely poorly -- Murray, Aykroyd, and Ramis provide enough comic relief to lighten the fears. Considering its 1984 release date, the film's special effects are impressive, though today's kids may find them eye-roll-inducing. Younger kids might need their eyes covered during scary moments, and post-viewing conversations about what constitutes sexual harassment would not go amiss.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what defines a hero. Besides Ghostbusters, what other movies feature scientists and professors who save the day?
Talk about how the scares mix with humor. For kids normally scared of things like ghosts, how did the humor help? How did seeing a creature like the 50-foot Stay Puft Marshmallow Man make you laugh, even though the Ghostbusters were in danger?
In what ways do Peter Venkman and Dana's neighbor Louis demonstrate unacceptable behavior toward women? What other ways are there to express interest in someone without crossing personal and professional boundaries?
Do you believe in ghosts? Why, or why not?
How do the characters in Ghostbusters demonstrate curiosity and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 1, 1984
- On DVD or streaming : September 16, 2014
- Cast : Bill Murray , Dan Aykroyd , Sigourney Weaver , Harold Ramis
- Director : Ivan Reitman
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Adventures , School ( College & Graduate School ) , Friendship , Fantasy ( Ghosts , Magic , Monsters ) , Holidays ( Halloween ) , STEM ( Science )
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Teamwork
- Run time : 107 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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