The Ghostbusters Changed 80s Movies Forever

The Ghostbusters was one of the most unforgettable 80s movies of all time thanks to its innovative special effects and deadpan humor.

A lot changed in the early 1980s, especially in the film industry and the ability to produce computer-aided special effects. Among the many films that were released in the early 1980s, Ghostbusters stands alone as a groundbreaking cultural phenomenon. Known for its use of comedy, science fiction, and supernatural thrills, the film dominated the box office. And, it became a pop culture icon that defined an entire generation. Featuring some of the most memorable characters, a catchy theme song, and innovative special effects, the film was able to capture the spirit of the 80s and resonate across the many generations that followed.

The Rise of the Ghostbusters

There was a growing fascination in the early 80s with science fiction, fantasy, and the supernatural. Thanks to the economic prosperity of the time and the recent advances in technology, Hollywood was able to provide big budgets for the production of films during the era. Ghostbusters, which was released in 1984, was the epitome of the big-budget films of the times. The film which was directed by Ivan Reitman, reflected the culture of the era. It capitalizes on the elements that people find most entertaining.

It’s important to remember that this time, we also saw major films like E.T., Star Wars, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. The films simply dominated the box office and showcased the public’s hunger for worlds beyond imagination. And, Ghostbusters emerged from this environment blending adventure and the comedic performances of actors like Harold Ramis and Bill Murray.

How Ghostbusters Changed 80s Movies

There were many reasons why Ghostbusters changed 80s movies forever. For starters, there were the unique special effects that made the film possible. Then there was the merchandise, and there was a lot of Ghostbusters merchandise available throughout the 80s.

Special Effects

The most significant trend that Ghostbusters profited from was the rise of the blockbuster film. Hollywood at the time knew that there was a mass appeal for entertainment in the theaters. So, they spent lots of money to pay actors and create the films themselves.

The film, which features a mixture of action, comedy, and supernatural thrills, was an instant hit with the audiences. But, it was its cutting-edge special effects that pushed the boundaries of filmmaking at the time. The protein unpacks alone were enough to make watching the film in the theaters and memorable experience. But when you combine that with the ghost traps and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, you end up with a film that is not only visually stunning but becomes an instant part of the culture of the 80s.

It’s important to remember that at the time, special effects had just recently been introduced to Hollywood. Thanks to optical composting, the use of electronics, and first-generation CGI graphics, the amazing sequences in the film were made possible. The film brought ghosts to life in a way that was both humorous as well as thrilling. And, these special effects would go on to influence other blockbuster films like Batman and Back to the Future.

Ghostbuster Merchandising

Then there was the merchandising. If you grew up in the 80s, then chances are you probably had a Ghostbusters lunchbox. In fact, you probably had a Ghostbusters shirt, hat, and maybe even a trapper keeper. Chances are you ran home every day after school to watch the cartoon, The Real Ghostbusters. Then there were the video games and the toys. There was a never-ending supply of Ghostbusters merchandise that expanded the film’s reach beyond the screen. The marketing pushed the film into other parts of 80s pop culture.

It was this approach that allowed the film to not only produce a sequel but also allow it to be as successful as it was. The theme song was so catchy, that the local radio stations were playing it nonstop. And, people were singing along in their cars as they drove to and from work or school. Today, people use the theme song as a ringtone on their cell phones. But, that’s nothing new because there were polytone versions of the song available in the early 2000s too.

Blended 80s Movies Genres

One of the most unique features of Ghostbusters was the blending of genres. The film itself was traditionally a sci-fi or supernatural film, but thanks to Bill Murray and other top actors in the film, it blended comedy in such a way that it made the film both exciting and hilarious to watch. Rather than a horror film, or something that would make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, you would find yourself laughing at the most inopportune moments as Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, or Harold Ramis would do something completely irrelevant and unexpected.

This trend of blending comedy with other genres became a hallmark of American films from the 80s moving forward. But, looking just at 80s movies, we have popular titles such as Beetlejuice, Gremlins, and even the Little Shop of Horrors. The success of Ghostbusters showed that the masses were eager for films that could make them laugh and provide them with thrilling adventures at the same time.

How the Ghostbusters Became King of the 80s Movies

Ghostbusters became King of the 80s movies thanks in part to Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, and Dan Aykroyd. The three comedians worked hard to develop a script that was more than ghost hunting and the paranormal. It was also humorous and witty at the same time. They work together to create an unlikely team of paranormal investigators and scientists who decide to take on and capture the afterlife with powerful beams of light. And, remember to never cross the streams.

The Ghostbusters Legacy

It’s important to remember that Ghostbusters didn’t just influence filmmaking in the 80s. It actually shaped the broader culture from the 80s moving forward. The film itself was able to cross genres, which made it appealing to a wider audience and helped to establish itself as a brand and as a template for future blockbusters. It showed the world that films could be both funny and scary at the same exact time. And, the franchise helped to legitimize the idea of using film merchandising showing that a movie could extend beyond the silver screen, and into the local department stores.

But, the legacy of Ghostbusters continues well past the 80s. While you have the original film in the franchise released in 1984, the sequel was released in 1989. There was an attempted reboot in 2016, but that was never as popular because it didn’t match the same theme as the original franchise. Instead, people had to wait 32 years after the release of Ghostbusters II to see the third installment, Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Afterlife was released in 2021 followed by Frozen Empire and 2024.

Conclusion

In the end, Ghostbusters was more than just a successful film, it was a cultural phenomenon that defined most of the 80s. Its innovative blend of comedy and supernatural adventure made it an icon for a generation, and a pioneer of the blockbuster era. Although the original films were released more than 30 years ago, the film franchise is just as relevant today with the popularity of the reboot.