42 Years Ago Today: Legendary '80s Film Released, And It Still Holds Up
On June 8, 1984, one of the most influential and iconic movies of the decade debuted on the big screens.
1984 was a big year for films in the comedic and action/adventure genres. Martin Brest's Beverly Hills Cop, Steven Spielberg's Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Joe Dante's Gremlins were among the biggest Hollywood blockbusters released that year.
But of all the movies released in 1984, perhaps none generated a larger global following and fanbase than Ghostbusters. Forty-two years later, it holds up as one of the defining films of the '80s.
Saturday Night Live star Dan Aykroyd, one-half of the legendary Blues Brothers band with the late John Belushi, came up with the Ghostbusters concept based on his love of the paranormal. Ivan Reitman signed on as the director, and Aykroyd co-wrote the film with Harold Ramis.
The star-studded cast included Aykroyd (Ray Stantz), Ramis (Egon Spengler), Bill Murray (Peter Venkman), Ernie Hudson (Winston Zeddemore), Rick Moranis (Louis Tully), Sigourney Weaver (Dana Barrett) and Annie Potts (Janine Melnitz).
The plot centers on a New York-based group of parapsychologists who travel the city to capture ghosts. The success of Ghostbusters would spawn four sequels.
‘Ghostbusters' Grossed $296 Million Worldwide
According to Box Office Mojo, Ghostbusters, which made $296.64 million at the global box office, was the second-highest grossing film of 1984 in North America, behind only Beverly Hills Cop.
The four sequels, particularly the third, fourth, and fifth films, certainly didn't come close to replicating the thrill and adventure of the original. But if anything, they expanded the fanbase and following of the 1984 classic.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published June 8, 2026 at 6:00 AM.