Scary stories for kids: I made my dad take me to see Ghostbusters three times

Scary Stories for Kids: I Made My Dad Take Me to See Ghostbusters Three Times

Rude, gross, and surprisingly adult-themed, this classic 1980s comedy became a major hit among kids. It starts with the unusual premise: “Three parapsychologists lose their university funding,” which sounds more like a bad joke than the setup for one of the decade’s biggest films.

Main Characters and Plot

Ghostbusters (1984) follows three unlikely professors. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray) is more interested in flirting than research. Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) is energetic and excitable, while Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) is a serious nerd whose hobby involves collecting “spores, moulds and fungus.” Their credibility is challenged after they claim to have seen a real ghost at the New York Public Library. Expelled from academia, they start “Ghostbusters,” a paranormal investigation business based in an old New York firehouse.

The Team and Their Mission

They recruit Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson), a practical everyman.
They create nuclear-powered tools to capture ghosts.
The Ghostbusters pledge to investigate spooky events and “to believe you.”

“Three parapsychologists lose their university funding.”

“To believe you.”

This blend of humor, supernatural thrills, and memorable characters made Ghostbusters a beloved film for children and adults alike.

Author’s summary: Ghostbusters (1984) combines comedy and supernatural adventure with quirky characters who turn ghost hunting into a memorable and lasting childhood experience.

The Conversation — 2025-11-05