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 mature, this classic 1980s comedy became a huge hit with children. The story of Ghostbusters (1984) opens with a seemingly strange premise: “Three parapsychologists lose their university funding.” What sounds like the setup for a bad joke turns out to be the beginning of one of the decade’s most iconic films.

Main Characters and Their Roles

Peter Venkman (Bill Murray) is more focused on flirting than on serious research.
Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) is energetic and enthusiastic, almost like an excitable puppy.
Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis), the nerdy scientist, collects spores, molds, and fungus as a hobby.

Their credibility collapses when they claim to have witnessed a real ghost at the New York Public Library, leading to their expulsion from academia.

Establishing the Ghostbusters

Despite being ousted, the trio remains determined to continue their paranormal investigations. They start “Ghostbusters,” a ghost-catching business, operating out of an old firehouse in New York City. They later add a fourth member, Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson), a practical and sensible everyman.

The team develops nuclear-powered equipment designed to catch ghosts. Their mission is clear: to investigate spooky occurrences and, most importantly,

“to believe you.”

Author’s Summary

This enduring film blends humor and supernatural thrills while showcasing an unlikely team’s dedication to their unique calling and belief in the unseen.

The Conversation — 2025-11-04