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 quite adult, this iconic ’80s comedy became a huge favorite among children. The film begins with an unusual premise: “Three parapsychologists lose their university funding,” which sounds more like a setup for a joke than the plot of one of the decade's most successful movies.

The Ghostbusters Team

The story follows three unlikely scientists. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray) focuses more on flirting than serious research. Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) is energetic and enthusiastic like a lively puppy. Nerdy Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) has an odd hobby collecting “spores, moulds, and fungus.” Their research credibility is questioned after they claim to see a real ghost at the New York Public Library.

From Academia to Ghostbusting

Expelled from the university, the trio persists in tracking ghosts. They start "Ghostbusters," a paranormal investigation business, based in an old New York firehouse. They recruit Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson), a practical and down-to-earth man, and create nuclear-powered devices for catching ghosts.

“The Ghostbusters vow to investigate reports of spooky encounters and, most importantly, ‘to believe you.’”

The film’s blend of humor, supernatural thrills, and memorable characters made it a staple of 1980s pop culture and beloved by generations of kids.

Author's summary: The quirky and daring Ghostbusters team, dismissed by academia, turns ghost hunting into a thrilling adventure, inspiring generations with humor and the promise to always believe in the supernatural.

The Conversation — 2025-11-04