How Authentic Is the Science in ‘Ghostbusters’?

While it’s become both an instantly iconic trademark and inspired a film franchise that continues to this day, Ghostbusters reached an unprecedented level of success when it first hit theaters in 1984. Combining the industry’s interest in science fiction adventure films in the post-Star Wars era with the ripe comedic talents from Saturday Night Live, Ivan Reitman’s original masterpiece combines heart, humor, and a dash of horror into one of the quintessential summer blockbusters of all-time. Although Ghosbusters certainly doesn’t lean away from its horror influences, the original film was notable because of the predominant role that scientists play in saving the day and becoming heroes. Although the films’ certainly have a deep mythology that is entirely original, much of Ghostbusters’ depiction of parapsychology is based on actual real world practices.