10 Movies & Shows Like Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)

Description: Poltergeist shares Ghostbusters' focus on paranormal activity and haunted locations, though it leans more into horror than comedy. Both films involve families confronting supernatural forces, with experts (or Ghostbusters) called in to help. The suburban setting contrasts with Ghostbusters' urban backdrop but explores similar themes of the supernatural invading everyday life.

Fact: Produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Tobe Hooper. The film was controversial for its use of real skeletons as props. It spawned multiple sequels and a remake.

Description: Gremlins, like Ghostbusters, blends horror and comedy, featuring mischievous creatures causing chaos. Both films have a darkly humorous tone and explore the consequences of unleashing supernatural entities. The small-town setting and practical effects are notable similarities.

Fact: Directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg. The film's tone led to the creation of the PG-13 rating. Gizmo, the cute Mogwai, became a pop culture icon.

Description: Beetlejuice, like Ghostbusters, combines comedy with the supernatural, featuring eccentric characters and a chaotic afterlife. Both films have a distinctive visual style and irreverent humor. Beetlejuice's titular character shares similarities with Ghostbusters' ghosts—mischievous, unpredictable, and larger-than-life.

Fact: Directed by Tim Burton, the film showcases his signature gothic and whimsical style. Beetlejuice only appears in about

Description: Ghostbusters II is a direct sequel to the original Ghostbusters, sharing the same supernatural comedy-horror genre, iconic characters, and team dynamics. Like Frozen Empire, it explores new paranormal threats in New York City, blending humor with spooky elements. The film also delves into the Ghostbusters' legacy and their struggle to be taken seriously, a theme that resonates in Frozen Empire.

Fact: The movie features the return of the original cast, including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis. The Statue of Liberty is used as a key plot device, animated to walk through NYC. The film's villain, Vigo the Carpathian, is inspired by a 16th-century historical figure.

Description: This sequel to Gremlins amplifies the original's humor and chaos, much like Ghostbusters' sequels expand on their premise. Both franchises feature escalating supernatural threats and inventive creature designs. The New Batch's setting in a high-tech building parallels Ghostbusters' urban adventures.

Fact: Features a more comedic and satirical tone than the original. Includes a scene where gremlins take over a movie theater. The film pays homage to classic monster movies.

Description: The Addams Family shares Ghostbusters' macabre humor and fascination with the supernatural. Both properties feature eccentric characters who embrace the bizarre and otherworldly. The Addams' gothic aesthetic and dark comedy align with Ghostbusters' tone, though Addams Family leans more into family dynamics.

Fact: Based on Charles Addams' New Yorker cartoons. Raul Julia and Anjelica Huston star as Gomez and Morticia Addams. The film was a box office success, leading to a sequel.

Description: This sequel to The Addams Family continues the themes of dark humor and supernatural eccentricity, much like Ghostbusters' sequels expand on the original's premise. Both franchises balance family dynamics with supernatural elements, though Addams Family Values leans more into satire and social commentary.

Fact: Features a memorable summer camp subplot. Joan Cusack plays a villainous nanny. The film delves deeper into the Addams' unique family values.

Description: The Frighteners shares Ghostbusters' blend of comedy and supernatural horror, featuring a protagonist who interacts with ghosts. Directed by Peter Jackson, it has a darker tone but maintains a quirky, humorous approach to the afterlife. Both films involve battling malevolent spirits and saving the living from supernatural threats.

Fact: This was Peter Jackson's first Hollywood film after his early indie successes. Michael J. Fox stars as a con artist who can see and communicate with ghosts. The film uses early CGI effects to bring its ghosts to life.

Description: Men in Black parallels Ghostbusters in its team-based approach to protecting the world from supernatural (or extraterrestrial) threats. Both franchises blend action, comedy, and sci-fi elements, featuring secret organizations dealing with otherworldly phenomena. The camaraderie between the leads is a key similarity.

Fact: The film is based on a little-known comic book series. Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones' chemistry was a major highlight. The neuralyzer, a device that erases memories, became an iconic gadget.

Description: Ghostbusters: Afterlife serves as a legacy sequel, much like Frozen Empire, bridging the original films with a new generation. Both films mix nostalgia with fresh storytelling, focusing on family ties and the Ghostbusters' enduring legacy. The small-town setting in Afterlife contrasts with Frozen Empire's urban backdrop, but both explore supernatural phenomena with a mix of humor and heart.

Fact: The film is directed by Jason Reitman, son of Ivan Reitman who directed the original Ghostbusters. It introduces new young characters while honoring the original team. The Ecto-1 car plays a significant role, restored by the new protagonists.