Ghostbusters II (1989)
Having lost their status and credibility five years after covering New York City with gooey roasted marshmallows in Ghostbusters (1984), the city's former heroes and once-popular spirit-hunters struggle to keep afloat, forced to work odd jobs. However, when Dana and her baby have yet another terrifying encounter with the paranormal, it is up to Peter Venkman and his fearless team of supernatural crime fighters to step up and save the day. Once more, humankind is in danger, as rivers of slimy psycho-reactive ectoplasm, paired with the dreadful manifestation of evil sixteenth-century tyrant Vigo the Carpathian, threaten to plunge the entire city into darkness. Is the world ready to believe? Can the Ghostbusters save us for the second time?
Details
Budget
$37,000,000
Rating
7/10 (4508 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Columbia Pictures
About Ghostbusters II
Released in 1989, "Ghostbusters II" revisits the comedic supernatural premise five years after the original film. The story finds the Ghostbusters facing public skepticism and professional decline, working odd jobs after their earlier heroics. However, a new paranormal threat emerges in New York City, drawing them back into action. This sequel centers on rivers of psycho-reactive ectoplasm and the malevolent spirit of Vigo the Carpathian, a 16th-century tyrant, as they menace the city. The film blends comedy with fantasy elements, maintaining a runtime of 108 minutes.
The narrative reintroduces key characters like Peter Venkman, played by Bill Murray, alongside the rest of the team as they contend with a fresh supernatural challenge involving Dana Barrett and her baby. Themes of supernatural investigation, mythology, and reincarnation are explored, set against the backdrop of an urban New York City. The film carries a PG rating and has garnered a vote average of 7.0 from over 4,500 votes, reflecting a generally positive reception from audiences.
Despite critical assessments hovering around the mid-50s on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, audience scores are more favorable, with an IMDb rating of 6.6. The movie's engagement with its established characters and the return to its blend of humor and paranormal activity seem to be significant factors in its continued appeal. It offers a nostalgic experience for those who enjoyed the first installment, while introducing new supernatural threats and comedic situations.
Why you might be searching for Ghostbusters II
People are often searching for this film due to its nostalgic connection to the original "Ghostbusters," its memorable ghostbuster characters, and the specific plot points involving "river of slime" and the villain Vigo the Carpathian. The blend of 80s comedy with supernatural elements also makes it a frequent search query for those looking for similar genre films.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer found the sequel to be an entertaining follow-up, noting that while it couldn't match the original's groundbreaking nature, it offered a more family-friendly tone and highlighted Peter MacNichol's performance as Janosz Poha.
Read the full reviewA reviewer commented that the sequel struggled to recapture the spark of the first film, pointing out a perceived lack of energy from the cast and a generally tired feel, despite its initial success.
Read the full reviewAfter watching it directly after the first movie, one audience member felt this sequel was equally good and enjoyable.
Read the full reviewA reviewer praised the film for successfully recreating the spirit of the original, considering it engaging and entertaining even if it didn't quite reach the "absurd spectacle" of its predecessor's marshmallow man.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "Ghostbusters II" on Netflix or rent/buy it on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play. It was released in 1989 and is categorized as a comedy and fantasy film. It is also available to download and watch offline on Netflix. [netflix.com](https://www.netflix.com/title/541027), [tv.apple.com](https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/ghostbusters-ii/umc.cmc.3uojs3g36h59p6m3er8euawuh), [primevideo.com](https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Ghostbusters-II/0PZ1F7QQ29CSXB3Q4RSTSBR8IU), [play.google.com](https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Ghostbusters_II?id=9H8-3wxpz0g.P&hl=en)
No, "Ghostbusters II" is not based on a true story. It is a supernatural comedy film that continues the fictional story of the Ghostbusters team. [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghostbusters_II)
At the end of "Ghostbusters II," the Ghostbusters use slime charged with positive emotions to animate the Statue of Liberty and pilot it through the streets of New York, weakening the evil Vigo the Carpathian. The gathered crowds outside the museum sing "Auld Lang Syne," and their collective positivity further weakens Vigo, allowing the Ghostbusters to defeat him and save Dana Barrett's baby, Oscar. [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghostbusters_II)
While critics had mixed reactions, often comparing it unfavorably to the original, some find "Ghostbusters II" to be enjoyable for its cast and a plot that comes together well. The film currently holds a 57% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghostbusters_II), [play.google.com](https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Ghostbusters_II?id=9H8-3wxpz0g.P&hl=en)