Scary Stories for Kids: I Made My Dad Take Me to See Ghostbusters Three Times
The 1984 comedy Ghostbusters, though rude and somewhat adult, became an unexpected hit among children. Its strange setup—three parapsychologists losing their university funding—sounds more like the start of a bad joke than a beloved film premise.
The story follows three eccentric professors: Peter Venkman, who prefers charm over science; Ray Stantz, full of enthusiasm and energy; and Egon Spengler, obsessed with “collecting spores, moulds and fungus.” After claiming they’ve witnessed a real ghost at the New York Public Library, their credibility collapses, and they are expelled from academia.
Refusing to give up, the friends found a paranormal investigation business called Ghostbusters. Operating out of an old New York firehouse, they begin chasing spectral activity with advanced nuclear-powered ghost-catching tools. Soon, they add a fourth member, Winston Zeddemore, a practical, grounded man who balances out the group’s eccentricities. The Ghostbusters dedicate themselves to tackling strange hauntings and, above all, “to believe you.”
“Three parapsychologists lose their university funding.”
“To believe you.”
Author’s Summary
This nostalgic reflection celebrates how Ghostbusters turned a quirky idea into a legendary comedy that mixed science, humor, and heart for audiences of all ages.