Ghostbusters (1985)

Author: Chip Lovitt

In the decade that gave us more quotable films than any other, Ghostbusters might be the most quotable. Bill Murray and Dan Ackroyd at the peak of their abilities playing off one another, as well as castmates Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson, gives us nothing but gems of dialogue. The effects, some of the finest pre-CGI ghost effects ever attempted, hold up with today's audiences. Often overlooked, the brilliant William Atherton as the governmental heavy trying to shut the Ghostbusters down, makes the most not only of his performance, but gives plenty of runway for the 'busters to land their zingers on. This is a film that runs from downbeat deadpan, to zany physical humor, to intellectual banter, to sexiness, all in the context of a film that's best looked at as a "Four Against the World" style western structure. In a way, it's the last blockbuster effects comedy before CGI changed them forever, and it's also one of the best. Ghostbusters brought about a fun sequel, a very nice re-boot, and two cartoon series, but it's the original that still gets quoted again and again. Why it's on the list Because when I ask "Who you gonna call?" you know the answer.