“Ghostbusters” is a hit song by Ray Parker Jr., released in June 1984 as the theme song for the blockbuster film Ghostbusters. The song became a massive international success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of the most iconic movie theme songs of all time. Its catchy hook, upbeat rhythm, and association with the popular film made it a pop culture phenomenon, and it remains closely tied to the Ghostbusters franchise.
The lyrics of “Ghostbusters” are simple, fun, and directly related to the plot of the film. The song is about calling the Ghostbusters, a group of supernatural investigators, whenever you encounter ghosts or paranormal activity. The famous line “Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!” became a catchphrase, instantly recognizable even to those unfamiliar with the film.”Ghostbusters” blends elements of pop, funk, and rock, creating an infectious, danceable groove. The song features upbeat synthesizers, a funky bassline, and Ray Parker Jr.’s smooth vocals, all of which give it a lively, energetic feel.
The music video for “Ghostbusters”, directed by Ivan Reitman, was also highly popular and contributed to the song’s success. It features Ray Parker Jr. performing the song intercut with scenes from the movie. Throughout the video, various celebrities from the 1980s, including Chevy Chase, Peter Falk, Irene Cara, Danny DeVito, and Carly Simon, make cameo appearances, shouting “Ghostbusters!” at various points. The video also features actors Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis—the stars of the film—dancing in their Ghostbusters uniforms.
“Ghostbusters” became a huge commercial hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. in August 1984, where it stayed for three weeks. The song also performed well internationally, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including France, Spain, Canada, and Australia. Ray Parker Jr. received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song for “Ghostbusters” in 1985 but lost to Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Called to Say I Love You“.
“Ghostbusters” became the subject of a legal dispute when musician Huey Lewis claimed that the song’s melody was too similar to his hit “I Want a New Drug“. The case was settled out of court, and although the terms of the settlement were confidential, it was widely reported that Parker agreed to pay Lewis an undisclosed sum.
Despite the controversy, the song’s popularity was unaffected, and it remains one of the most recognizable and beloved movie theme songs.