Ghost Town

Ghost Town

Year: 2008

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: David Koepp

Budget: $20M

FantasyComedyRomance

A hapless everyman named Bertram Pincus is mysteriously resurrected after only seven minutes, and discovers he can see ghosts. He's immediately plagued by the persistent spirit of Frank Herlihy, who forces Bertram to interfere with his widow Gwen’s upcoming marriage. Thrust into a bizarre supernatural situation, Bertram finds himself entangled in a hilarious and unpredictable love triangle with Gwen, facing comical consequences and unexpected complications.

Ghost Town (2008) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Ghost Town (2008) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the bustling heart of New York City, a solitary dentist finds his routine life upended by a peculiar medical ordeal. Bertram Pincus awakens from a brief anesthesia not just with a lingering sense of unease, but with an unexpected gift: the ability to see and converse with the lingering spirits of those who have departed. The city’s ordinary rhythm suddenly hums with a hidden chorus of unfinished business, turning everyday streets into a stage for the unseen.

Among the newly visible apparitions is the determined ghost of a former neighbor, Frank Herlihy. Persistent and oddly charismatic, Frank drifts into Bertram’s world with a single, compelling request—to influence the future of his widow before she embraces a new romance. This spectral entanglement introduces Bertram to Gwen, a woman whose life is poised on the brink of change, and whose presence begins to ripple through his normally prickly demeanor.

The film balances a light‑hearted, slightly sardonic tone with a warm, whimsical exploration of what it means to be truly seen. As Bertram navigates the oddball demands of his ghostly companions, he also confronts the quirks of his own personality, discovering that the line between cynic and lover is thinner than he imagined. The interplay of the living and the dead is rendered with a breezy, comedic flair, inviting the audience to wonder how far one will go when the supernatural nudges the heart.

Against a backdrop of city life that feels both familiar and fantastically altered, the story sets up a charmingly unpredictable love triangle. It teases the promise of personal growth, unexpected connections, and the humorous chaos that ensues when the afterlife refuses to stay silent—leaving viewers eager to see how this unlikely trio’s story will unfold.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 09:09

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Quirky Supernatural Rom-Coms like Ghost Town

Humorous romance tales complicated by charming supernatural elements.Looking for movies like Ghost Town? This thread features charming romantic comedies where supernatural elements, like ghosts or magical twists, create hilarious situations and lead to heartwarming personal transformations and unexpected love stories.

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Narrative Summary

These stories typically feature a cynical or ordinary protagonist whose life is turned upside down by a magical or ghostly intervention. The supernatural problem forces them out of their shell, leading to a comedic and heartwarming journey where they help others (often a charming ghost) and find love and redemption in the process.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a specific tone cocktail: a LIGHT, humorous approach to the supernatural, a STEADY pace focused on character development, a STRAIGHTFORWARD romantic plot, and an ultimately HAPPY, hopeful ending. The focus is on fun and heart, not scares or deep drama.

Misanthropic Redemption Arcs like in Ghost Town

Cranky outsiders find connection and purpose through an unexpected adventure.If you liked the grumpy protagonist's journey in Ghost Town, you'll enjoy these movies about curmudgeonly characters who undergo a humorous and heartwarming transformation. These films focus on personal growth, finding connection, and the comedy of a cynic learning to care.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a clear arc: establishing the protagonist's isolation and misanthropy, introducing a comedic or dramatic inciting incident that forces them to interact with the world, and charting their gradual, often reluctant, change into a more connected and compassionate person, culminating in a satisfying emotional payoff.

Why These Movies?

This thread groups movies based on a classic character journey. They share a comedic yet heartfelt tone, a steady pacing that allows for character development, and a central theme of redemption. The emotional weight is typically light to medium, ensuring the focus remains on growth and hope rather than heavy drama.

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Ghost Town Summary

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Ghost Town Summary

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Ghost Town Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Ghost Town

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Ghost Town

More About Ghost Town

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Discover movies like Ghost Town that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.