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Timeline

Ghostbusters (2016) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2016 · 116 min · English
JustWatch #5,684 15
Directed by
Paul Feig
Starring
Melissa McCarthy, Chris Hemsworth, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones
Budget
$144M

When unexplained paranormal activity plagues New York City, unlikely heroes Abby Yates, Erin Gilbert, Jillian Holtzmann, and Patty Tolan band together to investigate. As a mysterious surge of ghosts overwhelms Manhattan, the women must use their specialized skills and experimental technology to combat a growing threat to Times Square and the city itself.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Ghostbusters
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Ghostbusters (2016)

Where can you watch Ghostbusters? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on fuboTV, FXNow and Hulu: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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15 events in order · contains spoilers

Ghostbusters Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Ghostbusters (2016) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Tour at Aldridge Mansion

    Garrett, the tour guide, leads a group of visitors through the ominous Aldridge mansion in New York City. He shares the tragic history of Gertrude Aldridge, a mentally disturbed woman who was confined to the basement by her father, setting a chilling atmosphere for the tour.

    Where
    Aldridge Mansion, New York City
  2. Spooky Trick Goes Awry

    Garrett attempts to enhance the thrill of the tour by orchestrating a spooky trick involving a candlestick. Unbeknownst to him, a mysterious device hidden beneath the nightstand begins to activate, foreshadowing impending supernatural events.

    Where
    Aldridge Mansion, New York City
  3. Curiosity Leads to Trap

    After the tour, Garrett hears unsettling noises emanating from the basement and becomes intrigued. When he finds the doorknob too hot to handle, he realizes he is trapped inside the mansion, unable to escape.

    Where
    Aldridge Mansion, New York City
  4. Desperate Escape

    In a panic, Garrett attempts to break a window to escape the mansion. However, his efforts are thwarted as a stool is thrown back at him, compelling him to head toward the basement where even greater horrors await.

    Where
    Aldridge Mansion, New York City
  5. Encounter with Gertrude

    As Garrett ventures into the basement, he is confronted by rising green slime and a ghostly apparition of Gertrude Aldridge. This chilling encounter marks a pivotal moment that changes his perception of the paranormal.

    Where
    Aldridge Mansion, Basement
  6. Erin's Professional Crisis

    Meanwhile, physics researchers Erin Gilbert and Abby Yates find their careers at a crossroads. Erin's aspirations at Columbia University are threatened when she discovers their previously published book about ghosts has been republished, jeopardizing her academic reputation.

    Where
    Columbia University
  7. Reunion and Investigation Initiated

    The rediscovery of their book leads to a reunion between Erin and Abby, rekindling their shared interest in the supernatural. Together with eccentric engineer Dr. Jillian Holtzmann, they decide to investigate the haunting at the Aldridge mansion.

    Where
    Kenneth P. Higgins Institute of Science
  8. Documenting the Paranormal

    Armed with their ghost-hunting equipment, the trio enters the Aldridge mansion and documents the terrifying ghost of Gertrude. The encounter rekindles Erin’s belief in the paranormal and strengthens her bond with Abby, marking the beginning of their investigations.

    Where
    Aldridge Mansion, New York City
  9. Ghostbusters Formed

    The team decides to officially band together as 'Conductors of the Metaphysical Examination,' dedicating themselves to ghost research. To manage their communication and organization, they hire Kevin Beckman, a charming yet hapless receptionist.

    Where
    New Base of Operations
  10. First Confrontation with a Ghost

    Patty Tolan, an MTA worker, encounters a ghost while on duty, leading her to join the Ghostbusters. Together, they utilize Holtzmann's equipment to capture this ghost, although they still face skepticism from the public about their findings.

    Where
    Subway Station
  11. Challenge of Public Skepticism

    As the Ghostbusters strive to establish their reputation, they coin the slogan 'no ghosts allowed,' which starts gaining traction. However, their findings are constantly met with public disbelief, creating challenges in their ghost-hunting endeavors.

    Where
    New York City
  12. Confronting Rowan's Scheme

    The Ghostbusters uncover Rowan North's sinister plan to summon ghosts across the city. The stakes escalate as they confront supernatural forces unleashed by Rowan, requiring them to devise a strategy to protect the city.

    Where
    Various Locations in New York City
  13. Climactic Showdown

    In an intense final battle, the Ghostbusters face a towering version of the ghost logo created by Rowan. Using Ecto-1’s reactor, they execute a desperate plan to reverse the ghostly onslaught, highlighting their ingenuity and teamwork.

    Where
    Theater
  14. Victory and Recognition

    Following their triumph over Rowan, the team receives support from the mayor's office, enabling them to expand their operations. As New Yorkers celebrate their success, tributes surface across the city, solidifying their status as the new Ghostbusters.

    Where
    New York City
  15. Hints of New Challenges

    As the Ghostbusters prepare for their next adventures, the film closes with a teasing hint about Zuul. This post-credits scene suggests that more supernatural challenges await the team in the future, setting the stage for their ongoing ghostbusting endeavors.

Last updated: November 03, 2024 at 22:59

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Timeline questions answered

Ghostbusters Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Ghostbusters (2016): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why does Erin Gilbert get fired from Columbia University?

Erin gets fired because the Ghostbusters book she co-authored with Abby has been republished, and her colleagues at Columbia discover her past work on paranormal research. Since the university views ghost research as pseudoscience, Erin's association with the book threatens their academic reputation, leading to her termination.

Foreshadowing: Earlier in the film, Erin mentions she distanced herself from the paranormal field to pursue a respectable academic career, setting up the stakes of her exposure.

  • erin gilbert
  • columbia university
  • fired
  • tenure
  • ghostbusters book
Q2

How does Patty Tolan become a Ghostbuster?

Patty, an MTA worker, encounters Rowan North acting erratically near subway tracks, which sparks her interest in the supernatural. She later crosses paths with the team during a ghost sighting in the subway and uses Holtzmann's equipment to help capture her first ghost, proving herself valuable enough to join the group permanently.

Foreshadowing: Patty's knowledge of New York City's geography and her practical skills with a repurposed hearse foreshadow her role as the team's logistical expert.

  • patty tolan
  • mta worker
  • join team
  • ghost capture
Q3

What is Rowan North's motivation for summoning ghosts?

Rowan is a sinister figure attempting to summon ghosts throughout New York City to create an army of supernatural entities. His exact motivation stems from a desire to unleash chaos and use the ghosts to attack the city, positioning himself as the mastermind behind the paranormal assault.

Foreshadowing: Patty first notices Rowan acting strangely near the subway tracks before the Ghostbusters understand the scope of his scheme.

  • rowan north
  • summon ghosts
  • army
  • villain plan
Q4

How do the Ghostbusters defeat the giant ghost logo monster?

During the climactic showdown at the theater, Rowan creates a towering version of the Ghostbusters logo as a massive ghost monster. The team uses Ecto-1's reactor to execute a risky plan that reverses the supernatural assault, destroying the monster and saving the city.

Foreshadowing: Holtzmann's experimental technology and the team's willingness to improvise with their equipment have been established throughout the film.

  • giant ghost logo
  • ecto-1
  • reactor
  • theater battle
  • final fight
Q5

Why is Kevin Beckman hired as the Ghostbusters receptionist?

Kevin is hired for his charming personality and good looks, despite being completely incompetent at administrative tasks. The team needs someone to answer calls and manage their new base of operations, and Kevin's charisma makes him seem like the right fit, though his helpfulness is limited.

Foreshadowing: Kevin's physical attractiveness is mentioned as his primary qualification during his hiring scene.

  • kevin beckman
  • receptionist
  • hired
  • charming
Q6

What causes the ghost activity at the Aldridge mansion?

A mysterious device hidden beneath a nightstand in the Aldridge mansion activates during Garrett's tour, causing paranormal activity. This device appears to be responsible for releasing Gertrude Aldridge's ghost from the basement, where her father had imprisoned her.

Foreshadowing: The summary notes a strange device beneath the nightstand activating when Garrett performs his spooky candlestick trick.

  • aldridge mansion
  • gertrude aldridge
  • device
  • basement
  • activation
Q7

What does the post-credits scene hint about the future?

The post-credits scene teases the return of Zuul, a supernatural entity familiar to fans of the original Ghostbusters films. This hint suggests that more powerful paranormal threats await the Ghostbusters in future adventures.

Foreshadowing: The team's expansion and success set the stage for bigger supernatural challenges.

  • zuul
  • post-credits
  • sequel tease
  • future threat
Q8

What does 'Conductors of the Metaphysical Examination' mean?

This is the original name the team gives themselves before eventually becoming known as the Ghostbusters. The name reflects their scientific approach to studying paranormal phenomena, though they later adopt the more recognizable Ghostbusters moniker.

Foreshadowing: The team's scientific background and Holtzmann's engineering expertise support their analytical approach to ghost hunting.

  • conductors metaphysical examination
  • team name
  • original name
Q9

Why were Abby and Erin not working together before the movie?

After their ghost research book failed to gain academic acceptance, Erin chose to distance herself from the paranormal field to pursue a respectable career at Columbia University. Abby continued her research with Holtzmann, while Erin tried to bury her supernatural past.

Foreshadowing: Erin's tension with her academic reputation and her fear of the book's republication establish her initial reluctance to rejoin Abby.

  • abby yates
  • erin gilbert
  • separated
  • columbia
  • partnership
Q10

Where does the 'no ghosts allowed' slogan come from?

The Ghostbusters coin the slogan 'no ghosts allowed' as they attempt to build their public reputation and market their services. The phrase quickly gains traction as the team's catchphrase, appearing on their equipment and establishing their brand identity.

Foreshadowing: The team's need to attract clients and overcome public skepticism drives their marketing efforts.

  • no ghosts allowed
  • slogan
  • catchphrase
  • brand

Movie threads

More Movies Like Ghostbusters, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Ghostbusters tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Energetic Paranormal Action Comedies like Ghostbusters

Fast-paced, humorous battles against supernatural forces with a quirky team. Find more movies like Ghostbusters where humorous teams use unique tech to battle ghosts and save the day. These similar Sci-Fi Fantasy stories feature quirky characters, fast-paced action, and a lighthearted take on spooky adventures. If you liked the balance of high-intensity stakes and comedy, you'll enjoy these recommendations.

  • action-packed
  • quirky
  • fun
  • triumphant
  • teamwork
  • silly
  • Tone: light, humorous, quirky
  • Pacing: fast, energetic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a linear path: a paranormal threat emerges, a team of specialists is assembled, they develop experimental solutions, and face a climactic public battle to save the day. Character arcs are simple, focusing on teamwork and acceptance rather than deep internal conflict.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread are grouped by their unique blend of high-intensity supernatural action and consistently light, comedic tone. They share a focus on teamwork, inventive problem-solving, and a triumphant, crowd-pleasing resolution that leaves the audience feeling exhilarated and happy.

Movies about Found Family Saving the City like Ghostbusters

A group of misfits bands together to overcome a large-scale urban disaster. Discover films similar to Ghostbusters where a team of quirky outsiders becomes a found family to prevent urban disaster. These movies like Ghostbusters share themes of public skepticism, scientific curiosity, and triumphant teamwork. If you enjoyed seeing the team earn their place as heroes, you'll find more satisfying stories here.

  • teamwork
  • triumphant
  • underdogs
  • public heroism
  • found family
  • saving the day
  • Tone: hopeful, light, triumphant
  • Pacing: fast, steady
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot revolves around a major threat to a populous area, forcing a group of individuals to overcome their differences. Their journey is one of collaboration and growing camaraderie, culminating in a large-scale, visually spectacular resolution that validates their efforts and solidifies their new family unit.

Why they belong together: These movies are connected by the core theme of a found family dynamic forged in the fires of a high-stakes crisis. The focus is on the satisfaction of seeing underdogs work together, prove their worth, and achieve a very public, happy ending that celebrates their unique bond.

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Every angle

Ghostbusters (2016) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Ghostbusters in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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