Ghostbusters vs. the New Movies | ‘Afterlife,’ ‘Frozen Empire’ and Ultimate Trivia

Who ya gonna call? For Gen X movie fans, the answer has been the same since 1984. Ghostbusters wasn’t just a blockbuster comedy — it became one of the defining cultural landmarks of the MTV era, blending supernatural chaos, endlessly quotable dialogue and one of the greatest ensemble casts of the decade. But how do the modern sequels Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire stack up against the original? This week on the Stuck in the ’80s Podcast, Steve and Brad dive deep into all things Ghostbusters with special guest co-host Tamara Dever.

The episode revisits the magic of the original Ghostbusters, from the chemistry of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson to the movie’s unforgettable mix of horror, comedy and sci-fi spectacle. Spearsy and Brad reflect on what it felt like discovering Ghostbusters during the summer of 1984, when the film’s music, merchandise, cartoons and catchphrases became impossible to escape.

The conversation then shifts toward Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, exploring whether the newer films successfully recapture the emotional spirit, humor and weirdness of the original franchise. Along the way, the gang debates nostalgia, legacy sequels and the challenge of balancing fan service with fresh storytelling in modern Hollywood.

As a bonus, Tamara Dever leads the hosts through an ultimate Ghostbusters trivia showdown packed with deep-cut questions about the movies, characters, music and behind-the-scenes history of the franchise. The result is equal parts celebration, geek-out session and Gen X nostalgia trip.

If you love ’80s movies, supernatural comedies, movie trivia and revisiting the franchises that defined the childhoods of the MTV generation, this episode belongs in your playlist.

The Stuck in the ’80s Podcast has spent nearly 20 years celebrating the music, movies, television and pop culture of the greatest decade ever. Support the show on Patreon for bonus episodes, exclusive livestream hangouts, behind-the-scenes content and merch for longtime listeners.

And don’t forget: Spearsy and Brad will once again be part of The 80s Cruise, the ultimate floating celebration of ’80s music and nostalgia. Use promo code STUCK when booking your cabin to receive up to $250 in onboard cabin credit while sailing with fellow Gen X fans and enjoying performances and appearances from many of the decade’s biggest artists. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.