"Ghostbusters" is a pop-funk single recorded by Ray Parker Jr. in 1984 as the principal theme for the movie Ghostbusters. The track is closely associated with the film's stars, including Bill Murray, Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd, and was written to capture the movie's playful blend of comedy and supernatural action. Its instantly recognizable chorus — anchored by the line "Who you gonna call?" — helped the song cross over from soundtrack tie-in to mainstream radio hit.

Background and composition

Musically the song mixes R&B, funk and pop production typical of early 1980s mainstream radio. Ray Parker Jr. built the arrangement around a bright, rhythmic guitar part and a singable melodic hook designed for both radio play and use in promotional spots for the film. A music video featuring scenes from the movie and appearances by members of the cast reinforced the link between the record and the motion picture, making the chorus a cultural shorthand for the franchise.

Release and chart performance

The single was commercially released in 1984 and became a major hit. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on August 11, 1984, where it remained for three weeks. In the United Kingdom it peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart in mid-September 1984 and also spent several weeks near the top; years later it re-entered the UK Top 75, reflecting the song's long-lasting popularity.

  • Billboard Hot 100: No. 1 (three weeks)
  • UK Singles Chart: Peaked at No. 2; re-entered Top 75 in 2008

Critically and commercially the track was a success and it earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, though it did not win — the Oscar that year went to Stevie Wonder's "I Just Called to Say I Love You" (Academy Awards, Stevie Wonder). The song was also the subject of a prominent copyright lawsuit in the 1980s: Huey Lewis claimed that Parker's melody bore substantial similarity to his group's song "I Want a New Drug." That dispute was settled out of court.

Legacy and cultural impact

Decades after its release, "Ghostbusters" remains one of the best-known film theme singles of the 1980s. Its hook is used in advertising, sports venues and seasonal playlists, and the track has been covered and parodied widely. The song helped solidify the Ghostbusters franchise's place in popular culture and continues to be associated with the original film's blend of humor and supernatural spectacle.