It was on this day in 1984 that Ghostbusters originally hit theaters. To celebrate the film’s 33rd anniversary, we wanted to take a look back at the various (and unexpectedly off) music videos that that franchise spawned.
Above you see Ray Parker Jr.’s famous video for his “Ghostbusters” single. Did you ever wonder why it featured all those cameos? (Oh hello Jeffrey Tambor, didn’t see you there). This ScreenCrush article has the lowdown on the making of the video.
Also from the Ghostbusters soundtrack — but largely forgotten — is The Bus Boys’ clip for their “Cleaning Up the Town.” Whereas Ray Parker Jr. had the likes of John Candy and Chevy Chase, this one has Larry “Bud” Melman. Go figure. At least it also features some delightfully cheesy stop-motion monster effects.
The success of Ray Parker Jr.’s theme for the film was so great that it was even nominated for Best Original Song (Huey Lewis, your thoughts?) at the 1985 Academy Awards. The ceremony featured a nearly seven-minute long interpretative performance of the tune that includes everything from Parker Jr. on a forklift to, um, Dom DeLuise. It is insane and has very little, actually nothing, to do with busting. Check it out.
Fun fact: Lady Ghostbusters actually made their debut in 1984 in this TV performance from Parker Jr. that inspired one YouTube viewer to write “I love the girls dancing and wanna watch a better quality clip.”
Here’s Parker Jr. being a good sport while performing the song on foreign television while tissue paper ghosts non-menacingly float around in the background.
Ray Parker Jr. meets the Solid Gold dancers. You’re welcome.
Last year, comedian/remix artist Neil Cicierega created this new version of the Ghostbusters theme that revolves around the undeniable truth that “bustin makes me feel good.” Plan your karaoke performances accordingly.
BONUS: Ray Parker, Jr. talks all things “Ghostbusters” on this segment from Casey Kasem’s America’s Top 10. Is Don on the phone?
Moving on to Ghostbusters II, here’s Bobby Brown’s eternal jam “On Our Own.” Oh Bobby, where did it all go wrong?
Another reminder that Ghostbusters II is better than you remember comes courtesy of RUN DMC’s “Ghostbusters,” which should have been a much bigger hit if you ask me. Which you didn’t.
Japanese comedians Tomochika, Oniyakko Tsubaki, Naomi Watanabe and Shizuyo Yamasaki present their take on the Ghostbusters theme, with fantastic results.
Finally, Ghostbusters old and new dance along to the gentle croons of Ray Parker Jr. on this recent segment from Jimmy Kimmel Live. So, who you gonna call?