Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire parents and family watch guide

Bustin' ghosts makes us feel good, but planning a family movie night should feel even better! So, before grabbing your ghost traps and proton packs, let's consider whether the recently released Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is suitable for kids or if it's best kept for a grown-up viewing after the kiddos are tucked in.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, starring Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, and Mckenna Grace, debuted on Netflix on July 22 and has been climbing the streaming giant's movie charts. Many who missed the chance to see it on the big screen are now diving into this blend of nostalgia and new adventure.

Set three years after the events of Ghostbusters: Afterlife, the new movie follows the Spengler family as they relocate to New York City.

The plot kicks off when the team captures a ghost in Lower Manhattan, leading to a series of events involving an ancient artifact -- a brass orb -- that unleashes Garraka, a phantom god intent on freezing the world. The Ghostbusters must confront this powerful spirit, who begins to freeze New York City, plunging it into a second ice age. According to IMDb, the official logline reads:

"When the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second ice age."

IMDb

With new allies, enemies, and plenty of ghostly goop, viewers are in for a fun watch. But let's get to the real question: Is Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire family-friendly?

Join us as we dive into our parent guide below, helping you make an informed decision on whether this film is perfect for your next family movie night.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire: Is it suitable for family movie night?

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is rated 12A on IMDb, so it might not be the best choice for younger kids without some parental guidance.

The movie features some colorful language and suggestive jokes, plus scenes with demonic beings and supernatural threats that might be a bit intense for the little ones. There are also a few jump scares and action-packed sequences that could give sensitive children a fright.

While the film celebrates strong family bonds and teamwork, some of the humor might not align with every family's values. Fans of the original Ghostbusters films will find the tone familiar, blending adult themes and humor with the supernatural spooks.

In general, kids over 13 should be fine watching with a bit of adult supervision. So, before you hit play, consider how your child handles scary or action-filled scenes when deciding if Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is the right pick for your family movie night.

Are any other Ghostbuster movies available on Netflix?

If you're new to the Ghostbusters franchise and eager to dive into the movies, Netflix has a treat for you. Alongside Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, you can catch Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021). This film serves as a direct sequel to the original movies, focusing on a family that discovers their connection to the Ghostbusters legacy while facing new supernatural threats.

Unfortunately, the classic Ghostbusters (1984) and Ghostbusters II (1989) are currently not available on Netflix.

However, you can still rent or purchase these iconic films on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Google Play. So, whether you're revisiting these classics or discovering them for the first time, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the ghost-busting fun!

What to watch on Netflix instead

If Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire might be a bit too intense for your younger viewers, don't worry! Netflix is a treasure trove when it comes to its vast library and collection of movies and we've got some fantastic family-friendly alternatives on Netflix that are perfect for a cozy movie night that will be enjoyed by everyone involved. Our top picks include:

Ultraman: Rising (2024): This animated adventure follows Ken Sato, a baseball player who secretly becomes the giant superhero Ultraman. He faces challenges when he must care for a baby kaiju while battling dark forces. It's a thrilling and heartwarming tale sure to captivate young audiences.

We Have a Ghost (2023): A delightful blend of comedy and heart, this film features a family who discovers a ghost named Ernest in their new home. The story explores themes of friendship and family while delivering plenty of laughs.

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023): The sequel to the beloved Chicken Run continues the adventures of Ginger and Rocky as they fight for freedom. Packed with excitement and charm, it's a fantastic choice for family movie night.

The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021): This animated gem follows a quirky family on a road trip who must save the world from a robot apocalypse. Filled with humor and heart, it's a hit with audiences of all ages.

These films are brimming with humor, adventure, and heartwarming moments, making them perfect for family viewing. If they don't tickle your fancy or you've seen them before, don't worry - there are plenty of other movies to watch on Netflix. Just use the Netflix code 783 to find a page full of family-friendly films ready to stream.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is now available to watch on Netflix!

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