This Is Still the Scariest Scene in the Ghostbusters Franchise

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As the initial Ghostbusters movie premiered in the summer of 1984, it significantly transformed the horror-comedy genre, leaving audiences exclaiming they weren’t scared of any ghosts. Although this statement might hold true, there are still numerous chills to experience amidst the laughter that the Ghostbusters film provides. Who could forget the movie’s unforgettable opening at the New York Public Library with the formidable Library Ghost? Or Slimer causing chaos at the Sedgewick Hotel? Marshmallows will never be the same after Gozer assumed the shape of the towering Stay Puft Marshmallow Man and marched down Central Park West. Yet, there’s one scene in particular that leaned heavily towards horror rather than horror-comedy in Ghostbusters, a scene still considered the most frightening in the movie, alongside all its subsequent sequels.

The setting shifts towards the closing moments of act two in the movie “Ghostbusters”. Dana Barrett, portrayed by Sigourney Weaver, is preparing for her evening date with Peter Venkman, played by Bill Murray. En route to her apartment, she encounters her neighbor Louis Tully, who is convincingly persuasive and invites her to join him at his gathering with Peter. Uncertain, Dana hesitates before going into her own apartment for a phone call from her mother.

In my perspective as a devoted cinephile, I found myself drawn into a chilling scene where Dana’s seemingly routine conversation with her mother was subtly disrupted by an ominous undertone. Before Dana herself noticed, the door to her bedroom began to radiate an eerie glow that caught my attention as an audience member. The film’s score escalated, heightening the tension, and just as Dana turned to glance behind her, her armchair transformed into a horrifying spectacle. Claws emerged from the chair, pinning her down, making escape nearly impossible despite her frantic screams.

As if that wasn’t terrifying enough, her chair inexplicably moved towards the now-open bedroom door, revealing a monstrous Terror Dog with fangs and glowing red eyes waiting for Dana. The scene took a shocking turn when she was overtaken by the otherworldly entity, Zuul. It was an exhilarating moment that left me on the edge of my seat!

Dana’s Possession in Ghostbusters is True, Undiluted Horror

The intense terror in Dana’s situation stands out distinctly in Ghostbusters, as director Ivan Reitman deliberately avoids injecting humor into it. In contrast, when Tully is possessed, there’s an increase in zany antics and jokes. Before Dana’s possession, we are led to believe everything is normal due to the friendly interaction between neighbors. Moreover, Dana was casually chatting on the phone with a loved one before the sudden attack, which heightens the feeling that such incidents could potentially happen to anyone.

Reitman skillfully escalates tension and fear after Dana ends her call with her mother. As the camera circles around, we catch a glimpse of Dana’s radiant bedroom door before she does, revealing the ominous imprint of a creature’s paws on it. This sets our imagination racing about what might be lurking beyond the door. It’s a cunning distraction; both Dana and viewers are so preoccupied trying to discern who or what is knocking that they don’t see the terrifying surprise coming – the sudden appearance of limbs tearing out from a chair and pinning her down. The scene’s frightening impact is heightened by Bernstein’s haunting music, with the composer strategically using strings to amplify the sense of unease as the tension builds throughout the scene.

Undeniably, Weaver’s captivating act was essential for the success of that particular scene. With her chilling portrayal in Alien still fresh in people’s minds, she masterfully depicted Dana’s calm and subsequent horror upon encountering the monster just a beat too late. This sudden transition is intense, making us feel as if we’re right beside Dana, screaming, struggling against the eerie limbs and unseen forces that pull her towards her harrowing fate, though it’s only temporary. Interestingly, the Terror Dogs were inspired by Weaver herself during her audition with Reitman. In her unique performance of being possessed by a dog, she showcased bravery that left the director so impressed, he chose to incorporate it into the movie.

In a family-friendly film like Ghostbusters, this particular terrifying scene is perfectly placed, adding an element of genuine danger as the story reaches its climax. It not only foreshadows the magnitude of the beast the Ghostbusters must confront, but it also left a lasting impression on audiences. The Terror Dogs, even before their return in Ghostbusters: Afterlife, are among the most iconic and frightening creatures to emerge from the Ghostbusters universe. They not only sent chills down our spines but also set the bar for how future movies in the franchise would balance horror and comedy.

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2025-08-17 23:14