There were three different heads for the suit, built from foam and fiberglass, with different expressions and movements controlled by cable mechanisms. The characters are likeable, especially Trixie, and the scrapes they get into are exciting, novel and sometimes scary.

Ghostbusters was created at the beginning of an economic recovery that Clare described as "pure capitalism", focused on the privatization and deregulation to allow the private sector to supplant the government.Roger Ebert gave it three and a half out of four, citing it as a rare example of successfully combining a special effects-driven blockbuster with "sly" dialogue. Others have named it one of the best science-fiction films, [232] best science-fiction comedies, [233] and best summer blockbusters. As Vox notes, the mayor, a government representative, is motivated to release the Ghostbusters after being reminded that their success will save the lives of "millions of registered voters", a cynical view of an official who is motivated by what allows him to retain his position.

In a 1989 interview, Reitman said he was upset at the "little respect" he felt Ghostbusters received and his work was not taken seriously, believing many dismissed it as just "another action-comedy". He told Reitman he did not understand the character and suggested portraying Tully with a German accent and multiple German Shepherds, but the filmmakers felt there were already enough dogs in the film.

Ghostbusters 's positive reception has lasted well beyond its release, and it is considered one of the most important comedy films ever made.