Ghostbusters Quotes

Context

This line was spoken by Egon Spengler (played by Harold Ramis) in Ghostbusters, directed by Ivan Reitman (1984).

Along with having one of the catchiest movie theme songs of all time, a talented cast, and a giant marshmallow as a movie monster, Ghostbusters is a super quotable movie. And the most memorable quote in the movie comes from Egon Spengler, a super nerdy fungus collector and parapsychologist, who can spout off technobabble a million miles per second.

But when he slows down and collects his thoughts, Spengler gives the Ghostbusters some helpful advice about their nifty proton packs. The special energy in their guns isn't just your usual ammo, it could vaporize their bodies. Even wise guy Venkman pays attention to Spengler after this.

But rules are meant to be broken, aren't they?

Where you've heard it

If you're with your slightly nerdy friends, and you are about to do something really dumb, they might bust out this line to counter your sheer stupidity.

Additional Notable References:

• In the CW superhero show The Flash, the main character's scientist/movie buff friend Cisco Ramon channels his inner Spengler and "crosses the streams" so the elemental gun-wielding Captain Cold and Heatwave cancel each other's powers.
• And if you want to see this scene delivered by poorly animated deer things for some reason, that exists.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

A lot of people have love and nostalgia for Ghostbusters old and new, so this quote will give them happy feelings.