Ghost, released on July 13, 1990, is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. The film, a blend of romance and thriller, grossed an impressive $505.7 million worldwide, far outpacing other notable films from its release year, including Home Alone. Ghost features Patrick Swayze as Sam Wheat, who is murdered and returns as a ghost to protect his girlfriend, played by Demi Moore, with the assistance of psychic Old Mae Brown, portrayed by Whoopi Goldberg.
Despite achieving commercial success and winning three Oscars, including Best Supporting Actress for Goldberg, the film initially received mixed reviews. Notably, PEOPLE’s film critic dismissed the script as “dopily written” and criticized the film’s serious take on ghost narratives, claiming it lacked humor and entertainment value. The review pointed out awkward directing choices and suggested that the filmmakers would do well to rethink their approach in the future.
Swayze himself had a transformative experience while working on Ghost, revealing that the emotional weight of the story resonated deeply with him, recalling feelings from his father’s funeral. He emphasized the film’s core message about the importance of living in the moment and communicating love to those we cherish, as he felt these lessons were critical given how quickly life can change.
Demi Moore, who shared similar concerns about the film’s reception, reflected on the mixed reviews after its opening, stating that despite her faith in the project, the initial critical response shook her confidence. She later recognized the film’s legacy and acknowledged that she learned to take reviews less seriously.
Fans can revisit Ghost today on streaming platforms like Kanopy and Hoopla or rent it on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, enjoying a film that, despite its rocky start, has become a classic in cinema history.
This anniversary offers a moment to reflect on how Ghost has influenced popular culture and continues to resonate with audiences through its themes of love and loss.