🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Christopher Landon
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
- Release year: 2023
- Runtime (length): 2h 6min
- IMDb rating: 6.1/10 (35K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 37%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A family moves into a house, finds a ghost, and turns him into a TikTok star until the CIA tries to steal him… because, ghosts.
🍿 We Have a Ghost: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Presley Family Moves
The Presley family, seeking a fresh start, moves into a fixer-upper in Chicago. Kevin, the teenage son, is immediately skeptical and detached. The family soon discovers the house is haunted by a ghost named Ernest, whom only Kevin can initially see.

Ernest Goes Viral
Kevin befriends Ernest, and his father, Frank, sees an opportunity for fame and fortune. Frank posts videos of Ernest online, turning the ghost into a social media sensation. This attracts unwanted attention from the CIA and a paranormal scientist named Dr. Leslie Monroe.

Unraveling Ernest’s Past
Kevin, along with his neighbor Joy, decides to help Ernest uncover his past. They seek to understand how he died and why he is trapped in the house. Their investigation leads them on a road trip to Oklahoma, where they hope to find answers and closure for Ernest.

CIA Pursuit and Discoveries
As Kevin and Joy delve deeper, they are pursued by the CIA, who wants to capture Ernest for research. They uncover a dark secret about Ernest’s death, involving the previous owners of the house and a long-hidden crime. The truth surrounding his death is revealed to be far more sinister than anyone anticipated.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Kevin Presley (Jahi Di’Allo Winston): A detached, music-obsessed teenager who befriends the ghost Ernest and helps him uncover his past.
- Ernest (David Harbour): A mute ghost haunting the Presley’s new home, seeking to remember his past life.
- Frank Presley (Anthony Mackie): Kevin’s father who initially seeks to exploit Ernest for social media fame and financial gain.
- Joy Yoshino (Isabella Russo): Kevin’s sharp-witted neighbor who assists him in uncovering the mystery of Ernest’s past.
- Dr. Leslie Monroe (Tig Notaro): A CIA agent and paranormal scientist who wants to capture Ernest for government research.
- Ernest Scheller (Tom Bower): The older Ernest S is the brother-in-law of Randy, and the killer of Ernest/Randy.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Kevin: “He’s stuck. Nobody wants to be stuck.” – Kevin empathizes with Ernest and explains why he wants to help the ghost find peace.
- Frank: “We are not going to be like every stupid white family in a horror movie!” – Frank says this expressing that his family will do whatever it takes to survive.
- Ernest: “(Roars loudly to scare Judy Romano).” – Ernest demonstrates his haunting skills to scare Judy Romano and her film crew out of the house, when Kevin shows him horror movie clips.
- Joy: “This is the ‘House of Death’.” – Joy shares the sinister nickname that the neighborhood has given to the Presley’s new home.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $80 Million (estimated)
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 We Have a Ghost Reviews
Personal Review
I really enjoyed this movie! David Harbour as Ernest was so good, he conveyed so much emotion without speaking. The scenes where Kevin and Ernest were bonding were my favorite. I teared up at the end when Ernest finally found peace with his daughter. The mix of humor and heart made it a great watch for me.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of supernatural comedies like Ghostbusters and Casper”
- “Viewers who enjoy family-friendly adventures”
- “Those who appreciate stories about friendship and overcoming loss”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild language”
- “Some scary scenes involving a ghost”
- “Brief action violence”
- “Racial remarks”
Professional Reviews
- The Wrap: “While the talented cast brings their all, the film suffers from tonal inconsistencies, struggling to balance family drama, comedy, and thriller elements. Ultimately, ‘We Have a Ghost’ spreads itself too thin, resulting in a forgettable supernatural adventure.
- Bloody Disgusting: “Despite a promising premise and moments of genuine heart, ‘We Have a Ghost’ ultimately fails to deliver on its potential. The film’s overlong runtime and uneven pacing detract from the engaging performances of Harbour and Winston.
Audience Reactions
David Harbour’s performance as Ernest was amazing!: Viewers generally agreed that the movie was a fun and lighthearted family film.
Overall Consensus: ‘We Have a Ghost’ is a mixed bag, with some praising its heart and humor, while others criticize its length and uneven tone. David Harbour’s performance is a highlight.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is based on the short story “Ernest” by Geoff Manaugh, published on Vice.com.”
- “David Harbour initially hesitated to take the role of Ernest, as he was concerned about creating a compelling character without dialogue.”
- “Christopher Landon, known for horror-comedy films like ‘Happy Death Day’ and ‘Freaky,’ wrote and directed ‘We Have a Ghost.'”
🖥️ How to Watch We Have a Ghost?
We Have a Ghost is a Netflix original movie and is exclusively available for streaming on the Netflix platform. As a Netflix original, it is not typically available for purchase on other digital platforms or physical media.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed We Have a Ghost, you might like these similar films:
- Ghostbusters (1984): Both films blend comedy and the supernatural, featuring a group of unlikely heroes dealing with paranormal phenomena.
- Beetlejuice (1988): Shares a similar quirky and comedic take on ghosts and the afterlife, with a family interacting with a mischievous spirit.
- E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982): Similar to a child befriending a supernatural being while trying to evade government agencies.
- Stranger Things (2016-): Features supernatural elements and a group of young friends uncovering mysteries, along with David Harbour as a prominent cast member.
- Casper (1995): A family moves into a haunted house and befriends a friendly ghost.
🛒 We Have a Ghost Related Products
- Stranger Things Funko Pop! – David Harbour as Jim Hopper: A must-have for David Harbour fans. This Funko Pop captures the essence of Jim Hopper, making it a great addition to any collection.
- Ghostbusters: Afterlife – Movie Poster: Bring the spirit of ghost-hunting into your home. This poster captures the essence of adventure and humor of classic ghost stories.
- Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered – Nintendo Switch: Become a Ghostbuster and save New York! A must-play game for fans of paranormal adventures.
- Ghostly Greetings T-Shirt: Show off your love of paranormal fun! Features a cute ghost design, perfect for fans of ghost stories.
🎧 Soundtrack
We Have a Ghost features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
We Have a Ghost was filmed in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, USA.
Yes, We Have a Ghost is based on a short story called ‘Ernest’ by Geoff Manaugh, which was published on Vice.com.
As of now, there is no confirmed sequel to We Have a Ghost. However, the ending leaves room for potential future installments.
🔥 Bonus Content
Rainbow Ghost Hunt | Spooky Halloween Songs By Papa Joel’s English
This Halloween song is super catchy and has over 58 million views! If you need a fun, kid-friendly way to get into the spooky spirit, you HAVE to check this out. It’s pretty cute, even for adults!
Exploring Our New House at 3AM!!! Real Haunted House?!?! (Pool Ghost)
Ever wondered if your house is haunted? This family actually explored their new house at 3 AM and caught some spooky stuff on camera! You won’t believe what happened with the secret room door… I’m getting chills just thinking about it!
Ivy and Levi Escaped The Rainbow Slime Ghost House!! Teamwork is Key! 🔑
Need a fun, creative video for the kids that also teaches a good lesson? Ivy and Levi escape a rainbow slime ghost house by working together! It’s such a creative storyline and shows that teamwork makes the dream work. Definitely a winner for family viewing!
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