From Ghostbusters To Frozen Empire: Dan Aykroyd’s 30+ Essential Movies And TV Shows (Updated 2025)

Dan Aykroyd, the legendary Canadian-American comedian, actor, and writer, continues to be one of Hollywood’s most enduring figures, with a career spanning over five decades. As of December 2025, his most recent high-profile appearance was in the blockbuster sequel Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, which premiered in 2024, and he remains active on television with his documentary series, The UnBelievable with Dan Aykroyd. This article provides a deep dive into his complete body of work, from his groundbreaking days on Saturday Night Live to his current projects, highlighting the essential movies and TV shows that define his unique comedic and dramatic legacy.

Aykroyd’s trademark deadpan delivery and brilliant character work have cemented his status as a comedic icon. While he is most famous for co-creating the Ghostbusters and The Blues Brothers franchises, his filmography is surprisingly diverse, encompassing everything from Oscar-nominated dramatic roles to cult classic comedies. His continued presence in new projects proves that the "Conehead" and "Elwood Blues" still have plenty of stories left to tell.

Dan Aykroyd: Complete Biography and Profile

Daniel Edward Aykroyd CM OOnt is a Canadian-American actor, comedian, screenwriter, producer, and musician. He is one of the most influential comedic minds of his generation, known for his work as an original cast member on NBC’s Saturday Night Live and his co-creation of the Ghostbusters and The Blues Brothers characters.

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• Full Name: Daniel Edward Aykroyd
• Born: July 1, 1952
• Birthplace: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian-American
• Profession: Actor, Comedian, Screenwriter, Producer, Musician, Entrepreneur (Crystal Head Vodka)
• Spouse: Donna Dixon (m. 1983; separated 2022)
• Children: 3 (Danielle/Vera Sola, Belle, Stella)
• Notable Awards: Primetime Emmy Award (for writing on SNL), Academy Award nomination (Best Supporting Actor for Driving Miss Daisy)

The Latest and Most Current Projects (2021–2025)

Aykroyd has maintained a steady stream of work, especially in the last few years, proving he is far from retirement. His recent focus has been on reviving classic franchises and exploring his long-standing interest in the paranormal and unexplained.

Ghostbusters: The Next Generation

The most significant part of Aykroyd’s current work is his continued involvement in the Ghostbusters universe. He co-created the original 1984 film and has played the role of Dr. Raymond "Ray" Stantz in every major installment.

• Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021): Aykroyd returned as Ray Stantz, providing a crucial link to the original team and serving as an executive producer.
• Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024): He reprised his role again in this sequel, which saw the original Ghostbusters team up with the new generation in New York City. Aykroyd’s character, Ray Stantz, remains the heart of the franchise, running the occult bookshop that often acts as the team's research center.

New Film Roles (2023)

Beyond the proton packs, Aykroyd has taken on roles in other films, demonstrating his commitment to diverse projects:

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• Zombie Town (2023): A film adaptation of a R.L. Stine novel, Aykroyd starred alongside Chevy Chase, reuniting two SNL legends.
• Crossroads (2023): Aykroyd appeared in this film, showcasing his willingness to work across different genres, even in smaller roles.

The UnBelievable with Dan Aykroyd (2023–2025)

Aykroyd has brought his passion for the strange and mysterious to the small screen. This documentary series, which premiered in 2023, is a major focus of his current television career.

• Series Overview: The show explores bizarre historical events, strange phenomena, and unexplained mysteries, perfectly aligning with Aykroyd’s lifelong interest in the paranormal, which heavily influenced the creation of Ghostbusters.
• Current Status: The series has been renewed and is currently airing new seasons, with its run extending into 2025, confirming his ongoing presence in the TV landscape.

A Career-Defining Filmography: The Essential Entities

To fully appreciate Dan Aykroyd’s topical authority, one must look at the entities that built his career, from his groundbreaking work as a writer and performer to his iconic movie roles. This list highlights the essential viewing for any fan.

The Saturday Night Live Era (1975–1979)

Aykroyd was one of the original "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" on Saturday Night Live. His work as a writer and performer earned him an Emmy and established his signature style of rapid-fire dialogue and authoritative, often technical-sounding, characters.

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• Notable Characters: Beldar Conehead, Elwood Blues, E. Buzz Miller, and his famous impressions of figures like Jimmy Carter.
• Impact: His partnership with John Belushi was legendary, leading directly to their most famous film project.

The Iconic Comedies and Dramatic Turns

Aykroyd’s film career is a masterclass in comedic timing and versatility, spanning multiple genres and successful collaborations.

• The Blues Brothers (1980): Co-wrote and starred as Elwood Blues alongside John Belushi's "Joliet" Jake Blues. This film became a cultural phenomenon and a musical benchmark.
• Trading Places (1983): Starring alongside Eddie Murphy, Aykroyd received critical acclaim for his role as Louis Winthorpe III, a wealthy commodities broker whose life is turned upside down.
• Ghostbusters (1984): Co-wrote and starred as Dr. Ray Stantz, the role he has returned to for over four decades. It remains one of the most successful comedy films of all time.
• Spies Like Us (1985): A Cold War comedy co-starring Chevy Chase, showcasing the enduring chemistry between the two SNL alumni.
• The Great Outdoors (1988): A family comedy classic co-starring John Candy, another frequent collaborator and fellow Canadian comedian.
• Driving Miss Daisy (1989): Aykroyd earned a surprise Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his dramatic role as Boolie Werthan, proving his range beyond comedy.
• Coneheads (1993): Bringing his beloved SNL character, Beldar Conehead, to the big screen.
• Tommy Boy (1995): A supporting role alongside Chris Farley and David Spade, connecting him with the next generation of SNL stars.
• Grosse Pointe Blank (1997): A critically praised dark comedy where Aykroyd played a rival hitman to John Cusack’s character.
• Pearl Harbor (2001): A notable dramatic turn in a major historical epic.
• 50 First Dates (2004): Appearing alongside Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, showcasing his continued relevance in modern comedy.
• Behind the Candelabra (2013): A television film where he played Seymour Heller, Liberace's manager.

The Enduring Legacy and Impact on Comedy

Dan Aykroyd’s influence extends far beyond his film roles. He is a true multidisciplinary artist, having successfully navigated the worlds of sketch comedy, film writing, acting, and music (as a co-founder of the actual Blues Brothers Band). His work consistently blends high-concept sci-fi and the paranormal with sharp, character-driven humor.

The continuity of the Ghostbusters franchise, with his enthusiastic participation in Afterlife and Frozen Empire, is a testament to the enduring quality of his original concepts. He has not only returned to his most famous role but has also ensured the franchise is passed to a new generation of fans and performers, including Carrie Coon and Finn Wolfhard.

Furthermore, his non-acting ventures, such as the founding of Crystal Head Vodka, showcase his entrepreneurial spirit and unique brand identity. Aykroyd’s ability to remain active, relevant, and engaging in the entertainment industry—from hosting a documentary series to starring in major studio films—solidifies his place not just as a figure of the past, but as a continuously working legend in the current landscape of Hollywood.