15 Movies Banned Overseas For Ridiculous Reasons

by Jack Pooley

1. China's Afraid Of Ghosts - Ghostbusters (2016)

Ghostbusters 2016
Paramount Pictures

The Reason: Because it "promote cults or superstition" (China).

China famously has an aversion to screening movies featuring ghosts or the supernatural in general, an apparent holdover from the Communist Party's devotion to secularism, and one that has resulted in numerous high-profile blockbusters failing to sure Chinese theatrical releases.

Paul Feig's ill-fated Ghostbusters reboot, though about as silly, harmless and "unrealistic" as ghost movies come, was apparently discomforting enough for China Film Co. to pass on it. One executive added that in addition to the ghoulish theme hampering its release, "it's not really that attractive to Chinese audiences."

Considering the movie ended up a box office dud, it sure could have benefited from even a small theatrical release in the country.

What do you make of these ridiculous reasons for banning movies overseas? Shout it out in the comments!

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.