Netflix to Remove Infamously Review-Bombed Ghostbusters Reboot

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Netflix will be removing the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot from its platform on March 29th, 2026. The film, directed by Paul Feig and starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones, faced intense backlash and review-bombing from some fans upon its release, which contributed to its underperformance at the box office despite positive reviews from critics.

Why it matters

The Ghostbusters reboot became a flashpoint for the growing trend of 'review-bombing' - coordinated efforts by groups to negatively rate and review a film or show, often driven by sexism or other biases rather than the actual quality of the content. This case highlights how online harassment and targeted campaigns can impact the success of creative works, especially those featuring more diverse casts and perspectives.

The details

The 2016 Ghostbusters reboot received a 'Certified Fresh' 76% score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, but only a 49% audience score, indicating a significant disconnect between critical reception and audience reaction. Much of the backlash appeared to be motivated by sexism, as the film featured an all-female lead cast. Similar review-bombing campaigns have targeted other films and shows with more diverse representation, such as Captain Marvel and The Last of Us.

• The Ghostbusters reboot was released in theaters in July 2016.
• The film will be removed from Netflix on March 29, 2026, 10 years after its initial release.

What’s next

Netflix has not announced any plans to add the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot to its platform after it is removed on March 29, 2026.