Everyone loves a good movie night, but not all films make for an enjoyable evening. While cinema can be a magical escape, transporting us to other worlds and touching our hearts, some movies miss the mark so badly they become memorable for all the wrong reasons.
From baffling plots and wooden acting to cringe-worthy special effects, certain films have earned a notorious reputation over the years.
1. “The Room” (2003)
Often dubbed “the Citizen Kane of bad movies,” Tommy Wiseau’s “The Room” has become infamous for its baffling narrative and awkward dialogue. Despite its initial reception as a serious drama, the film quickly gained a cult following for all the wrong reasons.
Viewers are often puzzled by the bizarre plot twists, unexplained characters, and famously poor line deliveries. However, it has become a staple at midnight movie showings where audiences revel in its awkwardness.
2. “Birdemic: Shock and Terror” (2010)
This movie attempts to deliver an environmental cautionary tale through the medium of a romantic thriller but fails spectacularly on almost every technical and artistic level. “Birdemic” is notorious for its CGI birds that look remarkably unconvincing, and the sound editing is often so disjointed that it distracts from the already thin plot.
The acting and script are equally cringe-worthy, making it a tough watch for even the most patient viewers. It’s a perfect example of ambition far exceeding ability, resulting in a film that’s painful to sit through.
3. “Catwoman” (2004)
Featuring Halle Berry in the lead role, “Catwoman” is often cited as one of the worst superhero films of all time. The movie strays significantly from the beloved DC Comics character’s origins, presenting a disjointed story filled with clichés and over-the-top performances.
The film’s visual effects and costume design also drew heavy criticism, contributing to its overall lackluster reception. It’s a disappointing misuse of a powerful character and a talented cast.
4. “Battlefield Earth” (2000)
Warner Bros.
John Travolta starred in and helped produce this adaptation of L. Ron Hubbard’s novel, which ended up as a notorious flop, both critically and commercially. The film is plagued by a confusing plot, bizarre camera angles, and some questionable acting choices.
“Battlefield Earth” also suffers from poor special effects that have not aged well, making its futuristic setting seem less believable. Its failure is often used as a textbook example of how not to make a science fiction movie.
5. “The Love Guru” (2008)
Mike Myers stars in this comedy that many find more groan-inducing than funny. The humor is often based on cheap stereotypes and crude jokes that fall flat.
The plot revolves around an American raised in India who returns to the U.S. to become a self-help guru, which sets the stage for a series of culturally insensitive gags. “The Love Guru” was a critical and commercial failure, and it significantly stalled Myers’ career.
6. “Plan 9 from Outer Space” (1959)
Reynolds Pictures.
Directed by Edward D. Wood Jr., this film has a legendary status as perhaps the best worst movie ever made. It’s plagued by a nonsensical script, ludicrous plot developments, and special effects that are laughably bad. The acting is melodramatic at best, contributing to the film’s overall campy feel.
“Plan 9 from Outer Space” is often enjoyed by fans of so-bad-it’s-good cinema, but it’s a tough sit for those looking for serious sci-fi.
7. “Gigli” (2003)
“Gigli” is a romantic comedy that became notorious for its poor reception and is often cited as one of the worst films ever made. The chemistry between Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez fails to translate on screen, and the awkward dialogue does little to help their cause.
Critics panned it for its nonsensical plot and uneven tone, which swings wildly between crude humor and attempts at serious drama. The film’s failure was so pronounced that it became a cautionary tale about celebrity-driven projects lacking a solid script.
8. “Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2” (2004)
As a sequel to a film that was already not well-received, “Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2” manages to further lower the bar. The premise revolves around talking toddlers saving the world, which is as absurd as it sounds.
The special effects are subpar, and the storyline is both convoluted and silly, making it a difficult watch for adults and children alike. This movie is often featured on lists of the worst films due to its failure to deliver even basic entertainment.
9. “From Justin to Kelly” (2003)
19 Entertainment.
This musical romantic comedy starring Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini is based on the personas of the first two American Idol finalists. The film feels more like an extended music video than a feature film, with a thin plot that serves merely as a setup for the next musical number.
It’s often criticized for its clichéd dialogue and lack of substantial character development. “From Justin to Kelly” is a prime example of how quickly manufactured star power fades without a compelling story or engaging performances.
10. “The Last Airbender” (2010)
M. Night Shyamalan’s attempt to adapt the beloved animated series “Avatar: The Last Airbender” into a live-action film ended disastrously. The film was criticized for its poor script, unimpressive special effects, and particularly for the casting decisions that led to accusations of whitewashing.
Fans of the original series and new viewers alike found little to enjoy in this adaptation, which failed to capture the depth and spirit of its source material. It stands as a disappointing misstep in Shyamalan’s career.
11. “Howard the Duck” (1986)
Based on a Marvel comic, “Howard the Duck” was one of the first major attempts to bring a comic book character to life on the big screen and it failed spectacularly. The film is bizarre, featuring a walking, talking duck who is thrust into a battle to save Earth.
The special effects are laughable by today’s standards, and the film’s attempt at humor often misses the mark entirely. Despite its cult following, it’s widely regarded as one of the worst comic book movies of all time.
12. “Fifty Shades of Grey” (2015)
Focus Features.
Despite being a box office success, “Fifty Shades of Grey” is often criticized for its wooden dialogue and lackluster performances. The film, based on the bestselling novel, struggles to portray a compelling romantic or erotic narrative, and its depiction of relationships has been widely contested.
Many viewers and critics found the film to be a tedious depiction of a poorly written novel, making it a slog to get through despite its high-profile status.
13. “Son of the Mask” (2005)
This sequel to Jim Carrey’s hit movie “The Mask” attempts to capture the original’s chaotic energy but falls significantly short. Without Carrey’s charismatic performance, “Son of the Mask” relies on over-the-top slapstick humor that often feels forced and tiresome.
The CGI effects, meant to be whimsical and fun, come off as creepy and dated instead. Critics and audiences alike lambasted the film for its lack of originality and charm, making it a sequel that should have never been made.
14. “Disaster Movie” (2008)
Living up to its name, “Disaster Movie” is part of a series of parody films by Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer that many wish to forget. This film attempts to spoof popular movies and cultural events from the year but does so with little wit or humor.
The jokes are often seen as juvenile and offensive rather than funny, with a reliance on pop culture references that feel more lazy than clever. It’s a movie that tries to be relevant by mocking other successful films but ends up being mostly forgettable and regrettable.
15. “The Emoji Movie” (2017)
Attempting to capitalize on the digital age’s obsessions, “The Emoji Movie” was criticized for being a thinly veiled commercial for various apps and smartphone features. The plot, centered around an emoji with multiple expressions, is both simplistic and unengaging.
Critics slammed the movie for lacking substance, creativity, and meaningful humor, calling it a cynical attempt to exploit popular culture for profit. It’s a clear example of how a movie can miss the mark by focusing more on product placements than on storytelling.
19 Hyped-Up Movies That Were Actually Terrible
So, you know how there’s always this buzz around those hyped-up movies, right? Like, the ones that everyone’s talking about, the trailers that give you goosebumps, and the anticipation that’s through the roof?
Yeah, those. But here’s the kicker- sometimes, they turn out to be total duds.
19 Hyped-Up Movies That Were Actually Terrible
Prepare to Ugly Cry: Here Are the 12 Saddest Movies of All Time
Get the tissues ready (you’re going to need them) because we tracked down fan answers to “what is the saddest movie you have ever seen?” and there’s some real tear-jerkers on this list.
Apparently we love sad movies because there were so many suggestions out there that it was hard to narrow down this list to only 12. Don’t say I didn’t warn you, either. Some of these films are so depressing that you might just regret ever watching them. Put on one of these movies the next time you’re in need of a good cry!
Prepare to Ugly Cry: Here Are the 12 Saddest Movies of All Time