Have you visited the cinema lately? Whether you prefer AMC or Cinemark, there’s a unique charm to attending the movies, purchasing a ticket, and relaxing with a soda and a bag of popcorn. However, the enjoyment hinges greatly on the quality of the film you’re about to see.
We’ve all experienced mediocre movies, but the ones featured in this list are notably poor. These films stand out for all the wrong reasons; they’re among the most egregious blockbuster failures, according to both moviegoers and critics. Take a look at this compilation to know what to avoid.
Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever (2002)
Production Budget: $70 million
Box Office Gross: $20.2 million
Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever barely scraped by with a dismal 19% rating on Metacritic, yet it’s managed to carve out an unusual niche as a cult classic—thanks to its spectacular badness. Rather than keeping you on the edge of your seat, this action thriller is more likely to elicit laughter.
Despite featuring talents like Lucy Liu and Antonio Banderas, Ballistic shamelessly clinched the top spot on Rotten Tomatoes’ infamous “Worst Movies of All Time” list. Clearly, the film’s downfall lies not in the actors’ abilities but in its lackluster writing and direction. Tough luck, WBD; this one’s a stinker through and through.
One Missed Call (2008)
Production Budget: $20 million
Box Office Gross: $45.8 million
Shannyn Sossamon took the lead in One Missed Call, a 2008 horror film that left critics unimpressed, scoring a rock-bottom 0% on Rotten Tomatoes and receiving dismal ratings across the board. Despite its financial success, raking in more than double its budget at the box office, it failed to redeem itself in terms of quality.
Critically labeled as the “worst horror remake” of the year by Far Out, the movie suffered from uninspired performances and lackluster direction. Its predictable characters, convoluted plot, and overall lack of originality left audiences underwhelmed, rendering it forgettable in the annals of horror cinema.
Left Behind (2014)
Production Budget: $16 million
Box Office Gross: $27.4 million
“Left Behind,” a Nicolas Cage-led sci-fi thriller, earned the dubious honor of a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, failing to impress on any other review platform except for a lone Google endorsement. Despite the intriguing premise of mass disappearances and the ensuing chaos, the film floundered both critically and commercially.
Even in regions known for their interest in apocalyptic themes like the Bible Belt, “Left Behind” failed to resonate. With lackluster performances and a plot that failed to engage, it stands as yet another testament to Cage’s penchant for choosing ill-fated projects in his diverse filmography.
A Thousand Words (2012)
Production Budget: $40 million
Box Office Gross: $22 million
A Thousand Words struggled to find its footing in 2012, failing to showcase Eddie Murphy’s comedic talent. With a hefty $40 million budget, much allocated to Murphy and co-star Kerry Washington, the film disappointed at the box office, earning only $22 million.
The lackluster script and unengaging premise of a man cursed with silence failed to resonate with audiences, leading to poor word-of-mouth. The film’s underperformance not only hurt its studio, PARA Pictures, but also reflected on Murphy’s career trajectory at the time. A cautionary tale of mismatched expectations, A Thousand Words underscores the importance of delivering a compelling narrative to captivate audiences and avoid industry pitfalls.
John Carter (2012)
Production Budget: $250 million
Box Office Gross: $284.1 million
John Carter, released in 2012, was a near career-ender for Taylor Kitsch, though fortunately, it didn’t pan out that way. Despite its massive budget of $250 million, the action-packed film struggled to find its audience, earning it the unfortunate title of one of Disney’s biggest box office flops. The discrepancy between its budget and box office performance left many scratching their heads.
According to the filmmakers, poor marketing decisions by an inexperienced studio executive team contributed significantly to the film’s failure to resonate with audiences. Nevertheless, its eventual box office gross of $284.1 million provided a silver lining amidst the disappointment.
The Lone Ranger (2013)
Production Budget: $225-$250 million
Box Office Gross: $260.5 million
In 2013, Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer starred in The Lone Ranger, a Western film that aimed to revive the classic tale. Depp portrayed Tonto, while Hammer took on the role of the Lone Ranger. Despite its ambitious budget ranging from $225 to $250 million, the film struggled to resonate with audiences.
Hammer’s reputation in Hollywood took a hit following the film’s release, while Depp faced his own career challenges. The Lone Ranger’s failure was evident early on, with Disney writing off $190 million in losses within weeks of its theatrical debut. The film’s inability to capture international audiences, coupled with the declining popularity of Westerns as a genre, contributed to its commercial disappointment.
Gotti (2018)
Production Budget: $10 million*
Box Office Gross: $6.4 million*
Gotti, produced on a budget of $10 million, struggled to find success at the box office, managing to recoup only slightly over half of its production costs. Despite starring John Travolta in the titular role of John Gotti—an unconventional casting choice—the film failed to impress critics, earning a dismal 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and facing similarly negative reviews elsewhere.
Rotten Tomatoes’ critics described Gotti as a “comically terrible imitation of a biopic,” further cementing its reputation as a critical failure. It’s important to note that Gotti should not be confused with Get Gotti, a Netflix series depicting the life of John Gotti, which received considerably more favorable ratings.
Pinocchio (2002)
Production Budget: $43 million
Box Office Gross: $41.3 million
The tale of Pinocchio, the wooden puppet yearning to become a real boy, is a familiar one to many. However, the 2002 adaptation of Pinocchio, directed by Roberto Benigni, failed to capture the charm of the classic story. Despite its $43 million budget, the film struggled to resonate with audiences and critics alike.
Critics lambasted Benigni’s adaptation as “unfunny,” “poorly-made,” “creepy,” and labeled it a “vanity project.” Unlike the beloved Disney animated version, this remake fell short of expectations, leaving viewers disappointed. For those seeking the magic of Pinocchio, the Disney classic remains the preferred choice over this ill-fated rendition.
Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2 (2004)
Production Budget: $20 million
Box Office Gross: $9.5 million
The Baby Geniuses franchise was infamous for drawing more criticism than praise, but it was the sequel, Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2, that took the brunt of the backlash. Despite a star-studded cast featuring Jon Voight and Scott Baio, the film failed to redeem itself from the shortcomings of its predecessor. Even with a budget of $20 million, Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2 struggled to attract audiences and received scathing reviews.
Critics and viewers alike panned the film as bizarre, poorly-made, and unworthy of even being considered “good fodder for mockery.” The lackluster performance of this sequel further solidified its status as a cinematic flop, leaving little to redeem its reputation within the franchise.
The 13th Warrior (1999)
Production Budget: $85 million
Box Office Gross: $61.7 million
Available for rental at $3.99 on Amazon, The 13th Warrior, released in 1999, disappointingly falls short of expectations. Based on a Michael Crichton novel, the film, starring Antonio Banderas, had the potential for greatness but ultimately failed to deliver. While loosely inspired by historical events, the movie’s accuracy leaves much to be desired.
Despite the engaging source material provided by Crichton’s novel, The 13th Warrior suffers from blandness, attributed in part to final edits that removed much of the story’s depth and intensity. As a result, the film fails to captivate audiences, missing the mark set by its promising premise.
National Lampoon’s Gold Diggers (2003)
Budget: Unconfirmed
Box Office Gross: $829,140
Chris Owen’s career trajectory may have been impacted by films like National Lampoon’s Gold Diggers. With a dismal 6% rating on TV Guide, this black comedy proved to be a significant disappointment for its distributor, MGM. The film’s plot, centered around robbing and marrying old women, was met with considerable criticism for its problematic premise.
Reviewers on Rotten Tomatoes were scathing in their assessment, describing National Lampoon’s Gold Diggers as “incredibly bad” and “astoundingly wrong-headed.” The film’s inability to resonate with audiences further compounded its commercial failure, leaving little room for redemption in the eyes of viewers and critics alike.
The Last Days of American Crime (2020)
Budget: Unconfirmed
Box Office Gross: Unconfirmed
The Last Days of American Crime, a 2020 thriller starring Edgar Ramirez, Anna Brewster, and Michael Pitt, left a mark on their careers they likely wish to forget. Despite a potentially intriguing premise involving a heist and government mind control, the film failed to deliver, earning a dismal rating of zero on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critics on Metacritic lamented that the film took an interesting premise and drained it of any reason for audience investment. Distributed by Netflix, The Last Days of American Crime stands as a cautionary tale of wasted potential, leaving both its cast and viewers disappointed by its lackluster execution.
Jaws: The Revenge (1987)
Budget: $23 million
Box Office Gross: $51.9 million
The infamous tale of Jaws: The Revenge is one of utter tragedy in the world of cinema. While the film boasted the presence of the beloved Michael Caine, its overall execution left much to be desired. Serving as a sequel that many argue never needed to exist, Universal distributed it, perhaps hoping to capture the same magic that made the original Jaws a smash hit.
However, as Common Sense Media bluntly put it, the dialogue was “hilariously bad,” and the special effects were “even worse.” Despite these glaring flaws, the film somehow managed to rake in $52 million at the box office. This financial success stands in stark contrast to the critical drubbing and enduring reputation of Jaws: The Revenge as a prime example of how not to make a sequel.
Cutthroat Island (1995)
Budget: $98 million
Box Office Gross: $10 million
For a good chuckle, look no further than Cutthroat Island. This ’90s adventure flick starred Geena Davis and Matthew Modine, aiming to capture the essence of swashbuckling pirate tales. Despite its whopping $98 million budget, the film sailed into disaster, earning a mere $10 million at the box office. With losses exceeding $100 million, Cutthroat Island not only became a laughingstock but also tainted the entire pirate genre until the arrival of Pirates of the Caribbean.
The film’s catastrophic failure dealt a severe blow to its studio, leaving the industry in shock. It’s worth noting that Matthew Modine’s agreement to play the leading role came as a surprise, as other major industry stars had turned down the opportunity. Cutthroat Island stands as a cautionary tale of excessive budgets, misguided ambitions, and the perils of overreaching in Hollywood.
Battleship (2012)
Budget: $209-$220 million
Box Office Gross: $303 million
Taylor Kitsch finds himself in another unfortunate entry on this list, courtesy of Battleship. Released in 2012, this film also featured Rihanna in a bid to attract audiences, but ultimately failed to impress. Despite its massive budget, ranging between $209 to $220 million due to its heavy reliance on special effects, Battleship fell short in terms of storytelling, plot, and character development.
The film prioritized CGI spectacle over cohesive storytelling, disappointing audiences and critics alike. As a result, Battleship proved to be a box office bomb, resulting in significant losses for both Hasbro and Universal, amounting to a staggering $150 million. This misstep serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing visual effects over narrative depth and audience engagement in filmmaking.
The Ridiculous 6 (2015)
Budget: $60 million
Box Office Gross: N/A
For fans of Adam Sandler’s brand of humor, The Ridiculous 6 might offer some entertainment, though it falls in line with the comedian’s repertoire of polarizing comedies. The film found success upon its release on Netflix, attracting viewers despite critical panning. One of the main actors, Taylor Lautner, admitted to feeling “terrified” by his role and nearly turning it down.
However, despite its popularity on the streaming platform, The Ridiculous 6 received scathing reviews, earning a dismal 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This critical reception likely left Lautner questioning his decision to take on the role. Nonetheless, the film’s performance on Netflix highlights the divide between audience enjoyment and critical acclaim, showcasing Sandler’s ability to attract viewers despite the quality of his comedic offerings.
Dark Crimes (2016)
Budget: $4 million
Box Office Gross: $21,216
Despite Jim Carrey’s dedicated and dramatic performance, Dark Crimes failed to impress audiences and critics alike. The film suffered from an abysmal box office gross and garnered a dismal 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Carrey portrayed a detective investigating an unsolved murder, but even his committed acting couldn’t salvage the film from its shortcomings.
Critics and viewers criticized Dark Crimes for its gloomy and forgettable atmosphere. One viewer on IMDb summarized the film as featuring Carrey “walking into places” and “look[ing] around slowly,” highlighting its lack of engaging storytelling. The movie’s attempts at being cerebral ultimately fell flat, resulting in a forgettable and uninspired cinematic experience.
Stratton (2017)
Budget: $12.9 million
Box Office Gross: $95,743
Dominic Cooper took the lead in Stratton, an action-thriller adapted from Duncan Falconer’s book series. Despite its source material, the film failed to impress, earning poor ratings across multiple platforms. One critic went as far as likening Stratton to a “direct breach of the Geneva conventions.”
Unfortunately, Cooper’s involvement in the film led to some backlash, with critics labeling him a “Bond wannabe” and dubbing his performance as “lethally bland.” While this criticism may have a humorous edge, it undoubtedly affected Cooper’s reputation in the industry. Stratton’s disappointing performance at the box office further compounded its impact, leaving both audiences and critics underwhelmed by its execution.
Return to the Blue Lagoon (1991)
Budget: $11 millio
Box Office Gross: $2.8 million
Hollywood’s penchant for unnecessary sequels was evident with the release of Return to the Blue Lagoon in 1991. Despite the success of its predecessor, Blue Lagoon, the decision to create a sequel proved to be ill-advised. Metacritic awarded the film a meager 28% rating, reflecting its critical reception.
Return to the Blue Lagoon failed to recapture the magic of the original and incurred financial losses for its studio, SONY. With a paltry box office gross of $2.8 million against an $11 million budget, the sequel struggled to find an audience. Unlike its predecessor, which achieved cult classic status, Return to the Blue Lagoon received negative reviews and failed to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
Wagons East! (1994)
Budget: Unconfirmed
Box Office Gross: $4.4 million
John Candy’s untimely passing during the filming of Wagons East! cast a shadow over the production of this Western adventure. The movie was in its final stages of production in Durango, Mexico when Candy tragically passed away from a heart attack at the age of forty-three. In the aftermath of his death, special effects were employed, script rewrites were undertaken, and a stand-in was utilized to complete the film.
Released just five months after Candy’s passing, Wagons East! failed to serve as a fitting memorial to the beloved actor. Critics and audiences alike were disappointed by the film, which depicted Candy in a drab, uninspired, and unfunny role—qualities that were starkly at odds with his usual comedic prowess. The movie’s lackluster reception further underscored the void left by Candy’s absence in the world of comedy.
Cabin Fever (2016)
Budget: Unconfirmed
Box Office Gross: $39,065
Travis Z directed the 2016 remake of Cabin Fever, a horror film originally released in 2002. In this iteration, five college graduates find themselves battling a flesh-eating virus during a vacation at a remote cabin. Unfortunately, the remake failed to impress both critics and audiences, receiving widespread condemnation.
Despite the poor reception of both the original 2002 film and its 2016 remake, Cabin Fever managed to endure the financial losses and negative reputation. Remarkably, it evolved into a franchise, with the 2016 remake serving as just another installment in the series. This resilience showcases the enduring appeal of the horror genre, even in the face of critical and commercial setbacks.
Problem Child (1990)
Budget: $10-$11 million
Box Office Gross: $72.2 million
John Ritter starred in Problem Child, a black comedy from the nineties that left a sour taste with critics, earning a rare 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film centered around a spoiled and mischievous child, featuring juvenile and mean-spirited pranks amidst a weak plot. Critics found Problem Child to be an “unpleasant comedy,” criticizing its reliance on cheap gags and its questionable treatment of its young protagonist. Many viewers took issue with the film’s portrayal of a rebellious child from a troubled home environment, feeling that it crossed the line into mean-spiritedness.
In hindsight, Problem Child’s approach seems dated and insensitive, highlighting the importance of responsible storytelling, especially when dealing with sensitive subject matter. The film’s lack of empathy towards its characters, particularly the troubled child, has led to a reassessment of its legacy, with many viewers recognizing the need for more nuanced portrayals of family dynamics in comedy.
The Disappointments Room (2016)
Budget: $15 million
Box Office Gross: $5.7 million
Released in 2016, The Disappointments Room failed to leave a lasting impression on audiences, earning dismal ratings and poor reviews. This psychological thriller/horror movie, starring Kate Beckinsale and Lucas Till, revolved around a haunted house, but failed to deliver any real scares or originality.
True to its title, The Disappointments Room proved to be just that—a disappointment. Critics and audiences alike found the film to be predictable and lacking in innovation, adhering too closely to the tired tropes of haunted house stories. With little to offer the genre, the film quickly faded from memory, unable to distinguish itself in a crowded field of similar offerings.
Staying Alive (1983)
Budget: $22 million
Box Office Gross: $127 million
John Travolta finds himself in another notable entry on this list with Staying Alive, an eighties sequel that many argue should have never been made. Serving as a follow-up to Saturday Night Fever, a film that some argue didn’t warrant a sequel in the first place, Staying Alive was an endeavor directed and written by Sylvester Stallone.
Critics, including Roger Ebert, were less than impressed, with Ebert famously labeling it as “the first bad movie [Stallone] made.” The film was criticized for being disjointed, flat, and repetitive, failing to capture the magic of its predecessor. However, amidst the film’s shortcomings, John Travolta’s performance stood out as a solid anchor, showcasing his talent even in the face of a lackluster script and direction.
Look Who’s Talking Now (1993)
Budget: $22 million
Box Office Gross: $10.3 million
Look Who’s Talking Now, released in the nineties, marked a significant flop for TriStar Pictures, a studio renowned for producing successful films like Godzilla, Jumanji, and Matilda. The movie starred Kirstie Alley, John Travolta, and Danny DeVito in a cheesy romantic comedy that failed to resonate with audiences and critics alike.
Despite the potential appeal to younger audiences, Look Who’s Talking Now received a dismal 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While it may have elicited laughs from toddlers, the film failed to charm older viewers and struggled to find success at the box office. This stumble marked a rare misstep for TriStar Pictures, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the film industry.
Highlander II: The Quickening (1991)
With a budget of $34 million and a box office gross of $15.6 million, the sequel to Highlander, titled Highlander II: The Quickening, was an unexpected addition to the franchise. Despite the original film’s standalone nature, the sequel, along with Highlander III: The Sorcerer, was introduced to audiences.
Director Russell Mulcahy aimed to broaden the scope of the original film with a fresh perspective. However, the sequel’s eccentric and outlandish fantasy narrative did not resonate with the franchise’s dedicated fanbase, leading to its widespread rejection. Critics have pointed to hasty production timelines and excessive studio meddling as primary factors contributing to the sequel’s disorganized and peculiar storyline.
Homecoming (2009)
With a modest budget of $1.5 million and a box office return of $8.5 million, Homecoming stars Mischa Barton in the role of a vengeful ex-girlfriend who is unable to accept her former partner, played by Matt Long, moving on with a new love interest (Jessica Stroup). This independent horror film was helmed by director Morgan J. Freeman — not to be confused with the famous actor of the same name.
Despite receiving critical disapproval, the film surprisingly holds a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon, suggesting a disconnect between critic and audience reception. Echoing this sentiment, a user on the Reddit forum r/horror described the film as “trash, but…kinda enjoyable trash,” indicating a cult following that finds pleasure in its flaws.
Bolero (1984)
With a production budget between $6 million and $7 million, and a box office gross of $8.9 million, the film Bolero, featuring Bo Derek, is a romantic comedy about a young heiress’s global adventures. Released in 1984, the movie became notorious not for prestigious accolades but for being nominated for the “Stinkers’ Bad Movie Award for Best Picture.”
Critics described Bolero as “bonkers from start to finish,” lacking the entertaining edge of Quentin Tarantino’s signature style. The film’s release was marred by controversy due to its subject matter and garnered negative attention for its plot and notably troubled production process.
Max Steel (2016)
With an investment of $5 million to $10 million and a box office collection of $6.3 million, the 2016 superhero film Max Steel emerged, inspired by the Mattel action figure series. The film’s premise centered around the quest for the universe’s most powerful energy source.
Despite its potential, the movie failed to captivate, offering a lackluster experience as it made its way to the cinemas without prior critic screenings. Given its origins from a beloved action figure line, one might have expected Max Steel to deliver a more thrilling and engaging adventure.
Killing Me Softly (2002)
With a budget of $25 million and a box office gross of $7.8 million, the 2002 film Killing Me Softly falls into the “erotic thriller” category—a genre often met with skepticism. Despite the star power of Ralph Fiennes and Heather Graham, the film did not manage to escape the common pitfalls of its genre.
With a duration of one hour and forty minutes, it was criticized for feeling “rushed,” a sentiment perhaps exacerbated by the lack of chemistry between the leads, which was noticeable and detracted from the film’s impact.
