In the wake of the Oscar’s celebrating the very best movies from the past year, we thought it’d be fun to look in the other direction.
Movies have the power to transport us to different worlds, stir our emotions, and create lasting memories. However, not all movies are created equal, and some have received scathing reviews from critics and audiences alike.
Indeed, bad movies aren’t all that rare. But the ones that rise to the level of worst ever? That’s rarified air.
Here are ten of the worst-reviewed movies of all time. Enjoy!
“Gigli” (2003)
Starring Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, “Gigli” was a commercial and critical disaster. Critics panned the movie for its lackluster plot, terrible acting, and cringe-worthy dialogue. So bad it’s good? Nope. Just terrible.
“Disaster Movie” (2008)
This comedy parody movie was widely criticized for its poor writing, lack of humor, and offensive stereotypes. Parody movies are one of the lowest form of cinema, on a good day. But on a bad day, they’re absolutely unwatchable. The movie was nominated for six Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture.
“Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2” (2004)
This family comedy sequel was panned by critics for its nonsensical plot, poor acting, and unfunny jokes. The movie was also criticized for its overreliance on special effects and infantile humor. The dislikable Jon Voight doing a terrible German accent only accentuates the horror of this film.
“Manos: The Hands of Fate” (1966)
Translation: Hands: The Hands of Fate, this low-budget horror movie, made by a Texas fertilizer salesman, was widely panned for its amateurish filmmaking, terrible acting, and incoherent plot. The movie has become a cult classic for its unintentional hilarity.
“Battlefield Earth” (2000)
It’s actually quite easy to dislike John Travolta, as this awful movie shows. Based on the science fiction novel by L. Ron Hubbard, “Battlefield Earth” was panned by critics for its nonsensical plot, terxtrible acting, and overreliance on special effects. The movie was also criticized for its blatant Scientology propaganda.
“The Garbage Pail Kids Movie” (1987)
“The Garbage Pail Kids Movie” is widely regarded as one of the worst movies ever made. The 1987 film, based on the popular trading card series, features grotesque puppets that come to life and cause chaos in a small town. The movie was heavily criticized for its crude humor, terrible writing, and unappealing characters.
“Gotti” (2018)
Yet another entrant from John Travolta, who comes up quite a few times on Rotten Tomatoes’ Worst 100 Films of All Time.
Gotti was a fatally flawed biopic, doing huge injustice to this gangster’s infamous life. Bad acting, bad directing, no fun at all. As one critic puts it: “A Gotti awful mess.”
“Pinocchio” (2002)
Roberto Benigni’s “Pinocchio” movie was widely panned by critics and audiences alike. The 2002 adaptation of the classic children’s story starred Benigni himself as the wooden puppet brought to life, and was criticized for its strange casting choices, weak script, and lackluster special effects. Benigni’s performance was particularly criticized, with many finding his portrayal of Pinocchio to be creepy and unsettling.
“Alone in the Dark” (2005)
Starring Christian Slater and Tara Reid, “Alone in the Dark” was a critical and commercial bomb. Critics panned the movie for its poor writing, direction, and acting, with some calling it one of the worst horror movies ever made.
“Birdemic: Shock and Terror” (2010)
OMG, guys. What?? This low-budget horror movie, made by a Vietnamese-American director, was widely panned for its amateurish filmmaking, terrible acting, and bizarre special effects. The movie has become a cult classic for its unintentional hilarity.
In conclusion, these movies may have had high expectations or big names attached to them, but they ultimately failed to impress audiences and critics alike. While some of these movies have become cult classics for their unintentional hilarity, they serve as a reminder that not every movie can be a winner.
Clearly, this list doesn’t encompass all of the terrible stinkers that are out there. Indeed, it was very difficult to narrow them down.
What’s the worst movie you’ve ever seen?
