20 Worst Movies of the Last Decade You Might Want to Skip

For the last decade, a vast number of films have been produced in Hollywood, yet not all manage to meet expectations. Certain productions falter due to complex storylines, lackluster delivery, or simply uninspired concepts, resulting in viewers feeling disappointed or uninterested.

I’ve compiled a list of the 20 films that were most criticized, disliked by audiences, and made numerous mistakes from 2015 to 2025. Here’s a rundown of these movies that fell short, so you can steer clear of them.

20. ‘Holmes & Watson’ (2018)

In a comedic twist, ‘Holmes & Watson’ brings together Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly as the famous sleuthing pair. However, instead of delivering side-splitting humor, it offers jokes that feel worn out and overused, leaving the storyline thin and unengaging.

Even with an impressive ensemble, the lackluster script fails to shine, but occasionally manages to elicit a giggle or two. This might not be worth your time unless you’re particularly devoted to Adam Ferrell.

19. ‘The Emoji Movie’ (2017)

In simpler terms, the movie titled ‘The Emoji Movie’ tells the story of Gene, a versatile emoji portrayed by T.J. Miller. This animated film takes us on a journey within a smartphone as Gene embarks on an exciting digital quest. Critics argue that it seems more like a money-making scheme, with jokes that feel forced and excessive product placement.

The vibrant animation is the lone source of charm, yet the narrative appears devoid of emotion and seems more like an impersonal commercial. It’s recommended to steer clear of this, unless you find yourself in a situation where you need to entertain impatient children.

18. ‘Cats’ (2019)

The film ‘Cats’ reworks the Broadway play by featuring cat-human hybrid characters created using computer-generated imagery, with James Corden and Taylor Swift as main actors. Both viewers and reviewers were left puzzled by its eccentric visuals and fragmented narrative.

The striking impacts might pique your interest, yet the peculiar structures and lackluster storyline significantly diminish it. Only watch if you’re intrigued by the macabre.

17. ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ (2015)

According to E.L. James’ book “Fifty Shades of Grey”, the story revolves around characters Anastasia (played by Dakota Johnson) and Christian (Jamie Dornan), who embark on a passionate yet superficial relationship. The connection between them fails to spark, and the dialogue often feels awkwardly formal.

Johnson gives it her all, yet the movie’s lackluster emotional content seems heavy and tedious. Consider skipping it unless your interest is piqued by the buzz surrounding the book.

16. ‘The Snowman’ (2017)

‘The Snowman’ – A Crime Thriller

In this intriguing crime thriller, the talented actor Michael Fassbender takes on the role of a dedicated detective pursuing a snow-fixated murderer. Unfortunately, the editing and pacing issues within the film make Jo Nesbø’s original novel appear disorganized and perplexing to viewers.

Fassbender’s skill is underutilized, but the snowy scenery gives off a chilly vibe. This might not be for you if you dislike puzzling enigmas without clear solutions.

15. ‘Jupiter Ascending’ (2015)

In simpler terms, ‘Jupiter Ascending’, directed by the Wachowskis, features Mila Kunis as a galactic queen entangled in an interstellar conflict. Its striking visuals are often overshadowed by a complex narrative and somewhat stiff acting.

This grand, science fiction concept is daringly expansive, yet it struggles to sustain itself, so I’d advise passing if you prefer order over chaotic imagery.

14. ‘The Mummy’ (2017)

In simpler terms, ‘The Mummy’ revives the series featuring Tom Cruise battling a cursed princess named Sofia Boutella. However, it’s a confusing action movie lacking appeal and was intended to kickstart an unsuccessful cinematic universe called the Dark Universe.

The vitality of the cruise doesn’t compensate for its ordinary narrative structure and feeble jumpscares. It might be worth a look if your curiosity is piqued by this franchise’s misstep.

13. ‘Geostorm’ (2017)

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I’d say ‘Geostorm’ finds me in the shoes of Gerard Butler, battling to save our planet from a flawed weather management system going haywire. It’s an action-packed thriller with special effects that feel a tad heavy and awkward, characters that lack depth, and dialogue that at times, borders on the ridiculous.

This movie’s exaggerated plot might have a nostalgic charm, but it’s generally quite tedious to watch. I wouldn’t recommend it unless you genuinely enjoy the ‘so bad it’s good’ atmosphere.

12. ‘After Earth’ (2013)

In the film titled ‘After Earth’, we find ourselves following the journey of a father-son pair, Will and Jaden Smith, who find themselves stranded on a future version of our planet. However, M. Night Shyamalan’s foray into science fiction falls flat, with performances that feel rigid and a storyline lacking vitality.

As a devoted film enthusiast, I found the idea intriguing; however, watching it felt more like an ego-driven endeavor than a thoughtfully crafted piece. If you’re one of M. Night Shyamalan’s die-hard fans who simply must see everything he produces, then give it a go. Otherwise, I’d recommend skipping this one.

11. ‘Morbius’ (2022)

In the movie ‘Morbius’, Jared Leto plays the lead role as a complex villain who is also a vampire. Unfortunately, the film’s confusing narrative, outdated visual effects, and unnecessary connections to the Marvel universe contributed to its disappointing performance at the box office.

Leto’s intense performance is better appreciated when the narrative is more coherent. Watch it if you’re intrigued by the errors in Marvel’s production.

10. ‘Artemis Fowl’ (2020)

‘The story ‘Artemis Fowl’, derived from Eoin Colfer’s novels, revolves around a brilliant young boy named Artemis Fowl (played by Ferdia Shaw). However, Disney’s hurried interpretation of the original content seems to have distorted the narrative, leading to a confusing plot and underdeveloped characters.’

The visuals are decent, but the story’s a mess. Skip unless you’re desperate for fantasy flops.

9. ‘Dark Phoenix’ (2019)

The movie ‘Dark Phoenix’ aims to rectify the storyline of Jean Grey from the X-Men series, featuring Sophie Turner. However, it stumbles due to a hurried screenplay, lackluster action sequences, and an absence of profound emotional impact, concluding the Fox X-Men franchise on a disappointing note.

The cast tries, but the stakes feel hollow. Avoid unless you’re an X-Men completist.

8. ‘Ghostbusters’ (2016)

In my humble opinion as a film critic, the 2016 ‘Ghostbusters’ reboot, featuring the talents of Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy, sets out to deliver gut-busting humor but unfortunately trips over forced jokes and a paper-thin narrative. It seems to rely excessively on nostalgia without capturing the original’s enchanting allure.

The interaction among the actors is enjoyable, yet the overall delivery lacks polish. It might be interesting to explore the criticism it has received.

7. ‘Suicide Squad’ (2016)

In my perspective, I’ve found myself in the camp of supporters for ‘Suicide Squad’, where DC’s notorious villains, such as the captivating Harley Quinn (portrayed by Margot Robbie), unite for an intriguing, albeit disorderly, mission. Unfortunately, David Ayer’s film seems to struggle with maintaining a consistent tone, and the editing appears rather fragmented at times. Additionally, the plot revolving around the villain could use some beefing up.

Robbie shines, but the story crumbles. Watch only if you love Harley enough to endure the rest.

6. ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ (2017)

‘In “Transformers: The Last Knight,” director Michael Bay presents his fifth action-packed Transformers movie starring Mark Wahlberg and a confusing blend of Arthurian legends. The film is chaotic and disorganized, filled with countless explosions and deafening noise.’

The CGI is flashy, but the plot’s a headache. Skip unless you’re a diehard Transformers fan.

5. ‘Justice League’ (2017)

In a hastily assembled collaboration, the Justice League, which includes Batman (played by Ben Affleck) and Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), brings together DC’s superheroes. The reshoots directed by Joss Whedon contrast sharply with Zack Snyder’s original vision, leading to a catastrophe in terms of consistency in tone.

The cast has moments, but the story’s a letdown. Avoid unless you want to see DC’s low point.

4. ‘Allegiant’ (2016)

The third movie in the ‘Divergent’ series, titled ‘Allegiant’, presents the continuing journey of Tris (played by Shailene Woodley) in a dystopian science-fiction setting. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints and a divided plotline, the franchise ended in an incomplete state.

The leads try hard, but the plot’s a bore. Skip unless you’re committed to the series.

3. ‘Fant4stic’ (2015)

The 2015 film ‘Fant4stic’, which served as a fresh start for the Marvel’s Fantastic Four, featured Miles Teller and Kate Mara in its cast. However, Josh Trank’s dark interpretation and interference from the studio resulted in a disappointing, disjointed superhero movie that failed to deliver joy.

The inexperienced actors showed promise, yet their performance was poorly executed, making it an unadvisable watch, except perhaps for those interested in cinematic mishaps.

2. ‘Madame Web’ (2024)

‘Madame Web’ centres around Cassandra Webb (played by Dakota Johnson), a paramedic who develops psychic abilities. She then safeguards three adolescents from a Spider-Man-related antagonist with powers derived from spiders. This action-packed spinoff of Spider-Man features dialogue that feels stiff, editing that’s disjointed, and a storyline that quickly fades from memory.

This story’s attempt at a psychic superhero genre falls flat, but Johnson’s witty personality provides a touch of amusement. It may not be recommended unless you have a fondness for subpar superhero narratives that border on the hilarious.

1. ‘The Room’ (2019 re-release)

Tommy Wiseau’s film ‘The Room’, initially released in 2003 and re-released in 2019, centers around Johnny (played by Wiseau) in an unusual love triangle. Known for its confusing storyline, poor acting, and cult following, it has earned a reputation as one of the most poorly made movies of the decade.

The film’s unique blend of being hilariously bad makes it a classic, but it’s excruciatingly hard to watch. It’s recommended only for those who appreciate a good dose of irony and enjoy witnessing disasters.

2025-06-17 00:45