How Many of These Horrible Movies Have You Actually Watched to the Bitter End?

Certain movies gain a notorious reputation due to troubled making-of stories or weak scripts. The films listed below are known for causing audiences to leave or react negatively, but many viewers still finished watching them. We’ll give you a brief overview of each film’s plot, creators, and what specifically made audiences uncomfortable. If you managed to sit through even a few of these, you’re a dedicated moviegoer and deserve a reward – like a bucket of popcorn!

‘Jaws: The Revenge’ (1987)

This second film in the series centers on Ellen Brody, who fears a great white shark is specifically hunting her family and has followed them to the Bahamas. Directed by Joseph Sargent, the movie stars Lorraine Gary and Michael Caine. Production was rushed to ensure it came out during the summer. The film is notable for its use of rear projection and practical effects – including a mechanical shark – to create underwater scenes.

‘The Wicker Man’ (2006)

Nicolas Cage plays a law enforcement officer investigating the disappearance of a young girl on a remote island governed by women. Director Neil LaBute reimagined the story from a previous version, updating the setting and relationships between characters. Filmed in the Pacific Northwest, the movie creates a sense of isolation and mystery, which were also key themes in its promotion, featuring imagery of rituals and secrets.

‘Plan 9 from Outer Space’ (1959)

Edward D. Wood Jr.’s science fiction film centers around aliens who bring the dead back to life in an attempt to halt the development of human weapons. Made on a low budget, the movie relied on simple sets and a technique where daytime footage was made to look like night. Bela Lugosi appears in the film, with some scenes using a stand-in who hid their face behind a cape. Eventually, the film became freely available and gained a following through late-night showings.

‘Street Fighter’ (1994)

The movie, starring Jean Claude Van Damme and Raul Julia, transforms the game into an action-packed military rescue mission. Directed by Steven E de Souza and filmed in Thailand and Australia, the film features a storyline with new character relationships. The fight choreography and costumes were inspired by the original arcade game’s designs.

‘Son of the Mask’ (2005)

Jamie Kennedy plays a cartoonist who unexpectedly gains magical, trouble-making abilities from an ancient Norse object. The film, directed by Lawrence Guterman, relies heavily on special effects to transform faces and create fantastical creatures. The story features a competitive dynamic between the main character and Loki, portrayed by Alan Cumming. Overall, the movie aims for lighthearted, family-friendly humor and uses a vibrant color palette.

‘Birdemic: Shock and Terror’ (2010)

A small, independent love story takes a terrifying turn when a coastal town is suddenly attacked by birds. The film, written and directed by James Nguyen, features a cast of newcomers and was made with limited resources, relying on digital effects added after filming. It built a following through film festivals and positive buzz.

‘Troll 2’ (1990)

A family’s vacation takes a strange turn when they stumble upon a small town inhabited by vegetarian goblins with a bizarre plan: to turn people into plants. The film, directed and filmed in Utah by Claudio Fragasso, featured mostly amateur actors and was shot with an international team, using English dialogue. Years later, a documentary examined the movie’s surprisingly dedicated fanbase.

‘House of the Dead’ (2003)

This movie, inspired by an arcade shooting game, follows a group of students at a rave held on an island secretly overrun by zombies. Director Uwe Boll uses actual gameplay footage between scenes. The action features both slow-motion gunfights and realistic makeup effects. The story offers a fresh take on the game’s history, introducing a scientist as the main villain.

‘Alone in the Dark’ (2005)

In this film, Christian Slater stars as a paranormal investigator who discovers creatures connected to a lost, ancient civilization. Tara Reid and Stephen Dorff also appear, and the movie is directed by Uwe Boll. While inspired by a video game series, the film reimagines the characters’ origins. The nighttime action sequences feature a mix of real-life stunts and visual effects.

‘Eragon’ (2006)

This fantasy movie tells the story of a farm boy who forms a connection with a dragon and becomes part of a rebellion. Director Stefen Fangmeier used a lot of visual effects, including blue screens and animated creatures created by leading VFX companies. Jeremy Irons and Rachel Weisz star in important roles, also providing voice performances. The filmmakers streamlined the story, combining several plotlines from the original book.

‘Green Lantern’ (2011)

Ryan Reynolds plays Hal Jordan, a character who gets a powerful ring from an alien group. The movie, directed by Martin Campbell, used a mix of real footage and completely computer-generated imagery for the hero’s suit. It also introduces the Guardians and a villain powered by yellow energy. Despite initial plans for a larger connected universe, those plans changed due to the film’s performance in theaters.

‘After Earth’ (2013)

In the film, Will Smith and Jaden Smith star as a father and son who are left behind on Earth after everyone else has left. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the movie focuses on how they learn to survive and cope with their fears. The story follows their journey on foot to reach a signal that could save them, and it was filmed in real locations in Costa Rica and the US, enhanced with computer-generated animals.

‘The Mummy’ (2017)

The new movie stars Tom Cruise and was intended to launch a series of interconnected monster films. Directed by Alex Kurtzman, it features an organization called Prodigium that investigates supernatural dangers. Sofia Boutella plays the villain, brought to life with special performance capture technology. The film is filled with exciting scenes involving planes and takes place in a desert landscape.

‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ (2009)

Hugh Jackman is back as Wolverine, but this time in a movie that explores his past – showing his early days and time working for the government. Gavin Hood directed the film, which also stars Liev Schreiber and Ryan Reynolds. Filming took place in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, and involved a lot of special effects and stunt work. Several other mutants also appear briefly, hinting at stories to come.

‘Wild Wild West’ (1999)

In the film, Will Smith and Kevin Kline star as government agents battling a villain who uses a massive, robotic spider. Director Barry Sonnenfeld combined elements of classic Westerns with futuristic, steam-powered technology. A strong marketing campaign was backed by a memorable soundtrack and music videos. The film features detailed sets that bring post-war America to life, complete with authentic costumes and imaginative, fantastical machines.

‘The Snowman’ (2017)

Michael Fassbender plays a detective hunting a serial killer who builds snowmen at each crime scene. The movie, directed by Tomas Alfredson, was filmed on location in Norway during the winter. Production faced challenges with missing footage and a very tight schedule for editing. It’s based on elements from a popular series of crime novels.

‘The Adventures of Pluto Nash’ (2002)

Eddie Murphy stars as a nightclub owner on the moon who fights against a criminal organization. The film, directed by Ron Underwood, took years to develop before it was finally made. Filmmakers constructed elaborate sets to represent a lunar colony and used models for shots of the outside. The movie underwent some changes after preview screenings before its release.

‘Dungeons & Dragons’ (2000)

This fantasy adventure centers on a group of thieves caught up in a conflict over a magical rod. Director Courtney Solomon filmed on location in Prague and used studio sets. The film stars Jeremy Irons and Thora Birch, and features a combination of real-life effects and computer-generated imagery. To expand the story, related products were also released for tabletop game enthusiasts.

‘Superman IV: The Quest for Peace’ (1987)

Christopher Reeve is back as Superman, but this time Clark Kent is also fighting for nuclear disarmament. The movie introduces a new villain powered by the sun. Directed by Sidney J. Furie, this installment was made with a smaller budget and a new visual effects team. The story returns to the classic Metropolis setting and features the characters fans know and love.

‘Holmes & Watson’ (2018)

Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly star as a comedic pair investigating a mystery at Buckingham Palace. The film, directed by Etan Cohen, was shot in England using both real locations and studio sets. The story revolves around a race against time to prevent a crime believed to be connected to Moriarty. Audience feedback from early screenings led to some changes in the final version of the movie.

‘Cats’ (2019)

The movie ‘Cats’, based on the popular stage show, brings the world of Jellicle cats to life with digital effects and appearances by famous actors like Judi Dench, Idris Elba, and Jennifer Hudson. The film initially received criticism for its quickly-produced visual effects, which were later improved. Ultimately, the movie became well-known for its extensive use of computer-generated imagery and the somewhat strange, hybrid look of the cat-human characters.

‘The Room’ (2003)

‘The Room’ is a famously unusual melodrama written, directed, produced, and starring Tommy Wiseau. The film, set in San Francisco, centers on a complex love triangle. Its strange dialogue and unpredictable plot twists quickly gained it a dedicated following, especially at late-night screenings where audiences actively participate and share inside jokes. The movie’s impact has extended beyond the screen, inspiring numerous books, documentaries, and even another film about how it was made.

‘Batman & Robin’ (1997)

I remember seeing ‘Batman & Robin’ when it came out – it was such a visually different take on the character! Joel Schumacher really went for a bright, almost neon look, and it pitted Batman against Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy. The movie starred George Clooney as Batman, along with Chris O’Donnell, Uma Thurman, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Honestly, it felt like the movie was designed to sell a lot of toys, and that seemed to really affect what Warner Bros. did with Batman for a while. Unfortunately, people didn’t love it, and instead of making more movies like it, they decided to start the whole franchise over with a new beginning.

‘Gigli’ (2003)

The movie ‘Gigli’ starred Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez in a crime-centered love story that faced many changes during production, including extensive reshoots. Directed by Martin Brest, the film centers on a minor criminal who develops a connection with a woman he’s been assigned to guard after she’s kidnapped. The film attracted a lot of attention from the tabloids because of its famous stars. However, it wasn’t successful in theaters, which led to Affleck and Lopez avoiding similar projects for a while.

‘Battlefield Earth’ (2000)

John Travolta stars in ‘Battlefield Earth’, a movie based on L. Ron Hubbard’s science fiction novel set after a devastating apocalypse. The story follows humanity’s fight against the alien Psychlos, and the film is known for its distinctive camera work. While the movie aimed for a grand, detailed world, it received a lot of criticism for its overall style and design. It has since become famous as a prime example of a poorly received film, often mentioned in lists of the worst movies ever made and in discussions of the Razzie Awards.

‘Movie 43’ (2013)

Movie 43 is a comedy made up of several short, separate sketches, featuring a huge cast of well-known actors. Each sketch was directed by a different filmmaker, resulting in a wildly varied mix of ideas and often outrageous humor. The film’s advertising focused heavily on its famous stars rather than a cohesive plot. It finally came out after a difficult and delayed production process.

‘Catwoman’ (2004)

Okay, let’s talk ‘Catwoman’ with Halle Berry. This isn’t your grandma’s Catwoman; it’s a total reinvention, and her character has no connection to the Selina Kyle we know from the comics. Visually, it’s…a lot. Director Pitof went heavy on the CGI and tried for a really slick, stylized action vibe. Honestly, it’s memorable for all the wrong reasons – I still think about that basketball scene! And let’s not forget the…unique leather costumes. But the biggest talking point? Halle Berry actually accepted a Razzie Award in person! It kept everyone talking about the movie for years, and honestly, that’s kind of iconic.

‘Dragonball Evolution’ (2009)

Okay, so ‘Dragonball Evolution’ was their attempt to bring the Dragonball manga to life with real actors – Justin Chatwin and Emmy Rossum played Goku and Bulma, if you remember. Honestly, it didn’t really work for a lot of us fans. They moved things around, changed character backgrounds, and basically squished a lot of the story into a modern setting. The casting felt off to many of us, and it just didn’t feel true to the original Dragonball we all loved. It’s become a bit of a warning for anyone trying to adapt anime or manga – you really need to stay faithful to the source material!

‘The Last Airbender’ (2010)

As a huge fan of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’, I was really excited for M. Night Shyamalan’s live-action take on the story. It basically covered the first part of the animated series, and they went all-out with the special effects – even doing a 3D conversion. Honestly, though, the casting choices and how some of the names were said really got fans talking – and not always in a good way. Sadly, because of the reaction, the plans for sequels never really happened, which was a bummer.

‘The Love Guru’ (2008)

Mike Myers is back with a funny new character in ‘The Love Guru,’ a movie about a hockey team that’s not doing well. The film stars Jessica Alba and Justin Timberlake, and includes appearances by real athletes. The humor focuses on clichés from the self-help world and popular spiritual ideas. Unfortunately, the movie received several nominations for the Razzie Awards, which recognize the worst films of the year.

‘Mortal Kombat: Annihilation’ (1997)

As a big Mortal Kombat fan, I remember ‘Annihilation’ trying to do a lot. It definitely expanded the fighter lineup from the first movie, but they also had to recast some characters. Honestly, the story felt super rushed because they were trying to cram in so many faces and storylines from the games. And, let’s be real, the special effects haven’t aged the best – it’s very obviously early CGI! A lot of fans, myself included, think it suffered from trying to include too much.

‘The Emoji Movie’ (2017)

‘The Emoji Movie’ takes place entirely inside a smartphone and tells the story of a glitching emoji who just wants to be himself. The voice cast features T.J. Miller, James Corden, and Patrick Stewart. The film mixes the digital world of apps and online landscapes with recognizable real-world products. While families went to see it when it was released, most online viewers weren’t impressed.

‘Fantastic Four’ (2015)

Josh Trank’s ‘Fantastic Four’ reimagined the superhero team with a younger cast and a story focused on scientific discovery. The film starred Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan, and Jamie Bell. Its production was marked by reports of extensive reshoots and changes in the movie’s overall feel. Unfortunately, after disappointing box office results, plans for a sequel were cancelled.

‘Super Mario Bros.’ (1993)

The movie ‘Super Mario Bros.’ presents a darker, more realistic take on the classic game, setting the story in a gritty version of New York City called Dinohattan and featuring a less evolved King Koopa. Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo star as the plumbers, but the film’s plot significantly departs from the original platform game. The production was famously troubled by difficulties and numerous script changes. Despite this, the film later gained a dedicated fanbase who appreciated its unique and unusual world.

‘Jack and Jill’ (2011)

In the comedy ‘Jack and Jill’, Adam Sandler hilariously plays both twins when one visits the other for the holidays. The movie also features Al Pacino playing himself in a significant side story, even including a commercial filmed within the movie. Several brands partnered with the filmmakers for running jokes throughout. The film went on to win a record number of Razzie Awards.

‘Disaster Movie’ (2008)

Made by the creators of several silly comedies from the mid-2000s, ‘Disaster Movie’ playfully pokes fun at recent hit films. The story is just a quick way to string together jokes, celebrity impressions, and fast-paced skits, rather than focusing on a strong narrative. The movie became well-known as an example of when these types of spoof films started to lose popularity.

‘Howard the Duck’ (1986)

‘Howard the Duck’ was one of the first Marvel characters adapted for the big screen, appearing well before the popular Marvel Cinematic Universe. The filmmakers relied heavily on detailed animatronics and special suits to bring the duck detective to life. Starring Lea Thompson and Tim Robbins, the film blends a down-to-earth story with science fiction themes. While it wasn’t a hit with audiences when it first came out, it later gained a dedicated following as a cult classic.

‘The Happening’ (2008)

I recently watched ‘The Happening,’ and it’s seriously strange! It’s about this wave of people suddenly deciding to end their lives all over the Northeast, and it follows a couple, played by Mark Wahlberg and Zooey Deschanel, as they try to figure out what’s going on and survive. The movie suggests it’s something natural causing it, spreading quickly and without any warning. What really struck me was how seriously the movie took itself – it wasn’t the jump-scare type of thriller a lot of people were expecting, and that made it even more unsettling!

‘A Good Day to Die Hard’ (2013)

The latest ‘Die Hard’ movie takes John McClane to Moscow, where he meets up with his son, whom he hasn’t seen in a while. The film features exciting action sequences like car chases and a final confrontation at a dangerous, radioactive location. However, reviewers felt it moved away from the tense, enclosed feel of earlier movies and became more of a large-scale action film. This feedback led the filmmakers to reconsider the direction of future ‘Die Hard’ installments.

‘Max Steel’ (2016)

‘Max Steel’ is a movie based on the Mattel toy line, telling the story of a teenager who gains the ability to combine with an alien. Aimed at younger viewers, the film features a simple origin story and basic special effects. Unfortunately, it suffered from release delays and a lack of promotion, resulting in a quiet debut and a quick exit from cinemas.

Let us know in the comments which books, movies, or shows you’ve completed and which ones you absolutely didn’t enjoy and won’t revisit.

2025-11-11 09:50