Top 10 Razzie Winning Movies We Secretly Love

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The Golden Raspberry Awards, or Razzies, are famous for celebrating the worst movies, but surprisingly, many of these films have found a second life with viewers. They often star actors at interesting points in their careers, represent ambitious failures, or boast memorable soundtracks and visuals. Here are ten Razzie “winners” that people still talk about, re-watch, and secretly enjoy, proving there’s more to them than just being considered ‘bad’ movies.

‘Showgirls’ (1995)

Paul Verhoeven’s film set in Las Vegas was a surprise winner at the Golden Raspberry Awards, taking home the prize for Worst Picture and several others, especially after receiving a rare NC-17 rating. The movie centers on a new arrival in the world of Las Vegas show business, where she encounters competitive performers and intense marketing. Elizabeth Berkley and Gina Gershon lead a cast that delivers energetic dance numbers and visually stunning stage performances. While initially controversial, the film found a second life through home video releases and special screenings, including commemorative editions and anniversary events.

‘Cats’ (2019)

This film version of the popular stage musical received several Razzie awards, including Worst Picture, shortly after its release in theaters. It brings T.S. Eliot’s poems to life using computer-generated imagery, group singing, and elaborate dance numbers. The studio quickly sent theaters an updated version of the visual effects after the opening weekend. Fans of the original show and its music continue to be drawn to the film’s soundtrack and choreography.

‘Gigli’ (2003)

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez appear in a crime-romance film that surprisingly won a Razzie Award for Worst Picture, all while facing intense media scrutiny. The story follows a low-level criminal whose job gets complicated by a kidnapping, leading him to team up with an unexpected ally. The movie underwent significant changes during production, including reshoots and a new ending, to emphasize the romantic elements. Its disappointing performance and Razzie wins became a well-known example of how relying on star power and releasing a film at a busy time of year can backfire.

‘Howard the Duck’ (1986)

This comic book, created by George Lucas, surprisingly won a Worst Picture award. It combined puppets and live actors to tell the story of an alien duck who crash-lands in Cleveland and joins forces with a rock star to battle a danger that threatens multiple dimensions. The film featured impressive creature effects and miniature sets created using the special effects technology of the mid-1980s. Beyond the movie itself, a lot of merchandise and related comics helped keep the story popular for a long time.

‘Hudson Hawk’ (1991)

Bruce Willis stars in a fun, but critically panned, heist movie where robberies are timed to popular songs. The story follows a safecracker traveling through Europe in search of Da Vinci treasures, all while dodging competing thieves and the CIA. The film features exciting scenes like breaking into museums and elaborate escapes, all set to well-known music. Filmed on location in Italy and featuring over-the-top sets, it aims for a larger-than-life, comic-book feel.

‘Battlefield Earth’ (2000)

Based on L. Ron Hubbard’s novel, this science fiction film was a critical failure, earning numerous Razzie awards and eventually being named one of the worst films of the decade. Starring John Travolta, it’s set a thousand years after an alien invasion and focuses on the human fight for freedom. The film is visually distinctive thanks to its tilted camera angles, green color scheme, and large, imposing sets for the alien bases. Its special effects and sound design are typical of early 2000s filmmaking techniques, showcasing the digital advancements studios were making at the time.

‘The Last Airbender’ (2010)

M. Night Shyamalan’s movie adaptation of the animated series was famously awarded Worst Picture, and it attempted to fit the entire story of the first book into one film. The movie follows Aang, Katara, and Sokka as they travel through different lands, each representing a different element, all while facing a growing empire. The film relied on impressive sets, stunts with wires, and computer-generated effects to bring the action and the world to life. When it was released, the movie was also presented in 3D, which was a popular way for studios to attract audiences to premium movie experiences at the time.

‘Wild Wild West’ (1999)

This film, a blend of steampunk and western genres, received the Worst Picture award after a wide release over the Fourth of July weekend. Starring Will Smith and Kevin Kline as federal agents, the story follows their pursuit of a runaway inventor whose inventions – powerful war machines – endanger the country after the Civil War. The movie is notable for its impressive, real-life mechanical creations, including a giant robotic spider featured in the final scene. A significant marketing effort included a memorable soundtrack and accompanying music videos.

‘Striptease’ (1996)

Demi Moore stars in a crime drama set in Florida that surprisingly received the Worst Picture award despite a major summer release. The film follows a mother juggling work at a nightclub, a difficult custody battle, and the uncovering of political corruption. Shot on location in South Florida, the movie features choreographed dance sequences fitting the nightclub environment. The marketing campaign heavily focused on the actress’s record-breaking salary and the film’s featured music.

‘Jack and Jill’ (2011)

Adam Sandler’s comedy film was a unique Razzie Awards success, winning every award that year. The movie follows two brothers during a chaotic holiday visit that unexpectedly leads to sponsorships and appearances by famous faces. Filming took place in and around Los Angeles, using both real locations and studio sets, and included funny, fake commercials. The film’s complete awards win became well-known as an example of successful parody, the power of a star’s image, and the style of comedy produced by certain studios.

What other Razzie winners do you keep rewatching anyway? Drop your picks in the comments.

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2025-11-11 14:15