Worst Actors of All Time

This list focuses on male actors whose careers have been marked by critically panned films, famously troubled projects, or performances that consistently received negative reviews. For each actor, we’ll look at the roles they’re most known for, how critics reacted to their work, any ‘Razzie’ awards they’ve received, and how those films performed commercially – whether they flopped in theaters or went straight to home video. It’s a look at careers that often failed to impress critics, even when audiences enjoyed the movies. We’ve included film titles to help you understand how these reputations developed.

Tommy Wiseau

Tommy Wiseau is famous for ‘The Room,’ a movie he wrote, directed, produced, and starred in. While intended as a serious drama, the film became a cult hit due to its hilariously bad acting and strange directing choices, often shown at late-night screenings. Wiseau has continued to take on small roles related to the film’s devoted fanbase. His unusual public image and enigmatic past keep people fascinated with his work, even though he hasn’t had much success in mainstream cinema.

Steven Seagal

I remember when Steven Seagal first hit the scene – movies like ‘Above the Law’ and ‘Under Siege’ were genuinely exciting action flicks! But honestly, things changed. A lot of his later work went straight to video, and you could really see the difference. Critics (and let’s be real, even I) started noticing his performances felt a bit stiff, and it was pretty obvious when they used a stunt double. He kept making movies, that’s for sure, but they weren’t really aiming for the big screen anymore. It felt like he was sticking to formulas he knew, and his characters didn’t have a lot of depth. It was a shame, because he had so much potential early on.

Rob Schneider

Rob Schneider starred in popular comedies like ‘Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo’ and ‘The Hot Chick,’ though they often received negative reviews. He was frequently nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award, recognizing films considered among the worst. Throughout his career, he often worked with Adam Sandler on group projects. Even though critics didn’t love his movies, they sometimes did well at the box office.

Hayden Christensen

Hayden Christensen faced a lot of criticism for his portrayal of Anakin Skywalker in ‘Attack of the Clones’ and ‘Revenge of the Sith’. Many viewers and critics found his line delivery and lack of chemistry with other actors problematic. While he appeared in films like ‘Jumper’ and ‘Takers’ with varying degrees of success, his career has been marked by periods away from leading roles in big-budget movies, before his recent return to popular franchises.

Taylor Lautner

Taylor Lautner first became famous playing Jacob Black in the ‘Twilight’ films, gaining attention for his physical change more than his acting. After ‘Twilight’ ended, movies like ‘Abduction’ weren’t successful with reviewers or audiences. He then focused on smaller television and streaming roles. Overall, his career shows a significant decrease in major film roles after the height of the ‘Twilight’ series.

Jai Courtney

Jai Courtney has appeared in several big movies like ‘A Good Day to Die Hard’, ‘Terminator Genisys’, and ‘Suicide Squad’. However, critics often felt his acting in these films was somewhat wooden. He continued to be cast in action-heavy roles that focused on his physical presence and intensity rather than complex characters. He generally received better reviews for his supporting roles than for when he played the main character.

Alex Pettyfer

Alex Pettyfer appeared in the films ‘I Am Number Four’ and ‘Beastly,’ neither of which were well-received by critics. Early in his career, stories about difficulties on movie sets hindered his progress with major studio projects. As a result, he began focusing on smaller films and projects for streaming services, occasionally taking on directing roles. Despite being initially promoted as a teen heartthrob, he wasn’t able to maintain consistent success at the box office.

Kellan Lutz

I first really noticed Kellan Lutz in ‘Twilight,’ and he seemed poised for big things when he landed the lead in ‘The Legend of Hercules.’ Sadly, that movie didn’t really connect with audiences, and a lot of his work since then has gone straight to video. Looking at his career, he’s often part of a larger cast, rather than being the main star. He’s still working, mostly on genre films, but they don’t usually get wide releases in theaters.

Kevin James

Kevin James is known for starring in comedies like ‘Paul Blart: Mall Cop’, ‘Zookeeper’, and ‘Pixels’, which often weren’t well-received by critics. He’s gained a loyal following thanks to his lighthearted, family-friendly humor and his background in television. While he’s tried dramatic roles, the results have been inconsistent. A lot of his movies focus more on physical comedy and silly situations than on developing complex characters.

David Spade

David Spade is known for movies like ‘Joe Dirt’ and ‘The Benchwarmers,’ which weren’t popular with critics but found a loyal audience on TV and streaming. He consistently appeared in comedy films and often did voice work. Generally, his TV shows were better received by reviewers than his movies, and he rarely earned critical acclaim as the lead in a film.

John Travolta

As a film buff, I’ve always been fascinated by John Travolta’s career. It’s been such a rollercoaster! He’s had incredible highs, with some truly iconic roles, but also some notorious flops like ‘Battlefield Earth’ and ‘Gotti’ – films that unfortunately earned him a lot of Razzie attention. Lately, I’ve noticed he’s been in a lot of smaller films that didn’t get wide releases. Looking at his whole filmography, it’s clear he’s swung wildly between working on really respected projects and making some pretty questionable choices.

Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone is a hugely successful movie star, though his acting has faced criticism throughout his career, especially in films like ‘Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot’ and later installments of his popular franchises. He’s received many Razzie Awards – given for the worst in film – and been nominated even more times. Despite this, he remains a dominant figure in action movies and continues to star in and lead major film series. He’s known more for his strong physical performances than for showcasing a wide emotional range.

Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher starred in popular but critically panned comedies like ‘Dude, Where’s My Car?’ and ‘What Happens in Vegas.’ While his dramatic role in ‘Jobs’ received mixed reviews – many noted his performance focused on imitating Steve Jobs rather than offering a deep portrayal – he found more success on television, where his comedic skills shone. Over time, he shifted his focus from leading film roles to producing and investing in technology companies.

Vin Diesel

Vin Diesel is best known for his role in the ‘Fast and Furious’ movies, though other films, like ‘The Last Witch Hunter,’ haven’t been very successful. He often plays tough, quiet characters, and hasn’t shown a lot of range as an actor. He’s struggled to start new franchises outside of the ‘Fast and Furious’ series, but his voice acting in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ has consistently been praised.

Gerard Butler

Gerard Butler often switches between action films and romantic comedies, but his movies haven’t always been well-received. While films like ‘Movie 43’ and the ‘Has Fallen’ series have been commercially successful, they’ve often faced criticism. He regularly appears in action movies made with moderate budgets, aiming for audiences around the world. Despite consistently drawing viewers, his films rarely get positive reviews from critics.

Chuck Norris

Chuck Norris became famous for playing tough, silent characters in shows like ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ and movies such as ‘Missing in Action’. While critics pointed out he didn’t show a lot of emotion in his roles, he was known for action-packed fight scenes and playing clear-cut heroes. Over time, humorous internet memes about his supposed toughness became more popular than his actual work as an actor.

Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal starred in a few movies, most notably ‘Kazaam’ and ‘Steel,’ but both were poorly received by critics. His film roles seemed to rely more on his celebrity status and marketing potential than on his acting ability. Despite not finding success in film, O’Neal continued to thrive as a popular personality in broadcasting and business, and he rarely appeared in movies after his early films didn’t perform well at the box office.

Machine Gun Kelly

Colson Baker, known as Machine Gun Kelly, has acted in movies such as ‘The Dirt’, ‘Good Mourning’, and ‘Midnight in the Switchgrass’. Critics have often noted that his acting tends to be monotone and lacks emotional depth. His film work is usually connected to his music and public image. He continues to appear in smaller, independently produced films and those with moderate budgets.

Vanilla Ice

Vanilla Ice, whose real name is Robert Van Winkle, starred in the movie ‘Cool as Ice,’ but it wasn’t well-received by critics or moviegoers. While he continued to work, his later projects mostly involved brief appearances and capitalizing on past popularity. He ultimately became more known for his reality TV shows focused on home renovation than for his acting. That initial film failure largely overshadowed his entire career on screen.

Adam Sandler

Adam Sandler is known for both successful movies and comedies that critics often dislike, such as ‘Jack and Jill’ and ‘Grown Ups 2’. He’s received several Razzie Awards for these less-praised films, which rely on broad, simple humor. However, deals with streaming services have kept his work popular even when reviews are negative. While he’s proven his acting ability in more serious roles, most of his movies are generally considered critically poor.

Neil Breen

Neil Breen independently made and acted in very low-budget movies such as ‘Double Down’, ‘Fateful Findings’, and ‘Twisted Pair’. These films have become popular with a dedicated fanbase despite – or perhaps because of – their unusual storylines and noticeable technical issues. Breen’s acting style often features long speeches and sudden changes in emotion. His movies are typically shown at small screenings or sold directly to his followers.

Pauly Shore

Pauly Shore starred in popular but critically panned comedies like ‘Encino Man’, ‘Son in Law’, and ‘Bio-Dome’. He often found himself nominated for a Razzie Award during his most active years in film. Since then, he’s mostly appeared in smaller roles and focused on stand-up comedy, as his leading roles in movies decreased following a series of box office disappointments.

Stephen Baldwin

As a movie fan, I always remember Stephen Baldwin from ‘The Usual Suspects,’ though he’s been in a lot of films, including the quirky ‘Bio-Dome’ and many that went straight to video. After the ’90s, he seemed to move towards smaller, lower-budget projects and even dipped his toes into reality TV. Critics often pointed out that he wasn’t the most versatile actor, but he’s still working steadily today, mostly on faith-based films and independent projects, which is great to see.

Sam Worthington

Sam Worthington first gained widespread recognition with roles in ‘Terminator Salvation’ and the massive hit ‘Avatar,’ and then starred in ‘Clash of the Titans’ and its sequel. Critics often commented that his performances in these big-budget films lacked energy. He continued to take on leading roles in action and thriller movies, receiving generally mixed reviews. More recently, he’s worked in both large ensemble casts and streaming films, balancing established franchises with new projects.

Taylor Kitsch

Taylor Kitsch initially gained recognition through television and then starred in the big-budget films ‘John Carter’ and ‘Battleship’. Unfortunately, both movies didn’t perform well in North American theaters and received generally unfavorable reviews. After these films, Kitsch began taking on more supporting roles and appearing in limited-run series. He then expanded his work to include dramas focusing on true crime and war stories, shifting away from large franchise projects.

Liam Hemsworth

Liam Hemsworth first became well-known for his role in ‘The Hunger Games’ and later starred in ‘Independence Day: Resurgence’. While often praised for his subtle acting, critics felt his characters weren’t always fully developed. He continued to take on leading roles in action movies and shows for streaming services, though these projects didn’t receive widespread critical acclaim.

Orlando Bloom

Orlando Bloom first gained fame for his roles in blockbuster franchises like ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. While initially praised for his captivating on-screen presence, some critics later noted a limited range when he took on roles outside of these large-scale films. Throughout his career, he’s balanced work in big ensemble movies with smaller, more focused thrillers, and has also appeared in stage productions and television shows alongside his film work.

Jaden Smith

Jaden Smith is known for his roles in films like ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’, ‘The Karate Kid’, and ‘After Earth’. Later in his career, critics often pointed out that his acting sometimes felt stiff and lacked emotional depth. He then focused on music and fashion, appearing in movies less often. He began releasing music and films primarily through streaming and more unconventional channels.

Nick Swardson

Nick Swardson has acted in films like ‘Grandma’s Boy’ and ‘Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star’, as well as several other comedies with large casts. While his own starring movie wasn’t well-received by critics or audiences, he continued to work steadily in mainstream comedy films. He also maintained a presence through stand-up comedy specials and voice acting work.

David Hasselhoff

David Hasselhoff became famous for his roles in ‘Knight Rider’ and ‘Baywatch,’ and later often appeared as himself or played on his past successes. While he gained fans worldwide through TV and music, his movies weren’t usually critically acclaimed and he rarely played substantial, complex characters. Leading roles in films were uncommon and generally received negative reviews.

Dolph Lundgren

Dolph Lundgren is best known for his action roles in films like ‘Rocky IV’ and ‘Universal Soldier,’ and he’s appeared in many movies released directly to video. He often played strong, silent characters, focusing more on physical presence than lengthy dialogue. He’s consistently worked in film around the world, and his role in ‘The Expendables’ helped bring him back into the spotlight.

Jean-Claude Van Damme

Jean-Claude Van Damme starred in popular martial arts movies like ‘Bloodsport’, ‘Kickboxer’, and ‘Timecop’. While critics often pointed out his acting wasn’t very diverse, they acknowledged his impressive fight choreography. Over time, many of his films were released directly to video and found smaller audiences. He occasionally took on roles that playfully referenced his own persona, which briefly earned him positive attention from critics.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger became a huge action movie star thanks to films like ‘The Terminator’, ‘Commando’, and ‘Predator’. Critics often praised his strong personality and screen presence more than his acting range. After leaving politics, his attempts to return to acting were generally not well-received unless he was in a familiar franchise. He consistently chose roles that played to his established, well-known image.

Scott Eastwood

Scott Eastwood has been in several popular films, including ‘The Longest Ride’, ‘Suicide Squad’, ‘The Fate of the Furious’, and ‘Pacific Rim: Uprising’. While he consistently landed roles, particularly in action and war movies, critics often noted that his performances lacked nuance and felt somewhat stiff. He gained recognition through supporting roles in big franchises, but hasn’t yet received widespread critical praise.

LeBron James

LeBron James moved from small roles to starring in ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’. Most of the attention around his acting focused on how well it would promote the film, rather than his performance itself. He’s continued to create and appear in projects related to sports, and his appearances on screen are largely connected to his sponsors and product launches.

Ja Rule

Ja Rule has appeared in films like ‘The Fast and the Furious,’ ‘Half Past Dead,’ and ‘I’m in Love with a Church Girl,’ but his acting performances generally received mixed to negative feedback. He often played supporting roles or was part of an ensemble cast, and many of his films were released directly to home video markets.

50 Cent

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson appeared in films such as ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’’ and ‘Righteous Kill’, as well as many action movies released directly to video. While acting, critics often noted his delivery was flat and he frequently played similar characters. He ultimately became more well-known as a producer and executive in television, continuing to act while focusing on his business ventures.

Dane Cook

Dane Cook appeared in movies like ‘Employee of the Month’, ‘Good Luck Chuck’, and ‘My Best Friend’s Girl’. While he received a lot of press, critics generally didn’t like his performances in leading roles. He continued to be successful with stand-up comedy and voice acting, but opportunities to star in major films became less frequent over time.

Brandon Routh

Brandon Routh first became well-known for playing Superman in ‘Superman Returns,’ and then appeared in smaller roles in films like ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ and various TV shows. Early reviews of his leading performance noted he seemed a bit stiff and relied heavily on imitating the original Superman. He then consistently found work as part of ensemble casts on genre television shows, but didn’t often reprise leading roles in films.

John Cena

John Cena began his acting career after wrestling, starring in action films like ‘The Marine’ and ‘12 Rounds’, and later joining larger film series. His first movies generally received poor reviews, with critics noting a lack of emotional depth. He’s since taken on comedic and family-friendly roles with mixed results. Today, he’s best known for appearing in franchises and as part of ensemble casts.

Share your own picks and the roles that sealed them in the comments.

2025-11-09 15:54