There’s no denying that Netflix boasts an array of excellent films, solidifying its position as a leading streaming platform. However, nestled among the gems are some truly dreadful movies that leave viewers scratching their heads over how they ever came to be.
Among the plethora of subpar films available, these ten stand out as the most egregious. You might choose to watch them for the sheer absurdity or, more wisely, to skip them entirely.
The Divergent Series: Allegiant (2016)
Upon its release, the Divergent series was largely viewed as a pale imitation of the Hunger Games trend. Lacking fresh insights into the creation of a dystopian society, it suffered a disastrous box office performance that ultimately led to its untimely demise, leaving fans of the original novels deeply disappointed as the story remained unfinished.
The Cat in the Hat (2003)
This film arguably marked the low point of Mike Myers’ career outside of the beloved Shrek franchise. Burdened by nightmarish prosthetics in his portrayal of Dr. Seuss’s whimsical character, the film stripped the original tale of its charm, earning a reputation as one of 2003’s biggest flops. The backlash was so significant that Audrey Geisel, Dr. Seuss’s widow, intervened to prevent future live-action adaptations of his work.
Bright (2017)
In this world where Will Smith portrays a cop partnered with an orc, one might expect an engaging fantasy action film. Unfortunately, the execution falls flat, attempting—and failing—to deliver a meaningful commentary on race relations. Despite its success among audiences, critics rightly condemned the film for its flaws.
The Bubble (2022)
I was drawn to The Bubble primarily for its stars, Karen Gillan and Pedro Pascal, hoping their talent would lift this pandemic-themed comedy. The film’s faux-movie-within-a-movie, with its ludicrous title Cliff Beasts 6: Battle for Everest – Memories of a Requiem, seemed promising. Regrettably, my expectations were dashed; the film lacked humor and saw both actors fail to deliver, leaving me disappointed in the screenplay.
Death Note (2017)
The adaptation of Death Note sparked major controversy regarding its cultural authenticity. Critics argued against altering the characters’ ethnic backgrounds, while producers defended their vision as an American rendition of a Japanese classic. The end result, a muddled film that even Willem Dafoe couldn’t salvage, remains notorious as a poorly executed whitewashed adaptation.
The Emoji Movie
From the get-go, it was evident that The Emoji Movie would be a disaster—and it did not disappoint. This lackluster cash grab centered around emojis living within a smartphone featured a trite plot and humor that only young children might appreciate. And really, what was Patrick Stewart thinking when he signed on to voice the poop emoji?
Thunder Force
Attempting to merge superhero and comedy genres, Thunder Force ultimately fell flat. Starring Melissa McCarthy and her estranged best friend Octavia Spencer gaining superpowers, the film was devoid of humor and teetered on the edge of tediousness. Even the least favorable entries in the MCU greatly overshadow this offering.
The Ridiculous Six (2015)
This Adam Sandler-led comedy-Western showcases the kind of humor typical of Sandler’s outings—far from stellar. With an ensemble cast that includes Terry Crews and Luke Wilson, it’s surprising they didn’t swiftly regret their involvement. Boasting a dismal 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s notorious not only for poor comedy but also for offensive representation, prompting several Native actors to walk off set in protest.
Madame Web (2024)
After the disappointing reception of Morbius, many assumed that the Sony Spider-Man Universe had hit rock bottom. Yet, Madame Web managed to dig an even deeper trench of mediocrity, offering a lackluster experience that seemed to drain any enthusiasm from its cast, with Dakota Johnson appearing despondent. On a positive note, it did provide material for a slew of amusing memes.
Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)
Once again featuring Dakota Johnson, her involvement in Fifty Shades of Grey raises eyebrows. Adapted from a poorly received novel about a BDSM relationship, the film garnered initial popularity yet has since prompted many to reflect on its baffling success. What were audiences thinking at the time?
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