Guilty Pleasures?
We all have them hiding in our streaming history—those movies that critics demolished, but we can't stop watching. Bad special effects? Cheesy dialogue? Ridiculous plots? Sometimes, these elements are the ones that keep us coming back for more.
Super Mario Bros. (1993)
Long before the animated hit of 2023, Mario and Luigi made their first cinematic appearance in this bizarre live-action adaptation. Starring Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo as the plumber brothers, the film took a dark, dystopian approach that bewildered Nintendo fans.
Super Mario Bros. (1993) - 4K POWER Trailer by Umbrella Entertainment
Super Mario Bros. (1993) (Cont.)
Despite being considered one of the worst video game adaptations ever made, Super Mario Bros. has developed a cult following. As one Redditor confessed, “I loved the movie. I didn't even care that it was nothing like the games; it was just so surreal, weird, stylish, and fun”.
Super Mario Bros. (1993) - 4K POWER Trailer by Umbrella Entertainment
Rat Race (2001)
Jerry Zucker assembled an all-star comedy cast, including Rowan Atkinson, Whoopi Goldberg, and John Cleese, for this madcap adventure. The premise is simple: eccentric casino owner Donald Sinclair invites random guests to race from Las Vegas to New Mexico. The first to arrive wins $2 million cash.
[4K] The Contestants | Rat Race (2001) | 4K Blu-ray™ Movie Clips | 4K60ᴴᴰ by Atlas Cinematic
Rat Race (2001) (Cont.)
This results in pure comedic chaos as the competitors employ increasingly desperate measures to reach the finish line. As a successor to 1963's It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, it delivered slapstick comedy and absurd situations that critics dismissed as lowbrow yet enjoyed watching.
[4K] The Contestants | Rat Race (2001) | 4K Blu-ray™ Movie Clips | 4K60ᴴᴰ by Atlas Cinematic
Big Trouble In Little China (1986)
Originally conceived as a Western set in the 1880s, the story was reimagined in modern-day San Francisco's Chinatown. Kurt Russell's swaggering truck driver Jack Burton teams up with Wang Chi (Dennis Dun) to rescue Wang's kidnapped fiancee from ancient sorcerer Lo Pan (James Hong).
Big Trouble in Little China (1986) | Shadowless Preview Trailer | 4K 60FPS by Retro Remix Reels
Big Trouble In Little China (1986) (Cont.)
The movie's visuals and elaborate mythology drew from Chinese folklore while subverting Hollywood tropes. What makes Big Trouble in Little China particularly interesting is how it positions the cocky American hero as more of a bumbling sidekick than an actual savior.
Big Trouble in Little China (1986) | Shadowless Preview Trailer | 4K 60FPS by Retro Remix Reels
She's The Man (2006)
"Do you like cheese?" This quotable gender-bending comedy displays Amanda Bynes at the height of her comedic powers. The film cleverly adapts Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. It follows Viola Hastings as she disguises herself as her twin brother to enter the boys' football team.
SHE'S THE MAN | 15th Anniversary Trailer | Paramount Movies by Paramount Movies
She's The Man (2006) (Cont.)
Complications arise when Hastings falls for her roommate, Duke, while maintaining her masculine charade. Director Andy Fickman crafted a perfect vehicle for Bynes' physical comedy and impeccable timing. Despite initial dismissal as just another teen comedy, She's the Man has earned lasting cultural relevance.
SHE'S THE MAN | 15th Anniversary Trailer | Paramount Movies by Paramount Movies
Overboard (1987)
Before we understood concepts like gaslighting and Stockholm syndrome, this romantic comedy from Garry Marshall somehow made amnesia-based deception seem charming. Real-life couple Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell's chemistry enhances what could have been a profoundly problematic premise.
Overboard (1987) Original Trailer [FHD] by HD Retro Trailers
Overboard (1987) (Cont.)
Heiress Joanna falls from her yacht and develops amnesia. After this, carpenter Dean, whom she previously mistreated, convinces her she's his wife. The movie, with its questionable ethics, subverts expectations by having Dean fall genuinely in love with the person Joanna becomes when stripped of her privilege.
Overboard (1987) Original Trailer [FHD] by HD Retro Trailers
Beverly Hills Ninja (1997)
Yes, the film's critical reception was abysmal, but its legacy lives on through Farley's dedicated performance. His commitment to every scene, especially the iconic palm tree sequence, proves to us why he remains a beloved figure. This was the last movie released before his death.
3 Arts Entertainment, Beverly Hills Ninja (1997)
Beverly Hills Ninja (1997) (Cont.)
Beverly Hills Ninja captures a comedic legend at his physical peak. It reminds us of the joy of watching someone throw themselves completely into absurdity with absolutely zero self-consciousness. Produced on an $18 million budget, the movie grossed $37.9 million worldwide.
3 Arts Entertainment, Beverly Hills Ninja (1997)
Good Burger (1997)
"Welcome to Good Burger, home of the Good Burger. Can I take your order?" Teenage Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell starred in this Nickelodeon spinoff that expanded their popular "All That" sketch into feature length. It revolves around dim-witted but good-natured Ed.
Good Burger: Ed's sauce by Binge Society
Good Burger (1997) (Cont.)
He teams up with summer employee Dexter to save their small burger joint from corporate competitor Mondo Burger. Of course, the plot is nonsensical and the humor juvenile, but that's precisely why millennials remember Good Burger. Underneath its silly surface, the movie champions friendship and integrity.
Good Burger: Ed's sauce by Binge Society
The Emperor's New Groove (2000)
This Disney oddball emerged from the troubled production of Kingdom of the Sun. Its minimalist approach to music (only one major song) disappointed fans expecting a classic Disney soundtrack. The story is centered on a selfish emperor transformed into a llama and a peasant who reluctantly helps him.
Walt Disney, The Emperor's New Groove (2000)
The Emperor's New Groove (2000) (Cont.)
Eartha Kitt's villainous Yzma and her assistant Kronk (Warburton) complete one of Disney's funniest quartets. Praised for its humor and unique tone, the movie was considered a refreshing departure from traditional Disney formulas. Roger Ebert described it as “an engaging screwball comedy”.
Walt Disney, The Emperor's New Groove (2000)
White Chicks (2004)
The Wayans brothers crossed every conceivable line here. Two Black FBI agents disguise themselves as white socialites to prevent a kidnapping plot. Apparently, Marlon and Shawn Wayans underwent hours of makeup daily to turn into the Wilton sisters. Sadly, the storyline was considered overly contrived and shallow.
White Chicks (2004) Opening Scene 4K HDR by Giggle Galaxy
White Chicks (2004) (Cont.)
Today, its dialogues, particularly Terry Crews' "making my way downtown" scene, continue circulating on social media. His portrayal of Latrell Spencer is particularly loved for those exaggerated antics. Some fans argue that the film offers lighthearted satire on privilege and identity.
White Chicks (2004) A Thousand Miles (Both Scenes) 4K Refreshed by Credit Cookies, Trailers & More
Hope Floats (1998)
Sandra Bullock shines in this small-town romance that gives cozy 90s vibes. When Birdee Pruitt's marriage implodes on national television, she retreats to her childhood home in Smithville, Texas, with her daughter. The Americana backdrop provides a well-suited setting for the mid-life reinvention story.
Hope Floats (3/3) Movie CLIP - Dancing's Just a Conversation (1998) HD by Movieclips
Hope Floats (1998) (Cont.)
Fans believe the movie’s greatest strength lies in its quiet moments. For instance, Bullock's understated performance, her chemistry with Harry Connick Jr., and the mother-daughter dynamics that anchor the emotional core. Whitaker's direction was described as uneven, with awkward scene transitions that disrupted the flow.
Hope Floats (1998) | Movie Trailer | Sandra Bullock, Harry Connick by From a Lost Deck
Practical Magic (1998)
Let’s talk about the Owens sisters. They carry a terrible curse: any man who falls in love with them is doomed to an early death. This supernatural romantic drama stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as Sally and Gillian, witches attempting to escape their magical heritage.
Stargate Studios, Practical Magic (1998)
Practical Magic (1998) (Cont.)
When Gillian's abusive boyfriend dies mysteriously, the sisters hold on to their powers to fight the darkness. Griffin Dunne's film was hit with critics who couldn't decide if it was a rom-com, horror movie, or family drama. The film collected only $68.3 million worldwide.
Warner Bros., Practical Magic (1998)
Hot Rod (2007)
Hot Rod’s dedication to nonsensical humor—from Rod's random outburst of anger in a forest to the hilariously extended falling sequence—makes it a true comedy outlier. Its cast, including Bill Hader, Danny McBride, and Isla Fisher, all commit entirely to the film's deadpan absurdity.
Hot Rod (2007) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers by Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers
Hot Rod (2007) (Cont.)
Andy Samberg plays an amateur stuntman, Rod Kimble, who attempts a death-defying motorcycle jump to raise money for his stepfather's heart transplant. Talented actors like Will Arnett and Ian McShane were considered underutilized, with their roles overshadowed by the movie's silliness.
Hot Rod (2007) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers by Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers
St. Elmo's Fire (1985)
Here, we see seven recent college graduates tackling the harsh realities of post-university life in Georgetown. Each of them grapples with their quarter-life crisis in a Reagan-era America setting. Apparently, the title refers to the atmospheric phenomenon sailors mistook for a guiding light.
St. Elmo's Fire, Columbia Pictures
St. Elmo's Fire (1985) (Cont.)
It works as a perfect metaphor for the illusory nature of adulthood these characters pursue. Critics panned its melodramatic portrayals and privileged character problems, but the film captured the universal anxiety of that transitional life phase. The film holds a 39% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
St. Elmo's Fire, Columbia Pictures
Batman & Robin (1997)
George Clooney donned the cowl and cape in this neon-soaked extravaganza that brought Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman) to the big screen. It is said that the camp aesthetic and toy-commercial approach nearly killed the Batman franchise altogether.
Batman & Robin (1997) (Cont.)
Yet decades later, Batman & Robin has found its audience among those who appreciate its unabashed silliness. One Reddit viewer states that even though it is a blatantly terrible movie, it's surely one of the most entertaining and quotable superhero movies.
Showgirls (1995)
As one of Hollywood's most intriguing failures, Verhoeven's infamous NC-17 drama follows dancer Nomi Malone (Elizabeth Berkley), a recent graduate of Saved by the Bell. She is busy making her way through the predatory entertainment industry, alternating between vulnerability and violent overacting.
Showgirls (1995) [Vinegar Syndrome Ultra 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray Promo Trailer] by Vinegar Syndrome
Showgirls (1995) (Cont.)
It’s true that the film's melodramatic pool scene and campy banter have made it legendary in bad-movie circles. However, midnight screenings, Rocky Horror-style audience participation, and critical reappraisal have reframed Showgirls as a deliberate satire on American excess and fame obsession.
Showgirls (1995) [Vinegar Syndrome Ultra 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray Promo Trailer] by Vinegar Syndrome
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
The hype around Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's romance, while shooting almost stole the spotlight. When John and Jane Smith get orders to take each other out, their boring marriage gets a spark as they pull off crazy attempts to kill one another, all while racing.
New Regency Productions, Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005) (Cont.)
Director Doug Liman balanced explosive action sequences with sharp domestic comedy. He did so by crafting a movie that works equally well as date night entertainment or popcorn thriller. While some dismissed it as style over substance, the leads' undeniable chemistry won over others.
Summit, Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
Confessions Of A Shopaholic (2009)
Based on Sophie Kinsella's bestselling novels, this candy-colored comedy is about Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher), a financial journalist with a secret shopping addiction. Released after the 2008 financial crisis, the movie's celebration of retail therapy and credit card debt struck many fans as tone-deaf and shallow.
Confessions Of A Shopaholic (2009) (Cont.)
What saves this film from total frivolity is Fisher's committed performance. Her physical comedy and genuine vulnerability change what could have been a one-dimensional character into someone surprisingly relatable. The exploration of compulsive shopping as escapism and emotional crutch resonates with people who’ve justified an unnecessary purchase.
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Several years later, some elements feel dated, but Mrs. Doubtfire’s refusal to provide a typical Hollywood reunion ending remains refreshingly honest. Williams shifted between his natural persona, the Doubtfire character, and the "Daniel pretending to be Doubtfire" layers.
MRS. DOUBTFIRE Clip - I Do Voices (1993) Robin Williams by JoBlo Movie Clips
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) (Cont.)
The movie doesn't shy away from the painful realities of family dissolution while still delivering Williams' trademark improvisational comedy. It oscillates between slapstick comedy and serious themes like divorce and custody battles. The message about putting children first in challenging situations struck an emotional chord.
Mrs. Doubtfire(1993),20th Century Fox
The Fast And The Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)
At first, viewers were perplexed by the Fast franchise's black sheep since it completely deviated from the familiar characters and American settings. After all, the movie introduced viewers to the art of drift racing through neon-lit streets and dizzying parking garages while following Sean Boswell.
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006), Universal Pictures
The Fast And The Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006) (Cont.)
One Redditor even noted that the film's “neon-soaked visual poetry is a sensory delight we cannot help but go back to”. However, Lucas Black's portrayal of Sean Boswell was criticized for being bland and lacking charisma compared to other Fast & Furious protagonists.
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006), Universal Pictures
Con Air (1997)
Con Air’s premise—a hijacked prison transport plane filled with the most dangerous criminals, is wildly implausible and riddled with weird scenarios. Critics like Roger Ebert have called it "preposterous" but admitted that it was entertaining. Also, the film's logic often takes a backseat to spectacle.
Con Air (1997) (Cont.)
For instance, moments like Nicolas Cage’s character throwing a message on a corpse out of the plane or the crash landing on the Las Vegas Strip. We can’t deny, though, that the supporting cast reads like an action movie dream team featuring John Cusack and Ving Rhames.
Legally Blonde (2001)
Dismissed by some as a shallow chick flick upon release, Reese Witherspoon's pink-clad Harvard Law student has grown into a feminist icon. Elle Woods defies expectations by excelling academically while maintaining her authentic self. She proves that intelligence and femininity aren't mutually exclusive.
Legally Blonde (2001) | Official Trailer | MGM Studios by Amazon MGM Studios
Legally Blonde (2001) (Cont.)
Decades later, the movie’s message about not judging by appearances resonates more powerfully than ever. Its quotable dialogue ("What, like it's hard?") and vibrant aesthetic make it endlessly rewatchable. Beneath its bubbly surface lies a smart commentary on gender bias and the power of self-belief.
Legally Blonde (2001) | Official Trailer | MGM Studios by Amazon MGM Studios
13 Going On 30 (2004)
While this piece was criticized for its predictable plot and uneven execution, it won audiences over with its charm, nostalgia, and Jennifer Garner’s delightful performance. The actress convincingly mastered the innocence and enthusiasm of a 13-year-old in an adult’s body.
Revolution Studios, 13 Going On 30 (2004)
13 Going On 30 (2004) (Cont.)
Unfortunately, some fans described it as a “harmless piffle”. Additionally, 13 Going On 30 is similar to another "body-swap" trope seen in movies like Big or Freaky Friday. Hence, critics felt it lacked originality and relied too heavily on recycled ideas.
