Halfway Through
Ever hit stop before a movie ends? You're not alone. Some films with cringe-worthy moments are just too painful to finish. So, movie lovers across the globe have shared their picks for the same.
Cats (2019)
This is what happens when you combine Andrew Lloyd Webber's eccentric musical with digital fur technology: a jarring cinematic disaster. The film Cats gained a bad reputation for its creepy look that showed human faces on computer-generated cat bodies.
CATS Official Trailer (2019) Taylor Swift, Idris Elba Movie HD by ONE Media
Cats (2019) (Cont.)
According to reports, it cost a staggering $95 million to produce but earned around $75 million worldwide. The movie even "won" six Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture. Many viewers found it uncomfortable or unintentionally comedic due to the surreal aesthetic choices and awkward execution.
CATS Official Trailer (2019) Taylor Swift, Idris Elba Movie HD by ONE Media
Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
Remember how exciting it was to finally get a real Wonder Woman movie in 2017? Fans had been waiting forever for Gal Gadot to bring that iconic superhero to life, and she totally nailed it. But then the sequel came along, and it just fell flat.
Wonder Woman 1984 - Official Main Trailer by Warner Bros.
Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) (Cont.)
Wonder Woman 1984 suffered from a script riddled with plot holes that left everyone scratching their heads. Even with a grand budget, the special effects couldn't keep up. They appeared cheap and unconvincing. Unlike its predecessor, WW84 has long stretches without significant action.
Wonder Woman 1984 - Official Trailer (2020) Gal Gadot, Kristen Wiig, and Pedro Pascal by IGN
Jupiter Ascending (2015)
The movie stars Mila Kunis as a housecleaner who finds out she's actually from a royal family in space. Channing Tatum plays her protector, a wolf-human hybrid created through genetic engineering. The narrative, however, was deemed overly complicated, with people citing weak character development.
Jupiter Ascending (2015) (Cont.)
Jupiter Ascending was originally slated for a prime summer release but was delayed to February. Well, there was no point in those lovely visuals and elaborate world-building, as audiences couldn't connect with the convoluted plot. Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis) was basically a passive protagonist.
Jack And Jill (2011)
Adam Sandler hit a real low in this comedy, in which he played both the lead roles: a successful ad executive and his annoying twin sister. Some viewers roasted the film, with Richard Roeper calling it “embarrassingly awful in every way possible”.
Jack and Jill (2011) - Jump Rope Skills Scene (5/6) | Movieclips by Movieclips
Eragon (2006)
Let’s talk about this adaptation of Christopher Paolini's young adult novel about a farm boy and his dragon. As it turns out, a couple of things went wrong here. It felt as if the film compressed a 500-page novel into 104 minutes, leaving critical plot elements untouched.
ERAGON Clips (2006) by JoBlo Movie Clips
Eragon (2006) (Cont.)
Most egregiously, the movie changed fundamental elements of the book. For instance, the protagonist named his dragon Saphira, a moment that readers knew was supposed to come from the wise mentor Brom. Additionally, Murtagh, Ajihad, and Angela were sidelined or barely featured.
Eragon (2/5) Movie CLIP - Dragon Rider (2006) HD by Movieclips
The Last Airbender (2010)
Fans worldwide were super excited about the movie adaptation of Nickelodeon's classic animated series, Avatar: The Last Airbender. Unfortunately, director M. Night Shyamalan ended up giving us one of the worst movie adaptations ever. Characters like Katara and Sokka were stripped of their personalities.
The Last Airbender (2010) - Aang vs. Master Pakku Scene (4/10) | Movieclips by Movieclips
The Last Airbender (2010) (Cont.)
Some of the pointed-out issues were the whitewashing of Asian characters, wooden performances, and sluggish pacing. The film basically attempted to condense an entire season of the animated series into a 103-minute runtime, leading to rushed storytelling and significant omissions.
The Last Airbender (2010) - The Avatar Escapes Scene (1/10) | Movieclips by Movieclips
Holmes & Watson (2018)
Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, known for their chemistry in Step Brothers and Talladega Nights, delivered lifeless and uninspired performances. Their comedic timing, usually a strength, was noticeably off. The pacing was also uneven, with scenes dragging on without purpose.
HOLMES AND WATSON - Official Trailer (HD) by Sony Pictures Entertainment
Holmes & Watson (2018) (Cont.)
Trying to make jokes about modern culture, like with a "Make England Great Again" hat, just didn't hit the mark. Critics gave the film a shocking 11% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while it received six nominations at the Golden Raspberry Awards and won four, including Worst Picture.
HOLMES AND WATSON - Official Trailer (HD) by Sony Pictures Entertainment
The Nun (2018)
Horror fans like to think they can handle anything, but The Nun really pushed their limits in a different way. Despite grossing over $365 million worldwide on a modest $22 million budget, the film earned only a 24% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
THE NUN Trailer (2018) by FilmSelect
The Nun (2018) (Cont.)
Director Corin Hardy relied so heavily on formulaic jump scares that those watching began correctly predicting every frightening moment before it happened. Apparently, Valak’s backstory and motivations were also underexplored, which left audiences confused about the demon's purpose.
THE NUN Trailer (2018) by FilmSelect
Fifty Shades Of Grey (2015)
One viewer who tried both the film and the book confessed that they wanted to see what the hype was all about. But within 15 minutes, they turned it off because of how terrible it was. Critics noted an absence of romantic chemistry between the two leads.
Focus Features, Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)
Fifty Shades Of Grey (2015) (Cont.)
Dornan’s portrayal of Christian Grey was described as wooden and uncomfortable, while Johnson's Anastasia came across as one-dimensional and unconvincing. Her character’s lack of agency and Christian’s controlling nature raised concerns about promoting unhealthy relationship dynamics under the guise of romance.
Focus Features, Fifty Shades Of Grey (2015)
Divergent (2014)
In the wake of The Hunger Games success, studios rushed to find the next big young adult dystopian franchise. It was the first installment in The Divergent Series and starred Shailene Woodley, Theo James, and Kate Winslet. However, the action scenes were sporadic.
Divergent (2014) (Cont.)
The movie’s lack of originality was particularly noticeable; it seemed like a clumsy mashup of The Hunger Games and Harry Potter. Additionally, its central theme of individuality versus conformity was undermined by its adherence to YA tropes, making its message feel shallow.
Spring Breakers (2012)
Spring Breakers, directed by Harmony Korine, is a film that mixes elements of crime, drama, and social commentary. The story follows four college girls, played by Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson, and Rachel Korine. They rob a fast-food restaurant to fund their spring break vacation.
Spring Breakers | Official Trailer HD | A24 by A24
Spring Breakers (2012) (Cont.)
Some viewers found the portrayal of female characters problematic. They argued that they were reduced to stereotypes rather than fully realized individuals. Note that the film prioritizes style over substance, with Korine admitting he intended to create a "sensory film" rather than a plot-driven one.
Spring Breakers | Official Trailer HD | A24 by A24
Knock Knock (2015)
Keanu Reeves usually knocks it out of the park, but this psychological thriller ended up being a big misstep in his otherwise solid career. Two mysterious women (played by Ana de Armas and Lorenza Izzo) show up at the home of Reeves' character during a rainstorm.
Knock Knock (2015) (Cont.)
The motivations of Genesis and Bel (the two women) were unclear and inconsistent, making their actions feel random rather than calculated or meaningful. Besides, Keanu Reeves' infamous "I was a good guy!" rant became a meme-worthy moment that underlined the movie’s tonal inconsistencies.
The Beach Bum (2019)
How does a piece starring Matthew McConaughey, Snoop Dogg, Isla Fisher, and Zac Efron fail so spectacularly? Director Harmony Korine's follow-up to Spring Breakers centered on a poet named Moondog who lives by his own rules. The narrative frustrated audiences, expecting the star-studded cast to deliver something comprehensible.
THE BEACH BUM [Official Red Band Trailer] - In Theaters March 29, 2019 by NEON
The Beach Bum (2019) (Cont.)
On Rotten Tomatoes, it received a 2.8 out of 5 audience rating with a consensus that it “fails to deliver on its tantalizing premise”. Some feel that Moondog’s (McConaughey) aimless wandering from one party to the next was tedious and unfocused.
THE BEACH BUM [Official Red Band Trailer] - In Theaters March 29, 2019 by NEON
Sausage Party (2016)
This raunchy humor culminated in a food interaction scene that became the final straw for countless viewers. Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg dropped an R-rated animated comedy about supermarket food that can talk and think, and it definitely crossed lines that left viewers feeling uneasy.
Men In Black: International (2019)
The connection between Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones indeed made the original Men in Black trilogy stand out. Unfortunately, Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson didn’t quite reach the same vibe in the new one, even though they had awesome chemistry in Thor: Ragnarok.
MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL - Official Trailer by Sony Pictures Entertainment
Men In Black: International (2019) (Cont.)
Audience members cited the wasted potential as particularly frustrating. After all, seeing "Thor and Valkyrie playing lesser versions of themselves" proved too disheartening to justify finishing the film. Also, the plot relied on cliches, with predictable twists (e.g., the "mole in the agency" trope) that lacked tension.
MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL - Official Trailer by Sony Pictures Entertainment
Artemis Fowl (2020)
Disney's take on Eoin Colfer's popular young adult series about a 12-year-old genius villain was in the works since 2001 but eventually dropped on Disney+ during the pandemic. Kenneth Branagh inexplicably transformed the book's antihero protagonist into a more conventional Disney hero, betraying the character's essence.
Disney’s Artemis Fowl | Official Trailer | Disney by Disney
Artemis Fowl (2020) (Cont.)
"I stopped watching Artemis Fowl around the time the child says he's better than Einstein, and everyone agrees," shared one viewer. The film attempted to condense multiple elements from the series into a single 95-minute runtime. This resulted in a rushed and incoherent narrative.
Disney’s Artemis Fowl | Official Trailer | Disney by Disney
Charlie's Angels (2019)
Elizabeth Banks took on the ambitious challenge of directing, producing, writing, and starring in this reboot of the iconic franchise. It featured Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska. Apparently, Charlie's Angels struggled to balance its feminist message with its action-comedy elements.
CHARLIE'S ANGELS - Official Trailer (HD) by Sony Pictures Entertainment
Charlie's Angels (2019) (Cont.)
Viewers mentioned that there wasn't much chemistry between the main characters. One critic even said the new Angels felt more like high school cheerleaders compared to the established action star Angelina Jolie. Anyway, Kristen Stewart's acting as Sabina Wilson was praised nonetheless.
CHARLIE'S ANGELS - Official Trailer (HD) by Sony Pictures Entertainment
Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen (2009)
Here is the second installment in Michael Bay's Transformers franchise, which was released in 2009. While the movie delivered visually impressive action sequences, certain individuals stated that these scenes mostly lacked clarity due to chaotic editing and excessive visual effects.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen | Official Trailer | Paramount Movies by Paramount Movies
Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen (2009) (Cont.)
Even director Michael Bay later acknowledged the film's shortcomings. He blamed the 2007-2008 writers' strike for the rushed script. Shia LaBeouf’s Sam Witwicky was seen as one-dimensional. Plus, Fox’s character Mikaela Banes ended up being too sexualized, with a bunch of unnecessary close-up shots.
Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen - Official® Trailer 2 [HD] by TrailersPlaygroundHD
Kangaroo Jack (2003)
The deceptive marketing of this PG-rated comedy misled parents and children alike. Trailers suggested a talking kangaroo adventure, but the marsupial only spoke during a brief dream sequence. This bizarre story was about two friends chasing a kangaroo who's stolen a jacket containing $50,000.
Kangaroo jack (2003) (clip 3) by Sonic the Hedgehog & The Powerpuff Girls Fan 2025
Kangaroo Jack (2003) (Cont.)
Jerry O'Connell and Anthony Anderson got a lot of flak for their exaggerated acting. The main point is that despite being titled Kangaroo Jack, the kangaroo played a minimal role in the film. When it did appear, its CGI depiction was considered unconvincing and unnecessary.
Kangaroo Jack (2003) - Trailer by Video Shack
The Internship (2013)
The Internship follows a predictable "fish-out-of-water" formula, with two middle-aged salesmen competing against tech-savvy young interns for jobs at Google. Sadly, the dynamic between Vaughn and Wilson, while occasionally charming, felt like a watered-down version of their chemistry in Wedding Crashers.
The Internship - Official Trailer - In Theaters June 7, 2013 by Google Play
The Room (2003)
This romantic drama about a love triangle became famous for its nonsensical dialogue, inexplicable plot threads, and Wiseau's uniquely awkward performance. He reportedly spent $6 million of his own mysterious fortune on the production, including the unusual decision to simultaneously shoot on both digital and 35mm film.
The Room (2003) - Trailer by Bunny Bii
The Room (2003) (Cont.)
The Room's journey from catastrophic failure to beloved cult classic was dramatized in the acclaimed film The Disaster Artist, starring James Franco as Wiseau. Today, midnight screenings continue worldwide, where audiences participate by throwing plastic spoons at the screen and reciting lines like "Oh hi, Mark!".
The Disaster Artist | Official Teaser Trailer HD | A24 by A24
Manos: The Hands Of Fate (1966)
Before internet culture made bad movies easily discoverable, there was Manos: The Hands of Fate. Interestingly, it was created as part of a bet between Harold P. Warren, an insurance and fertilizer salesman from El Paso, Texas, and screenwriter Stirling Silliphant.
Manos: The Hands Of Fate (1966) (Cont.)
Warren claimed that making a horror film was not difficult and bet Silliphant that he could make an entire film on his own. Upon its debut at the Capri Theater in El Paso, Texas, Manos was met with derision. IMDb rated it a low 1.7/10.
Gigli (2003)
The notorious romance between Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez dominated tabloid headlines during the production but couldn't entice audiences to sit through it. Apparently, Martin Brest, previously responsible for hits like Beverly Hills Cop, never directed another film after Gigli's catastrophic reception.
Gigli (2003) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers by Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers
Gigli (2003) (Cont.)
Critics tore into the movie, giving it only 6% on Rotten Tomatoes. They especially disliked the cringy dialogue, including that line from Lopez where she compared her sensuality to “turkey time”. Gigli swept the 2003 Razzie Awards with six wins, including Worst Picture and Screen Couple.
Gigli (2003) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers by Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers
Boo 2! A Madea Halloween (2017)
Reviewers pointed out that the movie was a near-exact replica of the original Madea Halloween. Tiffany defies her father by going to a risky party, and Madea and her team are after her. Boo 2! A Madea Halloween holds a 4% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Boo 2! A Madea Halloween (2017 Movie) Official Trailer – Tyler Perry by Lionsgate Movies
