What Makes A Movie So Bad It's Good?
These "so bad they're good" films have gained cult followings for their charm, as audiences enjoy embracing their unintentional comedy. Let’s look at some of the films that combine terrible acting, unrealistic plots, and cringe-worthy moments to create an oddly enjoyable experience.
Manos: The Hands Of Fate (1966)
This low-budget film makes a sock puppet show look like a Hollywood blockbuster. With its awkward pacing, wooden acting, and baffling plot, it's the kind of movie you watch and wonder if the filmmakers were trying to see how much chaos they could cram into 70 minutes.
Sun City Films, Manos: The Hands of Fate (1966)
Love Is In The Air (2023)
This romantic comedy soars to new heights. The chemistry between the leads is almost as turbulent as the flight they're on. It's a feel-good adventure where love lands perfectly—just as long as you're not expecting the plot to be too grounded in reality!
Jaggi Entertainment, Love Is in the Air (2023)
Armageddon (1998)
This high-octane disaster movie is about a group of oil drillers tasked with saving the world. Who else could handle saving humanity if not people who spend their days on a rig? Between the explosions, cheesy one-liners, and Aerosmith ballads, it's a crash course in how to blow up an asteroid and your disbelief at the same time.
Robot Monster (1953)
This low-budget science fiction film features an alien robot disguised in a gorilla suit with a space helmet attempting to wipe out humanity after a nuclear apocalypse. The film is known for its absurd premise, poor special effects, and memorable, bizarre antagonist, leading it to become a cult classic of campy cinema.
Three Dimension Pictures, Robot Monster (1953)
The Last Witch Hunter (2015)
The Last Witch Hunter (2015) is an action-fantasy film starring Vin Diesel as Kaulder, an immortal witch hunter who must battle a powerful witch queen seeking to unleash a plague on humanity. As Kaulder uncovers a conspiracy among modern-day witches, he must rely on allies and confront his dark past to stop the impending disaster.
Summit Entertainment, The Last Witch Hunter (2015)
Glen Or Glenda (1953)
Glen or Glenda is a bizarre, avant-garde film directed by Ed Wood that explores themes of gender identity and cross-dressing through a semi-autobiographical narrative. Known for its odd storytelling, awkward performances, and surreal visuals, it has since become a cult classic, appreciated for its unintentional humor and campy charm.
Screen Classics (II), Glen or Glenda (1953)
The Sweetest Thing (2002)
The Sweetest Thing is a romantic comedy starring Cameron Diaz, Christina Applegate, and Selma Blair. It is about three women who navigate love, relationships, and friendship in a fun, wild adventure. The film is known for its raunchy humor, over-the-top antics, and lighthearted take on the dating scene, offering a carefree look at misadventures of the heart.
Columbia, The Sweetest Thing (2002)
The Wicker Man (2006)
Nicolas Cage stars as a police officer who investigates the disappearance of a young girl on a mysterious island, only to uncover a pagan cult's nefarious rituals. The film is infamous for its bizarre plot twists, over-the-top performances, and unintentionally comedic moments, leading it to become a cult favorite for fans of “so bad it's good” cinema.
Warner Bros., The Wicker Man (2006)
Spice World (1997)
This musical comedy film stars the iconic girl group the Spice Girls, as they embark on a chaotic adventure leading up to a major concert. The film is a fun, wacky celebration of the group's pop culture impact. It is filled with quirky humor, colorful characters, and musical performances, making it a beloved guilty pleasure for 90s pop and nostalgia fans.
Fragile Films, Spice World (1997)
Con Air (1997)
Another action-packed thriller starring, yet again, Nicolas Cage, this film has him playing a convicted former soldier who must stop a group of unruly troublemakers trying to make a getaway on a “turbulent” flight meant for a much quieter crowd. Known for its over-the-top action, stilted dialogue, and larger-than-life performances, the film has become a cult favorite for fans of 90s action cinema.
Congo (1995)
Congo is an adventure sci-fi film based on Michael Crichton's novel. In it, a group of explorers venture into the Congo jungle to find a missing diamond mine, only to encounter dangerous gorillas and hidden threats. We love this film for its campy special effects, exaggerated performances, and a talking gorilla named Amy.
The Core (2003)
In this sci-fi disaster film, scientists embark on a dangerous mission to drill to the Earth's core and restart its failing rotation, causing catastrophic global events. Known for its implausible plot, cheesy dialogue, and unrealistic scientific concepts, the film has become a guilty pleasure for fans of "so bad it's good" cinema.
Deep Blue Sea (1999)
Deep Blue Sea is a sci-fi horror film in which a team of scientists working at a research facility in the ocean accidentally creates genetically enhanced sharks that become unexpectedly miserable in the most comical ways. Known for its thrilling action, entertaining dialogue, and iconic moments, including a memorable shark attack, the film has become a cult favorite for fans of B-movie horror and creature features.
Warner Bros., Deep Blue Sea (1999)
Face/Off (1997)
Face/Off is an action thriller directed by John Woo. In it, FBI agent Sean Archer (John Travolta) and naughty boy Castor Troy (Nicolas Cage) undergo a surgical procedure to swap faces, leading to a high-stakes battle of identity and deception. Known for its over-the-top action sequences, dramatic performances, and creative plot, the film has become a cult classic, celebrated for its thrills and memorable one-liners.
Battlefield Earth (2000)
Battlefield Earth is a science fiction film based on L Ron Hubbard's novel. Set in a dystopian future where an alien race, the Psychlos, enslaves humanity, the film is notorious for its bizarre direction, awkward performances, overuse of Dutch angles, and laughable special effects. These qualities earned it a reputation as one of the "worst" films ever, another for fans of "so bad it's good" cinema.
Morgan Creek Entertainment, Battlefield Earth (2000)
Showgirls (1995)
This drama, directed by Paul Verhoeven, centers around a young woman (Elizabeth Berkley) who moves to Las Vegas to become a successful dancer, only to encounter the seedy underbelly of the entertainment industry. Initially panned for its campy performances, gratuitous content, and dramatic tone, the film has since built a dedicated fanbase thanks to its outrageous moments, earning its place as a beloved gem in the realm of perfectly imperfect movies.
Carolco Pictures, Showgirls (1995)
Beastly (2011)
A modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast, in which a popular high school student (Alex Pettyfer) is cursed to live as a hideous, disfigured version of himself and must find true love to break the spell. Masters of disapproval pan the film for its predictable plot, one-dimensional characters, and stiff performances. Yet, it has earned a following for its gloriously awful spin on the classic fairy tale.
Birdemic: Shock And Terror (2010)
This low-budget film gifts audiences hordes of some not-so-friendly neighborhood, CGI-enhanced birds who are determined to air their grievances on a small town. Known for its terrible special effects, awkward acting, and nonsensical plot, the film has become a delightfully cheesy fan favorite, lauded for its unintentional humor and cringe-worthy moments.
Expedition Films, Birdemic: Shock and Terror (2010)
Ghoulies II (1988)
Ghoulies II is a horror-comedy sequel in which mischievous creatures hassle a rundown carnival, causing chaos and mayhem. With its cheesy special effects, campy humor, and absurd storyline, the film has earned committed admirers, beloved for its playful antics and status as a fun, low-budget horror flick.
Empire Pictures, Ghoulies II (1987)
Road House (1989)
Road House is an action-packed classic starring Patrick Swayze as a tough, philosophical bouncer hired to clean up a rowdy bar in a small town, only to face fisticuffs and fireworks. Known for its over-the-top brawn over brains scenes, cheesy dialogue, and Swayze's iconic performance, the film has become an endearingly terrible favorite for a devoted crowd.
Silver Pictures, Road House (1989)
Fear (1996)
Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon are the stars in this film, in which a teenage girl becomes involved with a charming yet hazardous young man whose obsessive behavior turns violent. Intense with a little too much sauce, Wahlberg's portrayal of the dark and stormy personality character becomes a memorable example of 90s thriller tropes.
The Happening (2008)
The Happening is a nerve-wracking noodle twist directed by M Night Shyamalan. In it, people across the northeastern United States begin mysteriously escaping the plot in a big way due to a strange environmental phenomenon. Known for its wooden performances, clumsy dialogue, and bizarre premise, the film has earned a devoted following.
Twentieth Century, The Happening (2008)
Howard the Duck(1986)
Based on the Marvel Comics character, a sarcastic, anthropomorphic duck from another dimension ends up stranded on Earth and must deal with a “no take on mercy” alien force. The film was widely criticized for its bizarre premise, campy special effects, and odd tone but has since become loved for its strange charm and unintentional humor.
Universal, Howard the Duck (1986)
Jingle All the Way (1996)
This holiday comedy stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as a busy father who scrambles to find his son the most popular toy of the season on Christmas Eve. Slapstick action, memorable performances, and outrageous antics make the film a gloriously awful holiday trainwreck of fun.
Twentieth Century, Jingle All the Way (1996)
Jupiter Ascending (2015)
Jupiter Ascending is a visually extravagant sci-fi film directed by the Wachowskis. It stars Mila Kunis as a young woman who discovers she's the heir to an intergalactic empire. Known for its bizarre plot, superb world-building, and endearingly cheesy performances, the film has gained its niche audience.
Warner Bros., Jupiter Ascending (2015)
Kung Pow: Enter The Fist (2002)
Kung Pow: Enter the Fist (2002) is a martial arts parody directed by and starring Steve Oedekerk. The film re-edits footage from a 1970s kung fu movie, adding new dialogue and absurd comedic elements. Known for its hilariously ridiculous fight scenes, the film has become a crowd favorite, beloved for its unique blend of slapstick and parody.
Twentieth Century, Kung Pow: Enter the Fist (2002)
Little Italy (2018)
Little Italy (2018) is a romantic comedy starring Emma Roberts and Hayden Christensen. Set in a small Italian-American neighborhood in Toronto, childhood sweethearts reunite while their families play silly monkeys with their pizza restaurants. It is another gem sporting a clichéd plot, cheesy dialogue, and predictable tropes but has committed admirers that love its lighthearted charm.
Voltage Pictures, Little Italy (2018)
Look Who's Talking Now (1993)
Look Who's Talking Now (1993) is the third film in the Look Who's Talking series. In this installment, the talking baby characters are now talking dogs, voiced by Danny DeVito and Diane Keaton. The film is a guilty pleasure for fans of 90s family comedies, offering lighthearted entertainment despite its predictable storyline.
TriStar, Look Who's Talking Now (1993)
Mac And Me (1988)
A young boy befriends an alien named Mac after it is accidentally separated from its family, leading to misadventures. The film is a blatant ET knockoff, with clumsy special effects, a cheesy plot, and over-the-top product placement.
Mac and Me Joint Venture, Mac and Me (1988)
Moonfall (2022)
Another team of astronauts must save Earth from a rogue moon on a collision course with the planet. The film is famous for its unbelievable plot, dazzling visuals, and overblown action scenes, gaining a "so bad it's good" status due to its ridiculous premise and grand but imperfect execution.
Old Dogs (2009)
Old Dogs (2009) is a family comedy starring Robin Williams and John Travolta as two middle-aged friends unexpectedly tasked with caring for seven-year-old twins. The film is famous for its zany formulaic storyline and mismatched performances, making it a guilty pleasure for fans of lighthearted, albeit cheesy, family movies.
Plan 9 From Outer Space (1957)
This is a lovely low-budget sci-fi film about aliens resurrecting the dead to prevent humanity from destroying itself. Nice! Famous for its laughable special effects and outlandish storyline, it has earned passionate supporters thanks to its unintentional comedy and delightfully cheesy appeal.
Reynolds Pictures, Plan 9 from Outer Space (1957)
Top Secret! (1984)
This wonderfully satirical comedy, directed by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker, blends spy thriller and musical genres as it follows an American rock star (Val Kilmer) who gets caught up in espionage while in East Germany. Known for its rapid-fire jokes, absurd humor, and slapstick gags, the film has become a cult classic for its quirky, over-the-top comedy and witty parodies.
Kingsmere Properties, Top Secret! (1984)
Batman & Robin (1997)
This film is George Clooney's turn as Batman, battling the bad guys—Mr Freeze and Poison Ivy—with flair in a colorful, over-the-top Gotham City. It is often regarded (by Clooney as well) as the worst Batman movie ever made.
Warner Bros., Batman & Robin (1997)
Street Fighter (1994)
Street Fighter (1994) is a live-action adaptation of the popular video game. It stars Jean-Claude Van Damme as Colonel Guile, who battles the grumpy General Bison (Raul Julia) to save the world. The film's dazzling dialogue, exaggerated performances, and wild action sequences captivate fans with its nostalgic charm and perfectly imperfect energy.
Universal, Street Fighter (1994)
Troll 2 (1990)
A family encounters a group of vegetarian goblins in a remote town, leading them to endure bizarre and campy events. Widely regarded as one of the worst films ever made, its laughably bad acting, ridiculous plot, and unintentional humor, make it a delightfully cringe-worthy classic.
The Room (2003)
This dramatic flick, directed by and starring Tommy Wiseau, tells the story of a love triangle that leads to betrayal and emotional turmoil. The film has become a deliciously dreadful classic with its awkward dialogue, nonsensical plot, and bizarre performances, drawing large audiences who enjoy its unintentional comedy.
Anaconda (1997)
Anaconda is a thrilling ride in which the dialogue is the only thing more terrifying than the giant snake—unless you're Jennifer Lopez. Lopez had a brush with death behind the scenes, when the animatronic snake puppet malfunctioned and attacked her for real. The actress could have drowned or been hit heavy, partially-metal puppet. Luckily, she escaped the scene unscathed.
