The Worst Movies Of All Time

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Updated March 7, 2024 1.0M views 704 items
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Add and upvote the most awful films ever made

Cinema is celebrated for its captivating stories and compelling characters, but there are also films that are totally disastrous. For every cinematic masterpiece, there exists an equal number of awful creations that leave viewers perplexed and questioning the filmmakers' intentions. The worst movies of all time are infamous productions that are known for their poor quality, laughable plots, and cringe-inducing performances. 

Examining these catastrophic films reveals an intriguing assortment of baffling narratives and subpar performances. From misguided attempts at drama to unintentionally hilarious horror films, these bad movies showcase a wide array of peculiarities that make them, in some twisted way, fascinating to watch. It's through this exploration into the depths of cinematographic failure that one can gain an understanding of what separates mediocre films from the absolute worst in history. 

For example, take Tommy Wiseau's The Room, which has garnered a cult following due to its incomprehensible plotline and bizarre dialogue. This film is the quintessential bad movie experience as it confounds viewers with its unique blend of atrocious filmmaking elements. Similarly, The Human Centipede leaves audiences shocked by its gruesome subject matter while simultaneously appalled by its lackluster execution. Another notorious entry into this category is Birdemic: Shock and Terror, boasting abysmally subpar special effects coupled with mind-numbingly dull storytelling. These are just a few examples among many others of ill-conceived productions. 

By reflecting on the countless calamitous misfires found among some of history's most reviled films, one gains insight into both the artistic pitfalls that plague filmmakers and their peculiar charm that can captivate viewers. These films defy conventional notions of what constitutes quality filmmaking. Yet, despite their shortcomings, these worst movies ever made can captivate audiences with their unique brand of bewildering charm.

Most divisive: Howard the Duck
Over 43.1K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Worst Movies Of All Time
  • The Human Centipede 2 (Full Sequence)
    1
    Laurence R. Harvey, Ashlynn Yennie, Vivien Bridson
    1,259 votes

    Taking the already disturbing concept of its predecessor to a new level, this film follows a disturbed man who becomes obsessed with recreating the grotesque human centipede experiment from the first movie. Drenched in gratuitous gore and violence, the movie's stomach-churning storyline and lack of meaningful character development have cemented its place among cinema's worst.

  • Justin Bieber: Never Say Never
    2
    10,996 votes

    This concert documentary primarily focuses on the teen idol's rise to fame, blending behind-the-scenes footage with live performances. Many critics have lambasted the film for its overly promotional tone and shallowness, arguing that it offers little insight into the artist's life beyond his manufactured image.

  • The Human Centipede 3 (Final Sequence)
    3
    Bree Olson, Eric Roberts, Tommy Lister
    1,040 votes

    The third installment of this controversial franchise sees a sadistic prison warden attempting to create an even larger human centipede from his inmates. Relying heavily on its shock factor and increasingly depraved plot devices, the film has been widely panned by critics and audiences alike for its gratuitous violence, weak narrative, and overall tastelessness.

  • Mean Girls 2
    4
    Claire Holt, Tim Meadows, Nicole Gale Anderson
    2,183 votes

    This straight-to-video sequel attempts to recapture the charm and humor of the original cult classic but fails miserably. With a lackluster script and an entirely new cast of characters, the film lacks the wit and bite of its predecessor and is widely regarded as an unnecessary and disappointing follow-up.

  • DRAGON BALL EVOLUTION
    5

    DRAGON BALL EVOLUTION

    Emmy Rossum, Jamie Chung, James Marsters
    3,190 votes

    This live-action adaptation of the popular manga and anime series has been widely maligned for its poor casting choices, unfaithful story adaptation, and lackluster special effects. Fans of the source material were left disappointed by the film's failure to capture the spirit and charm of the beloved franchise.

  • 100 Tears
    6
    Raine Brown, Jeff Dylan Graham, Kibwe Dorsey
    687 votes

    Centering on a vengeful circus clown who goes on a murderous rampage, this low-budget slasher flick suffers from poor writing, amateurish acting, and shoddy special effects. Despite some cult appeal for its over-the-top gore and cheesiness, most viewers will find it difficult to stomach.

  • Species III
    7
    Sunny Mabrey, Robin Dunne, Robert Knepper
    673 votes

    The third entry in the sci-fi horror series offers little more than recycled plot elements, gratuitous nudity, and subpar special effects. The film's lack of originality and character development results in a tedious and forgettable experience.

  • Nazis at the Center of the Earth
    8
    Dominique Swain, Jake Busey
    1,639 votes

    In this low-budget exploration of an alternate history, Nazi scientists are discovered in Antarctica, where they've been hiding for decades. Hindered by a ludicrous premise, terrible acting, and laughable special effects, the movie struggles to engage or entertain.

  • Resident Evil: Degeneration
    9
    Laura Bailey, Johnny Yong Bosch, Kari Wahlgren
    1,012 votes

    As a computer-animated tie-in to the popular video game series, this film struggles to deliver a cohesive and engaging plot, instead relying on stiff animation and fan service. Ultimately, it leaves both fans of the games and casual viewers largely unsatisfied.

  • The Human Centipede (First Sequence)
    10
    Ashley C. Williams, Dieter Laser, Akihiro Kitamura
    1,386 votes

    The film that spawned the infamous franchise, this horror flick centers on a deranged surgeon who kidnaps and surgically connects three victims. Despite its original and disturbing premise, the movie's heavy reliance on shock value and weak characterization results in a largely forgettable and distasteful experience.

  • Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2
    11
    Jon Voight, Scott Baio, Vanessa Angel
    8,734 votes

    A sequel to the already panned first installment, this family comedy attempts to weave together a spy caper and talking babies with disastrous results. Plagued by an incoherent storyline, cringe-worthy dialogue, and low production values, it's no wonder audiences and critics alike have shown it little love.

  • Home Alone 4
    12
    French Stewart, Mike Weinberg, Erick Avari
    5,473 votes

    This made-for-TV sequel sees a recast Kevin McCallister once again abandoned by his family and defending his home from burglars, but without the charm or ingenuity of its predecessors. With an uninspired script and subpar performances, it's widely considered a pale imitation of the beloved original.

  • Glitter
    13
    Mariah Carey, Maxton Beesley, Da Brat
    10,704 votes

    Intended as a star vehicle for Mariah Carey, this musical drama chronicles a singer's rise to fame amidst personal turmoil. Derided for its clichéd plot, weak acting, and lack of chemistry between the leads, the film has become a notorious flop in both the eyes of critics and audiences.

  • Fifty Shades of Grey
    14
    Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Jennifer Ehle
    3,580 votes

    Adapted from the controversial best-selling novel, this erotic drama focuses on the tumultuous relationship between a naïve young woman and a wealthy businessman. Despite its much-hyped sex scenes and lavish production values, the film has been criticized for its shallow characters, weak dialogue, and lack of chemistry between its lead actors.

  • Hostel 3
    15
    Thomas Kretschmann, Kevin Ian Pardue, Morgane Slemp
    1,102 votes

    Given its direct-to-video release, this horror sequel delivers more of the same gore and torture scenes that defined the franchise, but without any fresh ideas or engaging characters. As a result, it's viewed as a tiresome and unnecessary addition to the series.

  • From Justin to Kelly
    16
    Kelly Clarkson, Justin Guarini, Katherine Bailess
    7,997 votes

    An attempt at jump-starting the careers of American Idol's inaugural winner and runner-up, this musical rom-com follows the romantic entanglements of two singers at a spring break resort. Hampered by wooden acting, clichéd dialogue, and forgettable songs, the movie quickly sank into obscurity.

  • The Emoji Movie
    17

    The Emoji Movie

    Sim Kyu-hyuk, Shin Kyung-Sun, Kim Seo-young
    3,305 votes

    In a transparent attempt to capitalize on the popularity of emojis, this animated film centers on a meh emoji who sets out to find his true identity. Marred by a weak storyline, heavy-handed product placement, and lackluster humor, it earned widespread disdain from audiences and critics alike.

  • Son of the Mask
    18
    Jamie Kennedy, Alan Cumming, Ryan Falconer
    7,635 votes

    A sequel to the popular 1994 comedy, this film follows a cartoonist who comes into possession of the mystical mask that grants its wearer zany powers. Poorly received due to its juvenile humor, overreliance on CGI, and lack of connection to the original, this follow-up left fans bitterly disappointed.

  • The 25th Reich
    19
    Jim Knobeloch, Serge De Nardo, Angelo Salamanca
    442 votes

    Attempting to blend elements of science fiction, World War II, and time travel, this low-budget Australian production suffers from a convoluted plot and subpar special effects. Its amateurish execution and weak storytelling contribute to its less-than-stellar reputation among viewers.

  • Birdemic: Shock and Terror
    20
    Alan Bagh, Whitney Moore, Adam Sessa
    1,743 votes

    Inspired by classic horror films, this low-budget eco-thriller presents a small town under siege by killer birds. Hindered by a nonsensical plot, amateurish acting, and laughably poor special effects, it has cemented its status as one of the most notorious cinematic misfires.

  • Gigli
    21
    Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bartha
    11,210 votes

    Starring then-power couple Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, this romantic crime comedy tells the story of a mobster and a hitwoman assigned to kidnap a mentally challenged man. Marred by an incoherent plot, misguided attempts at humor, and the leads' lack of chemistry, it's little wonder it earned such a negative reception.

  • The Hottie and the Nottie
    22
    Paris Hilton, Joel David Moore, Christine Lakin
    1,981 votes

    This romantic comedy follows a man who becomes infatuated with a beautiful woman but must first find a boyfriend for her "ugly" best friend. Riddled with clichéd plotlines, superficial characters, and offensive humor, it's no surprise that it earned a notoriously poor reception.

  • The Garbage Pail Kids Movie
    23

    The Garbage Pail Kids Movie

    Jim Cummings, Anthony Newley, Phil Fondacaro
    1,929 votes

    Based on the popular trading cards, this children's film follows the gruesome adventures of a group of misfit creatures from space. However, the movie's crude humor, grotesque character designs, and paper-thin plot have made it both a critical and financial disaster.

  • Gen-X Cops 2: Metal Mayhem
    24

    Gen-X Cops 2: Metal Mayhem

    Paul Rudd, Edison Chen, Stephen Fung
    1,054 votes
    American and Asian authorities join forces to find a stolen combat robot before it wreaks havoc in Hong Kong.
  • Battlefield Earth
    25
    John Travolta, Barry Pepper, Forest Whitaker
    10,613 votes

    Based on the novel by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, this science fiction film stars John Travolta as an alien overlord in a post-apocalyptic Earth. Widely ridiculed for its hammy acting, convoluted plot, and overuse of Dutch angles, it has gained infamy as a cinematic failure on multiple levels.

  • Jack and Jill
    26
    Adam Sandler, Katie Holmes, Allen Covert
    7,963 votes

    Boasting dual roles for Adam Sandler – as both a successful advertising executive and his annoying twin sister – this comedy relies heavily on lowbrow humor and predictable gags. Critics and audiences alike have panned it for its lazy writing and tired jokes.

  • Hansel & Gretel Get Baked
    27
    Molly Quinn, Lara Flynn Boyle, Cary Elwes
    495 votes

    In this stoner horror comedy, the classic fairy tale gets a modern twist when the titular siblings face off against a drug-dealing witch. Marred by absurd plotlines, bland acting, and low production values, it fails to elicit the laughs or scares that might redeem its outlandish premise.

  • Snuff
    28
    Roberta Findlay, Michael Findlay, Aldo Mayo
    354 votes

    This pseudo-documentary purports to show footage of an actual murder, fueling controversy and debate over its authenticity. Beyond its exploitative premise and grisly subject matter, it offers little in the way of character development or narrative, earning a place among the most reviled films in history.

  • Species II
    29
    Michael Madsen, Natasha Henstridge, Marg Helgenberger
    681 votes

    Following the success of the original sci-fi horror film, this sequel sees the return of the deadly alien-human hybrid, but with an even less cohesive story and unimpressive special effects. Ultimately, it fails to deliver any of the suspense or intrigue that made its predecessor a cult hit.

  • Santa with Muscles
    30
    Mila Kunis, Hulk Hogan, Brenda Song
    914 votes

    This holiday-themed comedy stars Hulk Hogan as a wealthy man suffering from amnesia who believes he is Santa Claus. Relying heavily on juvenile humor and slapstick, the movie has been widely panned for its nonsensical plot, one-dimensional characters, and overall lack of genuine laughs.