Isn’t there something uniquely delightful about choosing to watch a movie that critics absolutely savaged, yet you can’t help but absolutely love? We’re celebrating those cinematic masterpieces that are so spectacularly ‘bad’ they become brilliantly entertaining, or at the very least, hilariously fun.
These aren’t your average flicks; they’re the ones designed for big groups, midnight showings, and themed movie nights where dressing up and making jokes is part of the experience. If you’re someone who genuinely enjoys camp, embraces plot holes, and can appreciate a film for its sheer watchability over its critical ‘quality,’ then you’ve found your tribe. We’ve all got those movies that make us laugh out loud during what should be dramatic scenes, or that we rewatch despite knowing every ridiculous beat.
So, get ready to dive into a world where critical scorn means absolutely nothing and entertainment reigns supreme. We’ve combed through the archives to bring you a list of films that, by traditional metrics like Rotten Tomatoes scores (all below 50% for this list, mind you!), might be considered ‘terrible,’ but by our much more important metric — how fun they are to watch — are absolute gold. Let’s kick things off with the first half of our journey into the delightfully disastrous!
1. Showgirls (1995)
Whether you believe *Showgirls* is genuinely good, or a deeply misunderstood masterpiece, one thing is undeniable: it is an incredibly entertaining movie. With a paltry 23% on Rotten Tomatoes, the critics certainly had their say, but audiences, especially those looking for an ironic watch, found something special. It’s almost as if the film was custom-made for watch parties and drinking games, practically begging you to ‘put out the doggy chow and Evian.’
Directed by Paul Verhoeven, this film stars Elizabeth Berkley, Kyle MacLachlan, and Gina Gershon, and famously racked up 13 Golden Raspberry Award nominations, a record it still holds. The plot follows Nomi, a young hopeful showgirl, as she arrives in Las Vegas, determined to fulfill her dreams of American excess. Its unapologetic embrace of over-the-top melodrama, questionable dialogue, and hyper-stylized performances creates an experience that’s hard to look away from.
The movie’s raw energy and commitment to its audacious vision, no matter how chaotic, are what make it so compelling. It’s a fascinating look at the glitzy, gritty underbelly of Vegas, filtered through a lens that’s both campy and strangely sincere. Every line, every dance number, every dramatic confrontation feels heightened to an almost operatic level, making *Showgirls* not just a film, but an event. It’s currently streaming for free on Tubi and Pluto TV, so there’s no excuse not to join the party.
2. Birdemic: Shock and Terror (2010)
James Nguyen’s *Birdemic: Shock and Terror* is a film that truly defies categorization, blending elements of Hitchcock’s *The Birds* with the unfortunate distinction of being one of the worst films ever made, astonishingly inspired by *An Inconvenient Truth*. The story follows mutated birds terrorizing the peaceful town of Half Moon Bay, California, attacking unsuspecting residents.
This film proudly displays all the hallmarks of a truly low-budget horror production: terrible effects, notably poor acting, and inconsistent pacing that can leave you scratching your head. Yet, against all odds, it kind of works as a piece of entertaining cinema. The sheer audacity of its flaws, combined with its earnest attempt at a serious ecological message, makes for a viewing experience that transcends mere badness.
While it only boasts an 18% on Rotten Tomatoes, *Birdemic* found its way onto Bloody Disgusting’s list of the best films of 2009, lauded as the “Best Worst Film You’ll See in 2010.” It’s a testament to how a film can be critically savaged and still become a cult phenomenon for its unique brand of awful. If you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind viewing experience, it’s streaming for free on Tubi, Peacock, Pluto TV, Plex, and Amazon Prime.
3. The Happening (2001)
“What? No!” These iconic words uttered by Mark Wahlberg in *The Happening* perfectly encapsulate the baffling and often hilarious experience of watching M. Night Shyamalan’s horror film. While some of Shyamalan’s other works, like *The Village* and *Trap*, spark debate about whether they are ‘so bad they are good’ or simply ‘fun and not taking movie making too seriously,’ *The Happening* firmly plants itself in the ‘truly bad’ category. With an 18% on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s not even his lowest-rated film (that dubious honor goes to 2010’s *The Last Airbender*, which is just *bad*).
The film follows a high school science teacher, played by Mark Wahlberg, who finds himself in a desperate race to understand and escape a mysterious neurotoxin causing a rash of mass suicides, all while protecting his family. The film features some truly strange performances from Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, and John Leguizamo, making their characters’ reactions to the apocalyptic events unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.
*The Happening* is a treasure trove of weird cuts, questionable narrative choices, and bizarre plot points. These elements collectively transform it into prime material for a ‘making fun of’ session or a drinking game. It’s a film where you constantly question the decisions behind the camera, yet you can’t tear your eyes away. It is available to rent on YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime.
4. Ghoulies II (1988)
The *Ghoulies* franchise often gets a bad rap, frequently dismissed as a cheap rip-off of *Gremlins*. The 1980s certainly had its share of films that borrowed heavily from popular sci-fi/horror hits—think 1988’s *Hobgoblins* or the bizarre *Mac and Me*. However, *Ghoulies* stands apart from these direct duplications, offering its own unique brand of creature feature chaos. While the original 1985 film sparked a series of sequels, many fans agree that if you’re only going to watch one, *Ghoulies II* is the undisputed choice for peak ‘so-bad-it’s-good’ entertainment.
This delightful sequel follows the titular tiny, demonic monsters as they stow away on a traveling carnival, ultimately taking over a haunted house attraction. It’s a premise ripe for mayhem, combining the funhouse aesthetic with miniature monster mischief. The film stars Damon Martin, Royal Dano, J. Downing, and Phil Fondacaro, who collectively navigate the absurdity with a straight face, only adding to the unintentional comedy.
Despite its dismal 13% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, *Ghoulies II* offers pure, unadulterated enjoyment for fans of horror comedies, fully embracing its B-movie roots with delightfully cheesy practical effects and over-the-top scenarios. You can easily stream this retro monster flick for free on Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and Amazon Prime.
5. Road House (1989)
*Road House* is a film that truly embodies the spirit of ‘cheesy but awesome.’ Nominated for five Razzies upon its release, it defied critical derision to become a bona fide cult favorite. The story revolves around Dalton, a legendary bouncer played by the effortlessly cool Patrick Swayze, who is hired to clean up a notoriously rowdy bar and finds himself protecting it from both fights and a corrupt local businessman.
Directed by Rowdy Herrington, the film also stars Ben Gazzara, Kelly Lynch, and Sam Elliott, who bring a distinct 1980s swagger to the proceedings. The film’s aesthetic, its dialogue, and its no-holds-barred action sequences are all quintessentially ’80s, which, surprisingly, works entirely in its favor. It’s a time capsule of an era, delivered with a straight face that makes its more outlandish moments even more enjoyable.
Roger Ebert, in his review, perfectly captured its unique appeal, stating, “*Road House* is the kind of movie that leaves reality so far behind that you have to accept it on its own terms.” And accept it we do! With a 44% on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s clear critics were divided, but its enduring popularity speaks volumes. The film even spawned a direct-to-video sequel in 2006 and a 2024 remake, but the original remains the most fun. It is currently streaming with Cinemax.
6. Teen Witch (1989)
Directed by Dorian Walker, *Teen Witch* began its life as a potential female spin on *Teen Wolf*, but thankfully, it evolved into something far more wonderfully strange and unique. What we got was a coming-of-age film that doubles as a musical, featuring several memorable numbers, including the famously cringe-worthy, yet utterly iconic, rap sequence. This film is nothing short of a camp masterpiece, overflowing with an infectious energy that has cemented its status as a cult mega-hit.
The plot follows Louise, a self-proclaimed nerd, who discovers on her sixteenth birthday that she possesses newfound magical abilities. Naturally, she uses these powers to achieve the ultimate teenage dream: becoming popular, getting back at her bullies, and snagging a date with the school jock. Robyn Lively stars as Louise, supported by the delightfully quirky Zelda Rubinstein and the charming Dan Gauthier.
*Teen Witch* is perfectly, gloriously 80s, from its fashion to its soundtrack, and that’s precisely what makes it so special. Every element, from the earnest musical performances to the somewhat questionable special effects, contributes to its undeniable charm. Its ability to capture the anxieties and fantasies of adolescence through a magical, musical lens makes it an absolute joy to watch, defying its critical reception. It is currently streaming on Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel.
Alright, if you’ve made it this far, you’re clearly one of us – someone who understands that a low Rotten Tomatoes score can actually be a badge of honor, a secret handshake into a world of cinematic joy. We’ve explored some truly wild rides already, but trust us, the deeper we dive into this ‘so-bad-it’s-good’ rabbit hole, the more delightfully bizarre things become. Get ready for more movies that critics may have scoffed at, but dedicated fans have embraced for their sheer, unadulterated entertainment value. Let’s keep this celebration of glorious cinematic disasters going!
7. Batman & Robin (1997)
Prepare yourselves, because *Batman & Robin* is a cinematic triumph, though perhaps not in the way you might initially expect! This film deliberately sidesteps grit and darkness, instead offering a vibrant, campy homage to the Adam West *Batman* era and the wonderfully eccentric comics of the 1950s and 60s.
Directed by Joel Schumacher, this adventure sees the titular superhero duo, joined by Batgirl, facing off against a truly memorable rogues’ gallery: Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, and Bane. The star-studded cast features George Clooney as Batman, Chris O’Donnell as Robin, and iconic performances from Arnold Schwarzenegger, Uma Thurman, and Alicia Silverstone, all of whom lean into the glorious absurdity.
While it currently holds a mere 12% on Rotten Tomatoes, those critics clearly missed the point. *Batman & Robin* fully commits to its vision, creating an experience that’s less about traditional quality and more about pure, joyful spectacle. It’s a film designed to be watched with an audience ready to cheer, laugh, and revel in its intentional over-the-topness. You can currently stream it with a subscription to Max.
8. Street Fighter (1994)
When it comes to video game adaptations that are ‘so bad they’re good,’ *Street Fighter* stands out with a wonderfully zany charm all its own. While movies like *Super Mario Bros.* and *Lara Croft: Tomb Raider* definitely have their place in this unique sub-genre, there’s something truly special about this chaotic martial arts spectacle. A huge part of its enduring appeal, and a hallmark of many films on this list, is the absolutely legendary performance of Raúl Juliá as the villainous M. Bison, who gives 110% in every single scene.
The plot, such as it is, centers on a diverse group of fighters tasked with rescuing relief workers from the clutches of the villainous M. Bison. Directed by Steven de Souza, the film features a memorable cast including Jean-Claude Van Damme as Guile, Ming-Na Wen as Chun-Li, Damian Chapa as Ken, and Kylie Minogue as Cammy.
From its wildly questionable political implications to its truly terrible special effects, *Street Fighter* is a treasure trove of unintentional comedy. It was undoubtedly a disappointment for die-hard fans of the iconic game, especially considering the surprising lack of actual ‘street fighting’ within the narrative, leading to a dismal 11% on Rotten Tomatoes. Yet, for those who appreciate a movie that swings for the fences and misses in the most spectacular ways, it’s currently streaming on Netflix and is an absolute must-watch.
9. Twilight (2008)
With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 49%, *Twilight* might be the highest-rated film on this list, but don’t let that seemingly respectable number fool you; this movie, and indeed much of its franchise, firmly belongs in the ‘so bad it’s good’ category. When it first premiered, *Twilight* received a torrent of hate, and while some might argue that media aimed at teenage girls often faces undue scrutiny, it’s also undeniably a film with some truly perplexing choices. The acting is often strangely stiff, and the dialogue, though frequently lifted directly from the beloved book series, comes across as robotic and unintentionally hilarious – remember the infamous, “Hold on Tight, Spider Monkey”?
This vampire romance kickstarted a five-part film franchise, a saga that, taken as a whole, perfectly embodies the ‘so bad it’s good’ ethos. Well, perhaps with one exception: *New Moon* is often cited as just being ‘bad’ rather than transcendently bad. The film follows Bella Swan, a new girl in town, as she falls head-over-heels for the enigmatic vampire, Edward Cullen, setting off a supernatural love triangle that captivated millions.
Despite its critical reception, *Twilight* is incredibly watchable and has cultivated a fiercely dedicated following who adore its melodramatic charm. The cast features Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke, Cam Gigandet, Taylor Lautner, and a young Anna Kendrick, who famously joked about “forgetting” her role in the film. For a dive into the strangely compelling world of sparkling vampires and intense teen romance, *Twilight* is widely available to rent on platforms like YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime.
10. Cats (2019)
Bringing a beloved, albeit famously plot-light, 1980s stage musical like *Cats* to the big screen was always going to be an uphill battle. The original production relied heavily on live performances, intricate songs, and elaborate costumes to cast its spell. However, the 2019 film adaptation somehow managed to make this already challenging task seem even more monumentally difficult, resulting in a cinematic experience unlike any other.
Directed by Tom Hooper, the movie assembled an astonishingly talented, star-studded cast including ballerina Francesca Hayward, Judi Dench, Jennifer Hudson, James Corden, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, and Rebel Wilson. While some performances did shine through, the truly unforgettable aspect of *Cats* 2019 is its heavily CGI-ed visual effects, which plunged the entire film into an utterly bewildering “uncanny valley nightmare.”
The film’s true, wonderfully bizarre charm, and the reason it’s a perfect fit for this list, lies in the incredibly strange and often hilarious production choices. When viewed through the lens of unintentional comedy, *Cats* transforms into a disturbing yet undeniably captivating watch, earning its spot as perfect, endlessly discussable fodder for any movie night despite its meager 19% on Rotten Tomatoes.
11. Troll 2 (1990)
Ah, *Troll 2*. Just hearing the title likely conjures its most iconic line: ‘They’re eating her… and then they’re going to eat me… OH MY GOD.’ This film, technically a sequel to 1986’s *Troll*, was originally an unrelated horror film, bizarrely retitled by American distributors to capitalize on the original’s name. It’s a truly bewildering cinematic journey following a teen whose family vacations in Nilbog, a town whose name is ‘Goblin’ backward and is infested with monsters.
Directed by Claudio Fragasso, the film stars Michael Stephenson, George Hardy, Connie McFarland, and Jason Wright, all contributing to its unique charm and campy glory. *Troll 2* delivers pure, unadulterated fun, and many fans even argue it was intended as a comedy from the start, its amateurish earnestness and wild narrative choices cementing its status as a cult classic.
The legendary, chaotic production of *Troll 2* was even chronicled in the acclaimed 2009 documentary *Best Worst Movie*, a testament to its enduring legacy. If you’re ready for a truly one-of-a-kind viewing experience that will have you laughing for all the wrong, yet entirely right, reasons, you can currently stream it for free on Tubi and The Roku Channel.
12. Burlesque (2010)
Have you ever wondered what *Showgirls* would be like if it approached its melodramatic premise with complete, unironic sincerity? Well, *Burlesque* answers that question with a resounding, sequined “yes!” This film is a dream come true for fans of the “young talent moves to a new city to rise to the top of a niche nightlife experience” genre, slotting right in alongside classics like *Showgirls*, *Coyote Ugly*, and *Cocktail*. The plot follows a small-town girl with a powerhouse voice who might just be the key to saving a struggling Burlesque club in Los Angeles.
*Burlesque* expertly walks the precarious line between being utterly formulaic and incredibly strange, making for a truly captivating watch. While it might not be a critically acclaimed “good movie,” it’s absolutely worth watching for the dazzling costumes, the energetic dance numbers, and, of course, the vocal performances from its iconic leads.
Despite holding a modest 37% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film’s director Steven Antin managed to assemble a surprisingly good cast that elevates the entire experience. Christina Aguilera and Cher lead the charge, supported by Stanley Tucci, Kristen Bell, Eric Dane, Cam Gigandet, Julianne Hough, Alan Cumming, and Peter Gallagher. You’ll definitely find yourself repeating lines like “Wagon Wheel Watusi!” after this one. It is available to rent on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Apple TV.
13. Madame Web (2024)
While Sony’s previous *Spider-Man Universe* film, *Morbius*, became a viral meme in 2022, it ultimately landed in the ‘just bad’ category. However, its comic book follow-up, *Madame Web*, achieves something far more elusive: it loops right back around to being astonishingly entertaining. Despite boasting a significant budget of $80 million, you would genuinely never guess it from watching the film, which only adds to its charm. Dakota Johnson and the cast’s hilariously awkward press tour alone served as a siren call for many to witness this comically and iconically bad cinematic event.
The film currently sits at a dismal 11% on Rotten Tomatoes, but its post-theatrical life tells a different story. Upon its arrival on Netflix, *Madame Web* quickly soared into the Top 10 Global and U.S. Movies charts, proving its undeniable, if unconventional, appeal. The plot follows Cassie Webb, a New York City paramedic who suddenly develops psychic powers, leading her to become the reluctant protector of three teenage girls from a man who famously “was in the Amazon with my mom when she was researching spiders just before she died.”
Starring Dakota Johnson, Adam Scott, Tahar Rahim, Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, and Celeste O’Connor, the film makes some truly bizarre and laugh-out-loud choices. These include extensively ADRing most of Rahim’s lines, and having its main character repeatedly hit multiple people with a car during fight scenes in ways that defy logic. *Madame Web* is currently streaming on Netflix and is a modern marvel of the ‘so bad it’s good’ genre.
14. The Room (2003)
And now, we arrive at the undisputed heavyweight champion, the poster child for all ‘so bad it’s good’ movies: *The Room*. This low-budget phenomenon is more than just a film; it’s a cultural touchstone, largely fueled by the enigmatic persona of its director, producer, writer, and star, Tommy Wiseau. Wiseau is famously secretive about his life, with his age, source of income, and background remaining largely unknown, adding an extra layer of mystique to the entire viewing experience. The film also stars Greg Sestero and Juliette Danielle, whose earnest performances only heighten the delightful chaos.
In *The Room*, a melodrama unfolds as a convoluted love triangle plays out in a San Francisco apartment building, exploring themes of betrayal, friendship, and obsession with dialogue that has become legendarily quotable. *Entertainment Weekly* aptly crowned it ‘the Citizen Kane of bad movies,’ a title that perfectly encapsulates its ambitious yet spectacularly failed execution.
With a 24% on Rotten Tomatoes, *The Room* is far from a critical darling, but it boasts a fiercely dedicated cult following. Audiences flock to midnight and themed showings, treating the film as an interactive dark comedy, shouting lines and throwing plastic spoons at the screen. The incredible, often tumultuous, production of the film and Greg Sestero’s memoir about the experience even inspired the Oscar-nominated 2017 film *The Disaster Artist*. While it isn’t currently available on streaming, experiencing *The Room* in person at one of its many routine screenings truly is the best way to immerse yourself in its legendary, unmissable magic.
So, there you have it! Our exploration of 15 gloriously ‘terrible’ movies that, against all odds, deliver surprisingly fantastic entertainment. These films, from accidental comedies to ambitious failures that became cult hits, prove that the most memorable movie nights aren’t always about critical acclaim or perfect storytelling. Sometimes, embracing the delightful absurdity, gathering your friends, and reveling in the sheer watchability of cinema’s most wonderfully disastrous creations is what truly makes a movie night shine. These are the films that show us a ‘bad’ rating can actually be the highest compliment when it comes to pure, unadulterated fun, and isn’t that the ultimate goal of entertainment?
