Buzz
While the headline suggests otherwise, I generally don’t agree with the idea that films can be so awful they become enjoyable. If a movie is good, isn’t it simply...good? That said, there’s no denying that some films manage to shine precisely because of their failures.
Ed Wood stands as an extreme yet perfect example of a director who never quite achieved his vision, yet created cinematic magic through sheer enthusiasm, audacity, and a touch of self-deception. This approach often outshines forced attempts at achieving the same effect. Take Sharknado, for instance—a film that’s entertaining but tries so hard to be ridiculous that its effort becomes obvious. The most memorable “so bad they’re good” movies usually stumble into that category by accident. Personally, I’d much rather watch a fascinating failure than a dull success—whether because passion is infectious or because a spectacular disaster is a rare and thrilling sight. Here are 35 such examples.
Jason X (2001)
In the near future (2010 AD), Jason Voorhees is captured by the U.S. government, which has unsuccessfully tried to kill him for years. True to form, they pass the problem to future generations by freezing him. Centuries later, a team exploring the now-desolate Earth discovers and awakens him—a disastrous decision. Jason embarks on a killing spree, but this time in space! Often mocked, the film is surprisingly entertaining if you embrace its absurd premise. Packed with gruesome kills (including a standout liquid nitrogen scene) and a self-aware sense of humor, it’s a quirky, enjoyable blend of sci-fi and horror, complete with a fresh Jason redesign.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Skidoo (1968)
Picture a bizarre, psychedelic counterculture film about LSD, directed by a legendary Hollywood filmmaker and featuring a cast of older stars like Jackie Gleason, Carol Channing, Mickey Rooney, and Groucho Marx as a gangster named “God” who might actually be divine.
The plot is...well, even after watching it three times, I’m still unsure. However, after some heist chaos and several acid trips, it ends with Carol Channing (in a risqué admiral’s uniform) leading a fleet of hippies to attack God’s yacht, followed by Harry Nilsson (the film’s composer) singing the entire closing credits. While some consider Anatomy of a Murder or Laura to be director Otto Preminger’s greatest works, this film stands as a bizarre masterpiece of cinematic oddity.
Where to stream: Plex
Battle Beyond the Stars (1980)
It’s evident that the creators of Battle were in on the humor, at least to some extent. One of the film’s key models, “Nell,” is an organic spaceship intentionally designed to resemble a pair of breasts attached to ovaries.
Despite this, the Roger Corman-produced space opera strikes a peculiar balance between absurdity and earnestness. With a stellar cast (Richard Thomas, Robert Vaughn, George Peppard, John Saxon, etc.) delivering their best, the film attempts a Star Wars-inspired tale but only half-heartedly commits. This very tension, however, is what makes it a quintessential “so bad it’s good” entry.
Where to stream: Peacock, Tubi, The Roku Channel, Shout Factory TV, Prime Video
Howard the Duck (1986)
This 1986 adaptation of Steve Gerber’s comic was a long-time passion project for George Lucas and marked the first appearance of a Marvel character on the big screen since the 1944 Captain America serial. Could Howard the Duck have launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe decades before Iron Man? Probably not, but it’s an intriguing thought, as it might have paved the way for a more irreverent series of films. A box office flop that faced harsh criticism and won four Razzies, the movie stars Lea Thompson as the human woman who discovers (and later becomes romantically involved with) the peculiar visitor from Duckworld. Despite its bold, uneven choices, the film has gained a cult following thanks to the dedicated performances of Thompson and the cast.
Where to stream: Prime Video
Batman & Robin (1997)
I’ve yet to see a compelling argument that Batman & Robin is a misunderstood masterpiece—though the idea is tempting. Its neon aesthetics and infamous costume details hint at a potential queer classic, but the film ultimately feels both excessive and insufficient.
Despite its many elements, the film still has moments of monotony, and its comic-book-inspired color scheme often feels tacky and unappealing. Yet, it remains a captivating failure, harkening back to a time when major studios would invest heavily in something so bizarre and unique. While it doesn’t quite succeed, it marks the last instance where big-screen Batman was even remotely enjoyable.
Where to stream: Max, digital rental
Jupiter Ascending (2015)
The Wachowskis have never shied away from bold risks in their filmmaking. While not all their efforts succeed, their work is never dull, and this film showcases their signature extravagant visuals. Mila Kunis plays Jupiter Jones, a house cleaner who discovers her royal lineage with the help of Channing Tatum’s genetically engineered wolf-human hybrid. The movie is a quirky mix of sci-fi clichés, inventive concepts, and a carefree attitude. Eddie Redmayne steals the show as the main villain, delivering a wildly over-the-top performance that’s objectively terrible yet irresistibly entertaining. Ironically, Redmayne won an Oscar for The Theory of Everything the same week he earned a Razzie for this role. While I’m not a fan of the Razzies, this one felt justified—in the most delightful way.
Where to stream: Prime Video
Fear (1996)
At its core, this film tackles intense themes: gaslighting, abuse, sexual assault, and manipulation within a teenage relationship. However, its exaggerated execution makes it hard to take seriously—by the end, Mark Wahlberg’s seemingly indestructible character, David, feels more like a horror movie villain than a romantic lead. These elements, combined with the film’s future A-list cast, have turned what could have been a forgettable Lifetime movie into a cult favorite.
Where to stream: Paramount+, digital rental
Cats (2019)
If “camp” is defined as earnestness gone awry, then Cats is a masterclass in the genre. The film boasts an incredible lineup of talent, including an Oscar-winning director and a star-studded cast performing songs from one of Broadway’s most beloved musicals. Clearly, everyone involved believed they were creating a highbrow awards contender, but the result is a gloriously bizarre spectacle.
Even before the first trailer’s release, expectations were shattered as the film’s attempt to blend costumed performers with digitally enhanced cat bodies and sets fell into an uncanny valley. What was meant to be endearing turned unsettling, but this stark contrast between intention and outcome ensures that Cats will eventually secure its place among the pantheon of surreal cult classics.
Where to stream: Netflix, digital rental
Mommie Dearest (1981)
From the outset, it was clear that audiences didn’t interpret Mommie Dearest as intended. What was meant to be a serious biopic about child abuse was instead embraced as a high-camp dark comedy. Paramount cleverly pivoted its marketing strategy, emphasizing the film’s more outrageous aspects—adding wire hangers to posters and proclaiming it “...the biggest MOTHER of them all!”—effectively convincing audiences they were in on the joke, even if that wasn’t the case during production.
The film’s impeccable retro production design is a major draw, as is Faye Dunaway’s gloriously exaggerated performance. Her unwavering commitment to a serious portrayal is exactly what makes it so hilariously unforgettable.
Where to stream: Paramount+, digital rental
Supergirl (1984)
Faye Dunaway delivers another captivating performance in this disjointed spin-off, an early effort to build a superhero cinematic universe. Supergirl shifts away from the sci-fi elements of the Superman films, embracing a more fantastical tone, but it feels like a series of disconnected scenes rather than a cohesive story. Despite its flaws, Dunaway shines, and Helen Slater is an ideal choice for Kara Zor-El, even if the film only occasionally hits the mark.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Madame Web (2024)
The premise starts off strong: Cassandra Webb (Dakota Johnson), a socially awkward paramedic, gains the ability to foresee the future after a brush with death. When she envisions three young women being killed on a train, she decides to save them. Simple enough—until the plot spirals into chaos with a long-lost mother in the Amazon, three Spider-Women, a villain with unclear motives, and a mix of flashbacks and flash-forwards. The story halts repeatedly as characters attempt to explain the convoluted narrative, often to no avail. Topping it off is blatant product placement that makes the film feel like a lengthy Pepsi ad. It’s even more awkward than last year’s Morbius, making it a prime candidate for a so-bad-it’s-good viewing experience, preferably with some liquid courage.
Where to stream: Netflix, digital rental
Piranha (1978)
Including intentionally campy films here might seem unfair, but since critics at the time missed the joke, it earns its place. A low-budget Roger Corman production designed to cash in on the Jaws craze, this B-movie horror-comedy is pure fun—a style that debut director Joe Dante would later perfect. The plot follows genetically engineered piranhas that escape from a military lab, thanks to some unsuspecting skinny-dippers, and wreak havoc at a summer camp. Written by John Sayles (The Brother from Another Planet, Matewan, Eight Men Out), the film is a testament to how even Corman’s cheapest projects were breeding grounds for talent.
Where to stream: Peacock, Tubi, AMC+, Crackle, Shudder Night Flight, Prime Video
Pootie Tang (2001)
Louis C.K., the writer/director, no longer holds the same reputation he once did, and it’s understandable to feel uneasy about him and his work. However, filmmaking is a collaborative process, making it difficult to pinpoint where to draw ethical lines. Opinions will vary. As for Pootie Tang, it’s wildly absurd, with a carefree vibe, but its humor is often brilliant, parodying '70s blaxploitation films. The film is elevated by a talented cast, including Wanda Sykes, J.B. Smoove, Chris Rock, Reg E. Cathey, and Jennifer Coolidge (who, as usual, steals every scene). It’s also packed with memorable lines, especially for those who watched it during a particularly impressionable and possibly altered state.
Where to stream: Tubi, digital rental
Gods of Egypt (2016)
Alex Proyas, the mind behind The Crow and Dark City, two of the most creative films in recent decades, also directed...less notable projects. His take on an alternate ancient Egypt, where gods mingle with humans, is undeniably ridiculous—and, aside from Chadwick Boseman, overwhelmingly whitewashed.
Setting aside its flaws, the film showcases Alex Proyas’ unique visual creativity and distinctive style. In that regard, it serves as a refreshing contrast to today’s more polished but often uninspired superhero films.
Where to stream: Max, digital purchase
Dune (1984)
The release of Denis Villeneuve’s two-part adaptation has naturally reignited interest in the 1984 version, directed by “Alan Smithee,” a pseudonym David Lynch used to distance himself from the film (particularly the extended TV cut). Lynch’s disappointment was justified—the movie isn’t a hidden gem, but it remains an intriguing oddity with moments of brilliance that occasionally capture the essence of Frank Herbert’s novel. Ultimately, Lynch’s unique vision made him an unlikely choice for such an adaptation, and studio meddling further hindered an already challenging project.
Where to stream: Netflix, digital rental
Masters of the Universe (1987)
He-Man has always been a polarizing figure, as we’ve recently discovered, though the debate was slightly less intense in the pre-internet era of the late '80s. Shifting the setting from Eternia to Earth and introducing teenage sidekicks was never going to win over fans of the wildly popular cartoon, leaving the film with little support despite its potential.
The film’s biggest flaw is its attempt to adapt the cartoon. However, as a standalone '80s fantasy movie, it fares much better. While undeniably silly, it benefits from Frank Langella’s over-the-top performance and Jack Kirby-inspired designs that give it a unique visual flair.
Where to stream: Tubi
Grease 2 (1982)
While the merits of the original Grease are up for debate, its status as a cultural phenomenon is undeniable. Personally, I prefer Grease 2, even though it’s far less refined. The musical numbers are wildly inconsistent, often feeling randomly inserted (like the bowling-themed song). Michelle Pfeiffer’s Stephanie is, on paper, the coolest character in either film—but her sole motivation is finding a bad-boy boyfriend. Despite its haphazard nature, the cast’s enthusiasm and the film’s infectious energy make it hard to dislike.
Where to stream: Paramount+, digital rental
Staying Alive (1983)
Continuing in the realm of poorly conceived sequels, we catch up with John Travolta’s Tony Manero as he pursues his dancing dreams, following up on Saturday Night Fever. The plot is virtually nonexistent, but the film delivers entertaining dance sequences, flashy costumes, and a level of self-importance that’s unintentionally hilarious if you’re in the right mindset.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Xanadu (1980)
A roller-disco fantasy musical featuring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly? What could go wrong? As it turns out, almost everything. Xanadu flopped on nearly every front: the dance sequences feel stiff and theatrical, the special effects are subpar even for 1980, and the acting leaves much to be desired. With almost no plot to speak of, it needed to dazzle as a visual spectacle—and failed miserably, even inspiring the creation of the infamous Golden Raspberry Awards.
Despite being a critical and commercial disaster, the film has earned a cult following. Its sheer absurdity (Gene Kelly, really?) is part of its charm, and it can be a blast if you’re willing to spend 90 minutes pondering, “What were they thinking?”
Where to stream: Digital rental
Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)
Ed Wood is, of course, the undisputed king of cult films—a director whose passion and sincerity blinded him to the fact that his movies weren’t just bad, but so bad they became legendary. In this tradition, Plan 9 stands as his masterpiece, a tale of alien invaders that tries to gloss over the fact that Bela Lugosi was replaced mid-shoot by a much taller chiropractor. Of course, we noticed—and that’s precisely why we adore it even more.
Where to stream: Tubi, The Roku Channel, Mubi, digital rental
Troll 2 (1990)
We can’t overlook Troll 2, a famously chaotic film that inspired a documentary (Best Worst Film) exploring why it gained a following despite its questionable quality. It’s hard to tell how much of the humor was intentional, given the language barrier between the Italian-speaking writer/director and crew and the English-speaking cast. Regardless, its flaws make it far more entertaining than it ever could have been as a “good” movie.
And don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with the series—it’s not actually a sequel to anything. The producers simply wanted to ride the coattails of the 1986 film Troll.
Where to stream: Tubi, MGM+, digital rental
The Room (2003)
Tommy Wiseau’s autobiographical passion project, The Room, has earned its place in the bad movie hall of fame. It oscillates between baffling monologues and dialogue that barely rises above adult film standards, punctuated by some truly bizarre intimate scenes.
Ironically, a “successful” version of The Room, one that matched whatever vision Wiseau had in mind, could never have been as wildly entertaining as the final product. No intentional parody could ever capture the sheer joy of trying to decipher what’s happening in this film from one moment to the next.
Where to stream: Tommy Wiseau has made it available on Archive.org.
Road House (1989)
Road House holds a special place as my favorite Patrick Swayze film, largely due to its exaggerated portrayal of bouncer life in Missouri. The film is almost operatic, featuring an absurd number of explosions and brutal fights for a small-town bar. Its hilariously bad dialogue and meandering subplots only add to its charm, making it all the more unforgettable.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Anaconda (1997)
Anaconda straddles the line between intentional absurdity and accidental brilliance. With its over-the-top performances and questionable CGI, it rises above typical jungle monster movies. And let’s be honest—watching Jon Voight get swallowed by a giant snake is worth the price of admission alone.
Where to stream: Netflix, digital rental
Showgirls (1995)
Paul Verhoeven remains an enigma to me. While his Starship Troopers is often viewed as unintentionally funny, I’m convinced he knew exactly what he was doing with that film. However, I’m less certain about this infamous erotic drama. I aimed to exclude deliberate camp from this list, but with Showgirls, it’s hard to tell how much of its awkward, bizarre tone was intentional and how much was accidental. Regardless, it’s wildly entertaining.
Where to stream: Tubi, MGM+
Samurai Cop (1991)
Joe Marshall (Matthew Karedas, credited here as Matt Hannon) may be a white LAPD officer, but he’s deeply immersed in Japanese culture and practically a samurai, having spent time in Japan and mastered the sword. His skills come in handy when a rogue Yakuza group emerges in Los Angeles, culminating in an over-the-top martial arts battle in a Carlos'n Charlie's parking lot. While the fight choreography isn’t terrible, the sound was entirely dubbed post-production, and most actors didn’t return for voiceovers. As a result, the voices are mostly provided by a handful of actors with varying pitches, making everyone sound robotic. Additionally, reshoots were done in a single bland office, so reaction shots often don’t align. It’s the Plan 9 from Outer Space of '80s/'90s action flicks.
Where to stream: Tubi, Night Flight
Moonfall (2022)
Your enjoyment of this film hinges on your tolerance for Roland Emmerich-style absurd blockbusters—or, in this case, an actual Roland Emmerich film. Starring Halle Berry and Patrick Wilson, it follows their mission to prevent the moon from colliding with Earth. Why? Because it’s hollow and inhabited by destructive aliens. Or something. The plot is irrelevant, as is scientific accuracy: astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson claimed the movie "violated more laws of physics per minute than any film I’ve ever seen." Still, it’s never dull!
Where to stream: USA, digital rental
The Wicker Man (2006)
Nicolas Cage claims that the humor in this remake of the '70s cult classic was mostly intentional, and the film’s sheer absurdity almost makes you believe him. The infamous line, "No, not the bees! Not the bees!" (delivered during a scene where Cage’s character, Malus, is tortured by bees), has become a meme that outshines the film itself. Even more memorable is the moment when Malus, wearing a bear costume, punches Ellen Burstyn in the face. Oddly, the movie is dedicated to Johnny Ramone, adding to its bizarre charm.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Maximum Overdrive (1986)
The Stephen King adaptation genre boasts both cinematic masterpieces and outright flops. Among the latter, however, are some delightfully unhinged guilty pleasures, none more so than the only film King directed himself. While it’s not ideal to trivialize King’s struggles with substance abuse in the '80s, he has openly admitted to being "coked out of [his] mind" during the film’s production. The plot revolves around a comet that turns Earth’s machines into malevolent entities, forcing Emilio Estevez and others to face off against killer vending machines and other mechanical terrors. It’s a chaotic, mean-spirited mess, yet oddly entertaining, with a killer AC/DC soundtrack to boot.
Where to stream: Tubi, Prime Video
The Ice Pirates (1984)
Robert Urich (known to younger audiences as Spenser: For Hire) headlines a quintessentially '80s cast in this sci-fi adventure(?) aimed at Star Wars enthusiasts. Set in a distant future where water is a rare commodity, the story revolves around a group called The Templars of Mithra, who hoard water and destroy planets with natural reserves to maintain its scarcity (apparently, American-style capitalism survives into the far future). Initially planned as a blockbuster, the film’s budget was slashed by more than half during development, prompting a shift to comedy. This tonal change makes the final product both sillier and more chaotic. The cast is a standout, featuring Anjelica Huston, Ron Perlman, Bruce Vilanch(!), John Carradine, and Dallas star Mary Crosby.
Where to stream: Digital rental
Wild Mountain Thyme (2020)
Writer/director John Patrick Shanley, an Oscar and Tony winner, is celebrated for his Pulitzer Prize-winning play Doubt and the heartfelt screenplay for Moonstruck. However, his film adaptation of his acclaimed play Outside Mullingar is baffling enough to overshadow his previous achievements. The movie drowns in a clichéd, overly sentimental Irish setting, further undermined by Christopher Walken’s painfully bad Irish accent (yes, it’s as jarring as it sounds). The romantic comedy follows a predictable formula: two neighbors on adjacent farms stay apart for no clear reason, only to eventually come together just as inexplicably. But then comes the utterly bizarre twist ending, which is guaranteed to leave you stunned.
Where to stream: Max, digital rental
Mac and Me (1988)
This film is absolutely not a blatant imitation of Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Here, "MAC" stands for "Mysterious Alien Creature," which is totally different, of course. With a much smaller budget, Mac and Me leans heavily into product placement. While E.T. famously featured Reese’s Pieces, this movie’s commercial ties are even more overt: MAC also nods to McDonald’s Big Mac, as the fast-food giant was the film’s primary sponsor. The movie is mostly silly fun, with a standout scene being an elaborate, seemingly spontaneous dance number inside a McDonald’s, complete with a cameo from Ronald McDonald himself.
Where to stream: Tubi
The Boy Next Door (2015)
A steamy thriller in the somewhat dubious "hot for teacher" category, The Boy Next Door features Jennifer Lopez as Claire Peterson, a classics teacher in a rocky marriage who becomes entangled with Noah (Ryan Guzman), the new neighbor. Their connection centers on a shared love for The Iliad, which is essentially Noah’s sole defining characteristic (aside from his muscles). Things escalate when he gifts her a FIRST EDITION COPY OF THE ILIAD. They sleep together, but Claire is consumed by guilt, especially when school resumes and Noah turns out to be her student. What follows is a mix of stalking, Kristin Chenoweth getting knocked out, and a film that tries to be serious but ends up hilariously absurd.
Where to stream: Netflix, digital rental
Zandalee (1991)
As previously noted, camp is often described as earnestness gone wrong, which is why erotic thrillers frequently fall into this category. These films are typically dead serious, yet they rarely avoid veering into unintentional parody. Enter Zandalee, a Nicolas Cage gem if there ever was one. The story follows a young woman running a boutique in New Orleans, trapped in a passionless marriage to Judge Reinhold. Her frustrations are alleviated by the arrival of Cage, who fully embraces his role as a hyper-masculine figure. And honestly, if you’re in a nonsensical thriller pitting you against Judge Reinhold in a love triangle, why wouldn’t you? Beyond Cage’s performance, the film’s attempts at seductive dialogue are laughably unconvincing.
Where to stream: Tubi, digital rental
Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2 (1987)
The concept of so-bad-they’re-good movies is highly subjective—John Waters’ films, for instance, often appear poorly made on the surface, yet he’s rightly celebrated as a groundbreaking artist. Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2, however, is bad in the traditional sense. The film follows the brother of the original killer as he embarks on his own holiday killing spree, with a whopping 30 minutes of recycled footage from the first movie. The production quality is amateurish, but Eric Freeman’s lead performance is a treasure trove of bizarre, inexplicable choices that make it endlessly entertaining. His delivery of the line, "Garbage day!" even became a meme.
Where to stream: Shudder, Tubi, AMC+, Prime Video
