The 2010s have often flown under the radar for producing movies that delight in their own failures, contributing to a unique subgenre of films that are irresistibly enjoyable despite—or perhaps because of—their shortcomings. While the 90s and early 2000s are typically associated with iconic “so bad they’re good”titles like Troll 2 and The Room, the past decade has offered a plethora of contemporary cinematic missteps that warrant recognition. Clearly, the allure of poorly conceived filmmaking remains a thriving aspect of Hollywood.
The decade’s most laughable films can be categorized into two primary styles: large studio productions that missed the mark and indie films that exist in a realm of their own absurdity. Each type presents a unique flavor of disaster—from baffling decisions made by high-budget executives to the whimsically misguided visions of indie creators who rival the likes of Tommy Wiseau. For those who revel in cinematic blunders, the 2010s stand out as a treasure trove of unforgettable performances and cringe-worthy narratives.
10. Battleship
Released in 2012
The formula for a gritty sci-fi adaptation of a classic children’s game might seem like a spoof straight out of a comedic sketch, yet that concept came to fruition in Battleship. This film loosely interprets the essence of the beloved guessing game, charting the U.S. Navy’s clash with extraterrestrial invaders. The result, however, is paradoxically less engaging than the straightforward board game itself.
Yet, amidst this cinematic chaos lies a treasure trove of unintentional humor. Alexander Skarsgård delivers a hilariously solemn performance, while Taylor Kitsch and Rihanna add layers of energy and awkwardness that heighten the film’s comedic potential. The film’s heavy reliance on CGI only deepens the absurdity, making it an unforgettable spectacle of misadventure.
9. Cats
Released in 2019
While recent adaptations of musicals, such as Wicked: Part One, have achieved remarkable success, Cats serves as a cautionary tale about adapting source material lacking coherence. The film features a stellar cast rendered into bizarre CGI creatures, resulting in a truly nightmarish cinematic experience.
From Dame Judi Dench’s surreal whiskered visage to the unsettling imagery of dancing cockroaches, Cats is unlike any other film. Its incomprehensible plot centers around a tribe of flamboyant felines competing for the chance to ascend to the “Heavenly Sky.”This nonsensical narrative, coupled with rumors of a so-called “butthole cut,”only adds to the film’s baffling allure.
8. Birdemic: Shock and Terror
Released in 2010
The horror genre often embraces outrageous films, but Birdemic: Shock and Terror manages to capture attention through its sincere yet atrocious delivery. This film, with a minuscule budget that wouldn’t purchase a used car, cribs ideas from Alfred Hitchcock’s classic The Birds while offering its own unique spin.
Its guerrilla-style filmmaking shines through with amateur acting, laughable special effects, and unlicensed public shooting locations. What elevates its charm is a rather earnest attempt at imparting a political message on climate change, albeit in a convoluted manner. Watching Birdemic with friends invites a wave of laughter and critical commentary, cementing its status as a cult classic.
7. The Bye Bye Man
Released in 2017
The Bye Bye Man, while sporting a larger budget than Birdemic, falters significantly in execution. The plot follows three college students upon discovering a haunting curse that leads them down a dark path of madness and murder. Unfortunately, the film’s attempts at horror dissolve into a series of laughable moments.
With an outlandish premise and an implausibly named antagonist, the film becomes unintentionally comedic. Add to that the complete lack of chemistry among the leads, and one can’t help but revel in the film’s failures. Its tagline, “Don’t think it, don’t say it,”becomes more absurdly ironic the longer the movie plays out.
6. The Fanatic
Released in 2019
Another notable flop featuring John Travolta, The Fanatic, follows Moose, an overly devoted fan of an actor. This misguided thriller not only weaves through uncomfortable territory regarding mental health but also showcases Travolta’s disastrous portrayal of the character. Directed by Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst, the film becomes an absurd spectacle in its own right.
Rather than achieving its intended tension, it transforms into an unintended comedy featuring a string of disastrous choices. Travolta’s bizarre depiction of Moose—complete with an unflattering haircut—juxtaposed against Durst’s ham-fisted direction makes this film an unforgettable, albeit cringe-inducing, watch.
5. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Released in 2019
The concluding chapter of the Star Wars sequel trilogy squandered any goodwill from its predecessors in The Rise of Skywalker. Following the divisive nature of The Last Jedi, this film attempted to correct course yet stumbled into a quagmire of narratives and plot holes.
From the moment it introduces the ludicrous phrase “Somehow, Palpatine returned,”the film derails any coherent storytelling. The reliance on nostalgic callbacks coupled with void plot elements renders the film an exercise in frustration, making it a prime candidate for being so-bad-it’s-good.
4. The Human Race
Released in 2013
An indie gem, The Human Race mingles ambitious concepts with wildly horrendous execution. It centers around an arbitrary group of individuals snatched from their lives and thrust into a deadly game, where only those who keep running can survive.
The production’s amateur quality shines through with bizarre performances and absurdly zany twists, cementing its place in the so-bad-they’re-good category. The chaotic narrative culminates in a mind-bending twist, making it nearly impossible not to appreciate its sheer absurdity.
3. Foodfight!
Released in 2012
Finding a truly laughable animated film is a rarity, yet Foodfight! shatters that assumption. Featuring Charlie Sheen as Dex Dogtective, this convoluted narrative revolves around the battle against Brand X, a villainous entity threatening the world of food mascots.
The jarring animation and grating dialogue contribute to a viewing experience that oscillates between bewildering and hilarious. Foodfight! showcases a peculiar blend of commercialism and slapstick ridiculousness, solidifying its repute as one of the worst films ever crafted.
2. Drive Angry
Released in 2011
No discussion of so-bad-they’re-good films can overlook Nicolas Cage, whose performance in Drive Angry exemplifies his penchant for glorious absurdity. Cage portrays John Milton, a manial hero on a mission to rescue his daughter from a satanic cult, positioning him in scenarios that defy reality.
The film revels in its exaggerated violence and ludicrous situations, cementing its place as an inadvertent masterpiece of action cinema. Cage’s exploits transform what should be a standard horror-action film into an outrageous spectacle.
1. Daddy Can’t Dance
Released in 2012
For the true connoisseurs of bad films, Daddy Can’t Dance presents a uniquely awkward experience that is now relegated to obscure DVD sales via its creator’s website. The plot follows an aging father who enters a breakdancing competition to fund his daughter’s medical treatment, leading to countless bizarre and cringe-worthy moments.
This film combines bizarre storytelling choices with archaic humor and a focus on the filmmaker’s pet project—a portable cupholder—making it a quintessential representation of how not to make a movie. Its sheer lack of self-awareness elevates it to brilliance, making it a must-watch for those interested in the realm of woefully misguided cinema.
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