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10 Best Bad Movies of the 2010s

January 3, 2025
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10 Best Bad Movies of the 2010s

The 2010s will go down as one of the most bizarre, remarkable, and at times, downright unpredictable decades in recent memory. From the rise of social media to the explosion of superhero movies, it felt like we were living in a fever dream. But within all the chaos, movies remained a consistent source of entertainment. Especially the “so-bad-it’s-good” movies. Movies that are terrible by any conventional standard, but there’s an undeniable appeal to watching them.

These movies have a nonsensical plot, the acting is wooden, and the production values look like they were mismanaged. Sometimes, these movies are also blissfully unaware of how ridiculous they are. Whatever the reason, these movies manage to be genuinely entertaining in a way that slickly produced, absolutely perfect blockbusters simply cannot match. From campy comedies to bizarre sci-fi epics, the 2010s had no shortage of movies that were so bad, they were good. Here are the 10 best titles that meet the criteria.

10

‘The Fanatic’ (2019)

The Fanatic

Release Date

August 30, 2019

Rating

R

Runtime

89 Minutes

Cast

Jessica Uberuaga, James Paxton, Ana Golja, Devon Sawa, John Travolta

Genres

Thriller, Crime, Horror

In The Fanatic, John Travolta delivers a career-defining performance as Moose, a socially awkward autistic man who develops an obsession with action star Hunter Dunbar. His admiration for the actor grows so intense that he tries to befriend Hunter, and when he’s rebuffed, Moose becomes dangerously fixated and begins stalking the actor, which leads to a series of disturbing encounters.

A Thriller That Has to Be Seen to Be Believed

The Fanatic was supposed to be a thriller, with its unsettling game of cat-and-mouse being the highlight. But instead, it becomes a masterclass in unintentional comedy, thanks to Travolta’s bizarre and over-the-top portrayal of Moose. Directed by Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst, the film’s awkward direction and messy script only add to its so-bad-it’s-good appeal. The storyline definitely tries to offer a serious critique of celebrity obsession, but the execution is so unserious and flawed that it becomes a chaotic and entertaining spectacle.

9

‘Cats’ (2019)

cats-2019-movie-poster-1.jpg

Release Date

December 20, 2019

Runtime

110 minutes

Cast

Rebel Wilson
, Jennifer Hudson
, Robbie Fairchild
, Idris Elba
, Taylor Swift
, Laurie Davidson
, Zizi Strallen
, Ray Winstone
, Ian McKellen
, Jason DeRulo
, Judi Dench
, James Corden
, Mette Towley

Cats has a reputation almost everyone is aware of. A musical fantasy film adapted from the hit Broadway show of the same name, it centers around a tribe of cats called the Jellicles as they gather for the annual Jellicle Ball to decide which lucky cat will be chosen to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn. What follows is a fever dream of singing, dancing, and, well, unique cats with backstories.

Campy Charm and Bizarrely Earnest Performances

Make no mistake – Cats is an objectively terrible movie. The CGI is unsettling, the plot is nonsensical, and the overall execution is a cinematic achievement that defies all conventional logic. The star-studded cast, including Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, and Idris Elba, is clearly not utilized. And yet, there’s an unreasonable joy in watching the movie unfold, as the sheer audacity of its existence makes it more and more entertaining with each passing minute.

A chainsaw goes through a stupidly designed digital shark, with unrealistic blood

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8

‘The Bye Bye Man’ (2017)

the-bye-bye-man-poster.jpg

Release Date

January 13, 2017

Cast

Douglas Smith
, Cleo King
, Doug Jones
, Ava Penner
, Carrie-Anne Moss
, Erica Tremblay
, Cressida Bonas
, Jenna Kanell
, Faye Dunaway
, Lucien Laviscount
, Marisa Echeverria
, Michael Trucco

Directed by Stacy Title, The Bye Bye Man is a supernatural horror film that follows three college students – Elliot, Sasha, and John – who move into a house off-campus. They discover a mysterious nightstand and unwittingly summon a malevolent entity by simply speaking its name. The Bye Bye Man, played by Doug Jones, preys on their fears and manipulates them, which turns the friends against each other to gruesome extremes.

Perfect Pick for a Lighthearted Spooky Night

The 2010s were a decade of polished horror movies and The Bye Bye Man is among the least coherent ones. It teeters on the edge of ridiculousness, especially with the villain, who may or may not be a real entity. Instead of being menacing, Jones’ character comes off as more amusing. And while the scares may not always land, the film’s convincing descent into madness gives birth to some hilarious moments.

7

‘Dirty Grandpa’ (2016)

dirty-grandpa-poster.jpg

Release Date

January 20, 2016

Runtime

102minutes

In a decade filled with outrageous but genius comedies, Dirty Grandpa stands out as a particularly unapologetic entry in the genre. It follows Jason Kelly, an uptight, to-be-married-in-two-weeks lawyer who is reluctantly roped into a road trip by his foul-mouthed grandfather, Dick Kelly, after they reunite over his grandmother’s funeral. On their journey to Florida, Jason learns about Dick’s wild side and begins to question his own life choices and his upcoming marriage.

Ideal Guilty Pleasure Watch

Dirty Grandpa is a perfect example of a so-bad-it’s-good movie because it is filled with crude jokes, wild parties, cringe-worthy antics, and run-ins with the police, all of which are absurd and over-the-top. Robert De Niro and Zac Efron have a palpable chemistry as the mismatched duo, and they are dedicated to the movie’s paper-thin plot. But the shock value is exactly what makes the movie such a blast to watch, despite the low ratings and harsh critics’ reviews.

6

‘Serenity’ (2019)

serenity-movie-poster.jpg

Release Date

January 25, 2019

Runtime

106 minutes

Cast

Jason Clarke
, Garion Dowds
, Rafael Sayegh
, Djimon Hounsou
, Jeremy Strong
, Robert Hobbs
, Anne Hathaway
, Matthew McConaughey
, Kenneth Fok
, Diane Lane
, Edeen Bhugeloo

A mind-bending thriller set against the backdrop of the turbulent waters of a fictional fishing town called Plymouth Island, Serenity follows Baker Dill, a fishing boat captain who is lured back into a dark past when his ex-wife, Karen, shows up with a desperate plea for help – she wants Dill to kill her abusive new husband and make it look like an accident in exchange for $10 million.

A Bonkers Ride From Start to Finish

While the film’s convoluted plot, over-the-top performance, and a certain audacious plot twist may be enough to turn off some viewers, those willing to embrace the sheer lunacy of Serenity will be rewarded with an experience so cinematic that it’s equal parts fascinating and utterly bizarre. The chemistry between Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway plays off well, and the stunning tropical settings acts as a savior for the disjointed narrative that’s, by the end of the movie, unintentionally hilarious. Which ultimately earned Serenity its cult status.

5

‘Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters’ (2013)

hansel-gretel-witch-hunters-poster.jpg

Release Date

January 25, 2013

Runtime

98minutes

Classic fairy tales are always ripe for reinvention, and Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters takes the age-old story of the titular characters and gives it an action-packed, adult makeover. The movie picks up years after the siblings’ encounter with the gingerbread house. They have escaped the clutches of the wicked witch and grown up to be fierce, professional witch hunters. Their latest mission is to rescue missing children and face the powerful witch Muriel.

A Ridiculous Homage to B-Movies

Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters is a rich and wild ride filled with over-the-top action, cheesy dialogue, and a heavy dose of gore. Director Tommy Wirkola embraces the silliness of the premise and creates a movie that combines two promising genres – fantasy and horror – and defies all the laws of physics and throws common sense out the window. Despite its bad reviews, abused plot, and hit-or-miss humor, though, the movie is undeniably fun.

4

‘This Means War’ (2012)

this means war

Release Date

February 17, 2012

Runtime

98 Minutes

This Means War is a romantic action-comedy starring Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, and Tom Hardy. Pine and Hardy play two top CIA operatives and best friends, Franklin “FDR” Foster and Tuck Hansen, who find themselves pit against each other when they fall for the same woman, Lauren. Both use their incredible spy skills to sabotage each other’s dates, forcing Lauren to choose between the two.

Action, Comedy, and Over-the-Top Fun

As the love triangle in This Means War heats up, so do the comedic hijinks and action-packed antics, and the conclusion is wildly entertaining, if not logical. The movie, directed by McG, is actually the quintessential so-bad-it’s-good film of the 2010s because, while the critics thought it was poorly written and clichéd, it featured playful performances from the main cast and is even considered as one of Witherspoon’s best rom-coms of all time.

3

‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ (2010)

Sorcerer's Apprentice Poster

Release Date

July 14, 2010

Runtime

109 minutes

For a decade filled with big-budget fantasy movies like The Hobbit trilogy, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and The Shape of Water, it’s interesting to see a Disney-inspired movie fail so spectacularly. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice follows Dave Stutler, an ordinary college student with a talent for magic. He’s recruited by ancient sorcerer Balthazar Blake to help protect New York City from Blake’s arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath.

A Fun Entry Into the Fantasy Genre

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is definitely not a perfect film, but it is a thoroughly enjoyable romp that brings the fantasy genre charm to its playful and flawed premise. Directed by Jon Turteltaub, the film’s a mix of cheesy special effects, predictable plot twists, and coming-of-age humor. Nicolas Cage and Jay Baruchel have a fun, crackling chemistry as the mentor-mentee duo, and it’s their portrayals (and Cage riding a magically mechanical eagle) that brings a nostalgic feel to the film.

Scarlett Johansson from Ghost in the Shell, Transformers: The Last Knight, and Jean Grey from Dark Phoenix

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2

‘Birdemic: Shock and Terror’ (2010)

Birdemic: Shock and Terror is a low-budget horror thriller that follows a small-town couple, Rod, a software salesman, and Nathalie, an aspiring fashion model, who get romantically involved with each other. Their budding relationship is interrupted when their town is attacked by a swarm of homicidal birds, who explode upon impact. Rod and Nathalie, with a few other survivors, must find a way to survive the avian onslaught.

An Assault on the Senses

Inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 classic but nowhere close to being as brilliant as the original, Birdemic: Shock and Terror earns its place as a so-bad-it’s-good cult classic for several reasons. For starters, director James Nguyen’s commitment to his bizarre vision is both baffling and admirable, and his use of laughable special effects, the illogical plot, and bland acting from Alan Bagh and Whitney Moore, results in a train wreck of a movie. Regardless, it’s amusing how the film tries to deliver an environmental message.

1

‘When in Rome’ (2010)

It’s a fun rom-com that aims for the heart and misses the mark, at least for some. When in Rome follows Beth, a young and successful New Yorker who does not believe in love. While on a trip to Rome for her sister’s wedding, she steals a couple of coins from the “fountain of love,” which causes the coin tossers to fall in love with her. At the same time, Beth finds herself genuinely drawn towards Nick, a charming sports reporter and her brother-in-law’s cousin.

Rom-Com with a Fantastical Twist

Directed by Mark Steven Johnson, When In Rome was a small win at the box office but was heavily criticized by critics due to its unfunny gags and cheese romance. But it’s the predictable plot and the exaggerated characters (portrayed by Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel, Danny DeVito, and more) that make it a guilty-pleasure watch. For anyone in the mood for a fun, but not particularly deep, romantic comedy, When In Rome is the ideal pick.


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