Okay, let’s be real for a second. We’ve all been there, right? You settle down for a cozy movie night, maybe you’ve got your favorite snacks, your comfiest PJs on, and you’re ready for some cinematic magic. The opening credits roll, the anticipation builds… and then, a mere few minutes or an hour in, you realize something truly horrifying: this movie is absolutely, unequivocally, undeniably *bad*.
And not just ‘meh, I’ve seen better’ bad, but ‘I cannot physically endure another second of this’ bad. The kind of bad that makes you question your life choices, the kind of bad that makes you wonder who, exactly, approved this script, this acting, this entire *project*. You try to power through, you really do, but there’s a point of no return, a cinematic event horizon where your brain just says ‘nope’ and your finger instinctively reaches for the power button.
Well, you’re not alone! A while back, we asked people to spill the tea on the movies that were so bad they had to stop watching them midway. And boy, did the internet deliver! So grab your metaphorical popcorn (you won’t need real popcorn for these, trust us), because we’re taking a deep dive into some of the films that left audiences utterly defeated and reaching for the remote. Here are seven flicks that people literally couldn’t sit through.
1. **Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)**Remember the sheer joy and excitement when the first ‘Wonder Woman’ movie hit theaters? It was a breath of fresh air, a truly fantastic superhero flick that made us all believe a woman could fly (and kick butt doing it). People were hyped, like seriously hyped, for the sequel. One user perfectly captured the sentiment, saying, “I LOVED the first movie. I can still rewatch it happily. Sure, it had a couple of issues, but overall, it was truly the movie I had waited 40 years to see.”
Remember the sheer joy and excitement when the first ‘Wonder Woman’ movie hit theaters? It was a breath of fresh air, a truly fantastic superhero flick that made us all believe a woman could fly (and kick butt doing it). People were hyped, like seriously hyped, for the sequel. One user perfectly captured the sentiment, saying, “I LOVED the first movie. I can still rewatch it happily. Sure, it had a couple of issues, but overall, it was truly the movie I had waited 40 years to see.”
So, imagine the gut punch when ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ finally arrived. The collective sigh of disappointment could probably be heard around the world. Our user didn’t mince words, declaring it “TERRIBLE and incredibly disappointing.” The enthusiasm for the original made the sequel’s flaws even more glaring, turning what should have been a triumphant return into a cinematic letdown.
The biggest culprit? The script. It was universally panned, with our reviewer calling it “just god-awful and had so many holes.” When the very foundation of a story crumbles, even the most charismatic heroes and dazzling special effects can’t save it. It’s a sad truth, but sometimes even the most anticipated movies can fail to stick the landing, leaving fans feeling utterly betrayed by a narrative that simply didn’t make sense.
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2. **The Nice Guys (2016)**
Now, this one might surprise some people. ‘The Nice Guys’ boasts a fantastic cast with Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling, two actors who generally deliver compelling performances. You’d think with that kind of star power and a reputable director, this would be a surefire hit, right? Wrong. For one viewer, it was an experience so uniquely awful that it stood out among a lifetime of bad movie watching.
This Redditor’s take on ‘The Nice Guys’ is pretty definitive: “I’ve seen a lot of terrible movies in my life to the end, but that is the only one I just turned off and walked away.” Think about that for a second. In a world full of cinematic duds, this film achieved the rare feat of being so irredeemably bad that it broke a seasoned movie-watcher’s long-standing rule of finishing what they started. It’s a testament to how truly off-putting a movie can be.
What made it so terrible? The user couldn’t even recall! “Don’t remember any of the plot, but I know it was terrible.” That’s a special kind of bad, isn’t it? When a movie is so forgettable yet so actively disliked that its very memory is a blot, it really makes you wonder what went so wrong behind the scenes. Even stellar actors sometimes find themselves in projects that are just… not good.
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3. **Men in Black: International (2019)**’
‘Men in Black’ is a beloved franchise, known for its cool tech, quirky aliens, and the undeniable chemistry between Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. So, when a new installment was announced, featuring Chris Hemsworth (aka Thor) and Tessa Thompson (aka Valkyrie), the excitement was palpable! Surely, this dynamic duo could inject new life into the alien-hunting agency, right? *Right?*
Unfortunately, the new blood couldn’t quite replicate the magic. One disappointed viewer summed up the core issue, musing, “Maybe it was seeing Thor and Valkyrie playing lesser versions of themselves, I don’t know. It was awful.” It seems that the appeal of the actors in their Marvel roles actually worked against them here, making their ‘Men in Black’ personas feel like watered-down imitations rather than fresh characters.
It’s a tough lesson that Hollywood often learns the hard way: a great cast isn’t always enough to salvage a weak script or an uninspired premise. The film was deemed “terrible” by many, failing to capture the fun, wit, and unique charm that made the original films so iconic. Sometimes, it’s better to leave a classic well enough alone than to create a lackluster follow-up.
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4. **The Nun (2018)**
For horror fans, ‘The Conjuring’ universe has carved out a niche for itself, delivering plenty of jump scares and creepy moments. ‘The Nun’ was an eagerly awaited spin-off, promising more ghostly terror and a deeper dive into one of the franchise’s most chilling villains. But even for those familiar with the cinematic scares, this one quickly crossed the line from frightening to ridiculous.
One user’s experience perfectly illustrates this quick descent: “After about 20 minutes, we walked out of the theater.” Twenty minutes! That’s barely enough time to settle into your seat and finish your popcorn. The reason for the swift exit? Despite anticipating it might be “awful like all the other ones in the sort of Conjuring universe and all that, but this was just ridiculous.”
When a horror movie loses its ability to terrify and instead provokes eye-rolls, you know it’s in trouble. The line between genuinely scary and utterly absurd can be a fine one, and ‘The Nun’ apparently tripped right over it. It seems the film’s attempt at horror veered too far into the silly, prompting viewers to simply give up on the scares and head for the exit.
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5. **The Beach Bum (2019)**
Picture this: a movie starring Matthew McConaughey, Isla Fisher, Zac Efron, Snoop Dogg, and Martin Lawrence. Sounds like a party, right? A guaranteed good time with an “amazing cast,” as one Reddit user pointed out. ‘The Beach Bum’ promised a whimsical, free-spirited journey into the life of a rebellious poet in the Florida Keys. What could possibly go wrong with a premise like that?
Well, a lot, apparently. Despite the star power, the film “didn’t go anywhere,” according to a frustrated viewer who lasted “nearly an hour before I couldn’t take it anymore.” There’s nothing more frustrating than a movie that feels like it’s perpetually building to something that never arrives, leaving you in a narrative limbo of aimlessness.
Our user’s ultimate complaint boiled down to a fundamental issue: “It made no sense, and it was so unrealistic.” While many films require a certain level of suspended disbelief, ‘The Beach Bum’ seemingly pushed past that boundary into pure nonsense. “I can suspend disbelief for a lot of things, but this was awful. What a waste!” When a movie fails to even offer a coherent reason for existing, it’s often a sign for audiences to cut their losses.
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6. **Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)**
Ah, ‘Fifty Shades of Grey.’ The book phenomenon that took the world by storm, selling millions and sparking countless conversations. Translating that kind of intense, erotically charged popularity to the big screen was always going to be a challenge. Many, many people flocked to theaters to see what all the hype was about, only to find themselves squirming in their seats for all the wrong reasons.
One brave soul decided to investigate the hype first-hand: “I wanted to see what the hype was about. Started the movie, realized how terrible it was after 15 minutes or so, and turned it off.” But their quest for understanding didn’t stop there. They even gave the source material a shot: “Decided to give the book a try. Realized how terrible that was, too, and gave up after a few chapters. I don’t get it — it’s just not good.”
The film’s critical reception echoed these sentiments, with observers noting its “wooden acting, lackluster script, and uncomfortable intimate scenes left many viewers feeling awkward and unable to finish watching.” It seems the on-screen chemistry, or lack thereof, combined with a story that felt forced, made it an agonizing experience for many. Another user specifically called out a particular, clumsy moment: “I was out as soon as she walked into Christian s office and tripped over NOTHING. Cause, you know, she s just so quirky and clumsy.”
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7. **Holmes & Watson (2018)**
When you hear ‘Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly,’ you probably immediately think of comedic gold, right? Their previous collaborations, like ‘Step Brothers,’ are legendary for their absurdity and quotability. So, the idea of them tackling the iconic detective duo Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson should have been a slam dunk, a guaranteed laugh riot that would reinterpret the classic characters with their unique brand of humor. It was a premise ripe with potential.
Alas, potential doesn’t always translate to performance. The film, sadly, “failed to deliver.” According to the collective disappointment, it was plagued by “a poor script and unfunny jokes” which “left many viewers bored, disappointed, and wishing the film’s producers hadn’t bothered.” When even two of the most reliably funny actors can’t wring laughs out of a script, you know you’re in deep trouble.
Even a self-proclaimed “glutton for punishment” admitted the film’s overall terribleness, only finding solace in a “few good jokes and bits” such as Steve Coogan with a tattoo gun grafted to his arm, or Hugh Laurie as Mycroft Holmes. But these small mercies weren’t enough to save the movie from being widely considered a dud. It just goes to show that even the brightest comedic stars can’t shine through a truly dismal screenplay.
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because if you thought the first batch of cinematic calamities was rough, we’re just getting started! It seems like Hollywood sometimes has a secret talent for churning out films that are so bizarre, so offensive, or just so plain confusing that they defy all logic. And guess what? Audiences aren’t having it! We’re diving back into the abyss to unearth seven more infamous movies that made people wish they could literally un-watch them and reclaim those precious minutes of their lives. Trust us, your remote control is about to get a workout!
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8. **The Last Airbender (2010)**
Oh, ‘The Last Airbender.’ For fans of the beloved animated series, this live-action adaptation was supposed to be a dream come true. The original show had a massive following, known for its rich storytelling, incredible characters, and deep mythology. Imagine the excitement, the anticipation, the sheer *hope* that this movie would capture even a fraction of that magic. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.
Our context clearly states, “Night Shyamalan’s The Last Airbender had fans of the original animated series beside themselves with anticipation. But sadly, poor acting, bad dialogue, and significant deviations from the beloved source material left many viewers feeling frustrated and disappointed.” One brave soul even confessed, “I tried to watch it once, and I managed to force myself to watch it for 15 minutes. I then turned it off and never finished it. Gosh awful. Not representative of the show AT ALL.”
Fifteen minutes! That’s barely enough time to get a proper introduction, let alone immerse yourself in a new world. But when a film veers so far off course from its source material and piles on the poor acting and dialogue, it becomes an almost immediate turn-off. It’s a stark reminder that some stories are just better left to their original format, especially when a live-action version completely misses the mark.
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9. **Charlie’s Angels (2019)**
The ‘Charlie’s Angels’ franchise has a history of delivering fun, action-packed adventures with charismatic leads. From the original TV series to the early 2000s movies starring Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu, and Drew Barrymore, there was a certain charm and energy that fans loved. So, when a new iteration arrived in 2019, many were ready for another dose of empowering spy thrills.
However, this reboot struggled to capture the essence that made its predecessors so enjoyable. One disappointed viewer encapsulated the sentiment perfectly: “I watched about 10 minutes of it and just could not do it.” Ten minutes! In a movie that’s supposed to sweep you away with its excitement, that’s a pretty rapid exit. It suggests a fundamental failure to connect with the audience from the get-go.
The core issue, as pointed out by our context, was a perceived lack of “charisma and energy.” The user felt the “show was simply miscast.” When the very heart of your ensemble action film—the chemistry and appeal of its stars—falls flat, it’s incredibly difficult to keep an audience engaged. Sometimes, even a beloved premise can’t survive if the new cast doesn’t click with what made the original so great.
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10. **Sausage Party (2016)**
Now, let’s talk about ‘Sausage Party.’ On paper, an R-rated animated comedy about anthropomorphic groceries discovering the grim truth about their existence sounds like a recipe for hilariously dark humor. For fans of edgy, no-holds-barred comedy, this promised to be a unique and boundary-pushing experience. Seth Rogen and his crew usually deliver laughs, often with a good dose of shock value.
But for one particular viewer, the film’s attempts at humor missed the mark spectacularly. They declared, “Not halfway, but I couldn’t make it past the opening song of Sausage Party.” The *opening song*! That’s an impressive feat of unwatchability, setting a new bar for how quickly a movie can alienate its audience. This isn’t just about not liking it; it’s about an immediate, visceral rejection.
The user, a self-professed lover of “dark and edgy humor” and a fan of comedians like George Carlin, found ‘Sausage Party’ to be “just…numbing.” The film’s humor, rather than being clever or provocative, seemed to devolve into something that made the viewer feel “weirdly embarrassed and hoping that my roommates wouldn’t hear what I was watching through the walls.” It seems there’s a fine line between edgy and just plain uncomfortable, and this movie apparently crossed it with gusto.
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11. **Artemis Fowl (2020)**
‘Artemis Fowl’ was an adaptation of a wildly popular young adult book series, known for its clever, mischievous protagonist and a fantastical world blending Irish folklore with high-tech espionage. The books captivated millions, and a movie promised to bring this imaginative universe to life on the big screen. The potential for a new, exciting fantasy franchise was definitely there.
However, the film quickly stumbled, alienating fans of the source material and newcomers alike. One of the most glaring issues, as highlighted by a user, was when they “stopped watching Artemis Fowl at around the time the child says he’s better than Einstein and everyone agrees.” This moment, early in the film, seems to encapsulate a broader problem of writing and characterization.
When a film presents a character with such a jarringly unbelievable declaration, and then expects the audience to simply accept it, it breaks the suspension of disbelief. It signals a departure from the nuanced storytelling that made the books so beloved. If the core character and their world-building feel off from the beginning, it’s incredibly tough to stay invested, leading to that inevitable ‘off’ button moment.
12. **Jupiter Ascending (2015)**
From the Wachowskis, the visionary minds behind ‘The Matrix,’ ‘Jupiter Ascending’ promised another grand, visually stunning sci-fi epic. With a star-studded cast including Mila Kunis and Channing Tatum, and a premise involving a hidden destiny and intergalactic royalty, it had all the ingredients for a thrilling space opera. Many went into theaters hoping for a new genre-defining experience.
Unfortunately, the film spiraled into a confusing mess. One cinema-goer couldn’t even make it to the end, stating, “Walked out of a movie theatre two hours into its 2.5 hour runtime.” Think about that dedication! Two hours is a significant investment of time, indicating a strong initial desire to see it through. To walk out that close to the end truly speaks volumes about the movie’s ability to frustrate its audience.
The problem? Our context describes it as “literally just a [hot mess], not complemented by Oscar Winner (that year) Eddie Redmayne’s bland performance.” When a movie’s plot is incomprehensible, its characters unengaging, and even acclaimed actors can’t elevate the material, it becomes an exercise in endurance rather than enjoyment. Sometimes, a film’s ambition simply outweighs its execution, leaving viewers bewildered and bailing.
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13. **Steel (1997)**
Ah, ‘Steel.’ A superhero movie starring none other than Shaquille O’Neal, the larger-than-life basketball superstar, as a crime-fighting hero in a metallic suit. In the late 90s, the superhero genre was still finding its footing, and the idea of a beloved athlete taking on the mantle sounded like it could be a fun, if not unconventional, ride. Many probably went in with a sense of curiosity and a hope for some cheesy action fun.
However, ‘Steel’ quickly proved to be less of a slam dunk and more of a major foul. A group of friends experiencing the film on its opening night had a definitive response: “About one-third of the way through, we all decided that we weren’t going to waste any more of our time watching that trash heap of a movie, so we got up and left.” Ouch. And the pain wasn’t solitary, as the user added, “As we were leaving, a bunch of other moviegoers also left.”
When multiple groups of people, on opening night no less, decide that their time is literally better spent doing *anything else* than watching your movie, that’s a pretty damning indictment. The film was described as a “completely forgettable movie” and a “trash heap.” It just goes to show that even a charismatic sports icon can’t save a film from a weak script, poor execution, and a general air of unwatchability.
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14. **Cats (2019)**
And finally, we arrive at ‘Cats.’ The 2019 adaptation of the wildly popular Broadway musical was perhaps one of the most anticipated—and subsequently, one of the most infamously panned—films of its year. With an A-list cast and groundbreaking CGI promising to bring the feline characters to life, it generated immense buzz. People were genuinely curious about how this theatrical spectacle would translate to the big screen.
What audiences got, however, was something… else entirely. The film quickly became a talking point for all the wrong reasons. One user’s experience was brutally succinct: “Cats. After three minutes.” Yes, you read that right. Three. Minutes. Another brave soul lasted a bit longer, stating, “I lasted 30 minutes and then I immediately left the theater. Human faces on roaches creeped the hell out, as did whatever else I saw in that time frame.”
Our context perfectly sums it up: “It might have eccentricity going for it, but the 2019 adaptation of Cats is widely criticized for its creepy CGI and lack of a coherent plot. The film’s bizarre visuals and strange performances made it difficult for many viewers to watch until the end.” When a film’s visuals are so unsettling and its narrative so nonsensical that it provokes immediate exits, it earns a special place in the pantheon of unwatchable cinema. It’s a vivid reminder that sometimes, even the most daring artistic visions can go spectacularly, horrifyingly, wrong.
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So there you have it, folks! Another collection of films that truly tested the patience, sanity, and general endurance of moviegoers everywhere. From baffling plots and wooden acting to truly bizarre directorial choices and unsettling visuals, these cinematic misfires prove that not every silver screen dream turns into a golden ticket. Whether you walked out of the theater, hit the power button, or just stared blankly at the screen wondering what in the world you were witnessing, you’re definitely not alone. It’s a collective groan of cinematic disappointment, and honestly, sometimes it’s just better to cut your losses and find something else to stream. Now, who’s ready for some serious re-watching of actually *good* movies? We certainly are! Let us know what movies you’ve had to stop watching in the comments!
