10 Best Bad Movies of the 2010s

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As someone who has spent countless hours sifting through the cinematic landscape, I must say that the world of so-bad-it’s-good films holds a special place in my heart. These movies, with their questionable acting, laughable special effects, and bizarre plots, remind me of the joy of discovering hidden gems amidst a sea of mediocrity. They are the perfect antidote to the high-budget, big-name productions that dominate our screens, offering a refreshing and unpretentious take on storytelling.

For instance, “Birdemic: Shock and Terror” is a prime example of a film that takes the concept of a bird invasion and turns it into a delightful train wreck of special effects, acting, and plot development. I can’t help but chuckle when I think about the homicidal birds exploding upon impact – it’s just so absurdly entertaining!

And let us not forget “When in Rome,” a romantic comedy that takes the classic trope of love at first sight and gives it a fantastical twist. It may not be a masterpiece, but it certainly knows how to deliver a fun, if somewhat predictable, watch. The scene where Kristen Bell’s character, Beth, is pursued by a motley crew of lovestruck Italians is pure gold!

These films may not win any awards, but they offer an irresistible charm that transcends the flaws in their production and storytelling. They serve as a reminder that sometimes, the most enjoyable experiences can come from embracing the absurd and the imperfect. So, if you’re looking for a good laugh or a guilty-pleasure watch, I highly recommend diving into the world of so-bad-it’s-good films – just remember to bring your sense of humor!

The 2010s stand out as one of the strangest, most astonishing, and at times, utterly unforeseeable decades in recent history. Social media took off, and superhero films dominated the scene, giving the impression we were all caught up in a vivid dream. Amidst the turmoil, movies continued to provide an enjoyable escape. Particularly, those ‘so-bad-they’re-good’ movies, which despite their poor quality by traditional standards, have a certain charm that makes watching them irresistible.

These films often feature illogical storylines, stiff performances, and seem to lack proper direction in their production. At times, they appear oblivious to their own absurdity. Regardless of the cause, these films possess an unusual charm that outshines polished, flawless blockbusters. Ranging from cheesy comedies to peculiar science fiction masterpieces, the 2010s were filled with movies that, despite their flaws, managed to be delightfully entertaining. Here are the top 10 picks that fit this description.

10
‘The Fanatic’ (2019)

In “The Fanatic,” John Travolta gives a remarkable performance as Moose, an individual with autism who is socially awkward and has an intense admiration for action star Hunter Dunbar. His fandom escalates to the point where he attempts to establish a friendship with the actor, but is rejected. Unable to accept this, Moose becomes dangerously fixated on Hunter and starts stalking him, leading to a sequence of unsettling interactions.

A Thriller That Has to Be Seen to Be Believed

As a devoted admirer, I had high expectations for “The Fanatic,” anticipating a nail-biting thriller with its nerve-wracking cat-and-mouse chase as the main attraction. However, quite unexpectedly, it transformed into an unintended comedy goldmine, all thanks to Travolta’s eccentric and over-the-top interpretation of Moose. The directorial debut of Fred Durst, the lead singer of Limp Bizkit, added layers to its “so bad, it’s good” charm with its uneasy direction and disorganized script.

The narrative aimed to deliver a profound commentary on celebrity fixation, but the haphazard execution turned it into a chaotic and hilarious spectacle instead. Despite its attempts at delivering a serious message, the sheer absurdity of the film’s flaws makes it a wildly entertaining watch.

9
‘Cats’ (2019)

The nearly universally recognized reputation belongs to cats, particularly the musical fantasy film based on the popular Broadway play, which revolves around a feline tribe known as the Jellicles. At their annual Jellicle Ball, they make the momentous decision of selecting one fortunate cat for a journey to the Heaviside Layer, where they can be reborn. The narrative then unfolds into a surreal sequence filled with melodies, choreography, and, indeed, extraordinary cats, each having their own unique tales.

Campy Charm and Bizarrely Earnest Performances

As a lifelong cat enthusiast who has spent countless hours observing and admiring these graceful creatures, I must confess that my expectations for the movie “Cats” were sky-high. Alas, my dreams of witnessing a cinematic masterpiece showcasing the enchanting world of felines were dashed as soon as the opening credits rolled. The CGI cats left me feeling uneasy and disoriented, their unsettling appearance failing to capture the beauty and charm of real-life felines.

The plot, or lack thereof, was a bewildering jumble of nonsensical sequences that left me scratching my head in confusion. And the overall execution, while ambitious, fell flat, defying all conventional logic and cinematic norms. The star-studded cast, including Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, and Idris Elba, seemed woefully underutilized, their talents wasted in a convoluted mess of a storyline.

Despite the movie’s many flaws, there was an undeniable charm to its sheer audacity that made it impossible to look away. The more I watched, the more I found myself laughing at the absurdity of it all. In a strange twist of fate, “Cats” became a guilty pleasure, a cinematic trainwreck that I couldn’t help but be fascinated by. It was as if I had stumbled upon a catnip-induced frenzy on screen, and I found myself unable to resist its hypnotic allure.

8
‘The Bye Bye Man’ (2017)

Under the guidance of director Stacy Title, The Bye Bye Man offers a chilling supernatural horror experience. It revolves around three college students – Elliot, Sasha, and John – who decide to live off-campus in a new house. They stumble upon a puzzling nightstand and unknowingly invoke a malevolent force by uttering its name. The elusive Bye Bye Man, portrayed by Doug Jones, exploits their deepest fears and sows discord among the friends, pushing them to horrifying lengths of violence against one another.

Perfect Pick for a Lighthearted Spooky Night

As a dedicated cinephile, I’d say the 2010s were a golden era for finely-crafted horror films, but The Bye Bye Man stands out as one of the most puzzling ones. It often treads close to the absurd, particularly in its portrayal of the antagonist, who is questionably real or just a figment of imagination. Instead of instilling fear, Jones’ character seems more comedic. Despite some misses when it comes to delivering genuine scares, the film offers a descent into madness that results in quite a few laugh-out-loud moments.

7
‘Dirty Grandpa’ (2016)

In the span of a decade brimming with audacious yet brilliant comedies, Dirty Grandpa distinguishes itself as an exceptionally bold addition to the genre. The film centers around Jason Kelly, a strictly formal, two-weeks-from-marriage lawyer who finds himself unwillingly embarking on a road trip with his vulgar grandfather, Dick Kelly, following their reunion at their grandmother’s funeral. As they travel towards Florida, Jason discovers the wilder aspects of Dick’s personality, leading him to scrutinize his own life decisions and impending marriage.

Ideal Guilty Pleasure Watch

Dirty Grandpa stands out as an entertaining spectacle of a film that’s so outrageous it’s endearing, brimming with off-color humor, rowdy festivities, awkward escapades, and encounters with law enforcement – all of which are exaggerated to the extreme. The duo played by Robert De Niro and Zac Efron share a tangible screen presence, and they commit wholeheartedly to the film’s flimsy storyline. However, it is precisely this shock factor that makes watching the movie such a riot, even though it has received poor ratings and been criticized severely by critics.

6
‘Serenity’ (2019)

In a gripping tale that unfolds amidst the stormy seas of a fictitious coastal town named Plymouth Island, Serenity chronicles the story of Baker Dill, a skilled fisherman captain, who is unwillingly drawn back into his tumultuous history when his former spouse, Karen, unexpectedly reappears with an urgent request. Desperate to free herself from her abusive new husband, she asks Dill to orchestrate his death, making it appear as an accident, in exchange for a $10 million reward.

A Bonkers Ride From Start to Finish

Despite the complex plot, exaggerated acting, and daring plot twist potentially deterring some audiences, fans of the eccentricity in Serenity will find a captivating, if peculiar, cinematic adventure. The chemistry between Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway is commendable, while the breathtaking tropical backdrops serve as a redeeming factor for the fragmented storyline that, by the film’s end, inadvertently becomes amusingly absurd. This quirky appeal has helped Serenity garner its cult following.

5
‘Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters’ (2013)

As a cinephile, I must say that reimagining classic fairy tales is never a dull task, and the film “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters” certainly does not disappoint! This thrilling adventure follows Hansel and Gretel, our beloved protagonists, years after their harrowing experience with the gingerbread house. They’ve since grown into formidable adults, now skilled and professional witch hunters. In this installment, they embark on a mission to save missing children while facing the formidable witch, Muriel. The action is intense, the stakes are high, and the story provides an exciting twist on the classic tale we all know and love.

A Ridiculous Homage to B-Movies

As a film enthusiast, I’d say that diving into the world of “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters” is like strapping yourself in for a thrilling, outlandish journey packed with excessive action, campy dialogues, and a generous helping of gore. Director Tommy Wirkola seizes the absurdity of the premise and weaves a film that masterfully blends two captivating genres – fantasy and horror – while disregarding all known laws of physics and casting common sense aside. Despite its mixed reviews, questionable plot development, and humor that sometimes misses the mark, this movie is undeniably entertaining.

4
‘This Means War’ (2012)

The movie titled “This Means War” features Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, and Tom Hardy in a romantic action-comedy setting. Pine and Hardy portray two skilled CIA operatives, Franklin “FDR” Foster and Tuck Hansen, who are also best friends. Their friendship is put to the test when they both fall for the same woman, Lauren. To win her affection, they employ their exceptional spy abilities to undermine each other’s dates, ultimately leaving Lauren torn between them.

Action, Comedy, and Over-the-Top Fun

In the movie “This Means War”, directed by McG, as the love triangle intensifies, so does the mix of humorous mishaps and thrilling stunts, making for a wildly entertaining, if not always logical, conclusion. Despite receiving criticism for its poor writing and clichéd elements, the film stands out due to the charming performances from the main cast and is often hailed as one of Reese Witherspoon’s top romantic comedies ever made.

3
‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ (2010)

Over the past ten years, we’ve been entertained by lavish fantasy films such as The Hobbit trilogy, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and The Shape of Water. However, it’s intriguing to witness a film inspired by Disney falter so significantly. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice focuses on Dave Stutler, an ordinary college student with a knack for magic. He is enlisted by the ancient sorcerer Balthazar Blake to aid in safeguarding New York City from Blake’s arch-enemy, Maxim Horvath.

A Fun Entry Into the Fantasy Genre

The movie titled ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ isn’t flawless, but offers an entertaining adventure filled with enchanting charm in its imperfect and whimsical storyline. Directed by Jon Turteltaub, it combines cheesy special effects, foreseeable plot developments, and humor centered around growing up. The pairing of Nicolas Cage and Jay Baruchel on screen creates a lively, sparkling dynamic, and their performances (notably Cage atop a magically mechanical eagle) evoke a sense of nostalgia for the film.

2
‘Birdemic: Shock and Terror’ (2010)

Birdemic: Shock and Terror is a low-budget horror thriller that chronicles the story of a small-town couple, Rod, a software salesman, and Nathalie, an aspiring model, who fall in love. However, their newfound romance is disrupted when their town faces an unexpected threat – a horde of bloodthirsty birds that detonate upon impact. With a handful of survivors, Rod and Nathalie must figure out how to survive amidst the bird assault.

An Assault on the Senses

Drawn from Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 masterpiece, but falling far short in terms of brilliance, “Birdemic: Shock and Terror” has carved a niche for itself as a beloved ‘so-bad-it’s-good’ cult classic. Firstly, director James Nguyen’s unwavering dedication to his peculiar vision is both puzzling and commendable. His employment of ridiculously poor special effects, an implausible narrative, and lackluster performances from Alan Bagh and Whitney Moore, culminates in a cinematic disaster. However, it’s intriguing how the movie attempts to convey an ecological message despite its flaws.

1
‘When in Rome’ (2010)

This romantic comedy, titled “When in Rome“, offers an amusing take on love but falls short for certain viewers. The story revolves around Beth, a cynical New Yorker who doesn’t believe in romance. During her sister’s wedding in Rome, she playfully takes some coins from the “fountain of love,” leading people who tossed coins to develop feelings for her instead. Simultaneously, Beth unexpectedly feels genuine attraction towards Nick, an appealing sports journalist and her brother-in-law’s cousin.

Rom-Com with a Fantastical Twist

Under the guidance of Mark Steven Johnson, the movie titled “When In Rome” managed to rake in some cash at the box office, but it was widely panned by critics due to its lackluster humor and overly cheesy romance. However, what makes it a satisfying watch despite its predictable storyline and caricatured characters (performed brilliantly by Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel, Danny DeVito, and others) is that it serves as a guilt-free entertainment option for those seeking a light, albeit not intellectually stimulating, romantic comedy experience. If you’re in the mood for a fun, yet shallow, rom-com, “When In Rome” would be an excellent choice.

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2025-01-03 05:32