1. Reefer Madness 1936，IMDB Rating: 3.8，Douban Rating: 6.2 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Reefer Madness 1936 is a notorious exploitation film that warns about the alleged dangers of marijuana use. The film depicts a group of teenagers who are lured by drug dealers to smoke ‘reefer’ cigarettes, which lead them to commit various crimes, such as manslaughter, murder, rape, and suicide. The film is full of exaggerated and inaccurate claims about the effects of cannabis, such as causing insanity, aggression, hallucinations, and addiction, making it a prime example of outdated propaganda.
2. The Room 2003，IMDB Rating: 3.7，Douban Rating: 4.2 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 If you are looking for a movie that is so bad that it’s good, look no further than The Room, a 2003 drama written, directed, produced by, and starring Tommy Wiseau. The Room is widely considered one of the worst movies ever made, but also one of the most entertaining. The plot revolves around a love triangle between Johnny (Wiseau), his fiancée Lisa (Juliette Danielle), and his best friend Mark (Greg Sestero). The movie is full of nonsensical dialogue, awkward acting, bizarre scenes, and continuity errors, which all contribute to its cult status.
3. Birdemic: Shock and Terror 2010，IMDB Rating: 1.8，Douban Rating: 3.9 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Birdemic: Shock and Terror is a 2010 low-budget horror film written, directed, and produced by James Nguyen. The film is widely considered to be one of the worst movies ever made, due to its poor acting, editing, sound, special effects, and plot. The film follows a couple who are attacked by a flock of homicidal birds that inexplicably cause explosions and acid rain. The film also attempts to deliver a message about global warming and environmentalism, but fails miserably.
4. Showgirls 1995，IMDB Rating: 4.9，Douban Rating: 6.9 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Showgirls is a 1995 erotic drama thriller film directed by Paul Verhoeven and written by Joe Eszterhas. It stars Elizabeth Berkley as Nomi Malone, a young drifter who arrives in Las Vegas with dreams of becoming a showgirl, but ends up working as a stripper and getting involved in the dark and sleazy side of the entertainment industry. The film features Kyle MacLachlan, Gina Gershon, Glenn Plummer, Robert Davi, Alan Rachins and Gina Ravera in supporting roles.
5. The Wicker Man 2006，IMDB Rating: 3.7，Douban Rating: 5.6 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Wicker Man 2006 is a remake of the 1973 British classic, but it fails to capture the original’s atmosphere, suspense, and horror. Nicolas Cage stars as Edward Malus, a policeman who travels to a remote island to find his ex-fiancée’s missing daughter. The film’s attempt to modernize the story falls flat, resulting in a movie that is more laughable than frightening.
6. Batman 1989，IMDB Rating: 7.5，Douban Rating: 7.4 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Batman 1989 is a superhero film directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton as the Dark Knight. The film is widely regarded as one of the best adaptations of the comic book character, but it also has its share of flaws and campiness that make it a guilty pleasure for some fans. The film features Jack Nicholson as the Joker, a maniacal clown who terrorizes Gotham City with his deadly jokes and schemes.
7. Catwoman 2004，IMDB Rating: 3.4，Douban Rating: 5.9 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Catwoman 2004 is a superhero film loosely based on the DC Comics character of the same name. It stars Halle Berry as Patience Phillips, a shy graphic designer who works for a cosmetics company that is about to launch a new anti-aging product. However, she discovers that the product has dangerous side effects and is killed by the company’s owners. She is then revived by a cat and gains superhuman abilities and a new personality as Catwoman. She also falls in love with a detective, Tom Lone, who is investigating her murder. She decides to use her powers to stop the company from releasing the product and to expose their crimes.
8. The Roommate 2011，IMDB Rating: 4.8，Douban Rating: 5.9 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Roommate 2011 is a psychological thriller film about a college freshman named Sara who befriends her roommate Rebecca, unaware that she is dangerously obsessed with her. Rebecca tries to eliminate anyone who gets close to Sara, such as her friends, her love interest, and her professor. She also harms herself and lies to Sara to gain her sympathy. Sara discovers that Rebecca is supposed to take medication for a mental disorder and decides to move out, but Rebecca follows her and tries to kill her. Sara manages to escape and Rebecca is taken away by the police.
9. Mommie Dearest 1981，IMDB Rating: 6.7，Douban Rating: 5.9 Photo by douban movie, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Mommie Dearest is a 1981 film based on the memoir of Christina Crawford, the adopted daughter of Hollywood star Joan Crawford. The film portrays Joan as a cruel, abusive, and narcissistic mother who torments Christina and her brother Christopher throughout their childhood and adulthood. The film depicts Joan’s obsession with her career, her image, and her cleanliness, as well as her erratic behavior, alcoholism, and violent outbursts. The film also shows Joan’s failed relationships with men, her conflicts with studio executives, and her decline in popularity.
10. Gone with the Wind 1939，IMDB Rating: 8.2, IMDB Votes: 336681, ID: 0031381 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Gone with the Wind, a cinematic epic, is marred by its romanticized portrayal of the antebellum South and its problematic depictions of race and slavery. While the film’s grandeur and performances are noteworthy, its outdated and offensive perspectives on history make it difficult to appreciate fully. The movie serves as a reminder of Hollywood’s past insensitivities and the importance of critical viewing.
11. She’s All That 1999，IMDB Rating: 5.9, IMDB Votes: 104666, ID: 0160862 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 She’s All That is a quintessential ’90s teen rom-com that hasn’t aged gracefully. The film’s central makeover trope, where a ‘dorky’ girl is transformed into a prom queen, feels shallow and problematic by today’s standards. While it has its charming moments and nostalgic appeal, the film’s message about beauty and popularity is outdated and fails to resonate with contemporary audiences.
12. Drop Dead Gorgeous 1999，IMDB Rating: 6.7, IMDB Votes: 41390, ID: 0157503 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Drop Dead Gorgeous attempts to satirize beauty pageants but ends up being more offensive than funny. The film’s dark humor often misses the mark, and its insensitive jokes about eating disorders and disabilities are particularly jarring. Despite a talented cast, the movie’s mean-spirited tone and reliance on shock value have not stood the test of time, making it a difficult watch today.
13. Superbad 2007，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 639462, ID: 0829482 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Superbad captures the awkwardness of teenage life with raunchy humor, but its crude jokes and portrayal of women feel outdated. The film’s reliance on offensive language and stereotypes makes it less enjoyable by today’s standards. Despite its heartfelt moments and strong performances, Superbad doesn’t age gracefully in the era of more sensitive and inclusive comedy, highlighting how societal norms have evolved.
14. Soul Man 1986，IMDB Rating: 5.3, IMDB Votes: 9145, ID: 0091991 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Soul Man’ attempts to tackle serious issues of race and identity but ends up being tone-deaf and offensive. The premise of a white man posing as a black man to gain a scholarship is problematic, and the film’s handling of racial issues is superficial and insensitive. Its misguided humor and lack of depth make it a film that has not aged well.
15. Grease 1978，IMDB Rating: 7.2, IMDB Votes: 303924, ID: 0077631 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 While ‘Grease’ remains a beloved musical, its portrayal of gender roles and high school dynamics feels outdated. The transformation of Sandy from a wholesome girl to a leather-clad vixen to win Danny’s love sends a problematic message about changing oneself for acceptance. Despite its catchy tunes and energetic dance numbers, the film’s underlying themes don’t resonate well with modern audiences.
16. Revenge of the Nerds 1984，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 58881, ID: 0088000 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Revenge of the Nerds is a classic underdog story, but its humor is marred by offensive stereotypes and problematic scenes. The film’s treatment of women and minorities is cringe-worthy by today’s standards, making it difficult to enjoy despite its comedic moments. Its portrayal of nerds vs. jocks is fun, but the execution leaves much to be desired, reflecting the changing attitudes towards inclusivity and respect.
17. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom 1984，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 539120, ID: 0087469 Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Despite its thrilling action sequences, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is criticized for its portrayal of Indian culture and its depiction of female characters. The film’s dark tone and intense scenes are memorable, but its cultural insensitivity and stereotypical characters detract from its overall enjoyment, showing how perspectives on representation have shifted over time.
17 Movies That Aged Like Milk: A Cringe-Worthy Retrospective
