Welcome, film aficionados! Today, we’re diving into the world of cinematic blunders – 20 movies that, in retrospect, should never have seen the light of day. From ill-conceived reboots to sequels nobody asked for, these films serve as cautionary tales in the annals of movie history. But don’t be fooled – while these movies may have missed the mark, their stories provide a fascinating insight into the unpredictable nature of the film industry. So grab your popcorn, sit back, and prepare for a journey through some of Hollywood’s most infamous missteps.
1. Psycho 1998
IMDB Rating: 4.6，Douban Rating: 6.4，ID: tt0155975
The film, directed by Gus Van Sant and starring Vince Vaughn, is a shot-for-shot remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 classic. However, it fails to capture the suspense and innovative storytelling techniques that made the original a masterpiece. The remake was widely criticized for being a soulless cash grab that added nothing to Hitchcock’s original. The addition of adult themes, such as Norman Bates pleasuring himself while observing Bates Motel’s patrons, unnecessarily debased the complexity of his character. This film serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risk in remaking or adapting revered classics. In my view, ‘Psycho 1998’ is a prime example of a movie that should never have been made, as it neither improves nor illuminates Hitchcock’s original.
2. Solo: A Star Wars Story 2018
IMDB Rating: 6.9，Douban Rating: 6.9，ID: tt3778644
While it delivers on action and comedy, it fails to provide a satisfying exploration of Han Solo’s character development. The film feels too programmed, hitting expected marks without offering anything new or surprising. Despite its strengths, the movie left me questioning its necessity. Was it essential to delve into Han Solo’s past, or is it a case of a movie that should never have been made? While it has its enjoyable moments, ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ ultimately doesn’t live up to the artistic and emotional depth I seek in films.
3. Holmes and Watson 2018
IMDB Rating: 3.8，Douban Rating: 4.5，ID: tt1255919
The film, despite its promising cast, fails to deliver on its comedic premise. The performances of Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, while commendable, are not enough to save the film from its weak script and lackluster jokes. The film lacks originality, resorting to tired clichés and predictable humor. It’s a stark reminder that a strong cast alone cannot carry a film; a compelling script is equally important. In conclusion, ‘Holmes and Watson 2018’ is a film that, in my opinion, should not have been made.
4. The Dark Tower 2017
IMDB Rating: 5.6，Douban Rating: 5.3，ID: tt1648190
This film, based on Stephen King’s novel series, was anticipated by many but fell short of expectations. The film’s attempt to condense a sprawling epic into an action blockbuster resulted in a diluted narrative that failed to capture the depth and complexity of the original material. The performances of Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey were commendable, but they were not enough to salvage the film from its lackluster script. The film was criticized for its generic action scenes and lack of character development. It’s a classic example of a movie that, despite its potential and existing fanbase, should not have been made in the way it was. In conclusion, ‘The Dark Tower’ serves as a reminder that not all books lend themselves well to cinematic adaptations, especially when the essence of the source material is compromised for mass appeal.
5. Toy Story 4 2019
IMDB Rating: 7.8，Douban Rating: 8.6，ID: tt1979376
Despite some initial skepticism, ‘Toy Story 4’ proves itself to be a worthy addition to the beloved franchise. The film takes us on an emotional journey with Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang, introducing new characters and exploring deep themes along the way. It’s a film that’s not afraid to ask big questions, challenging us to consider what it means to be obsolete, and what our purpose is. While some may argue that this sequel was unnecessary, I believe that ‘Toy Story 4’ brings something new and valuable to the table, proving once again that Pixar is not just making movies for children, but for everyone.
6. The Matrix Resurrections 2021
IMDB Rating: 5.7，Douban Rating: 5.7，ID: tt10838180
The return of beloved characters Neo and Trinity, although initially exciting, felt forced and unnecessary. The film seemed to be more of a nostalgic trip rather than a meaningful continuation of the Matrix story. While it had its moments of brilliance, they were overshadowed by the overall sense that this was a movie that didn’t need to be made. It serves as a reminder that not all successful franchises need to be resurrected.
7. The Godfather: Part III 1990
IMDB Rating: 7.6，Douban Rating: 8.9，ID: tt0099674
While Al Pacino delivers a compelling performance as Michael Corleone, the film’s plot and casting choices leave much to be desired. The narrative seems to lose the gripping power of its predecessors, and Sofia Coppola’s casting feels out of place. Despite its grand ambitions, ‘The Godfather: Part III’ fails to live up to the high standards set by the first two films in the series. It serves as a reminder that not all sequels can recapture the magic of their originals, and perhaps, some stories are better left untold.
8. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull 2008
IMDB Rating: 6.1，Douban Rating: 7.1，ID: tt0367882
On one hand, the film boasts a star-studded cast and the return of the beloved character Indiana Jones. The action-adventure genre promises a thrilling ride, and indeed, there are moments of excitement and nostalgia. However, the movie falls short in its execution. The plot feels convoluted and the inclusion of aliens and crystal skulls deviates from the franchise’s roots. It seems to be a case of a movie that was made for the sake of continuing a popular franchise rather than contributing a worthy addition to it. While it might provide an entertaining watch for a family movie night, it lacks the charm and coherence of its predecessors.
9. Super Mario Bros. 1993
IMDB Rating: 4.1，Douban Rating: 5.3，ID: tt0108255
The 1993 film ‘Super Mario Bros.’ is a cinematic adaptation of the popular video game franchise. Despite its flashy sets and special effects, the film is often criticized for its lack of story and substance. The performances of Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo as the iconic Mario and Luigi are commendable, but the film’s plot and execution leave much to be desired. The film’s deviation from the original game’s storyline has also been a point of contention among fans. In the realm of movies that should never have been made, ‘Super Mario Bros.’ stands out as a prime example. It serves as a reminder that not all popular video games can or should be adapted into films. Despite this, the film holds a certain nostalgic charm for those who grew up during the era of its release. It’s a film that, while flawed, offers a unique take on a beloved franchise.
10. Miami Vice 2006
IMDB Rating: 6.0，Douban Rating: 5.7，ID: tt0430357
The film, directed by Michael Mann, promised an intriguing blend of crime and drama. However, it fell short of expectations. The lead characters lacked charisma, and the story was underdeveloped. Despite its beautiful cinematography, the film failed to deliver a compelling narrative or engaging characters. It’s a movie that, in my opinion, adds to the list of films that perhaps should never have been made. It serves as a reminder that a great cast and a renowned director do not always guarantee a successful movie.
11. Heaven’s Gate 1980
IMDB Rating: 6.8，Douban Rating: 7.2，ID: tt0080855
Heaven’s Gate, a film that has garnered a notorious reputation in Hollywood, serves as a stark reminder of the perils of unchecked ambition. Directed by Michael Cimino, the movie is a spectacle of grandeur, yet it is marred by a convoluted plot and questionable casting choices. Its narrative pace is as sprawling as the landscapes it showcases, often leading to a sense of viewer disorientation. Despite these flaws, the film has its merits. Its visual spectacle is undeniable, and its ambition is admirable. However, the movie’s production history and its initial reception cannot be ignored. It stands as a testament to the risks of giving too much creative control without adequate checks and balances. While some now hail it as a masterpiece, its legacy remains a cautionary tale for the film industry.
12. The Haunting 1999
IMDB Rating: 5.0，Douban Rating: 6.1，ID: tt0171363
The Haunting 1999, despite its star-studded cast and impressive visuals, is a film that leaves much to be desired. The narrative is convoluted, and the overuse of visual effects detracts from the storytelling. The performances, while commendable, are unable to salvage the film’s glaring issues. It’s a classic example of style over substance, where the grandeur of the sets overshadows the plot. While the film may offer some entertainment value for those who enjoy visually stunning scenes, it falls short in delivering a compelling and coherent story. In conclusion, The Haunting 1999 is a film that had potential but was unfortunately overshadowed by its own spectacle.
13. All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 1996
IMDB Rating: 5.6，Douban Rating: 5.9，ID: tt0115509
The characters, while charming in their own right, lacked the depth and development necessary to engage the audience. The plot, revolving around the retrieval of Gabriel’s Horn, felt disjointed and lacked the emotional resonance of the original film. The movie’s low ratings on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes further attest to its lackluster reception. In my opinion, the film’s weaknesses outweigh its strengths, making it a movie that perhaps should not have been made. However, it serves as a reminder that not all sequels can capture the magic of their predecessors.
14. The Last Airbender 2010
IMDB Rating: 4.0，Douban Rating: 5.0，ID: tt0938283
The movie’s plot was hard to follow, and the acting left much to be desired. The special effects, which should have been a highlight in a fantasy adventure film, were lackluster. Moreover, the casting choices raised concerns about representation in film. Despite its high budget and the popularity of its source material, ‘The Last Airbender’ failed to deliver an engaging and enjoyable cinematic experience. It’s a prime example of a movie that, perhaps, should never have been made.
15. Dragonball Evolution 2009
IMDB Rating: 2.5，Douban Rating: 3.7，ID: tt1098327
The film, while attempting to bring the vibrant world of Dragonball to life, fell short in capturing the essence and magic of the original material. The characters lacked depth and the plot seemed rushed, leaving much to be desired. Despite some visually appealing fight scenes and a few entertaining moments, the movie overall felt like a missed opportunity. It’s a clear example of a film that perhaps should not have been made, as it failed to do justice to its source material and left fans, including myself, unsatisfied.
16. Catwoman 2004
IMDB Rating: 3.4，Douban Rating: 5.9，ID: tt0327554
Catwoman 2004, despite its promising premise and the undeniable charm of Halle Berry, falls flat due to its lack of depth in storytelling and character development. The film seems to prioritize style over substance, focusing more on Berry’s physical attributes rather than building a compelling narrative or complex characters. The plot, revolving around a corporate conspiracy and a beauty product, feels contrived and fails to engage the audience. The film’s unfaithfulness to the source material further alienates fans of the original Batman series. In conclusion, Catwoman 2004 serves as a reminder that a successful movie requires a balance of a strong plot, well-developed characters, and faithful adherence to the source material.
17. The Emoji Movie 2017
IMDB Rating: 3.3，Douban Rating: 5.3，ID: tt4877122
“The Emoji Movie” from 2017 is widely criticized and often mentioned in discussions about movies that should never have been made. Critics have described it as a film devoid of wit, style, intelligence, or entertainment value. It’s even been called a “creative wasteland” and a “demonstration of artistic abdication”. Despite its attempt to bring the world of emojis to life, the movie failed to offer any moments of humor, excitement, or insight. As a movie lover who enjoys watching films with my family, I found “The Emoji Movie” to be a disappointment. The film’s premise, which revolves around emojis living inside a smartphone, could have been an interesting concept if executed well. However, the movie fell short in delivering a compelling story or engaging characters. The plot felt forced and the humor was lacking. It seemed more like a blatant attempt to capitalize on the popularity of emojis rather than a genuine effort to create an entertaining and meaningful film. In conclusion, “The Emoji Movie” is a film that I would not recommend, especially for a family movie night. There are many other films out there that offer better entertainment value and positive messages for children. This movie serves as a reminder that not all concepts make for good films, and that quality should always be prioritized over novelty.
18. Jack and Jill 2011
IMDB Rating: 3.3，Douban Rating: 5.8，ID: tt0810913
“Jack and Jill” (2011) is a movie that has been widely criticized. The film, starring Adam Sandler in dual roles, was panned for its lack of originality and humor, and it received a low rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite an inexplicably committed performance from Al Pacino, the movie was deemed impossible to recommend on any level whatsoever. As a movie lover who appreciates realistic and meaningful films, I find “Jack and Jill” to be a disappointment. The movie’s reliance on crude humor and over-the-top performances detracts from any potential message or value it might have had. Furthermore, the film’s portrayal of its characters lacks depth and authenticity, making it difficult for viewers to connect with or care about them. In conclusion, “Jack and Jill” is a prime example of a movie that, in my opinion, should not have been made. It lacks the elements that make a film engaging and impactful, such as a compelling story, well-developed characters, and thoughtful dialogue. Instead, it relies on cheap laughs and gimmicks, resulting in a forgettable viewing experience.
19. The Wicker Man 2006
IMDB Rating: 3.7，Douban Rating: 5.6，ID: tt0450345
The 2006 remake of ‘The Wicker Man’ is a film that leaves much to be desired. Despite an intriguing premise and the star power of Nicolas Cage, the movie falls flat due to its unintentional comedy and puzzling direction. The plot, which revolves around the investigation of a missing girl in a neo-pagan community, had the potential to be a thrilling and suspenseful ride. However, the execution was far from satisfactory, leading to a film that is more laughable than scary. The performances, particularly Cage’s, are over-the-top and fail to evoke the intended emotions. In conclusion, ‘The Wicker Man 2006’ is a film that had potential but ultimately failed to deliver, making it a prime example of a movie that perhaps should never have been made.
20. Scarface 1983
IMDB Rating: 8.3，Douban Rating: 8.3，ID: tt0086250
Scarface, directed by Brian De Palma and released in 1983, is a film that has sparked much debate. Its protagonist, Tony Montana, played by Al Pacino, is a Cuban immigrant who rises to power in the Miami drug trade. The film is known for its excessive violence, profanity, and graphic drug usage. Some critics argue that the film should never have been made due to its portrayal of Cubans as criminals and drug traffickers. However, others see it as a reflection of the brutal reality of crime.
Despite the controversy, Scarface has become an icon of the gangster film genre, alongside classics like The Godfather and Goodfellas. Its influence on pop culture is undeniable, with its lines quoted in various media and its impact seen in the styles of many modern gangsters. Yet, the film’s depiction of excessive violence and capitalistic greed has led some to view it as an indictment of the Hollywood system.
In my perspective, as a movie enthusiast who likes to watch movies from different perspectives, Scarface is a film that should have been made. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of crime and the destructive nature of greed. While its portrayal of certain groups may be problematic, it provides an opportunity for discussion and reflection on these issues. It’s a film that, despite its flaws, continues to engage audiences and provoke thought.
