1990s Action Movies That Are Completely Unwatchable Today
The 1990s were a big time for action movies. Hollywood gave us high-energy films with big stars, huge explosions, and wild stunts. Some, like ‘Terminator 2’ and ‘The Matrix’, are still loved today. But not every action movie from that decade aged well. Many feel outdated, cheesy, or just plain bad when you watch them now.
Bad special effects, weak scripts, and cringeworthy acting are common problems. Some movies leaned too hard on trends or stereotypes that don’t work anymore. This list looks at 30 action movies from the 1990s that are tough to sit through today. Each one might have been fun back then, but they feel like relics now.
‘Mortal Kombat: Annihilation’ (1997)
This sequel to ‘Mortal Kombat’ picks up where the first film ended. The evil emperor of Outworld invades Earth, and human warriors must fight to save it. The story is thin, serving only as an excuse for endless fight scenes. It was a critical and commercial flop, losing the charm of the original.
The acting is stiff, and the dialogue is forgettable. Special effects, meant to impress, now look cheap and silly. The chaotic mess of action sequences feels repetitive. Fans of the first movie often find this one a big letdown, making it nearly impossible to enjoy today.
‘Cool as Ice’ (1991)
‘Cool as Ice’ stars rapper Vanilla Ice as a rebellious musician stuck in a small town. He falls for a local girl, sparking a cheesy romance. The film aimed to launch Vanilla Ice’s acting career but became a critical and commercial disaster. It’s now seen as one of the worst movies ever.
The acting is awkward, with Vanilla Ice struggling as a romantic lead. The story is predictable, and the early 1990s fashion feels like a time capsule. The dialogue is cringe-inducing, and the musical numbers add nothing. It’s a painful watch for anyone seeking substance.
‘The Flintstones’ (1994)
This live-action take on the classic cartoon follows Fred Flintstone, a worker caught in his boss’s evil scheme. The film was a box office hit but got mixed reviews. The costumes and sets look great, but the story and humor fall flat. It feels like a product of its time.
The plot is cliched, and the jokes often miss the mark. John Goodman shines as Fred, but other performances feel forced. The cheesy one-liners and weak script make it hard to stay engaged. Modern viewers find it more nostalgic than entertaining.
‘Waterworld’ (1995)
‘Waterworld’ is set in a flooded future where a loner, played by Kevin Costner, searches for dry land. It had the biggest budget of its time but flopped hard. The post-apocalyptic setting promised epic action, but the execution was messy. Critics called it ‘Mad Max with surfing.’
The acting feels flat, and the script lacks depth. Special effects, once ambitious, now look dated and clunky. The pacing drags, making the long runtime feel endless. It’s a bloated mess that struggles to hold attention today.
‘Batman & Robin’ (1997)
‘Batman & Robin’ sees Batman and Robin facing Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy. It’s packed with colorful visuals and big stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger. The film aimed for campy fun but went too far, earning harsh reviews. It’s often called the worst Batman movie.
The script is full of bad puns, and the action feels cartoonish. Costumes, like the infamous bat-nipples, are distracting. The over-the-top tone and weak plot make it a chore to watch. Even fans of campy films find it tough to defend.
‘Street Fighter’ (1994)
‘Street Fighter’ brings the video game to life with Jean-Claude Van Damme as Guile. Fighters from around the world battle an evil dictator. The film leans on action and star power but lacks heart. It’s a critical mess, often mocked for missing the game’s spirit.
The plot is thin, and the acting is uneven. Special effects look cheap, and fight scenes feel sloppy. The dialogue tries for humor but lands as awkward. It’s a relic that even game fans struggle to enjoy now.
‘Double Dragon’ (1994)
Based on the video game, ‘Double Dragon’ follows brothers Billy and Jimmy fighting a crime lord in a future LA. The cast includes Scott Wolf and Mark Dacascos, but the film bombed at the box office. It’s cheesy and poorly made, leaning too hard on kid-friendly humor.
The script is clunky, and the pacing feels off. Visual effects are dated, and the acting lacks energy. It feels like a bad ‘Power Rangers’ episode stretched into a movie. Modern viewers find it more laughable than thrilling.
‘The Avengers’ (1998)
‘The Avengers’ is a spy thriller based on the 1960s TV show, starring Ralph Fiennes and Uma Thurman. A villain plans to control the weather, and the heroes must stop him. The film was meant to be stylish but ended up a confusing flop. Critics hated its messy plot.
The action feels flat, and the chemistry between leads is nonexistent. The script is a jumble of ideas that don’t connect. Special effects are underwhelming, and the tone is all over the place. It’s a forgettable misfire that’s hard to watch.
‘RoboCop 3’ (1993)
In ‘RoboCop 3’, the cyborg cop battles a corporation evicting people for a new city project. The film shifts to a lighter tone than the gritty originals, aiming for a wider audience. It bombed at the box office and was panned for losing the series’ edge.
The action is tame, and the script feels uninspired. New elements, like RoboCop flying, seem silly and out of place. The lack of satire and weak performances make it a dull watch. Fans of the first two films find this one a letdown.
‘Bloodsport: The Dark Kumite’ (1999)
This fourth ‘Bloodsport’ film follows a cop going undercover in a deadly fighting tournament. Unlike the cult favorite original with Jean-Claude Van Damme, this entry is a low-budget disaster. The production quality is awful, and the story feels pointless.
Fight scenes are slow and poorly choreographed. The acting is wooden, and the dialogue is laughable. Filmed in what looks like an empty warehouse, it lacks any excitement. It’s a slog that even martial arts fans can’t stomach.
‘On Deadly Ground’ (1994)
Steven Seagal stars as an environmentalist fighting a corrupt oil company. The film mixes action with heavy-handed green messages. It won Seagal a Razzie for Worst Director, and critics called it one of the worst films of its year. The focus is more on preaching than thrills.
The action is sluggish, and Seagal’s lectures feel forced. The plot is predictable, and the effects are dated. It’s a self-indulgent mess that drags on. Viewers today find it more boring than inspiring.
‘The Patriot’ (1998)
Steven Seagal plays a doctor fighting a militia leader with a deadly virus. This direct-to-video film tries to mix bioterrorism with martial arts but fails on every level. The production is cheap, and the story is a mess. It’s one of Seagal’s worst.
The action scenes are dull, and the acting feels lifeless. The script is full of cliches, and the pacing is slow. It lacks the energy of better 1990s action films. Modern audiences find it tedious and forgettable.
‘Congo’ (1995)
‘Congo’ follows treasure hunters facing killer apes in a jungle. It’s based on a Michael Crichton novel but leans into silly action over suspense. The film is remembered for a talking gorilla named Amy. Critics found it absurd, and it’s aged poorly.
The effects, especially the apes, look fake now. The plot is ridiculous, and the dialogue is cheesy. It tries to be fun but ends up laughable. Even with stars like Laura Linney, it’s a tough watch today.
‘Super Mario Bros.’ (1993)
This video game adaptation stars Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo as Mario and Luigi. They enter a strange world to stop an evil king. The film ignores much of the game’s charm, creating a dark, messy story. It’s often called one of the worst game movies.
The script makes no sense, and the acting feels forced. Visual effects are dated, and the tone is all over the place. It’s neither fun nor faithful to the source. Modern viewers find it more confusing than entertaining.
‘Anaconda’ (1997)
‘Anaconda’ pits Jennifer Lopez and Ice Cube against a giant snake in the jungle. The film goes for over-the-top action and horror but ends up silly. It’s a cult classic for some, but most see it as a ridiculous mess. The snake is the star, not the actors.
The effects are laughably bad, and the plot is thin. The dialogue is cheesy, and the characters make dumb choices. It’s more funny than scary now. Watching it feels like a test of patience.
‘3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain’ (1998)
The final ‘3 Ninjas’ film sees the young heroes fighting villains at an amusement park. It stars Hulk Hogan, but even he can’t save it. The kid-friendly action is cheesy, and the production feels cheap. It’s the weakest of the series.
The plot is silly, and the acting is poor. Fight scenes lack energy, and the humor falls flat. It feels like a low-budget TV movie stretched too long. Kids today would rather watch something else.
‘Highlander II: The Quickening’ (1991)
This sequel reveals the immortals as aliens, a bizarre twist fans hated. It brings back Sean Connery but muddles the original’s fantasy with sci-fi nonsense. The plot is confusing, and the action feels forced. It’s a low point for the franchise.
The effects are dated, and the story makes no sense. Strong performances can’t save the messy script. It clashes with the first film’s charm, alienating fans. Rewatching it feels like a chore.
‘Masters of the Universe’ (1987)
Though just before the 1990s, this He-Man film lingered in the decade’s culture. Dolph Lundgren stars as He-Man, fighting on Earth instead of a fantasy world. It was a box office flop despite the franchise’s popularity. The low budget hurts it badly.
The effects are cheap, and the setting feels wrong. The plot is thin, and the acting is stiff. It lacks the magic of the animated series. Modern viewers find it dull and uninspired.
‘Tarzan the Ape Man’ (1981)
Another pre-1990s film that lingered into the decade, this Tarzan movie stars Bo Derek as Jane. Told from her perspective, it focuses on romance over action. Critics slammed its weak script and bad acting. It’s considered one of the worst Tarzan films.
The action is minimal, and the humor feels unintentional. The story lacks charm, and the performances are flat. It’s more boring than exciting. Even fans of the era’s camp struggle to enjoy it.
‘Bio-Dome’ (1996)
‘Bio-Dome’ stars Pauly Shore and Stephen Baldwin as slackers trapped in a science experiment. It’s an action-comedy with environmental themes, but the humor is crude and dated. Critics called it one of the worst films ever, with a 1/100 Metacritic score.
The acting is annoying, and the jokes are unfunny. The plot is nonsensical, and the action feels tacked on. It’s a painful relic of 1990s comedy. Watching it now feels like punishment.
‘The Island of Dr. Moreau’ (1996)
This sci-fi action film stars Marlon Brando as a mad scientist creating human-animal hybrids. Val Kilmer and David Thewlis face chaos on his island. The production was troubled, and the result is a messy flop. Critics hated its bizarre tone.
The effects are dated, and the plot is incoherent. Brando’s odd performance overshadows the action. It’s more confusing than thrilling. Modern viewers find it too weird to enjoy.
‘Judge Dredd’ (1995)
Sylvester Stallone stars as the comic book hero Judge Dredd in a futuristic city. The film aims for gritty action but feels cartoonish. It flopped with critics and fans for straying from the source material. The tone is all over the place.
The effects look cheap, and the dialogue is cheesy. Stallone’s performance feels stiff, and the story lacks depth. It’s a missed opportunity that feels dated. Fans prefer the later reboot.
‘Spawn’ (1997)
Based on the comic, ‘Spawn’ follows a dead soldier reborn as a demonic hero. It stars Michael Jai White and John Leguizamo. The film tries for dark action but falls into campy excess. Critics panned its weak script and messy execution.
The CGI is outdated, and the plot feels rushed. The acting varies, with Leguizamo stealing scenes but not enough to save it. It lacks the comic’s depth. It’s a tough watch for non-fans.
‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie’ (1995)
This film brings the TV show to the big screen, with the Rangers fighting a new villain. It’s packed with kid-friendly action and bright colors. Critics found it shallow, and it lacks the charm of the series. It feels like a long episode.
The effects are dated, and the acting is wooden. The plot is predictable, and the humor is forced. It’s only fun for nostalgic fans. Modern kids find it too cheesy to enjoy.
‘The Postman’ (1997)
Kevin Costner stars as a wanderer in a post-apocalyptic world, delivering hope through mail. This ambitious film flopped hard, with critics mocking its long runtime and sappy tone. The action takes a backseat to drama that doesn’t work.
The pacing is slow, and the dialogue is corny. The effects are okay but not enough to save it. It feels self-important and dull. Viewers today find it hard to stay awake.
‘Wild Wild West’ (1999)
Will Smith and Kevin Kline star as agents fighting a steampunk villain. The film mixes action with comedy but feels bloated and silly. It was a box office disappointment, criticized for its weak plot. The humor hasn’t aged well.
The effects are flashy but dated, and the story is messy. The leads have charm, but the script lets them down. It’s more annoying than fun. Modern audiences find it a slog.
‘Virus’ (1999)
This sci-fi action film stars Jamie Lee Curtis and William Baldwin fighting alien-infected robots on a ship. It’s based on a comic but feels like a generic B-movie. Critics slammed its lack of originality. It’s dark but not engaging.
The effects are clunky, and the plot is predictable. The acting feels flat, and the scares don’t land. It’s a forgettable mess that lacks excitement. Watching it now feels like a waste.
‘Barb Wire’ (1996)
Pamela Anderson stars as a tough bar owner in a futuristic war. The film aims for sexy action but feels like a cheap comic rip-off. It flopped with critics and audiences for its weak story. It’s more style than substance.
The action is bland, and the dialogue is awful. Anderson tries, but the script gives her nothing. The effects are dated, and the tone is uneven. It’s a cringeworthy relic today.
‘Johnny Mnemonic’ (1995)
Keanu Reeves stars as a data courier with info in his brain, chased by criminals. The cyberpunk premise had potential, but the execution is messy. Critics found it confusing and dull. It’s a low point in Reeves’ career.
The effects are laughably bad, and the plot is hard to follow. The acting feels stiff, and the pacing drags. It lacks the energy of better sci-fi action films. Modern viewers find it more funny than thrilling.
‘Speed 2: Cruise Control’ (1997)
This sequel to ‘Speed’ puts Sandra Bullock on a runaway cruise ship. Without Keanu Reeves, it loses the original’s spark. Critics panned its weak plot and forced action. It’s a textbook example of a bad sequel.
The effects are okay but can’t save the dull story. The pacing is slow, and the stakes feel low. Jason Patric’s lead role lacks charm. It’s a boring watch that feels pointless.
What’s your take on these 1990s action movies—do any deserve a rewatch, or are they best left in the past? Share your thoughts in the comments!
