Great Hollywood Actresses Who Consistently Star in Bad Movies

Hollywood is filled with incredibly talented performers who have proven their acting abilities time and time again. However, even the most gifted actresses sometimes find themselves attached to projects that fail to impress critics or audiences. This phenomenon often involves Oscar winners and box office stars appearing in films with weak scripts or poor execution. Whether due to typecasting or a desire to experiment with different genres, these actresses have filmographies heavily populated with critical flops. Here is a look at some of the most prominent actresses who frequently appear in poorly received movies.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry is a historic figure in cinema as the first African American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her immense talent is undeniable yet she has starred in a surprising number of critical failures. The superhero film ‘Catwoman’ remains one of the most notoriously panned movies in the genre. She also appeared in the horror film ‘Gothika’ and the thriller ‘The Call’ which received mixed to negative reviews. Her participation in ‘Moonfall’ further cemented her reputation for choosing projects that do not match her acting caliber.

Katherine Heigl

Katherine Heigl rose to fame with her Emmy-winning performance in a hit medical drama. She transitioned to film with immense potential but quickly became associated with poorly received romantic comedies. Films like ‘The Ugly Truth’ and ‘Killers’ were criticized for their formulaic plots and lack of depth. She starred in ‘One for the Money’ which holds a very low rating on review aggregator sites. Critics often point out that her choice of roles tends to limit her range as a dramatic actress.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez is a global icon known for her singing, dancing, and acting careers. While she has delivered strong performances in films like ‘Hustlers’ her resume is crowded with critical duds. The movie ‘Gigli’ is frequently cited as one of the worst films ever made due to its confusing plot and poor dialogue. She consistently appears in formulaic romantic comedies such as ‘Maid in Manhattan’ and ‘Monster-in-Law’. Her recent films like ‘Shotgun Wedding’ continue to follow this trend of low critical acclaim.

Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson captured hearts and an Oscar nomination for her role in ‘Almost Famous’. Her subsequent career has been largely defined by generic romantic comedies that failed to resonate with critics. Movies such as ‘Bride Wars’ and ‘Fool’s Gold’ relied heavily on clichés rather than character development. She also starred in the musical controversy ‘Music’ which was widely panned for its depiction of autism. Hudson rarely finds projects that utilize the dramatic potential she displayed early in her career.

Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba became a household name through television and early blockbuster roles. Her film career is heavily populated with movies that suffered from poor writing and negative reviews. She starred in the ‘Fantastic Four’ films which were commercially successful but critically derided. Other projects like ‘Good Luck Chuck’ and ‘The Love Guru’ are often considered low points in modern comedy. She has struggled to find roles that allow her to break away from typecasting in action and rom-com flops.

Dakota Johnson

Dakota Johnson gained massive international fame as the lead in a controversial romantic drama franchise. The ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ series was a box office smash but received overwhelming negativity from film critics. She followed this with the superhero film ‘Madame Web’ which was ridiculed for its script and special effects. While she earns praise in smaller indie films her blockbuster choices often result in critical failure. Audiences continue to hope she will find a major vehicle that matches her obvious screen presence.

Milla Jovovich

Milla Jovovich is a recognizable action star who has anchored multiple franchises. She is best known for the ‘Resident Evil’ series which has been consistently panned by critics for its writing and direction. Her filmography includes other critical failures like ‘Ultraviolet’ and ‘Hellboy’. The movie ‘Monster Hunter’ failed to break her streak of video game adaptations with poor reception. She remains a bankable star globally despite the consistent negative reviews her films receive.

Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz was one of the highest-paid actresses in the world before her retirement and subsequent return. Her comedic timing is excellent but she appeared in many films that wasted her talents. ‘Sex Tape’ and ‘Bad Teacher’ received lukewarm to negative responses for their reliance on crude humor. The remake of ‘Annie’ was also a critical disappointment that failed to capture the charm of the original. She often gravitated towards comedies that critics found repetitive and uninspired.

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston is a television legend who transitioned into a prolific film career. Her movie roles have largely consisted of romantic comedies that critics found indistinguishable from one another. Films like ‘The Bounty Hunter’ and ‘Just Go with It’ were box office hits that received poor critical scores. She starred in ‘Rumor Has It’ which failed to utilize the strength of its cast. While she has proven her dramatic chops recently her film history remains cluttered with mediocre comedies.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock is an Academy Award winner capable of carrying massive blockbusters. However she has also starred in a significant number of poorly received films throughout her career. ‘Speed 2: Cruise Control’ is often listed among the worst sequels in history. She appeared in ‘All About Steve’ which earned her a Razzie award for Worst Actress the same weekend she won an Oscar. Even a star of her magnitude has a resume containing confusing choices like ‘Premonition’.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman is widely regarded as one of the finest actresses of her generation. Despite her prestige she has appeared in several baffled critical flops. ‘Grace of Monaco’ was panned universally for its script and historical inaccuracies. She starred in the fantasy comedy ‘Bewitched’ which failed to capture the magic of the original series. Even the thriller ‘Trespass’ with Nicolas Cage was a critical and commercial disaster.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron transforms into her characters with an intensity that has won her major awards. Her dedication does not always save the films she chooses to star in. ‘Aeon Flux’ was a science fiction failure that suffered from studio interference and a confusing story. She appeared in ‘A Million Ways to Die in the West’ which was criticized for its overreliance on gross-out humor. The movie ‘The Last Face’ was met with harsh reviews during its festival premiere.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie is a commanding screen presence and a talented director. Her acting credits include several high-profile disappointments despite her star power. ‘The Tourist’ was nominated for Golden Globes but was savaged by critics for its lack of chemistry and absurd plot. She starred in ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’ which helped launch a genre but was not considered a good film. ‘Alexander’ is another historical epic in her filmography that failed to impress historians or moviegoers.

Demi Moore

Demi Moore was the highest-paid actress in Hollywood during the nineties. Her career momentum was stalled by a series of high-profile flops. ‘Striptease’ was heavily marketed but received scathing reviews for its script and tone. She starred in ‘G.I. Jane’ which was appreciated for her physical commitment but criticized for its storytelling. Her role in ‘The Scarlet Letter’ is often cited as a prime example of a misguided literary adaptation.

Sharon Stone

Sharon Stone became an icon with her performance in a classic erotic thriller. Her subsequent attempts to capitalize on that success often resulted in critical failure. ‘Basic Instinct 2’ was a belated sequel that won multiple awards for being terrible. She appeared in ‘Catwoman’ alongside Halle Berry in a role that did no favors for her legacy. Films like ‘Sliver’ and ‘The Specialist’ were commercially viable but critically dismissed.

Katie Holmes

Katie Holmes burst onto the scene as a teen drama icon with a promising future. Her transition to adult roles has been marred by a string of critical disappointments. She starred in the horror film ‘Disturbing Behavior’ which was dismissed as a generic genre entry. Her role in the comedy ‘Jack and Jill’ placed her in one of the lowest-rated films of all time. She frequently appears in independent films that fail to gain traction or critical praise.

Jessica Biel

Jessica Biel has struggled to find film roles that showcase her acting abilities. She starred in the action movie ‘Stealth’ which was a massive financial and critical bomb. The remake of ‘Total Recall’ failed to justify its existence and received poor marks. She appeared in the romantic comedy ‘I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry’ which was criticized for its insensitivity and humor. Her best work has arguably been on television rather than in her feature films.

Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner is an action star and dramatic actress with a likable screen persona. She has headlined several films that failed to connect with critics. ‘Elektra’ was a superhero spinoff that is frequently ranked near the bottom of the genre. She starred in ‘Peppermint’ which was criticized for its formulaic vigilante plot. Her romantic comedies like ‘Ghosts of Girlfriends Past’ often rely on tired tropes.

Mila Kunis

Mila Kunis has a natural charisma that has made her a star in both television and film. She starred in the sci-fi epic ‘Jupiter Ascending’ which was a notorious critical and commercial flop. The comedy sequel ‘Bad Moms Christmas’ felt rushed and lacked the charm of the original. She appeared in ‘Max Payne’ which failed to satisfy fans of the video game or general audiences. Her filmography is a mix of solid hits and confusing misfires.

Amanda Seyfried

Amanda Seyfried is a versatile actress known for musicals and dramas. She has also appeared in several films that were panned by critics. ‘Red Riding Hood’ was a fantasy thriller that failed to land its intended tone. She starred in the sci-fi movie ‘Anon’ which received negative reviews for its execution. The comedy ‘The Big Wedding’ was criticized for wasting a talented ensemble cast on a poor script.

Hilary Swank

Hilary Swank is a two-time Oscar winner who disappears into her best roles. Her career outside of those award-winning performances is surprisingly inconsistent. She starred in ‘The Reaping’ which was a generic horror movie that failed to scare audiences. ‘New Year’s Eve’ was a star-studded romantic comedy that received almost universal scorn. She recently appeared in the thriller ‘Fatale’ which did not impress critics.

Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts is respected for her intense performances in challenging dramas. She has also lent her talents to some bafflingly bad productions. ‘Diana’ was a biopic that was harshly criticized for its script and direction. She starred in ‘Shut In’ which is often cited as a predictable and poorly made thriller. Her involvement in ‘The Book of Henry’ shocked critics due to the film’s bizarre tonal shifts.

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore is an acting legend with the ability to elevate almost any material. Even she could not save the fantasy flop ‘Seventh Son’ from negative reviews. She starred in the thriller ‘Shelter’ which was dismissed as a chaotic mess. The science fiction film ‘Evolution’ was a comedy that failed to find an appreciative audience. Moore usually balances these missteps with award-worthy work in other projects.

Amy Adams

Amy Adams is a perennial Oscar nominee known for her incredible range. Recently she has appeared in films that have been critically savaged. ‘The Woman in the Window’ was a delayed thriller that critics found melodramatic and confusing. She starred in ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ which was polarizing and criticized for its portrayal of its subjects. The musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ was also a critical disappointment despite her committed performance.

Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton is a cinema legend with a unique style and comedic voice. Her recent output has consisted largely of critically panned comedies aimed at older audiences. ‘Mack & Rita’ was criticized for its execution and lack of genuine laughs. She starred in ‘Poms’ which was seen as a formulaic attempt to capitalize on a specific demographic. ‘Love the Coopers’ was a holiday ensemble that failed to capture the warmth it aimed for.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker is a fashion and television icon forever linked to a specific character. Her film career has struggled to escape the shadow of that success. ‘Sex and the City 2’ was criticized for its excessive runtime and tone-deaf plot. She starred in ‘Did You Hear About the Morgans?’ which was a critical and commercial failure. Her romantic comedy ‘Failure to Launch’ relied on a premise that many critics found unappealing.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow built a strong reputation early in her career with an Oscar win. She later appeared in several films that damaged her critical standing. ‘Mortdecai’ is often cited as an unfunny comedy disaster. She starred in the romance ‘View from the Top’ which she herself has disparaged in interviews. ‘Shallow Hal’ remains a controversial film in her resume due to its handling of sensitive subject matter.

Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman is a muse for some of the greatest directors in history. She also appeared in ‘Batman & Robin’ as Poison Ivy in a movie that nearly killed the franchise. The film ‘The Avengers’ from 1998 was a critical catastrophe that has no relation to the Marvel team. She starred in ‘My Super Ex-Girlfriend’ which failed to blend romantic comedy with superhero action effectively. Her talent is often underutilized in mainstream studio productions.

Salma Hayek Pinault

Salma Hayek is a powerful producer and actress with a commanding presence. She frequently appears in broad comedies that receive poor reviews. The ‘Grown Ups’ franchise was commercially successful but critically detested. She starred in ‘Wild Wild West’ which is famous for being a bloated blockbuster failure. Her role in ‘The Hitman’s Bodyguard’ sequel was criticized for being too cartoonish.

Penélope Cruz

Penélope Cruz is an international treasure and a muse for European directors. Her Hollywood career has been far less consistent than her European work. She appeared in ‘Zoolander 2’ which was a sequel that failed to capture the magic of the original. ‘Sex and the City 2’ saw her in a minor role in a critically ravaged film. She starred in ‘Gothika’ alongside Halle Berry in a role that wasted her significant dramatic talents.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon transformed herself into a powerhouse producer and dramatic actress. Before this renaissance she starred in a string of forgettable romantic comedies. ‘Hot Pursuit’ was an action comedy that failed to generate laughs or thrills. She appeared in ‘Four Christmases’ which was criticized for being mean-spirited rather than festive. ‘This Means War’ was a high-concept action romance that failed to impress on either front.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway has won an Oscar and starred in billion-dollar films. She also has a tendency to pick projects that completely miss the mark. ‘The Hustle’ was a remake that critics found unfunny and inferior to the original. She starred in ‘Bride Wars’ which is often cited as a low point for female-led comedies. The political thriller ‘The Last Thing He Wanted’ was criticized for its incoherent plot.

Melissa McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy is a comedic force who broke out with a brilliant Oscar-nominated performance. She has since starred in several films directed by her husband that received poor reviews. ‘The Boss’ was criticized for its thin plot and reliance on slapstick. She appeared in ‘Tammy’ which failed to win over critics despite her commitment to the character. ‘The Happytime Murders’ was a puppet comedy that was universally panned for being unfunny.

Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson burst onto the scene with scene-stealing performances in ensemble comedies. Her efforts to lead films have met with harsh critical reception. ‘The Hustle’ saw her teaming up with Anne Hathaway in a movie that few enjoyed. She starred in the adaptation of the musical ‘Cats’ which became an instant laughingstock. The comedy ‘Senior Year’ was viewed by critics as a collection of dated jokes.

Chloë Grace Moretz

Chloë Grace Moretz began her career as a highly praised child actor. Her transition to adult roles has been rocky with several critical misfires. ‘The 5th Wave’ was a young adult adaptation that failed to launch a franchise. She starred in the live-action ‘Tom & Jerry’ movie which was criticized for its script. The remake of ‘Carrie’ failed to justify its existence compared to the horror classic.

Kate Beckinsale

Kate Beckinsale is a classically trained actress who pivoted to action movies. She is the face of the ‘Underworld’ franchise which has never been a favorite of critics. ‘Van Helsing’ was a special effects spectacle that was panned for its writing. She appeared in ‘Whiteout’ which was a thriller that failed to generate any suspense. Her dramatic talents are rarely showcased in the genre films she frequents.

Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot became a global superstar through her portrayal of Wonder Woman. Outside of that role her filmography is filled with critical duds. ‘Red Notice’ was a massive streaming hit that received poor reviews for being derivative. She starred in ‘Heart of Stone’ which was criticized for its generic plot and action sequences. Her performance in ‘Death on the Nile’ was also a point of contention for many reviewers.

Alicia Silverstone

Alicia Silverstone became an icon of the nineties with ‘Clueless’. Her career momentum halted after starring in ‘Batman & Robin’. She appeared in ‘Excess Baggage’ which failed to connect with audiences or critics. ‘Blast from the Past’ has a cult following now but was not a critical darling upon release. She has struggled to find a vehicle that matches the success of her breakout role.

Megan Fox

Megan Fox became an overnight sensation due to the ‘Transformers’ franchise. Those films were box office giants but critical failures. She starred in ‘Jonah Hex’ which is frequently listed among the worst comic book movies. ‘Jennifer’s Body’ was panned upon release though it has since gained a cult following. Her role in the ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ reboot was another commercially successful project with poor reviews.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan was the most promising young actress of her generation. Her personal struggles coincided with a series of film flops. ‘I Know Who Killed Me’ was a psychological thriller that won multiple Razzie awards. She starred in ‘Just My Luck’ which failed to capture the charm of her earlier hits. ‘The Canyons’ was an erotic thriller that was criticized for its low production values and acting.

Let us know in the comments which actress you think deserves better scripts or which “bad” movie is actually your guilty pleasure.