Movies So Awful They Had To Be Removed from Cinemas

Some movies are so bad that they don’t just flop—they crash and burn so spectacularly that theaters can’t keep them on screens. These cinematic disasters often combine terrible plots, awful acting, and cringe-worthy execution, forcing studios to pull them early to cut their losses or save face.

From box office bombs to critical catastrophes, this list dives into films that were so poorly received they were yanked from cinemas faster than you can say “refund.” Each entry highlights what went wrong and why these movies couldn’t survive their theatrical runs.

‘Gigli’ (2003)

This romantic comedy starring Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez was meant to cash in on their real-life romance. Instead, it became a notorious flop with a messy plot about a mobster and a lesbian hitwoman that confused everyone.

Critics called it incoherent, and audiences stayed away, leading to an 82% drop in box office earnings by its second weekend. With a $75 million budget, it grossed just $7 million worldwide, forcing theaters to drop it after three weeks.

‘Blackhat’ (2015)

Directed by Michael Mann, this cyber-thriller starring Chris Hemsworth promised high-stakes hacking drama. The predictable plot and lackluster action failed to impress, earning scathing reviews and a 33% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It opened to a dismal $3.9 million despite playing in over 2,500 theaters, competing against the juggernaut ‘American Sniper.’ Universal pulled it from 2,200 screens after two weeks, and it never saw a theatrical release in Australia.

‘Mortdecai’ (2015)

Johnny Depp’s attempt at quirky comedy as a bumbling art dealer fell flat with critics and audiences. The film’s forced humor and weak script led to a 12% Rotten Tomatoes rating and widespread pans.

It earned less than $5 million on its opening weekend, despite a star-studded cast including Gwyneth Paltrow and Ewan McGregor. Lionsgate yanked it from nearly 2,400 theaters by week three, marking it as one of Depp’s biggest flops.

‘Swept Away’ (2002)

Madonna starred in this Guy Ritchie-directed remake of an Italian romantic comedy, but the result was a critical disaster. The shallow plot and poor chemistry between leads earned it a 5% Rotten Tomatoes score.

Released on just 196 screens, it grossed under $600,000 domestically. After two weeks, it was down to 59 theaters, as audiences and critics alike rejected it as an embarrassing misstep.

‘The Garbage Pail Kids Movie’ (1987)

This adaptation of the gross-out trading card series aimed for kids but repulsed everyone. Critics, including The New York Times, called it “too repulsive for children or adults,” with cheap effects and unfunny humor.

It made just $661,000 on its opening weekend and was pulled from theaters shortly after. Its $1.6 million total gross cemented its status as a cinematic abomination.

‘Delgo’ (2008)

This animated fantasy boasted a $40 million budget but failed to compete with bigger holiday releases. Critics slammed its derivative story and poor animation, giving it a 12% Rotten Tomatoes rating.

It set a record for the worst opening for a film in over 2,000 theaters, earning under $1 million. Theaters dropped it after one week, making it the lowest-grossing animated film ever.

‘Jem and the Holograms’ (2015)

Based on the beloved 80s animated series, this live-action musical missed the mark entirely. Fans hated the deviation from the source material, and critics gave it a 22% Rotten Tomatoes score for its weak plot.

It had the worst wide-release opening of 2015, grossing just $1.4 million. Universal pulled it from 2,000 theaters after two weeks, leaving 80s nostalgia in tatters.

‘Honky Tonk Freeway’ (1981)

This comedy about a small town’s bizarre efforts to attract tourists was a chaotic mess. Critics panned its disjointed story and lack of laughs, and audiences ignored it entirely.

With a $24 million budget, it grossed just $2 million. Theaters quickly dropped it, as the film’s oddball humor and sprawling cast failed to connect with anyone.

‘From Justin to Kelly’ (2003)

This musical starring ‘American Idol’ winners Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini was rushed into production to capitalize on their fame. The result was a poorly written beach romance with forgettable songs and no chemistry.

It earned $4.9 million against a $12 million budget and was slammed with a 10% Rotten Tomatoes score. Theaters pulled it after a few weeks, as audiences stayed away in droves.

‘Alone in the Dark’ (2005)

Directed by Uwe Boll, this horror film based on a video game was a disaster of incoherent plotting and terrible acting. Critics gave it a 1% Rotten Tomatoes score, calling it unwatchable.

It grossed just $5.1 million worldwide on a $20 million budget. Theaters dropped it quickly, as even horror fans couldn’t stomach its abysmal quality.

‘The Apple’ (1980)

This musical sci-fi flop aimed for campy fun but landed as a bizarre, incoherent mess. Critics at the Montreal World Film Festival threw vinyl records at the screen, and it earned a 17% Rotten Tomatoes score.

Its $10 million budget yielded just $1 million in returns. Theaters pulled it after a few weeks, unable to handle its over-the-top absurdity.

‘Bio-Dome’ (1996)

Pauly Shore and Stephen Baldwin starred in this comedy about two slackers trapped in a biosphere. Critics called it “almost unwatchable” with a 4% Rotten Tomatoes score, citing its crude humor and weak script.

It grossed $13.4 million against a $15 million budget but was pulled from theaters due to awful word-of-mouth. It remains a low point in 90s comedy.

‘Revolution’ (1985)

This historical drama starring Al Pacino aimed to depict the American Revolution but was panned for its dull pacing and lack of focus. Critics gave it a 10% Rotten Tomatoes score, and audiences stayed away.

With a $28 million budget, it earned just $346,000 domestically. Theaters dropped it quickly, as even Pacino’s star power couldn’t save it.

‘The Keep’ (1983)

Michael Mann’s horror film about Nazis and a supernatural fortress was a confusing mess. Critics slammed its muddled plot and poor effects, earning it a 43% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It grossed $4.2 million on an $11 million budget. Theaters pulled it after a brief run, as audiences couldn’t make sense of its bizarre narrative.

‘Battleship’ (2012)

This sci-fi action film based on the board game was meant to be a blockbuster but sank under its own weight. Critics gave it a 34% Rotten Tomatoes score, mocking its thin plot and overblown effects.

With a $209 million budget, it grossed $65 million domestically. Theaters reduced screenings after poor reviews and audience disinterest.

‘Ouija’ (2014)

This horror film based on the board game was panned for its lack of scares and weak story. Critics gave it a 6% Rotten Tomatoes score, calling it a cash grab with no substance.

It earned $50 million domestically but was pulled from many theaters after a steep drop in attendance. Its failure didn’t stop a sequel, though.

‘The Avengers’ (1998)

Not to be confused with the Marvel blockbuster, this spy thriller starring Ralph Fiennes and Uma Thurman was a critical disaster. Its incoherent plot and lack of charm earned a 5% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It grossed $23 million on a $60 million budget. Theaters dropped it quickly, as audiences found it utterly forgettable.

‘The Master of Disguise’ (2002)

Dana Carvey’s comedy about a man with disguise powers was meant to be silly fun but ended up painfully unfunny. Critics gave it a 1% Rotten Tomatoes score, slamming its juvenile humor.

It earned $40 million on a $16 million budget but was pulled from theaters due to terrible reviews and declining ticket sales.

‘The Island of Dr. Moreau’ (1996)

This sci-fi horror remake starring Marlon Brando was a chaotic production with a nonsensical final product. Critics gave it a 24% Rotten Tomatoes score, citing its bizarre tone and weak performances.

It grossed $27 million on a $40 million budget. Theaters dropped it after audiences rejected its weirdness and lack of coherence.

‘The Love Guru’ (2008)

Mike Myers’ attempt at a spiritual comedy was a critical and commercial flop. Its offensive stereotypes and lame jokes earned a 14% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It grossed $32 million on a $62 million budget. Theaters pulled it after a few weeks, as audiences found it painfully unfunny.

‘Catwoman’ (2004)

Halle Berry’s superhero film was a far cry from the DC Comics source material. Critics slammed its awful script and effects, giving it a 9% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It earned $40 million on a $100 million budget. Theaters dropped it quickly, as even Berry later disowned the film.

‘Movie 43’ (2013)

This anthology comedy with an all-star cast was a series of crude, unfunny sketches. Critics gave it a 4% Rotten Tomatoes score, calling it a waste of talent.

It grossed $8.8 million on a $6 million budget but was pulled from theaters due to audience walkouts and terrible reviews.

‘The Emoji Movie’ (2017)

This animated film about emojis was panned for its blatant commercialism and weak story. Critics gave it a 7% Rotten Tomatoes score, calling it a soulless cash grab.

It earned $86 million worldwide but saw theaters drop it after poor word-of-mouth and competition from better family films.

‘Glitter’ (2001)

Mariah Carey’s semi-autobiographical drama about a rising singer was a critical disaster. Its thin plot and poor acting earned a 7% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It grossed $5.2 million on a $22 million budget. Theaters pulled it after two weeks, as audiences rejected Carey’s acting debut.

‘Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever’ (2002)

This action film starring Antonio Banderas and Lucy Liu was panned for its incoherent plot and dull action. Critics gave it a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score based on 117 reviews.

It earned $14 million on a $70 million budget. Theaters dropped it quickly, as it became a textbook example of a cinematic failure.

‘Freddy Got Fingered’ (2001)

Tom Green’s gross-out comedy was meant to shock but ended up alienating everyone. Critics gave it an 11% Rotten Tomatoes score, calling it offensive and stupid.

It grossed $14 million on a $14 million budget but was pulled from theaters due to audience walkouts and scathing reviews.

‘Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2’ (2004)

This sequel to the already panned ‘Baby Geniuses’ was even worse, with a nonsensical plot about genius babies. Critics gave it a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score, calling it unbearable.

It earned just $9 million on a $20 million budget. Theaters dropped it after a week, as families avoided it entirely.

‘The Adventures of Pluto Nash’ (2002)

Eddie Murphy’s sci-fi comedy about a lunar nightclub was a massive flop. Critics gave it a 4% Rotten Tomatoes score, slamming its dated humor and poor effects.

With a $100 million budget, it grossed $7 million worldwide. Theaters pulled it after two weeks due to empty seats.

‘Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star’ (2011)

This Adam Sandler-produced comedy about a wannabe porn star was painfully unfunny. Critics gave it a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score, calling it a new low for the genre.

It grossed $2.5 million on a $10 million budget. Theaters dropped it after a week, as audiences found it excruciating.

‘Down to You’ (2000)

This romantic comedy starring Freddie Prinze Jr. and Julia Stiles was panned for its bland plot and awful script. Critics gave it a 3% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It earned $20 million on a $35 million budget but was pulled from theaters due to poor reviews and lack of audience interest.

‘Transylmania’ (2009)

This vampire comedy set in a Romanian castle was a critical disaster. Critics gave it a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score, calling it a humorless, inept mess.

It grossed less than $400,000 on a $2.5 million budget. Theaters dropped it after a week, as even horror fans couldn’t stand it.

‘The Ridiculous 6’ (2015)

Adam Sandler’s Netflix-backed Western comedy was panned for its lazy humor and offensive stereotypes. Critics gave it a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score.

Though primarily a streaming release, its limited theatrical run was cut short after audiences and critics trashed it.

‘The Nutcracker in 3D’ (2010)

This bizarre take on the classic ballet was a visual and narrative mess. Critics gave it a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score, slamming its creepy visuals and weak story.

It earned $16 million on a $90 million budget. Theaters pulled it after two weeks due to abysmal reception.

‘Killing Me Softly’ (2002)

This erotic thriller starring Heather Graham was panned for its clunky dialogue and lack of chemistry. Critics gave it a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It grossed $7.7 million on a $25 million budget. Theaters dropped it quickly, as audiences found it dull and unconvincing.

‘The Singing Forest’ (2003)

This low-budget drama about reincarnation and romance was called one of the worst films ever. Critics gave it a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score, citing atrocious acting.

It barely saw a theatrical release before being pulled. Its 1/100 Metacritic score cemented its place as a cinematic disaster.

‘Chaos’ (2005)

This crime thriller starring Jason Statham was panned for its incoherent plot and poor execution. Critics gave it a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It earned less than $7 million on a $12 million budget. Theaters dropped it after a week, as audiences found it unwatchable.

‘InAPPropriate Comedy’ (2013)

This sketch comedy featuring Adrien Brody was slammed for its offensive, unfunny gags. Critics gave it a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It grossed under $200,000 on a $3 million budget. Theaters pulled it almost immediately due to audience backlash.

‘Vulgar’ (2002)

This dark comedy about a clown’s tragic life was panned for its crude tone and lack of depth. Critics called it “unclassifiably awful,” giving it a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It barely made it to theaters before being pulled. Its limited release couldn’t save it from obscurity.

‘The Disappointments Room’ (2016)

This horror film starring Kate Beckinsale was a muddled mess with no scares. Critics gave it a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score, calling it forgettable.

It earned $2.4 million on a $15 million budget. Theaters dropped it after a week due to poor reviews and turnout.

‘London Fields’ (2018)

This noir thriller starring Amber Heard was delayed for years and still flopped. Critics gave it a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score, slamming its messy plot.

It grossed $252,000 on a $8 million budget. Theaters pulled it after a week, as audiences found it incomprehensible.

‘Stratton’ (2017)

This action thriller starring Dominic Cooper was panned for its generic plot and weak action. Critics gave it a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It earned less than $100,000 domestically. Theaters dropped it almost immediately, as it failed to draw any interest.

‘The Layover’ (2017)

This comedy starring Alexandra Daddario and Kate Upton was panned for its crude humor and thin plot. Critics gave it a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It grossed under $1 million in limited release. Theaters pulled it quickly, as audiences found it painfully unfunny.

‘Dark Tide’ (2012)

This shark thriller starring Halle Berry was panned for its dull pacing and weak story. Critics gave it a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It earned less than $1 million in limited release. Theaters dropped it after a week due to lack of interest.

‘The Snowman’ (2017)

This crime thriller starring Michael Fassbender was a disjointed mess despite its strong cast. Critics gave it a 7% Rotten Tomatoes score, calling it incoherent.

It grossed $6.7 million on a $35 million budget. Theaters reduced screenings after poor reviews and audience confusion.

‘United Passions’ (2014)

This FIFA-funded film about soccer’s history was a blatant propaganda piece. Critics gave it a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score, calling it dull and self-serving.

It earned $607,000 on a $30 million budget. Theaters pulled it after a week due to near-empty screenings.

‘The Tortured’ (2010)

This horror film about vengeful parents was panned for its weak script and lack of tension. Critics gave it a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It grossed under $300,000 in limited release. Theaters dropped it quickly, as even horror fans found it lackluster.

‘The Legend of Hercules’ (2014)

This action epic starring Kellan Lutz was a dull retread of better films. Critics gave it a 5% Rotten Tomatoes score, slamming its cheap effects.

It earned $18 million on a $70 million budget. Theaters pulled it after poor reviews and declining ticket sales.

‘The Last Exorcism Part II’ (2013)

This horror sequel lacked the original’s charm and was panned for its weak scares. Critics gave it a 15% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It grossed $15 million on a $5 million budget but was pulled from theaters due to audience disinterest.

‘The Haunting of Sharon Tate’ (2019)

This thriller about Sharon Tate’s murder was panned for its tasteless premise and poor execution. Critics gave it a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It earned less than $1 million in limited release. Theaters dropped it almost immediately due to backlash and low turnout.

‘The Fanatic’ (2019)

This thriller starring John Travolta as an obsessive fan was a critical disaster. Critics gave it a 15% Rotten Tomatoes score, calling it a mess.

It grossed $3,153 domestically in limited release. Theaters pulled it after a week, as audiences rejected its bizarre tone.

Which of these cinematic trainwrecks have you endured, and what’s your pick for the worst movie ever yanked from theaters? Share your thoughts in the comments!