Terrible Movies That Somehow Made Millions

Box office numbers rarely tell the full story regarding the quality of a motion picture. Marketing campaigns and franchise recognition often drive ticket sales regardless of critical reception or audience word of mouth. Many films have been universally panned by reviewers yet still managed to earn hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars. These financial successes prove that a movie does not need to be good to be profitable.

‘Transformers: Age of Extinction’ (2014)

Michael Bay directed this fourth installment that introduced the Dinobots to the blockbuster franchise. The plot follows an automobile mechanic and his family as they become embroiled in a conflict between the Autobots and a bounty hunter. Critics panned the film for its excessive runtime and chaotic action sequences that made the story difficult to follow. It became the only film of that year to gross over one billion dollars worldwide despite the negative reception.

‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’ (2009)

Bella Swan falls into a deep depression after Edward Cullen leaves Forks to protect her from his vampire world. She finds comfort in her friendship with Jacob Black who hides a supernatural secret of his own. The film broke box office records for midnight screenings and opening day earnings upon its release. Reviewers criticized the slow pacing and melodramatic tone yet the passionate fanbase ensured immense financial success.

‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ (2015)

This adaptation of the bestselling novel depicts the relationship between a literature student and a wealthy businessman with singular tastes. Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan star in the film that sparked conversations about romance and boundaries. The movie received poor ratings for its screenplay and lack of chemistry between the leads. Global ticket sales soared to over half a billion dollars largely due to the immense popularity of the source material.

‘Suicide Squad’ (2016)

A secret government agency recruits imprisoned supervillains to execute dangerous missions in exchange for clemency. The team includes Deadshot and Harley Quinn who must band together to stop an ancient witch from destroying the world. Major editing issues and a disjointed narrative plagued the final theatrical cut according to many industry critics. The film still managed to earn substantial box office numbers and even won an Academy Award for makeup.

‘Alice in Wonderland’ (2010)

Tim Burton reimagined the classic Lewis Carroll tale with a dark fantasy aesthetic and heavy use of computer generated imagery. Alice returns to the magical world of her childhood to end the Red Queen’s reign of terror. While the visual style garnered praise the narrative structure and character development received sharp criticism. This did not stop the movie from joining the exclusive billion dollar club during its theatrical run.

‘The Last Airbender’ (2010)

M. Night Shyamalan directed this live action adaptation of the beloved animated series about a young avatar who can manipulate the elements. Aang must master water and earth and fire to defeat the Fire Nation and restore balance to the world. Fans and critics alike disparaged the film for its writing and uninspired acting performances. It still performed well enough financially to be considered a commercial success despite the overwhelming negative feedback.

‘Jurassic World Dominion’ (2022)

Dinosaurs live and hunt alongside humans all over the world following the destruction of Isla Nublar. The original cast members join forces with the new generation to stop a genetic corporation from causing an ecological disaster. Reviewers labeled the plot as convoluted and felt the franchise had lost its original sense of wonder. The brand recognition alone propelled the film to gross one billion dollars globally regardless of the critical mauling.

‘Grown Ups’ (2010)

Five childhood friends reunite for the Fourth of July weekend after their junior high basketball coach passes away. Adam Sandler leads an ensemble cast in a comedy filled with slapstick humor and situational gags. Critics dismissed the movie as a collection of lazy jokes without a coherent storyline. Audiences ignored the reviews and helped the film become one of the highest grossing entries in Sandler’s career.

‘Venom’ (2018)

Journalist Eddie Brock unknowingly becomes the host of an alien symbiote that gives him a violent super alter ego. He must learn to coexist with the creature while trying to stop an evil corporation from unleashing more symbiotes on Earth. Professional reviews highlighted the tonal inconsistencies and messy plot but praised the performance of Tom Hardy. The movie defied expectations by earning over eight hundred million dollars and launching a cinematic universe.

‘The Da Vinci Code’ (2006)

Robert Langdon is called to the Louvre to solve a murder that involves a cryptic message written by the victim. He uncovers a religious mystery that could shake the foundations of Christianity while fleeing from police and a secret society. Critics found the film plodding and dull compared to the rapid nature of the book. The controversy surrounding the religious themes helped drive curiosity and massive ticket sales worldwide.

‘Alvin and the Chipmunks’ (2007)

Three singing chipmunks are discovered by a struggling songwriter who helps them achieve pop stardom. The trio must navigate the pitfalls of the music industry while dealing with an exploitative record executive. The film relied heavily on slapstick humor that appealed to children but annoyed adult reviewers. It became a surprise blockbuster that spawned multiple sequels and merchandise lines.

‘Sex and the City 2’ (2010)

Carrie and her friends take a luxurious trip to Abu Dhabi to escape the pressures of their lives in New York. The sequel focuses on the extravagant lifestyle of the characters rather than the grounded relationships of the original series. Reviews were scathing regarding the excessive runtime and perceived insensitivity to the local culture. Devoted fans of the franchise still turned out to ensure the film made nearly three hundred million dollars.

‘The Emoji Movie’ (2017)

A multi expressional emoji sets out on a journey within a smartphone to become a normal emoji like his parents. He teams up with other digital characters to navigate various apps and save their world from deletion. The concept was widely mocked and the execution received near universal disapproval from film critics. The movie capitalized on the ubiquity of smartphones to secure a profit despite the negative buzz.

‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales’ (2017)

Captain Jack Sparrow searches for the Trident of Poseidon to defeat an old nemesis who has escaped from the Devil’s Triangle. Henry Turner and Carina Smyth join the quest to break the curses binding their fathers. Many critics felt the franchise had run its course and suffered from a repetitive screenplay. The international market remained strong enough to push the global gross near the eight hundred million mark.

‘Clash of the Titans’ (2010)

Perseus discovers he is a demigod and leads a dangerous mission to defeat the Kraken and save the city of Argos. The film features battles against mythological creatures including Medusa and giant scorpions. Viewers and critics complained about the rushed conversion to 3D which resulted in poor visual quality. The spectacle of the action sequences was enough to generate nearly half a billion dollars at the box office.

‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ (2016)

Two iconic heroes clash after Lex Luthor manipulates them into a violent conflict. Batman views Superman as a threat to humanity while the Man of Steel questions the vigilante tactics of the Dark Knight. Critics condemned the film for its grim tone and a convoluted plot that tried to set up too many future sequels. The highly anticipated team up still managed to earn over eight hundred million dollars globally.

‘The Lion King’ (2019)

Disney utilized photorealistic computer animation to recreate their classic animated musical about a lion cub destined to be king. Simba must flee his home after a tragedy and learn to embrace his responsibility with the help of new friends. Many reviewers found the visual style impressive but felt the movie lacked the emotional expression of the original hand drawn version. Audiences flocked to theaters to see the spectacle and pushed the gross to over one billion dollars.

‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’ (2008)

The famous archaeologist returns to find a mystical artifact before Soviet agents can use it for world domination. Indiana Jones teams up with a rebellious young biker who turns out to be his son. Longtime fans and critics expressed disappointment with the reliance on computer effects and the inclusion of extraterrestrial elements. The nostalgia factor was strong enough to generate nearly eight hundred million dollars in ticket sales.

‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ (2019)

The surviving Resistance faces the First Order once more as the ancient conflict between the Jedi and the Sith reaches its climax. Rey discovers the truth about her lineage while Emperor Palpatine returns from the dead to threaten the galaxy. Reviewers criticized the pacing and the way the script seemed to undo plot points from the previous film. The finale of the Skywalker saga still crossed the billion dollar threshold at the worldwide box office.

‘Pearl Harbor’ (2001)

Two childhood friends become pilots and fall in love with the same woman just before the Japanese attack on the American naval base. Michael Bay directed this romantic drama that attempted to blend a love triangle with historical action. Critics savaged the screenplay for its historical inaccuracies and cheesy dialogue that undermined the tragedy of the event. The film overcame the negative press to earn four hundred and fifty million dollars.

‘2012’ (2009)

A writer discovers that the Earth is on the brink of a global cataclysm predicted by the Mayan calendar. He struggles to lead his estranged family to safety as continents crumble and tsunamis swallow entire cities. The movie was panned for its thin character development and absurd scientific explanations. The promise of massive scale destruction sequences attracted audiences worldwide and resulted in a gross of nearly eight hundred million dollars.

‘Spider-Man 3’ (2007)

Peter Parker struggles with a mysterious alien symbiote that amplifies his aggression while facing multiple new villains. The plot becomes crowded with the introduction of Sandman and Venom alongside the resolution of the Harry Osborn storyline. Critics felt the movie was overstuffed and suffered from tonal inconsistencies throughout the runtime. It broke opening weekend records at the time and finished with almost nine hundred million dollars.

‘Godzilla’ (1998)

A giant mutated lizard emerges from the ocean to wreak havoc on the streets of New York City. The military attempts to stop the creature while a scientist tries to study its biology and prevent it from reproducing. Fans of the original Japanese series hated the drastic redesign of the monster and the lack of its signature atomic breath. The marketing hype ensured the film was profitable despite the poor reception from audiences.

‘Taken 2’ (2012)

Retired CIA agent Bryan Mills is targeted by the vengeful father of a kidnapper he killed in the first film. He must rely on his daughter to help him escape captivity in Istanbul and save his family. Reviews pointed out the repetitive nature of the plot and the choppy editing of the action scenes. The popularity of the first movie drove this sequel to earn more than the original at the box office.

‘Shrek the Third’ (2007)

The ogre tries to avoid becoming the King of Far Far Away by finding the only other heir to the throne. Shrek embarks on a journey with Donkey and Puss in Boots while Prince Charming plots a coup. Critics noted that the franchise was beginning to lose its sharp wit and relied too heavily on tired pop culture references. The family friendly appeal helped the animation gross over eight hundred million dollars.

‘Hancock’ (2008)

A superhero with a serious drinking problem causes millions in property damage whenever he saves the day. A public relations specialist tries to rehabilitate his image while a secret about his past comes to light. The first half of the film was praised but the second half confused audiences with a sudden tonal shift and mythology expansion. Will Smith’s star power carried the movie to over six hundred million dollars in revenue.

‘Fantastic Four’ (2005)

Four astronauts gain superpowers after being exposed to cosmic radiation during a mission in space. They must learn to work together as a team to defeat their former benefactor who has transformed into the evil Doctor Doom. Reviewers criticized the film for its campy tone and unconvincing special effects compared to other superhero movies of the era. It was a financial success that warranted a sequel despite the lukewarm critical response.

‘The Smurfs’ (2011)

The little blue creatures are chased out of their magical village by the wizard Gargamel and end up in modern day New York City. They befriend a marketing executive who helps them find a way home before they are captured. The film combined live action with computer animation and featured crude humor that did not sit well with critics. Children enjoyed the slapstick comedy enough to drive the box office to over half a billion dollars.

‘Minions’ (2015)

Three minions search for a new evil master to serve in the years before they meet Gru. They attend a villain convention and are hired by the world’s first female supervillain to steal the Crown jewels. Critics felt that the characters worked better as sidekicks and that the plot was too thin to sustain a feature length film. The merchandise potential and brand popularity pushed the earnings past one billion dollars.

‘Meet the Fockers’ (2004)

A male nurse takes his fiancee and her uptight parents to meet his eccentric hippie parents in Florida. The clash of cultures leads to a series of embarrassing mishaps and misunderstandings between the two families. While the sequel received lower ratings than the original for its reliance on toilet humor it was a massive commercial hit. It became one of the highest grossing live action comedies of all time.

‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’ (2009)

Sam Witwicky starts college while the Decepticons search for an ancient machine that can destroy the sun. Optimus Prime and the Autobots must protect Earth from the resurrection of an ancient enemy known as The Fallen. Critics savaged the film for its incomprehensible plot and reliance on crude humor and stereotypes. It defied the negative press to become a massive financial success with over eight hundred million in sales.

‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ (2011)

Captain Jack Sparrow crosses paths with a woman from his past who forces him onto Queen Anne’s Revenge. He finds himself on an unexpected journey to the fabled Fountain of Youth alongside the pirate Blackbeard. Reviewers felt the story was convoluted and lacked the charm that made the original trilogy special. The film still sailed past the one billion dollar mark at the global box office thanks to international audiences.

‘The Hangover Part II’ (2011)

The Wolfpack travels to Thailand for Stu’s wedding where they wake up in a Bangkok hotel with no memory of the previous night. They must race through the city to find the bride’s missing brother before the wedding ceremony begins. Critics complained that the sequel was a darker and meaner copy of the first film without the freshness. Fans of the raunchy comedy turned out in droves to help it earn nearly six hundred million dollars.

‘Cars 2’ (2011)

Lightning McQueen competes in the World Grand Prix while Mater gets mistaken for an American spy. The tow truck becomes involved in an international espionage plot that takes him to Tokyo and Europe. Pixar received some of the worst reviews in its history for shifting the focus away from racing to a spy thriller. The merchandise sales and box office returns were astronomical despite the critical disappointment.

‘X-Men: The Last Stand’ (2006)

A pharmaceutical company develops a cure for the mutant gene that causes a divide within the mutant community. Magneto organizes an army to destroy the cure while Jean Grey loses control of her dark alternate personality. Fans and critics were unhappy with how the film handled major character deaths and the Dark Phoenix storyline. It stood as the highest grossing film in the series for years with over four hundred million dollars.

‘The Mummy Returns’ (2001)

Rick and Evelyn O’Connell must save their son and the world when the Scorpion King is resurrected. They race against a cult that wishes to use the power of the ancient warrior to conquer the globe. The visual effects for the Scorpion King were widely mocked for looking like a low budget video game character. Audiences looked past the flawed computer generation to make the adventure a box office smash.

‘Armageddon’ (1998)

NASA recruits a team of deep core drillers to fly into space and destroy an asteroid the size of Texas. The blue collar workers must undergo rapid astronaut training before embarking on the suicide mission to save humanity. Film critics tore apart the scientific inaccuracies and the frenetic editing style of director Michael Bay. It became the highest grossing film of its year globally due to its emotional ballad and explosive action.

‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ (2014)

Four mutated turtles rise from the sewers to protect New York City from the Shredder and his Foot Clan. A reporter discovers their existence and helps them unravel a conspiracy involving her late father. Longtime fans criticized the character designs and the changes made to the origin story of the heroes. The reboot successfully captured the younger demographic and earned almost five hundred million dollars.

‘Fifty Shades Darker’ (2017)

Anastasia Steele tries to move on from her relationship with Christian Grey until he attempts to win her back. She demands a new arrangement without secrets while shadow figures from Christian’s past threaten their happiness. The sequel received even lower ratings than its predecessor for its lack of narrative tension and poor chemistry. The dedicated fanbase ignored the reviews and propelled the romantic drama to substantial profits.

‘Ice Age: Continental Drift’ (2012)

Scrat triggers a continental cataclysm that separates Manny and his friends from the rest of the herd. The group floats on an iceberg and battles a band of pirates led by a prehistoric ape while trying to return home. Reviewers felt the franchise was running on fumes and relying too heavily on the squirrel subplot. The animation remained a juggernaut overseas and collected nearly nine hundred million dollars worldwide.

‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’ (2001)

An aristocratic adventurer races against the Illuminati to find an ancient artifact that controls time. Lara Croft travels from Cambodia to Siberia to secure the pieces of the Triangle of Light before the planetary alignment. Critics praised the casting of Angelina Jolie but found the plot nonsensical and the action sequences uninspired. The video game adaptation opened strong and became a commercial hit despite the poor script.

‘Angels & Demons’ (2009)

Robert Langdon returns to investigate the resurgence of the Illuminati after the Pope dies under mysterious circumstances. He races around Rome to find four kidnapped cardinals and stop an antimatter bomb from destroying the Vatican. The film was seen as an improvement over the previous installment but still suffered from heavy exposition and pacing issues. It earned nearly half a billion dollars by appealing to fans of the Dan Brown novels.

‘Night at the Museum’ (2006)

A night security guard at the Museum of Natural History discovers that the exhibits come to life after sundown. He must manage the chaotic historical figures while preventing thieves from stealing the magical tablet that animates them. Critics considered the premise silly and the plot thin but praised the energetic performance of Robin Williams. Families flocked to the theater to see the special effects comedy and drove sales over five hundred million.

‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ (2012)

An evil queen sends a huntsman to capture her stepdaughter so she can consume her heart and remain young forever. The huntsman spares the princess and trains her to lead a rebellion against the sorceress who ruined the kingdom. Reviews were mixed regarding the acting performances but praised the dark visual style of the fairy tale. The movie performed well enough to spawn a sequel and grossed nearly four hundred million dollars.

‘The Boss Baby’ (2017)

A suit wearing baby arrives at the Templeton house and teams up with his seven year old brother to stop a puppy company. The siblings must put aside their rivalry to save the parents and ensure babies receive enough love. Critics found the premise bizarre and the humor too confusing for children and too immature for adults. The animation struck a chord with general audiences and grossed over five hundred million dollars.

Leave a comment to let us know if you think these movies deserved the harsh reviews they received.