5 Sci-Fi Movies From The 1990s With Criminally Bad Reviews (#4 Didn’t Deserve It)

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It’s incredibly easy for a science fiction movie to go wrong. The complex ideas and complicated plots can quickly lose viewers. A good example is Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. For most of the film, it feels like a classic Indiana Jones adventure, but then it introduces aliens and the story falls apart. That ending is widely considered a major flaw and a key reason why it’s the weakest film in the Indiana Jones series. However, not every sci-fi movie that doesn’t quite work deserves to be dismissed.

I remember the 90s being a fun time for sci-fi, especially after so many amazing films came out in the 80s. We got some really cool movies like The Matrix and The Fifth Element, but honestly, a lot more just didn’t quite hit the mark. It’s a shame, because many of them tried new things! I’ve been thinking about some 90s sci-fi films that really got unfairly panned by critics, and I’ve picked out five that I think deserve another look.

5) Johnny Mnemonic

Keanu Reeves is on a winning streak now, but he was still finding his footing in the early 1990s, which led to some unusual roles. Critics often point to Johnny Mnemonic as his low point of the decade. It’s a bizarre film about a data courier in a futuristic 2021 who gets tangled with the yakuza and desperately needs assistance. While strange, the movie has gained a cult following for being enjoyably bad. It’s worth watching for Keanu Reeves himself, and especially for the over-the-top practical effects and unique set designs – you really have to see them to believe them!

4) Starship Troopers

Over time, Starship Troopers has become a beloved classic, often appearing on lists of the best films online. When it was first released, many viewers missed the fact that it was a satire – a film that actually mocks the ideas it presents. Luckily, most people now recognize its satirical nature, allowing them to fully appreciate the movie’s exciting action and comedic moments. While the sequels aren’t bad, they don’t quite live up to the quality of the original.

3) Anaconda

Jack Black and Paul Rudd are teaming up for a new take on Anaconda. The movie will follow two men who travel to the Amazon rainforest to film a remake of a sci-fi film they both love. Despite the original Anaconda receiving negative reviews for its effects and story, they appreciate its charm. The original film succeeded by fully embracing its over-the-top premise – the characters are always aware they’re in a movie where a giant snake is trying to kill them. Plus, the original cast was surprisingly star-studded, including Jennifer Lopez, Owen Wilson, Ice Cube, and Jon Voight.

2) The Island of Dr. Moreau

Turning a book into a movie is always challenging, especially when it’s a remake. The 1997 film, The Island of Dr. Moreau, faced an extra hurdle because the 1970s version before it wasn’t a very good adaptation of the original H.G. Wells story. Despite what many critics say, John Frankenheimer’s film doesn’t repeat the same errors. David Thewlis, as Edward Douglas, helps the audience navigate a dangerous and unsettling world, and the movie’s surprising plot developments make it worth watching.

1) Steel

Superhero movies are no strangers to criticism. Even the incredibly successful Marvel Cinematic Universe has faced some recent setbacks. Shaquille O’Neal’s Steel is often considered one of the weaker entries in the genre, with many viewers quick to point out its poor acting and lack of excitement. However, that criticism isn’t entirely deserved. Steel has a genuine sincerity that sets it apart from many other superhero films, and its commitment to its own message is a definite strength.

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2025-12-27 22:13