5 Terrible Movies That Are So Bad They’re A Must-Watch

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There are a few kinds of truly terrible movies. The worst are simply boring and easily forgotten – think films directed by Uwe Boll, or titles like *Madame Web* and *Jaws: The Revenge*. However, *Jaws: The Revenge* also falls into a second category: “so bad it’s good.” This category itself has two parts. Some movies are intentionally ridiculous, and while that sometimes works, it often doesn’t. Others genuinely *try* to be good, and that’s where filmmakers like Ed Wood come in. His films, especially *Plan 9 from Outer Space*, are hilariously bad, but Wood was sincerely trying to create a scary movie. It’s this earnest effort that makes so many “so bad it’s good” films surprisingly memorable and important, even decades later.

Here are five movies that aren’t high art, but are so entertainingly bad, they’re actually really fun to watch. They’re perfect for a good time in front of the TV.

5) Santa Claus Conquers the Martians

Okay, so there’s this wonderfully bizarre movie called *Santa Claus Conquers the Martians*. Basically, these Martian parents are worried their kids are glued to Earth TV, and they’re *really* into an interview with Santa. They ask this wise old Martian for advice, and he figures the kids are acting out because Martian society is way too strict. So, get this – the adults decide the solution is to *kidnap* Santa Claus! They think bringing him to Mars will somehow recapture the magic and joy of childhood for their kids. It’s as wild as it sounds!

This kids’ movie has a bizarre plot: Santa Claus and two children are kidnapped by Martians, and one of the Martians keeps trying to kill Santa! The Martians themselves look silly – they’re just people in cheap costumes and green paint, resembling the aliens from old Godzilla films. It’s a really odd movie, but if you enjoy quirky, late-night viewings, it’s a must-watch during the Christmas season.

Stream Santa Claus Conquers the Martians for free with ads on Tubi

4) Mac and Me

After Steven Spielberg’s *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* became a massive hit for an entire year, it was only a matter of time before someone tried to copy its success. That’s where *Mac and Me* comes in – it’s remarkably blatant in both its imitation of *E.T.* and its relentless product placement. In fact, the movie features an entire dance sequence *inside* a McDonald’s, complete with an appearance by Ronald McDonald himself.

It’s easy to see why Paul Rudd loves this movie, considering how strange it is. The alien designs are genuinely scary, there’s a bizarre scene where Coca-Cola brings a dying alien family back to life, and the main character, who is in a wheelchair, is unexpectedly killed before being brought back by alien powers. It’s a completely unpredictable and unusual film.

Stream Mac and Me for free with ads on Tubi.

3) Birdemic: Shock and Terror

James Nguyen, the creator of *Birdemic: Shock and Terror*, originally intended it to be a genuinely frightening film. However, it became famous for being hilariously bad, which led him to embrace that reputation with two sequels. Unfortunately, those sequels don’t quite live up to the original’s unique charm.

It’s remarkable that Hitchcock’s *The Birds*, made 45 years earlier, still has far more convincing bird effects than *Birdemic*. The poor special effects are just one part of what makes this movie so bad – it simply lacks all the qualities of a good film. Like *The Room*, *Birdemic* feels like the result of someone with limited resources trying to make a movie. In fact, the production didn’t even bother with filming permits, but somehow managed to finish the project anyway.

Stream Birdemic: Shock and Terror for free with ads on Tubi.

2) Batman & Robin

Over time, opinions on *Batman & Robin* have shifted. With Christopher Nolan’s *Dark Knight* trilogy and *The Batman* now available, the over-the-top silliness of Joel Schumacher’s second (and last) Batman film actually feels kind of fun and different now.

At the time, *Batman Forever* seemed like enough to salvage the series, even though it was a significant shift in tone after the dark *Batman Returns*. It worked because it balanced over-the-top action with some of the earlier film’s effective seriousness. However, *Batman & Robin* went too far. It’s filled with bad jokes, Arnold Schwarzenegger gives a strangely flat performance, and George Clooney looks uninterested. While there are a few exciting moments – like Batman standing over Mr. Freeze – the movie is mostly remembered for silly scenes, like Bane saying “Monkey work” and Poison Ivy choosing to push Robin away instead of simply kissing him with more poison.

Stream Batman & Robin on HBO Max.

1) Hobgoblins

Similar to how *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* inspired *Mac and Me*, and *Gremlins* led to *Hobgoblins*, the latter is arguably the most entertainingly bad copycat of Joe Dante’s original film. Picture *Gremlins*, but with the creatures having completely lifeless, puppet-like faces – they barely move, just occasionally shaking or turning their heads.

The movie *Hobgoblins* openly references *Gremlins*, especially when it comes to the effect of bright light – but with a twist. Unlike the *Gremlins* who hate light, the *Hobgoblins* actually love it. The film also features a bizarre showdown with rakes and what might be the most unintentionally funny dance scene ever put on film in the 1980s.

Stream Hobgoblins for free with ads on Tubi.

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2025-10-16 00:14