The 10 Worst Movies to Earn a Billion Dollars at the Box Office

Prior to 2006, only two films in cinematic history – “Titanic” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” – had grossed over a billion dollars at global box offices. Nowadays, an impressive 54 movies have achieved this feat. In some years, multiple films effortlessly surpass the one-billion dollar mark at the international box office. This trend has become so prevalent in popular culture that it’s no surprise that some timeless classics have transformed into billion-dollar blockbusters.

Nevertheless, it’s just as unavoidable that some truly disappointing films will find a place among the 54 movies in question. The ten films with the worst ratings, which managed to earn over $1 billion globally, demonstrate an enduring truth: commercial success does not necessarily equate to artistic merit. These films also serve as examples of how factors external to the film itself (like nostalgia, political climate, a strategic release date, etc.) can transform a mediocre movie into a global blockbuster event. Hang on tight to your popcorn bucket and let’s take a trip down memory lane to revisit some of the most disappointing movies ever to surpass that once-respected $1 billion worldwide box office mark.

Jurassic World Dominion

In the sequel to Jurassic World, titled Jurassic World Dominion, the creative monotony that has been present throughout Colin Trevorrow’s Jurassic films continues. The film overindulges in fan service and an attempt at “grounded” realism, which prevents it from becoming a unique, exciting summer blockbuster experience. Unfortunately, this misuse of gifted actors like Laura Dern and Sam Neill adds to the disappointment that is this laborious film.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

It’s possible we may have been overly critical towards the 1993 live-action Mario film. The new movie, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, accurately represents the iconic sounds and visuals from classic Nintendo games. However, the overall experience lacks the lively and thrilling atmosphere that one would expect. The excessive use of popular songs and generic celebrity voices make The Super Mario Bros. Movie a film that seems overly eager to please, rather than creating a unique standalone piece. Simply reminding people of their favorite old video games isn’t sufficient to create a high-quality movie on its own.

The Fate of the Furious

Following three successive Fast & Furious installments that varied from “good” to “great”, The Fate of the Furious marked a return to the mediocre standard that largely characterized the series prior to 2011. What makes this film particularly disappointing is its failure to deliver on the over-the-top excitement it promises. The character of Dominic Toretto’s turn to the dark side lacks tension, and the action sequences are so dimly lit that it’s challenging to discern what’s happening. Despite earning over $1 billion internationally by itself, The Fate of the Furious is a quickly forgettable journey for the Toretto family.

Transformers: Age of Extinction

In a somewhat lenient view, Transformers: Age of Extinction doesn’t reach the lowest point in Michael Bay’s Transformers filmography. However, it is still an unsatisfying use of 160 minutes. The movie features excessive product placement, uses Imagine Dragons for scoring, and contains uncomfortable “Romeo & Juliet” themed sequences. Unfortunately, a lackluster performance by Mark Wahlberg takes up more screen time than the infrequently-seen robot dinosaurs. This illustrates just how poor these Transformers films are, even at their supposed worst, that Age of Extinction isn’t the very bottom of Bay’s work in this series.

Alice in Wonderland

In 2010’s “Alice in Wonderland,” director Tim Burton transformed the enchanting title world into a monochrome landscape filled with chilling computer-generated characters instead. This sequel to the classic tale was visually unappealing, starkly contrasting earlier Burton masterpieces like “Batman Returns” and “Beetlejuice.” Previous Burton movies showcased captivating, eccentric settings that drew viewers in. However, “Alice in Wonderland” resembled more an uninspiring video game or desktop wallpaper than a vibrant film. Additionally, Johnny Depp’s portrayal of the Mad Hatter was lackluster and best left unmentioned.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

On Stranger Tides,” directed by Rob Marshall, was a disappointing experience when viewed in 3D due to poor lighting. The dark and murky visuals made it difficult to understand what was happening on screen. Despite this, the storyline was confusing even in its standard 2D version, thanks to a weak script and excessive subplots. Jack Sparrow as the lead character became tiresome, and overall, the movie fell short of delivering the thrilling pirate adventure it promised. However, despite its flaws, the film was popular with audiences worldwide. But these storytelling and visual issues remain significant criticisms of the movie.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

The Star Wars sequel trilogy almost hit the mark. “The Force Awakens” brought a delightful yet somewhat predictable re-entry into the distant galaxy. “The Last Jedi” might have been the most brilliant Star Wars film, boasting intelligent storytelling and striking visuals. Unfortunately, “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” fell flat in its conclusion, feeling devoid of energy. Even if judged independently, this Star Wars film seemed to lack the joy that it should have had. References to the past became repetitive, leaving even characters like Poe Dameron, Rose Tico, and global audiences yearning for a more satisfying experience.

Despicable Me 3

The main flaw of “Despicable Me 3” is that it feels overly familiar and hastily constructed within the larger franchise. This third installment introduces multiple storylines that divide all the primary characters, resulting in a film that unfortunately lacks cohesion. What’s more disappointing is that the humor falls short compared to previous entries. The anarchy-filled comedy once exhibited by the Minions in the original “Despicable Me” had significantly diminished by the time “Despicable Me 3” was released.

The Lion King (2019)

In 2019, Jon Favreau’s “The Lion King” became one of the top seven highest-grossing films globally with an impressive $1.661 billion earnings at the box office. However, despite its financial success, it was also a film in internal conflict. The movie tried to maintain the original 1994 animated style while introducing a highly realistic animation approach. This blend seemed to strip away all the charm and personality from the screen. The once vibrant musical numbers and memorable characters appeared lifeless and lacked any sparkle. Instead of recreating the magic, “The Lion King” inadvertently delivered an eerie replica of its past, marking a creative low point for these Disney remakes.

Jurassic World

The point that shooting on film doesn’t automatically produce a crisp-looking movie is evident in “Jurassic World.” It’s surprising to think that such a feature shot on film could appear so sterile, but the excessive overexposure of lighting and sickly blue color grading don’t help matters. “Jurassic World” isn’t just filled with unappealing visuals; it also contains irritating characters, such as Chris Pratt, who seems miscast as Owen Grady. Even the dinosaur action lacks excitement, especially the poorly lit final confrontation between a T-Rex, Velociraptor, and Indominus Rex at night. In comparison, the raptor from “Jurassic Park III” that screams “ALAN!!” becomes much more appealing in contrast to the string of questionable creative choices in “Jurassic World.

2025-01-10 22:09