Action movies offer the fundamental essence, as their very title suggests – they are all about motion on screen. Essentially, action films deliver the necessary movement that makes movies come alive.
Consequently, an age-old saying about pizza can be related to action movies: If they’re excellent, they’re extraordinary, and if they’re poor, they’re still somewhat enjoyable. A poorly crafted and performed action movie can still offer high levels of excitement and visual appeal. (As a case in point!) An exceptional action movie with intense plotlines and well-developed characters is preferable, but sometimes a mindless thriller packed with impressive stunts and special effects that delivers nothing more is just the remedy needed.
(Hold on, should we make an action movie featuring a martial artist/physician? Is such a film already out there? Who dares to create The Doctor’s Revenge, the story of an adept gastroenterologist who reaches his limit and seeks vengeance against the wicked thugs who demolished his clinic?)
Before the next blockbuster action masterpiece graces our screens, let’s delve into 20 films that didn’t even manage to reach the “mindless entertainment” level – some of the worst action movies ever produced. These films are riddled with poor writing, puzzling editing, terrible camerawork, and the most disappointing: unengaging action sequences featuring actors who seemed completely miscast. In the realm of action movies, such shortcomings are nearly unforgivable, and these films certainly don’t escape that criticism.
The Worst Action Movies Ever Made
Mad Dog Time (1996)
In a different, more creative vein than some other action movies, “Mad Dog Time” stands out – it might not have many competitors, but there are a few. However, I struggle to think of an action movie as bizarre as “Mad Dog Time,” which offers a stellar ensemble cast (Jeff Goldblum, Gabriel Byrne, Ellen Barkin, Richard Dreyfuss, Diane Lane, Gregory Hines, Burt Reynolds, Rob Reiner, Kyle MacLachlan, and more) in a gangster movie. This film takes place, as per the opening narration, in an alternate universe, situated on the other side of the cosmos, in deep space. This universe, called Vic’s World, is inhabited by stereotypical characters from gangster movies who engage in duels in a run-down basement. The question arises: can a shootout be considered an action scene if both parties are firing at each other while seated behind desks?
Skyscraper (1996)
The Ultimate Weapon (1998)
In a nutshell, this film is an appalling masterpiece of junk, featuring Hulk Hogan, the man with a wig and muscles, playing a mercenary who gets into trouble with a wealthy villain. Despite his long career of physically fighting people in public arenas, Hulk fails to deliver as an action hero; he comes across as stiff and uncoordinated, often needing help from clearly visible stunt doubles. On the bright side, his acting is abysmal! Notable moments include when Hulk searches for his estranged daughter in a strip club and seems unfazed by her dance performance, and Hulk switching outfits not just once but twice during the climactic confrontation. (“I must save my fiancée, but first, these khaki slacks have to go!”)
Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997)
As stated on Wikipedia, the budget for this Mortal Kombat sequel was nearly twice that of the original film. Yet, it seems like a pile of junk compared to even a Sega CD cutscene. It appears that money doesn’t solve all problems or even any in this catastrophic sequel. The initial Mortal Kombat might not have been Chaucer, but it was watchable. Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, however, is so dreadful that one could almost believe it was intentionally produced poorly as part of a complex scheme to cheat investors out of their money, similar to the plot in The Producers.
Battlefield Earth (2000)
Occasionally, a film arrives with such intense negative hype that it fails to receive a balanced evaluation from both the audience and critics. The movie “Battlefield Earth” is one of those cases where the unfavorable reviews it garnered before its release were completely justified. It was a chaotic mix of horrendous makeup, poor acting, unattractive action sequences and special effects, and cringe-worthy dialogues. Attempting to read any dialogue from this movie without laughing is almost impossible! A glance at the IMDb Quotes page for this film will confirm that. It’s simply not feasible! One of the screenwriters associated with “Battlefield Earth” later expressed regret, stating that comparing it to a train wreck was too generous – people actually enjoy watching train wrecks.
Bulletproof Monk (2003)
20 years ago, I found myself as the lone viewer in a theater watching a movie that left me longing for a more engaging experience. By the end, I was restlessly shifting seats in search of an optimal viewing angle, yet the film failed to impress no matter where I sat.
Fast-forward to today, and I can’t help but question if “Bulletproof Monk” doesn’t hold the title for this century’s most dismal Hollywood martial arts scenes. Granted, it may not all be on the filmmaker; Seann William Scott seemed more dedicated to his action sequences than Chow Yun-fat. However, when Stifler outperforms your leading actors in terms of commitment, there’s definitely a problem at hand.
Catwoman (2004)
In the film “Catwoman”, Halle Berry’s character, Patience Phillips, engages in a battle against crime (occasionally causing it herself) by utilizing the well-known traits of a feline: She’s extremely agile, always manages to land on her feet, is an exceptional basketball player, derives pleasure from stealing jewels, employs whips, generates puns about basketball that are less than stellar, and has a strong affinity for leather. This is just like a real cat. The director of “Catwoman”, Pitof, originally hails from the field of visual effects, yet some of the action sequences in “Catwoman” appear laughably absurd. It’s also poorly edited, with numerous flaws. (For instance, the entire cast is seen wearing the same clothes for two consecutive days, as it seems someone decided to reedit the movie and merge the events of the first day into two, without reshooting anything.) The blend of oddly humorous decisions and blatant incompetence makes “Catwoman” a tantalizing treat for fans of bad movies.
Alone in the Dark (2005)
Uwe Boll’s movie “Alone in the Dark,” is not just a poor action film, but rather, it stands out as the epitome of bad video game adaptations. Tara Reid and Christian Slater star, with Reid playing her usual role as an intelligent archaeologist and Slater as a detective who investigates supernatural events. Unfortunately, the movie is so complicated that even the opening title sequence, which lasts for 90 seconds, makes it more puzzling than it would have been without it. The initial writer, Blair Erickson, claims he wrote a more realistic detective script; Boll discarded it to include more action, special effects, and sex scenes instead. Interestingly, Erickson stated in 2005 that after they left, Boll returned months later asking for the rights to use scenes from their script… for free!
In other words, Uwe Boll’s “Alone in the Dark” is infamous for being a terrible video game adaptation. The movie features Tara Reid and Christian Slater, but the plot is so convoluted that it makes little sense, even with the lengthy opening title sequence. The original writer claimed he wrote a more realistic script, which was discarded to add action, special effects, and sex scenes. Ironically, after they left, Boll returned asking for the rights to use scenes from their script… for free!
Elektra (2005)
Elektra, a renowned assassin known for her meticulous work, is so dedicated that she frequently cleans her floorboards to erase any trace of her DNA, yet she displays a careless side by socializing with her curious new neighbors during an operation, and also shows signs of being not the sharpest tool in the shed by failing to recognize these neighbors as her assignment. Quite the paradox! Moreover, having died and been resurrected in Daredevil has granted her powers of future prediction and time rewinding, making her something akin to an immortal deity. So it’s no surprise she spends her time repeatedly stabbing ninjas with a pair of sai. According to the film’s Wikipedia page, Garner was reluctant to participate but agreed due to contractual obligations stemming from Daredevil. I concur with this account.
Dragonball: Evolution (2009)
In this case, the action movie adaptation of a well-known manga and anime series holds the title of the lowest-rated. The film, featuring Justin Chatwin as Goku, was criticized for whitewashing its cast and deviating significantly from its source material. Its screenwriter later publicly acknowledged his role in damaging a cherished franchise, expressing regret in 2016: “To have something bearing my name as the writer be so universally panned is heart-wrenching … I’ve learned that approaching creative projects without passion results in less than satisfactory outcomes, sometimes even leading to poor quality work. Therefore, I am not placing blame for Dragonball on anyone else but myself.
Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li (2009)
15 years following the original release of “Street Fighter”, there was a somewhat revamped version of the film that deviated significantly from its roots, as it lacked iconic legends and minimal street fighting. (Surely not what one expects from a “Street Fighter” movie!) However, this reboot does feature Chris Klein delivering an exceptionally poor performance as Charlie Nash, who bears no semblance to the “Street Fighter” character of the same name or any person who has ever existed. He struts, overacts, squints, snarls, making for an unforgettable spectacle.
The Last Airbender (2010)
In a perfect world, the renowned animated series “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and an accomplished director would have crafted an unforgettable film series. However, M. Night Shyamalan proved to be an inappropriate choice for the project; his creative leanings are more suited towards intricate thrillers, whereas the original Avatar was a vast, globetrotting epic. Shyamalan compacted this grandeur into 100 minutes of uneven pacing, with a majority of white actors filling roles originally portrayed as Asian in the source material. (Shyamalan justified his casting decisions by claiming it to be “the most culturally diverse tent-pole” ever produced in Hollywood.) Interestingly, the movie was so poorly received that it essentially marked the end of “Avatar: The Last Airbender”; the film’s negative response from fans and dismal box office earnings halted plans for a trilogy of live-action Avatar films.
Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
Taken 3 (2014)
In simpler terms, Liam Neeson is renowned for his hard-boiled characters, but it’s undeniable that he’s reaching an advanced age. By the third installment of “Taken,” he was showing signs of wear and tear, making the action scenes somewhat confusing due to frequent edits to conceal the fact that many of his moves were performed by stuntmen. If you watch closely, you’ll notice how numerous shots and cuts are used to depict a single jump over a fence, suggesting that it’s actually the film’s editor who possesses exceptional skills in this area.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)
In the original live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film from years ago, the action still looks good – quite impressive considering the actors were executing punches, kicks, and acrobatics within large prosthetic suits. Conversely, the action in the 2014 Ninja Turtles movie is surprisingly poor – perhaps due to its use of CGI and motion capture technology. And it seems like I’m not mistaken – doesn’t Splinter in this film appear to have a nose that resembles a phallic shape?
China Salesman (2017)
In essence, the 2018 movie titled “China Salesman” features a fight that allegedly includes boxing champion Mike Tyson and action film icon Steven Seagal. However, it’s important to note that I use the term ‘allegedly’ because from the sequence of events, I’m not completely convinced they were in the same location at the same time. (If their stuntmen received payment for this scene, they certainly deserved a bonus.) This epic battle culminates with Tyson taking control – by ‘epic,’ I mean it ends like a shipwreck; the entire sequence is tragic and cringe-worthy, with clear doubling and some very peculiar delivery lines.
Morbius (2022)
Released on April 1st, 2022, the film “Morbius” seemed like an elaborate April Fool’s joke to moviegoers. The final product barely resembled the trailers; entire scenes and plotlines appeared to be absent, and it seemed as if the entire film had been reworked in post-production to make it clear that it wasn’t part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Unfortunately, that was one of the few things that were clear about “Morbius,” a vampire movie that felt like a Frankenstein’s monster stitched together from disparate storylines and characters that didn’t quite fit, then brought to life in a jumbled, chaotic manner.
Expend4bles (2023)
Right from the start, the “Expendables” series has been more about creating an enticing marketing pitch than delivering a quality franchise. Indeed, the concept of veteran action stars uniting for one final action-packed adventure (or in this case, four) is undeniably appealing. However, in reality, the films have ranged from mediocre to downright poor, and this latest installment, “Expend4bles,” is no exception. It barely meets its own expectations; only Sylvester Stallone and Dolph Lundgren remain as the old-school action heroes, and their roles are minimal at best. The only noteworthy fight sequence between Jason Statham and Iko Uwais aside, this movie fails to deliver the thrilling action experience it promises. The visual effects are cheap CGI, and they not only look subpar but also fail to capture the authentic, gritty feel of 1980s action cinema that the series aims to emulate. Never has the title of these movies felt more fitting.
Red One (2024)
I’m curious about the Dwayne Johnson Christmas action movie called “Red One”. However, what intrigues me most is who the intended audience is for such a film. It seems unusual to create a festive blockbuster filled with profanity, terrifying creatures, poor CGI, and explicit content like bikini-clad females’ bodies. I understand that people love Christmas content and might watch this on Amazon regardless of its quality. But honestly, it’s quite poorly made.
Star Trek: Section 31 (2025)
In more casual language,
Many diehard Star Trek fans have labeled this streaming series offshoot from Star Trek: Discovery as the absolute worst thing produced under the Star Trek brand. Since I’ve missed some Star Trek series, I can’t say that for certain. However, it’s undoubtedly the worst Star Trek film or show I’ve ever seen. It looks poor, the dialogue is awful, and the action is chaotic. What makes this the most disappointing is its apparent belief that specific alien races, technology such as spaceships, phasers, and tricorders, are what define Star Trek. Instead, it should be the optimistic themes and intellectual curiosity that characterize this franchise (or at least used to when it was well-executed). Frankly, who wants to watch a Star Trek series that’s as intellectually shallow as most other science fiction?
Movies We Love Because They’re Always On Cable
Jaws (1975)
Although it hails from the mid-’70s, “Jaws” stands out as an anomaly among this collection of ’90s and early 2000s cable blockbusters. However, it’s crucial to remember that “Jaws” paved the way for the summer blockbuster phenomenon, a role that significantly contributed to the success of these subsequent films. Without its repeated re-releases and constant airplay on various cable TV channels, many of these movies might not have achieved such great heights.
In a small New England coastal town during a sweltering summer, “Jaws” combines elements of horror (a man-eating shark) with thriller (the struggle against bureaucratic self-interest), leaving a lasting impression on beachgoers everywhere and even inspiring the Discovery Channel to devote an entire week to exploring the misconceptions surrounding its formidable antagonist. It’s possible that numerous individuals reading this list today first experienced “Jaws” not in a bustling IMAX theater, but comfortably at home during a summer movie marathon on their preferred channel, with Roy Scheider’s iconic final line possibly edited for television ratings.
Home Alone (1990)
Instead of compiling an entire list of annual Christmas movies that grace our televisions, we chose to single out one favorite: the timeless comedy, “Home Alone.” Although it can be found on TV throughout the year, its true charm unfolds during November. Much like other films in this collection, initial critical response to “Home Alone” upon release was somewhat reserved. However, over time and due to a mix of nostalgia and frequent television airings, opinions have swung favorably, making it a modern classic today.
Regardless of whether you’ve ever intentionally watched “Home Alone,” chances are you’ve caught snippets of it in various settings – at holiday gatherings, during sleepovers, or while wandering channels late at night.
Point Break (1991)
As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by the enigma that is “Point Break.” Is it a cinematic masterpiece or an outrageous spectacle? Opinions vary wildly about Kathryn Bigelow’s action-drama featuring an FBI agent who finds himself tangled with a gang of surfing outlaws. Regardless of whether you adore it or find fault, there’s no denying its allure when you stumble upon it while channel-surfing. Even if you belong to the “Point Break is dumb” camp, Patrick Swayze’s profound musings will undoubtedly pull you in.
You might as well pretend it’s any genre: a sports film about surfing, an action flick about cops pursuing criminals, a love story about a doomed romance. “Point Break” offers a rich blend of these elements, and its picturesque beachside backdrop certainly adds to its appeal. It’s the perfect summer movie, but there’s something extra delightful about catching it during the off-season.
The Sandlot (1993)
If there’s a movie that perfectly captures the strange, almost dreamlike sensation of being a child, it’s “The Sandlot”. When young Scott Smalls’ life gets turned upside down by his mother’s remarriage and a move away from familiar surroundings, he finds solace in a tight-knit group of misfit boys who play baseball on the empty local field as soon as school is out. Throughout a long, sweltering summer, Smalls and his new companions steal baseballs from a ferocious dog, chase after girls at swimming pools, and make fools of the snobbish Little League team while forming friendships. “The Sandlot” offers a double serving of wistful nostalgia for a bygone era (it’s set in the 1960s), and whenever you happen upon it on TV, you’ll wish you too were playing baseball under the glow of Fourth of July fireworks with your friends, before realizing how content you are snuggled up on your couch at home.
Stargate (1994)
If you didn’t intentionally watch it in a theater or have someone show it to you, many science fiction movies you encounter on cable can seem like hallucinations. That’s the strange, dreamlike quality of the film titled Stargate, where James Spader portrays an Egyptologist/linguist who journeys to another planet with Kurt Russell to combat a powerful god-alien. If not for its linked universe of spinoff series, it would probably still feel that way.
In essence, Stargate is an ideal weirdo sci-fi movie to stumble upon on cable because, no matter when you tune in, it will be just as comprehensible to you as if you had watched it from the start. It shares a similarity with another cable classic, The Mummy: it’s absurd, it’s enjoyable, it has a peculiar fascination with ancient Egypt, and there’s always a touch of captivating dark magic/alien technology that emerges when things become dull.
Twister (1996)
Twister stands out as an exceptional representation of a captivating cable television film. A thrilling disaster movie narrative, starring two lead actors with electrifying chemistry, filled with intricate discussions about weather events, and boasting numerous “I can’t believe it’s not a real-life hero!” actors, Twister is unrivaled in its power to reel you in swiftly. (It has the ability to pull you in like a vacuum.)
As you find yourself riveted to your seat, you might momentarily forget that you’re not watching it on a colossal movie screen surrounded by a crowd of people cheering whenever a tornado lifts a truck, a house, or even a cow into the sky. It offers the perfect blend of excitement, fun, and intrigue, with a compelling subplot exploring the price of obsession and the liberation that comes from going with the flow.
Independence Day (1996)
1. Similar to “Home Alone” and “Independence Day,” these films are must-watch events on national holidays. They become unavoidable once the Fourth of July arrives, making it seem as though another amendment could be added to our constitution, mandating their viewing on our country’s birthday.
2. The idea for “Independence Day” was born during director Roland Emmerich’s press tour for his previous film “Stargate.” When a reporter inquired about why he made an alien movie if he didn’t believe in them, Emmerich envisioned massive spaceships appearing over major cities worldwide. This mental image served as the foundation for his action-thriller about an alien invasion, where Will Smith and the U.S. Air Force team up to destroy an extraterrestrial mothership with a nuclear bomb. Given its length of approximately three hours (with commercials), it’s nearly impossible to miss this film.
I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
Horror films really come alive on cable, particularly slasher movies which make for excellent late-night viewing whether you’re home alone or hosting a party with friends. The movie “I Know What You Did Last Summer” encapsulates the right mix of absurdity and fear, featuring an ensemble cast from the ’90s including Ryan Phillippe, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr., and delivering a nail-biting mystery that draws on urban legends and classic revenge themes. It seems that ’90s teens had a penchant for killing each other, according to the horror movies of the era, and we can’t help but be captivated by it. Alongside “Scream”, “I Know What You Did Last Summer” modernized the slasher genre, spawning numerous imitators who aimed to recreate the fear of being pursued by a man wielding a large sharp hook.
Miss Congeniality (2000)
As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I can’t help but rave about the timeless charm of “Miss Congeniality.” This delightful blend of action, crime caper, and comedic reality competition is like nothing else in the genre – it’s a guaranteed hit for everyone!
Sandra Bullock’s portrayal of a tough-as-nails FBI agent masquerading as a beauty pageant contestant had me rolling with laughter. The film’s underlying message about embracing one’s strength and femininity feels organic and empowering without ever feeling forced or contrived.
So, mark your calendars for the ultimate movie date night! “Miss Congeniality” is a must-watch for fans of comedy, action, and everything in between!
2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)
In our dream world, every TV channel would be constantly airing the Fast & Furious series, but alas, reality is not so kind to us. Yet, these movies are never out of reach. It’s the quirky ones that linger longest in our memories, and 2 Fast 2 Furious stands out as a favorite among fans, being both oddly unique and embodying the spirit of the entire series. Interestingly, it is the only film absent Vin Diesel, providing Paul Walker’s Brian O’Conner an opportunity to embark on his solo journey and introducing the future comedy duo Ludacris and Tyrese Gibson.
The Fast franchise has grown significantly since then, but there’s a certain charm in 2 Fast’s dedication to a less dramatic plot and its vibrant, animated racing graphics reminiscent of Spy Kids. Moreover, it features Suki and her eye-catching hot pink Honda, an original Ludacris song, and none of the other movies can match that level of coolness.
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2025-02-28 17:56