Incredible: 17 Movies That Defied All Expectations (and Not in a Good Way)

1. The Last Airbender 2010，IMDB Rating: 4.0, IMDB Votes: 175731, ID: 0938283
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M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘The Last Airbender’ is a visual spectacle that falls flat on its narrative. Despite impressive special effects, the film’s rushed pacing and wooden dialogue make it a disappointing adaptation of the beloved animated series. The characters lack depth, and the story fails to capture the magic of its source material, leaving fans and newcomers alike underwhelmed.
2. The Happening 2008，IMDB Rating: 5.0, IMDB Votes: 217746, ID: 0949731
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M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘The Happening’ starts with an intriguing premise but quickly descends into absurdity. The film’s stiff dialogue and unconvincing performances, particularly from Mark Wahlberg and Zooey Deschanel, undermine its potential. What could have been a thought-provoking thriller about nature’s revenge turns into an unintentionally comedic disaster.
3. The Emoji Movie 2017，IMDB Rating: 3.4, IMDB Votes: 72012, ID: 4877122
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‘The Emoji Movie’ is a soulless cash grab that fails to entertain. With a plot that shamelessly borrows from better films and an overabundance of product placements, it lacks originality and charm. The humor falls flat, and the story is unengaging, making it a forgettable and uninspired addition to animated cinema.
4. Cats 2019，IMDB Rating: 2.8, IMDB Votes: 56310, ID: 5697572
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Tom Hooper’s ‘Cats’ is a bewildering misfire that leaves audiences cringing. The film’s unsettling visual effects and lackluster performances fail to capture the magic of the stage musical. Despite a star-studded cast, ‘Cats’ is a disjointed and uncomfortable viewing experience that misses the mark on every level.
5. The Room 2003，IMDB Rating: 3.6, IMDB Votes: 95696, ID: 0368226
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Tommy Wiseau’s ‘The Room’ is a cinematic enigma, often hailed as the epitome of ‘so bad it’s good.’ Its bizarre storytelling, awkward dialogue, and peculiar performances create an unintentionally hilarious experience. Despite its many flaws, ‘The Room’ has garnered a cult following, making it a must-watch for fans of unintentionally comedic cinema.
6. Batman: The Motion Picture Anthology 1989-1997 – Beyond Batman: Maximum Overdrive – The Vehicles of Batman and Robin 2005，IMDB Rating: 6.3, IMDB Votes: 31, ID: 1018685
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The ‘Batman: The Motion Picture Anthology’ is a mixed bag of cinematic history. While Tim Burton’s gothic vision and Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Batman are highlights, the series’ later entries, particularly Joel Schumacher’s campy takes, are less well-received. The anthology showcases the evolution of the Batman franchise, for better or worse.
7. The Mummy 2017，IMDB Rating: 5.4, IMDB Votes: 208115, ID: 2345759
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Alex Kurtzman’s ‘The Mummy’ is a lackluster reboot that fails to breathe new life into the franchise. Despite Tom Cruise’s star power, the film’s muddled plot and lack of chemistry among the cast make it a forgettable entry in the Dark Universe. The action sequences are decent, but they can’t save the film from its uninspired execution.
8. Fantastic Four 2015，IMDB Rating: 4.3, IMDB Votes: 177714, ID: 1502712
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Josh Trank’s ‘Fantastic Four’ is a dismal attempt at rebooting the superhero team. The film’s lack of energy, poor character development, and uninspired plot make it a chore to watch. Despite a talented cast, ‘Fantastic Four’ fails to capture the essence of its source material, resulting in a forgettable and disappointing experience.
9. The Lone Ranger 2013，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 245534, ID: 1210819
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Gore Verbinski’s ‘The Lone Ranger’ is an overblown and inconsistent film that struggles to find its tone. While Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer have moments of chemistry, the film’s uneven pacing and excessive length detract from its potential. The mix of gruesome villains and silly humor leaves the audience confused and unsatisfied.
10. Movie 43 2013，IMDB Rating: 4.4, IMDB Votes: 113191, ID: 1333125
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‘Movie 43’ is a collection of crude and unfunny sketches that waste its star-studded cast. The film’s lack of coherence and reliance on shock humor make it a painful viewing experience. Despite the presence of big-name actors, ‘Movie 43’ fails to deliver any meaningful laughs or entertainment.
11. The Snowman 2017，IMDB Rating: 5.2, IMDB Votes: 72679, ID: 1758810
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Despite its promising cast and source material, ‘The Snowman’ is a chilling disappointment. The film’s convoluted plot and lack of coherence make it a frustrating watch, squandering the talents of Michael Fassbender and Rebecca Ferguson. The movie’s attempt to blend mystery and thriller elements falls flat, leaving viewers cold and unsatisfied. It’s a stark reminder that even with high expectations, some films just can’t deliver.
12. Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi 2017，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 678117, ID: 2527336
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While ‘The Last Jedi’ aimed to take the Star Wars saga in bold new directions, it ended up dividing fans and critics alike. The film’s unexpected plot twists and character arcs were seen as either refreshing or sacrilegious, depending on who you ask. Despite its stunning visuals and strong performances, the movie’s controversial choices overshadowed its merits, making it a polarizing entry in the beloved franchise.
13. Everything Beautiful Is Far Away 2017，IMDB Rating: 5.8, IMDB Votes: 1165, ID: 3605266
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Everything Beautiful Is Far Away is a minimalist sci-fi film that blends elements of fantasy and romance. Julia Garner shines as Rola, a young woman navigating a desolate desert landscape with her robotic companion. The film’s serene pace and philosophical undertones offer a unique viewing experience. It’s a thought-provoking journey that resonates with those who enjoy introspective and visually stunning films.
14. HairBrained 2013，IMDB Rating: 5.3, IMDB Votes: 2343, ID: 1426363
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HairBrained is a quirky comedy that explores the unlikely friendship between a 14-year-old genius and a 41-year-old gambler. Julia Garner shines as Shauna, adding depth to the film with her charming performance. While the movie has its flaws, it offers a heartwarming and humorous take on the challenges of fitting in and finding one’s place in the world.
15. The Royal Hotel 2023，IMDB Rating: 5.8, IMDB Votes: 11311, ID: 18363072
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The Royal Hotel is a gripping thriller that delves into the dark side of the Australian Outback. Julia Garner delivers a powerful performance as Hanna, a young woman navigating a dangerous and oppressive environment. The film’s intense atmosphere and thought-provoking themes make it a must-watch for fans of psychological dramas.
16. Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood 2019，IMDB Rating: 7.6, IMDB Votes: 862678, ID: 7131622
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Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood’ is a nostalgic love letter to the golden age of Hollywood, blending fiction with real-life events. The film’s intricate storytelling and stellar performances by Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt create a captivating experience. Despite Tarantino’s admiration for Jennifer Lawrence, she was not cast in this film, with Dakota Fanning taking the role of Squeaky Fromme. This decision adds an intriguing layer to the film’s casting dynamics, reflecting Tarantino’s unique vision.
17. The Hateful Eight 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 666969, ID: 3460252
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In ‘The Hateful Eight,’ Quentin Tarantino crafts a tense, dialogue-driven Western that explores themes of betrayal and survival. The film’s ensemble cast, including Samuel L. Jackson and Kurt Russell, delivers powerful performances. Jennifer Lawrence was considered for a role but ultimately did not join the cast, a decision that highlights Tarantino’s selective casting process. The film’s intense atmosphere and intricate plot make it a standout in Tarantino’s filmography.