In an unusual twist, five films have tied for the dubious honor of leading contenders at the 2025 Golden Raspberry Awards. These films, including Joker: Folie à Deux, Madame Web, Borderlands, Reagan, and Megalopolis, each garnered six nominations. The Razzies, known for celebrating the worst in cinema, invited 1,202 members, comprising film enthusiasts and critics, to vote on the least impressive movies of 2024. Each of these films has been nominated for the Worst Picture award, reflecting their poor reception among critics and audiences alike.
Insights into the Nominees
The second installment of the Joker saga, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, was launched with high expectations but faced a tumultuous journey. In the golden autumn of 2024, this highly anticipated sequel, with a budget estimated between $190-200 million, not only received a dismal CinemaScore rating of "D" but also witnessed the steepest decline in box office performance within its genre. Despite garnering significant attention, it ultimately collected only $206 million—a stark contrast from its predecessor's billion-dollar success.
Madame Web, directed by S.J. Clarkson, introduced Dakota Johnson as Cassandra Webb, a clairvoyant superhero. Critics were less than kind, labeling it a "Marvel knock-off" and likening it to bargain-bin fare. Meanwhile, Francis Ford Coppola’s ambitious project, Megalopolis, which boasted a star-studded cast, was described as an incoherent mess that squandered its $120 million budget.
Other notable entries include Borderlands, based on the popular video game series, which fared poorly both critically and financially, and Reagan, a biopic starring Dennis Quaid as the 40th U.S. President, criticized for borrowing heavily from classic films like Citizen Kane.
Actors and actresses from these films have also been recognized for their performances, albeit in less favorable categories. Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, both Oscar winners, are up for Worst Actor and Actress alongside other nominees such as Zachary Levi, Jack Black, and Cate Blanchett.
A Reflection on the Industry
From a journalistic perspective, this year's Razzie nominations highlight a critical issue within the film industry—the disconnect between artistic vision and audience reception. Despite substantial investments and star power, these films failed to resonate with viewers, signaling a need for more thoughtful storytelling and better alignment with public tastes. The Razzies serve as a reminder that even the most ambitious projects can falter without careful consideration of narrative coherence and audience engagement. As we await the announcement of the winners on March 1st, one hopes that this recognition will prompt filmmakers to reflect on what truly resonates with moviegoers.