In the cinematic landscape of 2024, several films failed to meet expectations, with a notable trend of poorly executed sequels and uninspired original works. The year saw seven franchise entries that either lost their way or never understood their purpose. Additionally, three so-called "original" films lacked depth and humanity, failing to stand out as truly innovative. Despite having ample resources, many of these productions were marred by indulgent storytelling and poor execution. While some may have slipped under the radar, those that did make it to theaters or streaming platforms earned their place on this list of disappointments.
Dissecting the Year's Worst Films: Where Did They Go Wrong?
In the vibrant yet tumultuous world of cinema, 2024 was marked by a series of missteps that left audiences questioning the direction of Hollywood. One of the most glaring examples was Bad Boys: Ride or Die, where Will Smith and Martin Lawrence seemed to lose touch with the essence of their characters, delivering a sequel that felt more like a disorganized follow-up rather than a continuation of a beloved series. Meanwhile, Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon – Part 2 faltered by bogging down its narrative with overly simplistic backstories, leading to a tedious viewing experience that lacked the excitement of its predecessor.
The sequel to Disney’s Moana also faced criticism for its rushed plot and disjointed missions, raising questions about whether such projects should remain in the realm of streaming series rather than being released as theatrical films. Similarly, Argylle struggled with over-reliance on CGI, stripping away the thrill of action sequences and leaving viewers disconnected from the story. Video game adaptations continued to pose challenges, with Borderlands falling flat due to an overwhelming focus on exposition rather than engaging adventure.
The remake of The Crow attempted to reinvent the classic but ended up diluting its emotional impact, while IF ventured into dangerous territory by promoting harmful messages about coping with loss and illness. Jerry Seinfeld’s directorial debut, Unfrosted, suffered from outdated stereotypes and a lack of compelling narrative, further tarnishing the year’s film roster. Ghostbusters’ latest entry, Frozen Empire, missed the mark by prioritizing fan service over genuine humor, and finally, Madame Web stood out as one of the most poorly executed studio films, plagued by unrealistic dialogue and a convoluted storyline.
From a journalist's perspective, this year serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to a film's core identity, whether it's a sequel or an original work. It highlights the need for filmmakers to balance innovation with respect for their audience's expectations, ensuring that each project brings something meaningful to the table. The failures of 2024 underscore the value of thoughtful storytelling and the potential consequences of neglecting the very elements that made certain franchises and stories beloved in the first place.