In 2024, Hollywood delivered a mix of critically acclaimed films and box office successes. However, not every release was met with enthusiasm. Critics from various platforms have compiled lists highlighting the year's most disappointing films. These include big-budget productions and independent features starring A-list actors. Some of the notable names that found themselves on these "worst" lists are Chris Pine, Dennis Quaid, Zack Snyder, and even Mickey Mouse. The reviews paint a picture of a year filled with ambitious projects that failed to meet expectations.
Among the most criticized films were genre-defying satires, biopics, and adaptations of beloved characters gone awry. Critics like Owen Gleiberman and Peter Debruge from Variety, as well as aggregators like Metacritic, provided insights into what went wrong with these films. From overcomplicated narratives to misguided concepts, these movies left much to be desired, despite some garnering unexpected audience support.
The Fall of Big Names: Disappointing Performances by Established Actors
Several established actors faced harsh criticism for their roles in 2024. Films featuring these stars were often panned for their lack of coherence or poor execution. Chris Pine's directorial debut, "Poolman," topped critic Owen Gleiberman's list as the worst film of the year. This L.A. noir comedy, which Pine also co-wrote and starred in, was described as an "absurdist disaster." Similarly, Dennis Quaid's portrayal of President Ronald Reagan in the biopic "Reagan" earned a spot on multiple worst lists due to its questionable timing and execution.
Other notable mentions include Tilda Swinton and Michael Shannon's survival comedy "The End," which ranked fourth on Gleiberman's list, and Cate Blanchett's role in the genre-mashing satire "Rumours," which took second place. These films, while featuring renowned talent, struggled to find favor with critics. Despite this, some of these movies still managed to attract audiences, proving that critical reception doesn't always align with public interest. For instance, "Reagan" became a hit among those nostalgic for older TV movie styles, despite its low critical score.
Missteps in Adaptations and Original Concepts
Adaptations and original concepts that failed to resonate with critics dominated the worst films list of 2024. Peter Debruge from Variety highlighted several misfires, including Zack Snyder's Netflix sci-fi epic "Rebel Moon: Director’s Cut." Described as gratuitous and unnecessary, this six-hour director's cut was seen as a poorly executed Star Wars knockoff. Meanwhile, Zachary Levi's adaptation of "Harold and the Purple Crayon" and Vivica A. Fox's spoof "Not Another Church Movie" also made Debruge's list for their lackluster performances.
Perhaps the most striking entry is Luc Besson's crime thriller "DogMan," which topped Debruge's list. This film, likened to a third-rate Joker rip-off, was criticized for its convoluted plot and misplaced empathy. Additionally, Metacritic's list included high-profile animated releases like "The Garfield Movie" and the disastrous remake of "The Crow," both of which underperformed critically. The site's number one worst film, "Lumina," earned a single-digit Metascore, marking it as the only film to receive such a low rating all year. Critics noted that while some parts of "Lumina" might elicit unintended laughter, its length and lack of coherent humor make it a challenging watch.