10 Movies So Bad, That They Are Surprisingly Good (in a Terrible Way)
There are movies that are just plain terrible. You know, the ones where you are embarrassed to have spent money on, despite the bashing they got from critics. Then there are the films where it doesn’t matter; the ones that are so bad that they come all the way around to being good. Here are ten examples that are just bad enough to qualify as guilty pleasures.
'Battlefield Earth' (2000)
Anyone who has heard of this movie has seen star John Travolta’s picture in his ridiculous wig of dreadlocks. "Battlefield Earth," based on the first half of L. Ron Hubbard’s 1982 sci-fi novel of the same name, is universally known for being crap -- but somehow, it has its fans. The Razzie Awards gave this film the dubious title of “Worst Picture in a Decade,” yet, it’s impossible to watch it without smiling.
'Birdemic: Shock and Terror' (2010)
Have you ever watched old sci-fi films from before effects were well done? My friends, you do not have to reach that far into the past. Look no further than this shlock from 2010. The film is a love story between two characters as their town is attacked by birds. No, not birds like in Alfred Hitchcock’s "The Birds." No, these birds might as well be rubber dog toys and thrown in from off camera.
'Mortal Kombat' (1995)
This 1995 film was based on the popular video game franchise and featured some of the worst acting and effects in the history of ever. It’s a mess, sure, but the actors are totally committed to their roles and fans of the game got a chance to see their favorite Kombatants (Goro FTW!) in live-action. What a glorious mess.
'Masters of the Universe' (1987)
'Geostorm' (2017)
'Showgirls' (1995)
Jesse Spano from "Saved by the Bell" as a stripper is the least offensive thing about this very offensive '90s flop, more infamous for its NC-17 rating and its eye-rollingly bad plot than for any of its racy sex scenes. The story is a disaster, but it became so popular on home video that it made more than $100 in rentals. Even critics have reevaluated the film, calling it a cult classic and a satire.
'Batman & Robin' (1997)
If you’ve never seen this film based on the DC Comics characters, grab yourself some drinks, a few friends, and then strap yourself in for a terrible treat. If you like villains that mostly speak in puns, day-glo color schemes, and Batman clicking his heels to dispense ice skates, then this is the guilty pleasure for you.
‘Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park’ (1978)
Yes, that KISS. The metal band starred in this 1978 made-for-TV movie, produced by the animation studio Hanna-Barbera. The acting is so terrible that you won’t be able to stop yourself from trying to recite lines. Well, you will -- if you can find yourself a copy. It’s pretty difficult. Also, the movie is pretty much perfect in its awfulness.
'The Room' (2003)
The most famous of the "so good, they’re bad" movies. In 2003, Tommy Wiseau set out to make a film that ended up being so terrible, that many people thought it was a joke. It was such a funny joke, that fans lined up every Saturday night at midnight to watch it and laugh and throw spoons at the screen. Wiseau ended up embracing the terrible thing, appearing at conventions and releasing a line of underwear with his name emblazoned on the waistband. “The Disaster Artist,” which is getting Oscar buzz, chronicles the making of this very flawed effort. What if the guy who made the worst movie ever ended up on stage if the film about his folly gets Best Picture? Mind blown!
'Gods of Egypt' (2016)
This film isn’t that old, and it has no excuse for all the bad CGI. In fact, it doesn’t have bad effects at all. There is no excuse for a movie with a budget like this and talented actors to be such a mess. But yet, here we are. It’s such a disaster that it’s impossible to look away. It’s shiny and weird and kind of awfully wonderful. But also terrible. See for yourself.
