22 Movies that Are so Bad They're Actually Good

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Delightfully flawed, these 22 films have circled all the way back from bad to good, Stealing audiences’ hearts with a catalog of hilarious cinematic missteps, they enjoy a kind of affectionate notoriety.

The Room (2003)

‘The Room’ is a cult classic masterpiece of bad filmmaking. With its odd dialogue and unpredictable plot twists, coupled with Wiseau’s distinctive acting, the film has an allure that’s hard to ignore. Fans adore its unintentional comedy and earnest drama, often hosting interactive viewing parties to celebrate its peculiar charm.

Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)

Often hailed as the worst movie ever, Ed Wood’s ‘Plan 9 from Outer Space’ has a unique appeal. Its terrible effects, wooden acting, and overall production ineptitude make for a sci-fi experience that’s unintentionally hilarious, endearing it to audiences who find joy in its campiness.

Troll 2 (1990)

Legendary for its badness, ‘Troll 2’ is a film that’s both bewildering and entertaining. Its nonsensical plot, atrocious dialogue, and laughable effects create an experience that’s so disjointedly executed, that audiences can’t help but find it amusing and bizarre.

Birdemic: Shock and Terror (2010)

Birdemic Moviehead Pictures. Severin — Photo Credit: Moviehead Pictures.

The low-budget thriller ‘Birdemic: Shock and Terror’ is infamous for its terrible effects, stiff acting, and a bizarre plot about killer birds. The film tries earnestly to deliver a serious environmental message but ends up as a comedy goldmine due to its complete lack of competent execution.

The Wicker Man (2006)

Nicolas Cage in the 2006 remake of ‘The Wicker Man’ turned a horror movie into an oddly enjoyable spectacle. His over-the-top performance, especially in scenes filled with unintentional humor, has attracted a fan base that finds delight in the film’s absurdity.

Samurai Cop (1991)

Samurai Cop – Nurse _ Hollywood Royal Pictures — Photo Credit: Hollywood Royal Pictures

The movie ‘Samurai Cop’ is a collection of cinematic failures — from subpar acting and poor action sequences to a laughably bad plot. Despite these shortcomings, or perhaps because of them, the film is incredibly entertaining, having cultivated a cult following for its delightful ineptitude.

Battlefield Earth (2000)

Known for its poor execution, ‘Battlefield Earth’ stands out for its bizarre camera work, peculiar dialogue, and John Travolta’s exaggerated performance. These elements combine to create an amusing and bewildering sci-fi film that has garnered a unique place in cinematic history.

Showgirls (1995)

Paul Verhoeven’s ‘Showgirls’ is an over-the-top drama infamous for its sexual content, wooden acting, and absurd dialogue. Its unintentional hilarity has earned it a cult following, with fans celebrating its outrageous and exaggerated portrayal of ambition and fame.

Sharknado (2013)

‘Sharknado’, with its absurd premise of sharks in a tornado, low-budget effects, and campy acting, is celebrated for its sheer ridiculousness. The film’s willingness to embrace its ludicrous nature has led to a series of sequels, each more absurd than the last, solidifying its status as a cult favorite.

Cats (2019)

Cats Universal Studios — Photo Credit: Universal Studios.

The 2019 musical ‘Cats’, with its unsettling CGI and perplexing plot, turned a well-known stage production into an unintentional comedy. Its strange execution has made it a unique and often laughable experience, providing a new perspective on musical cinema.

Manos: The Hands of Fate (1966)

‘Manos: The Hands of Fate’, a low-budget horror film, became a cult classic due to its dreadful production, nonsensical plot, and peculiar characters. Its failure as a conventional film is precisely what has endeared it to audiences, who revel in its clumsiness and lack of coherence.

The Happening (2008)

Night Shyamalan’s ‘The Happening’, with its illogical plot and melodramatic acting, especially by Mark Wahlberg, was intended to be a serious horror film but ended up as a comedic experience. The film is paradoxically enjoyable for its puzzling and amusing qualities, often cited in discussions of misfired thrillers.

Batman & Robin (1997)

‘Batman & Robin’ is remembered for its campiness and over-the-top performances. A drastic departure from the typically darker Batman themes resulted in a kitschy, light-hearted superhero movie, providing a unique and humorous take on the Caped Crusader.

Reefer Madness (1936)

Originally an anti-drug film, ‘Reefer Madness’ is now a comedy for its melodramatic and inaccurate portrayal of marijuana use. Its overblown effects and moralizing tone have turned it into a cult classic, appreciated for its exaggerated scare tactics and unintended humor.

Highlander II: The Quickening (1991)

With a confusing plot and poor effects, ‘Highlander II: The Quickening’ strayed far from its successful predecessor. The film is often enjoyed for its absurdity, serving as a humorous example of how sequels can go awry.

The Toxic Avenger (1984)

As a low-budget cult classic, ‘The Toxic Avenger’ combines excessive gore, cheesy effects, and campy humor. This perfect mix of horror and comedy has endeared it to fans who appreciate its B-movie charm and entertainingly flawed execution.

Xanadu (1980)

Despite its disjointed plot and cheesy production, the musical ‘Xanadu’ is beloved for its vibrant visuals, catchy music, and nostalgic appeal. Its representation of 1980s excess and kitsch has earned it a dedicated fan base, making it a charming example of musical fantasy.

Cool as Ice (1991)

Featuring Vanilla Ice, ‘Cool as Ice’ captures the essence of early ’90s pop culture with its cringe-worthy dialogue and dated fashion. A movie enjoyed for its nostalgic value and comedic aspects, serving as a quirky snapshot of its time.

Super Mario Bros. (1993)

The adaptation of ‘Super Mario Bros.’ is noted for its loose and peculiar take on the beloved video game. Its offbeat plot and character interpretations have made it an intriguingly odd cinematic experience, often enjoyed for its unconventional approach to game adaptations.

Hobgoblins (1988)

Photo Credit: American Cinema Marketing.

Known for its terrible puppetry and poor acting, ‘Hobgoblins’ is a low-budget horror-comedy that has become a favorite among fans of hilariously bad cinema. The lack of quality is precisely what makes it so entertaining, offering a uniquely enjoyable experience.

Miami Connection (1987)

‘Miami Connection’ combines ninjas, rock bands, and a plot about friendship in a charmingly absurd way. The film’s poor editing and ridiculous dialogue contribute to its endearing and humorous quality, making it a beloved example of 1980s action cinema.

Fateful Findings (2013)

Neil Breen’s ‘Fateful Findings’ mixes thriller, drama, and supernatural elements in an indescribably unique way. It’s amateur production and incomprehensible plot, coupled with Breen’s distinctive performance, have made it a cult favorite, celebrated for its inexplicably entertaining storytelling.