There’s been plenty of bad movies made throughout the history of cinema, many of them borderline unwatchable. But much like the proverbial pond scum, there are a select few that float to the surface, and prove to be so bad they’re actually good. Being straight up bad isn’t something you can easily fake, recent films like Machete and Kung Fury are good recent examples of this. To achieve genuine “so bad its good” status, you must set out with the best of intentions, and fail spectacularly.
The list of films that follow have dialogue so bad, production values so poor, and acting so hilariously over the top that the overall experience becomes entertaining for all the wrong reasons.
Now on to the (crappy) countdown!
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
No Retreat, No Surrender (1986)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfIzSy1Ckus
Masters of the Universe (1987)
Batman & Robin (1997)
5
Hard Ticket to Hawaii (1987)
Buxom blondes, rocket launchers, skateboarders, and one ugly ass snake. Andy Sadaris is no stranger to exploitation movies, most of his catalogue contains somewhat similar fare, but even by his standards this is a spectacular filmmaking fail. With clunky dialogue and wildly unnecessary nudity, Hard Ticket to Hawaii is the closest thing on this list to a porno…without any actual sex. Best enjoyed in a state of inebriation, along with a large group of like minded mates.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCM6HCTJeRU
4
Plan 9 From Outer Space (1959)
Ed Wood is widely considered to be the worst director in cinema history, as anyone whose seen Tim Burton’s 1990 film about the Hollywood outsider’s exploits will know. Notable for his appalling taste and terrible track record, Edward D. Wood Jr. was responsible for several cinematic atrocities, including the hilariously titled Glen or Glenda, but Plan 9 From Outer Space is the plastic jewel in the filmmakers crappy crown. Its almost endearing watching the lengths Wood goes to in order to realise his overly ambitious vision, which falls flatter than the cheap cardboard sets.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaE7lm1ObGM
3
Showgirls (1995)
An erotic drama made with the intention to shock, that ended up just being shockingly bad. Its hard to know where to start with this film: the nonsensical dialogue (“She looks better than a ten-inch dick and you know it!”) the hilarious sex scenes (Kyle MacLachlan in a hot tub anyone?) or the hugely misjudged lead performance from Elizabeth Berkley (hey, at least it was more memorable than Demi Moore in Striptease).
2
Troll 2 (1990)
A film so famously bad, it spawned its own documentary (2009’s Best Worst Movie), which celebrated the incredibly loyal fan base Troll 2 now has. The film itself was a sequel to a not-so-crash hot original, but the second instalment is like The Godfather II by comparison, except shit…obviously. The kindergarten level creature effects are worth the price of admission alone, but you’ll also get a kick out of the actors genuinely trying to act, and failing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GO6JVBygYxQ
1
The Room (2003)
Its been dubbed “the Citizen Kane of bad films” and its hard to argue with that statement after watching this gloriously misjudged masterpiece for the first time. The wonderfully eccentric “filmmaker” Tommy Wiseau (who stars, directs and produces) fancied himself an Orson Welles type, and maybe that wish would have come true if Wiseau had a decent script, any directorial flare, or the slightest shred of talent. But taken as an out and out comedy, The Room is pure genius.
So popular has the film now become, interactive screenings featuring Rocky Horror-style rules now take place around the world on a regular basis, many of which are hosted by Wiseau himself. And with a movie about the making of the movie on the way from long time fans James Franco and Seth Rogen, the legend of The Room only continues to grow. Not bad for a movie that by rights shouldn’t have even made it to the cinema.
Thats all folks!
What good bad movies do you enjoy with a few thousand beers on a Friday night? Be sure to join in the conversation.