From record-breaking hits to fan favorites, Netflix produces hundreds of original films every year. But with such large-scale production, not every film captures the audience. Some don’t meet expectations, others simply fade into the background, and many are just plain bad. While they may not be the most terrible films ever made, they do stick out for not living up to the hype or massive budgets behind them. Whether they’re rom-coms or action-packed films, these 34 movies prove that even a streaming giant like Netflix can’t always predict what will be a hit or a total flop.
Uglies (2024)
Starring Joey King, Keith Powers and more, this film is set in a post-apocalyptic future where everyone is considered “ugly” until age 16, when cosmetic surgery makes them “pretty.” The sci-fi drama received some pretty negative reviews from critics who gave it a low 3.5/10 rating, with many saying it came out “two decades too late”.
Diana, The Musical (2021)
The filmed performance of Diana, the musical, premiered on Netflix on October 1, 2021. This highly anticipated movie, based on Princess Diana’s life, received harsh reviews from critics who went as far as saying it “did Diana dirty”. To make matters worse, it won Worst Picture, Worst Director, Worst Actress, Worst Supporting Actress, and even Worst Screenplay at the 42nd Golden Raspberry Awards.
He’s All That (2021)
Receiving unfavorable reviews, this modern adaptation of the 1999 movie “She’s All That” failed to capture the interest of viewers. With its plot centered around a disgraced TikTok influencer accepting a bet to turn an unpopular classmate into a prom king, most critics call it “underwhelming.” They also note that it misses the mark, particularly due to a lack of chemistry between the two lead actors.
The Kissing Booth (2018)
Starring Joey King, Jacob Elordi, and Joel Courtney, this teen rom-com follows a teenage girl whose life turns upside down after unexpectedly locking lips with her best friend’s brother. Despite being quite popular with audiences, critics responded to the film quite negatively. They gave the film a low rating, stating that it contains “every romantic comedy cliché in the book” and lacks originality.
Tall Girl 2 (2022)
A sequel to the first movie, Tall Girl 2, continues the story of a high school girl who was previously a social outcast because of her height. The film received mixed reviews, with some deeming it a slight improvement over the original; however, critics still feel it has “a long way to go to be considered a top-tier teen movie.”
Tall Girl (2019)
This teen rom-com follows the story of a high school girl who’s a social outcast simply because she’s tall. According to critics, “While charming at times, Tall Girl is mostly an uninspired teen comedy that fails to bring anything new to the genre.” Some regular viewers have been less kind with their reviews, calling the film “disappointing” and “slightly triggering.” Interestingly, 74% of the viewers still liked watching it regardless of its shortcomings.
The Woman In The Window (2021)
Originally scheduled for theater release in 2019, this psychological thriller premiered on Netflix two years later. In the film, Amy Adams plays a solitary agoraphobic woman who spies on her new neighbors and witnesses them committing a crime. Unfortunately, according to critics, Adams’ outstanding performance isn’t enough to save the film’s over-the-top and confusing plot.
Love & Gelato (2022)
Based on the bestselling novel of the same name, this 2022 rom-com takes viewers on a teenage girl’s summer vacation in Rome, filled with romance, gelato, and adventure. Critics and readers note that the film falls short in comparison to the novel, pointing out how disappointing the romance is and how the characters aren’t easy to fall in love with.
Sierra Burgess Is A Loser (2018)
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser is a teen comedy-drama that’s an adaptation of the 1897 play Cyrano de Bergerac. The film follows the life of an unpopular high school girl who’s convinced she’ll never find love. While many appreciate Shannon Purser’s portrayal of the protagonist, most feel that some of her character’s behavior, like manipulation and bullying, is problematic and highly uncomfortable to watch.
The Open House (2018)
The plot for this horror centers around a teen boy and his mother moving into a secluded house after the patriarch of their family passes away in a car crash. Both critics and regular viewers reacted negatively to the film, noting that it lacks genuine scares or excitement and has an ending that falls a bit flat.