The 30 Worst Movies of the Last 30 Years

It’s common knowledge that what one person considers trash, another might find valuable. So, if any of these films strike a chord with you as something precious… it indicates a vast difference in our movie preferences – a difference so significant, it seems we hail from different worlds when it comes to cinematic taste.

Today, you’ll find us on ScreenCrush listing the 30 most disappointing movies from the past three decades. Ranging from the mid-’90s until now, these films have left us feeling remorseful for spending money on a ticket and may even have caused a moment of self-doubt in our life decisions.

A vast array of genres can be found, including superhero flicks, subpar parodies, television series adaptations, sequels, disappointing movie adaptations of cherished novels, risqué puppet shows, and video game movies. The past three decades’ list of the worst films would be incomplete without them, and yes, we even have The Avengers. (Not the same Avengers, don’t worry. There was another Avengers. A poorly-made one.)

Creating this list felt akin to tackling an unglamorous yet necessary task. Fortunately, our ScreenCrush team thrives on such challenges; in fact, their love for movies and TV shows borders on obsession. If you’re not passionate about writing about films or binge-watching series, then this might not be the place for you.

Now, setting aside any playful banter, let’s begin the countdown of the 30 lowest-rated films from the past three decades. If you haven’t had the chance to watch these, our assessment should suffice. And if you haven’t seen any of them, it seems like your choice in movies is quite discerning indeed.

The 30 Worst Movies of the Last 30 Years (1995-2024)

30. Wild Wild West (1999)

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t emphasize enough how accurately the 1999 film “Wild Wild West” encapsulates the shift in Hollywood over the past three decades. Starting from an almost forgotten premise, it ballooned into a spectacle filled with grand special effects that often overshadowed the story. The production was such a disaster, even its lead actor, Will Smith, openly despises it. In interviews today, he refers to it as his worst film and a constant source of irritation.

29. Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li (2009)

15 years after the initial “Street Fighter” movie featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme, there was essentially a remake. Contrary to its title, it lacked legends and minimal street fighting. However, it did feature Chris Klein delivering one of the worst performances ever in film history as Charlie Nash. He doesn’t resemble the “Street Fighter” character with the same name at all, as he struts, poses, and growls for the camera instead. It’s an astonishing display to witness.

28. Ringmaster (1998)

During the peak of “The Jerry Springer Show”‘s fame, Jerry Springer himself starred in a film titled “Ringmaster.” In this movie, he portrayed a puzzled host of a seedy talk show called “Jerry,” which mirrored the actual show. Despite appearing content among the eccentrics and attention-seekers who graced his real-life show, Springer appears awkward in “Ringmaster” as it features a fictionalized version of the same setting with professional actors. Some of the supporting cast deliver satisfactory performances with the sleazy material, but it’s hard to ignore that this movie revolves around an individual who clearly feels uncomfortable and out of place.

27. The Happytime Murders (2018)

In Brian Henson’s adult-oriented puppet comedy “The Happytime Murders”, the humor leans towards mature audiences, often involving explicit jokes about sex. The creators seemed to focus mainly on the idea of puppets in an edgy setting, with little else to offer. If you ever find yourself in a bar trivia night and are asked questions like “Which movie features Melissa McCarthy biting a puppet’s penis?” or “What film does Joel McHale gaze at a puppet’s vagina in a parody of the ‘Basic Instinct’ scene?”, both answers would be “The Happytime Murders”. The only character who emerges with any dignity is Maya Rudolph. She manages to make a joke about rice pilaf, which shows her as a true hero in this raunchy production.

26. Steel (1997)

If you’re searching for a poorly made film from the 1990s, you won’t be disappointed if you seek out anything with Shaquille O’Neal’s name at the top. In the movie “Steel“, he plays an armored superhero modeled after a DC character who temporarily replaced Superman in comic books. (Superman is nowhere to be found, necessitating a significant overhaul of Steel’s origin story.) O’Neal certainly fits the bill as a superhero and seems to be enjoying himself, but the script is filled with self-referential jokes – Shaq misses basketball shots and shrugs, there are references to Richard Roundtree about liking the “shaft” of Steel’s hammer – and the Steel costume is just plain ugly. As a result, “Steel” feels more like an overly long, disastrously unfunny SNL sketch rather than an actual movie.

25. The Book of Henry (2017)

Colin Trevorrow’s film after “Jurassic World” is the perplexing flop, “The Book of Henry,” which uniquely blends elements of magical realism and child abuse. This movie also serves as a modern-day parable of Christ, depicting a powerful figure who sacrifices himself so that his troubled mother can commit murder and adopt her mistreated stepdaughter. Simultaneously, it carries a cautionary tale about the perils of indifference, using an intelligent child teaching his mother assassination skills from beyond the grave as a metaphor for this message, all while taking this absurd premise incredibly seriously. (Indeed, these events occur in “The Book of Henry,” I assure you.)

24. Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)

As a film enthusiast, I must admit that watching “Space Jam: A New Legacy” was a humbling experience for Warner Bros., portraying themselves as a heartless conglomerate of IP controlled by an antagonistic algorithm. The movie itself fell flat, making the original “Space Jam” feel like a cinematic masterpiece in comparison, such as “2001: A Space Odyssey.” LeBron James is not a terrible actor; his performance is on par with Michael Jordan’s in the first film. However, everything else about “A New Legacy” was a disappointment from start to finish. The movie seemed to miss the essence of Looney Tunes, and Bugs Bunny, in particular, was turned into a whiny and gloomy character. My recommendation? Instead, watch some classic “Looney Tunes Cartoons” on Max. I assure you that even a random short will provide more laughter than this two-hour feature. Plus, the animation quality is superior.

23. Basic Instinct 2 (2006)

Sharon Stone’s unique knack for turning mundane dialogue into something sensual borders on extraordinary. However, despite her exceptional skills, the film “Basic Instinct 2” fails to impress from start to finish. Stone (or rather, overplays) her character in a way that consistently overshadows David Morrissey’s male lead, who appears throughout as if he’s no match for her. It’s unclear why she’s even drawn to him, unless she perceives him as an easy prey and decides to toy with him for amusement like a praying mantis does its victim.

In the film, Stone’s character Catherine seems to be enjoying herself playing with her food, but Morrissey’s psychiatrist is so weak that there’s little excitement in her tormenting him because there’s no suspense about how things will unfold. It’s like watching the 1992 Dream Team effortlessly outplay a group of local rec center kids. Catherine is supposed to be an adrenaline junkie, but she takes no risks when facing this weak opponent.

22. Dirty Grandpa (2016)

The movie “Dirty Grandpa” follows a similar humorous approach as “The Happytime Murders”: It assumes that if someone who typically represents purity and innocence (like grandfathers) uses crude language, it’s automatically amusing. If you find the idea of Robert De Niro uttering phrases like “smegma” amusing, then you’ll enjoy “Dirty Grandpa”. However, if not, you might be left feeling let down. On a positive note, the title certainly lives up to its name.

21. The Scarlet Letter (1995)

In the 1980s and early ’90s, erotic thrillers were all the rage in Hollywood, with numerous adult-oriented sexy dramas being produced following the success of “Fatal Attraction”. However, as the ’90s progressed, there was a shift towards broader family entertainment that could attract a wider audience. The failure and poor quality of “The Scarlet Letter”, which grossed only a fraction of its $45 million budget, contributed significantly to the demise of this genre.

As for the movie adaptation of “The Scarlet Letter”, it seems more like an immature teenager’s interpretation of the novel rather than a faithful representation. The themes of guilt and sin from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s work have been replaced with softcore sex scenes and a questionable performance by Robert Duvall as Hester Prynne’s husband. Overall, it appears more like a Puritanical remake of “The Red Shoe Diaries” than a faithful adaptation of a literary classic. (This likely explains the red shoes in the movie.)

20. Marmaduke (2022)

If you’ve ever seen an animated movie that is uglier and less visually appealing than “Marmaduke,” I haven’t. And I hope I never will. The film seems like it was made under suspicious circumstances, or as part of a last-minute deal where the producers had to create something – anything – by a certain deadline.

However, despite the atrocious animation, “Marmaduke” boasts the voice talents of several well-known and funny actors, such as J.K. Simmons, David Koechner, and Pete Davidson. Did they not read the script? Were they not shown what their hideous characters would look like? Or were they each offered a private island in exchange for their participation? I can’t fathom how this happened. “Marmaduke” is nothing but pure garbage. I wouldn’t even force it on the kids who used to tease me on the school bus by inventing songs about my boogers – and that was more creative than anything in “Marmaduke.

19. Madame Web (2024)

Madame Web and Dakota Johnson, who portrays the character in this film, seem reminiscent of the old Marvel movies produced before Marvel Studios, where it appeared as though they were somewhat awkward about being based on comic book superheroes. In this movie, neither the title character nor Johnson’s character is ever referred to as “Madame Web,” and she never dons a typical superhero costume. The overall feel of the film is one of self-consciousness, which under the circumstances, isn’t surprising. The movie is quirky, peculiar, and at times difficult to follow. Compared to The Amazing Spider-Man, it seems more like Spider-Man 2. Watching it with Kevin Feige would likely make for an entertaining experience.

18. Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie (1997)

Despite the fact that “Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers: The Movie” may not have been the best, it did seem like they invested a bit more money into it compared to typical episodes. Conversely, “Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie” appears just as cheap and tacky as any ordinary Power Rangers episode – or perhaps even more so. It seems every dialogue line was re-recorded in post-production, giving the impression that it was spoken in another language, or possibly the sound technician forgot to activate the microphone. Even the action sequences fall short of the series’ usual standard. Remarkably, a movie this poorly made managed to be distributed across numerous theaters nationwide. (Perhaps the title refers to the speed at which it was produced in an attempt to capitalize on the Power Rangers craze before it entirely vanished?)

17. Meet the Spartans (2008)

One of the most disheartening cinematic trends over the past three decades has been the influx of spoof films, largely due to the significant financial success of the “Scary Movie” series. Many of these so-called comedies were created by Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer, who worked on the “Scary Movie” franchise. Their definition of humor was to replicate scenes from well-known movies, primarily “300” in the case of “Meet the Spartans,” although it also contained unrelated jokes from “Shrek,” “Spider-Man 3,” and “Happy Feet.” The humor consisted of lookalikes and people getting hit in the groin.

If there was ever any humor to be found (and there wasn’t), most of the jokes were so specific to the late 2000s, with jabs at tabloid fodder like Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton, that it now appears as dated as an ancient Greek stone tablet. I cannot emphasize enough how crucial it is you never watch “Meet the Spartans.

16. The Jerky Boys: The Movie (1995)

15. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

Title confusion aside, is this an X-Men film, a Wolverine tale, or an origin story? Perhaps it could be all three combined! If director Gavin Hood had chosen to focus on one aspect, there might have been potential for a decent movie. However, the concept of blending together numerous X-Men and Wolverine narratives from the outset seemed to doom this project. The lines in X-Men Origins, such as “We didn’t sign up for this,” spoken by Hugh Jackman’s Logan, reflect both his character’s frustration within the film and a commentary on the movie itself. Other examples include “We’ve done enough!”, “You look like a man about to do something wrong,” and my personal favorite, “Wake me when it’s over.

14. Inspector Gadget (1999)

In the ’80s, one of the most delightful animated TV shows emerged, only to transform into an aggravating blockbuster movie in the ’90s. The primary issue lies with the casting: Matthew Broderick, a charming and amusing actor, doesn’t fit the bill for the boisterous, bumbling Inspector Gadget. Rupert Everett, too, is miscast as the villainous Dr. Claw. The effects are overly cartoonish compared to the original Inspector Gadget cartoon, and the final version, which appears to have been hastily edited by anxious studio executives, is a mere 70 minutes long before credits. Remarkably, it’s still too lengthy.

13. Daddy Day Camp (2007)

It appears as though the cast of “Daddy Day Care” shied away from participating in this offbeat sequel. The original stars Eddie Murphy, Jeff Garlin, Steve Zahn, and Regina King were replaced by Cuba Gooding Jr., Paul Rae, Josh McLerran, and Tamala Jones. The director, Steve Carr, also was not involved. The first film centered around Murphy and Garlin learning to manage a day care center. In the sequel, they take over a camp, which, given their now refined childcare abilities, should have been an easy victory. However, being a sequel, everything once again goes awry, just like the movie itself.

12. Elektra (2005)

The years leading up to the Marvel Cinematic Universe were a dismal phase for Marvel enthusiasts, as studios grew overly ambitious following the initial successes of the X-Men and Spider-Man franchises. They started producing Marvel adaptations without much of the attention or quality control that marked their earlier works. One of the worst films from this era was Elektra, featuring Jennifer Garner reprising her role as an assassin who meticulously cleans her floors to eliminate any trace of her DNA, yet is so reckless in her job that she socializes with her nosy neighbors during a mission and fails to recognize they are actually her assignment.

Additionally, Elektra’s resurrection after dying in Daredevil granted her the power to foresee the future and manipulate time when required, essentially making her an immortal deity. So, naturally, she spends her omnipotence running around stabbing ninjas. If you could time travel, wouldn’t you do the same?

11. Norbit (2007)

Moviegoers often find delight when Eddie Murphy portrays several characters in a single movie by means of intricate prosthetic makeup. Despite unfavorable critiques from critics, the 2007 film Norbit managed to generate close to $160 million globally against a production budget of only $60 million. However, this does not imply it’s a quality movie. In this instance, Murphy’s talent for physical metamorphosis (accompanied by Rick Baker’s consistently remarkable makeup effects) are utilized to tell an aggravating story about a weak-hearted man who marries a domineering woman (both roles played by Murphy), treating his husband more like an abused servant than a partner. Murphy’s portrayal of the vindictive, violent Rasputia is technically proficient – yet it presents a harsh caricature of a shrew, filled with endless jokes about her weight. To add insult to injury, Murphy also embodies Mr. Wong, a gruff Chinese man who runs a local orphanage and speaks with a thick stereotypical accent. The whole production is simply disheartening.

10. The Emoji Movie (2017)

One could imagine a clever movie exploring smartphone culture, perhaps even delving into the world of emojis, but such a script would need to be sharper and more satirical than what’s found in “The Emoji Movie.” Beyond its mildly optimistic message about accepting diversity, this film is exactly as one might expect from a studio tied to a tech company that thrives on selling millions of smartphones annually: A subtly marketed advertisement implying that owning a cell phone will boost popularity and attractiveness among the opposite sex. Yuck.

Or more concisely, “A movie about smartphone culture could be intriguing, even with emojis, but it would need a sharper script than ‘The Emoji Movie.’ Beyond its positive message on diversity, this film is essentially an advertisement for a tech company that sells millions of smartphones, suggesting they’ll make you popular and attractive. Not appealing.

9. Chairman of the Board (1997)

A movie starring prop comic Carrot Top might not be highly anticipated, and “Chairman of the Board” falls short of even those low expectations. In this film, Carrot Top portrays a bumbling inventor who forms an alliance with a wealthy businessman (played by Jack Warden). Unfortunately, the humor, theoretically present in the script, fails to materialize. However, if there’s any silver lining – and trust me, it’s minimal – this movie provided us with one of the most iconic moments in late-night television history. During an interview on Conan O’Brien’s show, co-star Courtney Thorne-Smith was interrupted repeatedly by Norm Macdonald, who humorously commented on the possibility of a Carrot Top film. (“If it’s going to feature Carrot Top, you know what a fitting title for it would be? Box Office Poison!”)

8. Artemis Fowl (2020)

Initially, during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic around 65 years ago (a typo, it should be 2020), Disney postponed all its 2020 blockbusters, except for “Artemis Fowl,” which they released directly on Disney+. Looking back, this was a warning sign. The film adaptation of the beloved young adult book series condenses approximately ten books’ worth of content into just 90 minutes, leading to confusion and almost unwatchable results. If you can decipher how Josh Gad’s character transitioned from burglarizing Artemis Fowl’s home to joining forces with him to thwart another character without any dialogue between them, you are more intelligent than I. It takes a unique level of bad streaming content to make viewers feel cheated even when they haven’t spent a penny beyond their existing subscription fee, but “Artemis Fowl” managed to achieve this feat.

7. Son of the Mask (2005)

In my opinion, there are hardly any movies as dismal as a sequel to a Jim Carrey film, particularly one that doesn’t star the comedic genius himself. The charm of the original “Mask” lay in the enigmatic mask, which unleashed Carrey’s unfiltered creativity, his knack for impersonations, and his diverse array of voices. In the unfortunate case of “Son of the Mask,” Jamie Kennedy’s character seldom dons the mask (his dog seems to wear it more often, inexplicably), and when he does, he lacks the flexibility of a rubber toy – ironically, his character is a struggling cartoonist, intended to mimic Carrey’s portrayal of The Mask. It almost feels as though another actor’s voice has been dubbed over Kennedy’s to resemble the original character more closely.

The second act takes an unexpected turn – or rather, a plunge into absurdity – when Kennedy’s dog becomes envious of the family’s newborn baby. Yes, you read that correctly: The plot revolves around a jealous dog! Rest assured, the baby is safe; he was born with powers similar to the mask. I assure you, nothing can prepare you for the sight of this grotesque CGI baby defecating and vomiting on Jamie Kennedy. This movie should have been discarded like the mask at the end of “The Mask.

6. The Avengers (1998)

Initially, remember that the film being discussed is “The Avengers” from 1998, which is based on an earlier British spy series, not the Marvel comics or the superhero team we know today. The characters portrayed by Ralph Fiennes and Uma Thurman in this movie don’t perform any avenging actions, which might seem confusing given the title. However, considering the film’s overall plot, the title seems fittingly bizarre.

This version of “The Avengers” is a short 90-minute film that appears to be missing significant portions. Scenes abruptly end and begin in different locations without any explanation as to how the characters traveled between them. The action sequences with special effects are present, but the narrative elements that would usually connect these scenes, such as character development, motivation, and adding human emotion amidst the excessive visual effects, are absent. As a result, “The Avengers” feels like a condensed version of itself, similar to reading CliffsNotes instead of the original work.

5. Alone in the Dark (2005)

Uwe Boll gained a reputation as one of the most criticized directors during the decade, producing numerous video game adaptations with the help of a German tax loophole ensuring financial success. Picture the characters from Mel Brooks’ “The Producers” as gamers, and you’ll get the picture. Among Boll’s many disappointing films in the 2000s, Tara Reid plays a brilliant archaeologist and Christian Slater portrays a detective investigating supernatural occurrences. Unfortunately, I can’t reveal more details because the movie is so confusing that even its lengthy opening title crawl, which lasts for 90 seconds, makes “Alone in the Dark” harder to understand than it would have been without it. (The crawl literally runs for 90 seconds.) Keep in mind, “Alone in the Dark” was already ranked as the worst video game movie ever made, so its inclusion on this list indicates just how poor the quality of Boll’s work was.

4. Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey (2023)

The low-budget horror film, loosely inspired by the well-known A.A. Milne book that has now entered public domain, serves neither as an effective slasher movie nor as a critique of children’s literature. Instead, it surprisingly succeeds in putting forth an unconventional argument against the idea of a public domain. If copyright protection keeps productions like this one from being produced and exposed to audiences unaware, perhaps its existence isn’t so detrimental after all. In essence, “Blood and Honey” is a reprehensible mess.

3. Dolittle (2020)

In the style of Tim Burton’s Batman, where a street doctor botches Jack Napier’s face reconstruction, leading to the creation of the Joker, Dolittle is similar – it’s a chaotic, confusing mess that seems pieced together from leftovers and revisions of what was initially a completely different project. A film that likely began as a more serious production was transformed into a cinematic Frankenstein’s monster, filled with toilet humor, animal puns, shoddy CGI, and an over-the-top performance by Robert Downey Jr., making Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow appear shy in comparison.

2. Mad Dog Time (1996)

The movie “Mad Dog Time” is not one of the worst films out there, but it’s certainly up there. However, I struggle to think of another bad movie as odd as this one. With an impressive cast including Jeff Goldblum, Gabriel Byrne, Ellen Barkin, Richard Dreyfuss, Diane Lane, Gregory Hines, Burt Reynolds, Rob Reiner, Kyle MacLachlan, and more, it’s a gangster film set in another dimension, according to the opening narration. This universe, called “Vic’s World,” is inhabited entirely by stereotypes from gangster movies who participate in gunfights in dilapidated basements. The gun duels take place while these tough guys lounge behind old wooden desks. Trust me; it’s so peculiar that it seems to have been made in a universe where people enjoy watching unwatchably bad films.

1. Disaster Movie (2008)

Title “Disaster Movie” is misleading as it doesn’t accurately represent the content. The films parodied by writers/directors Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer are not traditional disasters, instead they include movies like “10,000 B.C.”, “Hancock”, “Jumper”, “Enchanted”, “Alvin and the Chipmunks”, “Beowulf” and “The Love Guru”. This production can barely be considered a movie due to its minimal characters, weak storyline, and reliance on poor celebrity impressions. Characters frequently announce who’s onscreen, such as “Amy Winehouse?!”

This movie is one of the saddest examples of cinematic failure I have ever witnessed. By the time a man was battling a poorly made Kung Fu Panda costume, I had transitioned from being angry to genuine empathy — for those who appeared in it, but particularly for anyone who paid to watch it.

The 30 Best Movies of the Last 30 Years (1995-2024)

30. The Master (2012)

In 2012, many discussions surrounding Paul Thomas Anderson’s acclaimed film “The Master” revolved around its apparent parallels to L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology. Some critics and viewers found the movie’s underlying message ambiguous. Is Lancaster Dodd, portrayed by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, a spiritual guide or a fraud pretending to be one? What does he see in Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix), whose instinctual behavior seems to contradict the core principles of Dodd’s teachings? Upon rewatching the film, I felt that “The Master” is just as much a complex love story as Anderson’s “Phantom Thread,” and was particularly moved by its narrative about a man who professes to erase past-life trauma, yet fails even to aid his most devoted disciple in dealing with the traumas of his current life.

29. Devil in a Blue Dress (1995)

Is there any man who has ever pulled off a pristine white tank top as effortlessly as Denzel Washington did in “Devil in a Blue Dress”? While this may not be the most objective method to gauge a film’s success, it’s worth mentioning that this movie, adapted from Walter Mosley’s detective novel, showcases one of the most captivating leading performances of the 1990s by Denzel Washington. He portrays Easy Rawlings, an unemployed factory worker who finds himself embroiled in a complex and unexpected mystery after agreeing to help locate a missing person. The supporting cast, including Tom Sizemore, Jennifer Beals, and a young Don Cheadle as Easy’s friend Mouse, is exceptional, and the script by director Carl Franklin delves deeply into the racial disparities of 1940s Los Angeles. Not to mention, Denzel Washington is impossible to look away from in this film throughout its entirety.

28. The Favourite (2018)

In the indulgent richness and fulfillment of a lavish cake, “The Favourite” unfolds as an intense power struggle among the women who ruled England in the early 18th century. The trio includes the cunning Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz), the manipulative Abigail (Emma Stone), and the pitiful, ailing Queen Anne (Olivia Colman, delivering a humorous yet poignant performance). Despite the appearance of a conventional Awards Season Costume Drama, “The Favourite” was far from typical Oscar fare (though Colman did win 2018’s Best Actress award). It skillfully explored themes of sexuality, gender roles, and politics, while also becoming one of the most subtly quotable films of the century. And although one character remarks that favor is “like a wind that changes direction frequently,” I suspect “The Favourite” will endure as one of my favorites for a long time to come.

27. Holy Motors (2012)

Leos Carax’s film Holy Motors is like the most captivating dream you could ever have, without actually drifting off to sleep. It’s an explosive burst of raw, unrestrained subconsciousness, or perhaps superconsciousness, and a poignant and sorrowful ode to cinema, acting, and life itself. The film suggests that these realms are all intertwined in some way, according to Holy Motors. Denis Lavant headlines the cast, delivering exceptional performances in 11 distinct roles, as Oscar, a man who journeys through Paris in a limousine, seamlessly transitioning between various characters such as a motion-capture artist, a gangster, and a beggar. The specifics of Oscar’s occupation remain mysterious; however, it is undeniable that Holy Motors serves as a potent declaration about the enduring enchantment and unrealized possibilities of cinema, even in an era when traditional movie-watching experiences are waning and the future of film distribution is uncertain.

26. Jackie Brown (1997)

The characters in “Jackie Brown” are remarkably human, and I appreciate their imperfections. Max Cherry is not your typical cool gangster dressed in a sharp suit; instead, he’s an unassuming man with thinning hair. Jackie Brown isn’t portrayed as a skilled criminal mastermind; she practices her tough-guy moves before facing off against a gunrunner. Louis Gara, during a robbery, even forgets where he parked his car at the mall. These characters are just ordinary people! I believe that some of Tarantino’s later films, though excellent, might benefit from more authentic human traits. Some viewers were initially disappointed by Jackie Brown because it didn’t match the flashiness and complexity of Pulp Fiction upon its release, but even if Tarantino’s choices here aren’t as attention-grabbing, they are flawless. The opening credits, partially inspired by “The Graduate,” provide essential insight into Jackie’s character before she utters a single word. Scenes like the one where Ordell settles accounts with Beaumont are exceptional, and the movie ends with one of the greatest movie kisses ever. It’s not because it’s incredibly sexy; rather, it’s imperfect, which makes it all the more captivating.

25. The Fabelmans (2022)

The striking aspect of “The Fabelmans” lies in the fact that, even after seven decades since the real-life events depicted in its opening scene, Steven Spielberg continues to be as enamored with films as young Sammy Fabelman, who was enthralled by “The Greatest Show on Earth” and immediately captivated by the images he saw. Over the years, Spielberg has accumulated a wealth of knowledge about filmmaking, mastering the use of visuals and sound to evoke emotions like joy, empathy, fear, and understanding. Yet, he has never forgotten the reason behind it all.

The reason for “The Fabelmans” is to narrate his personal journey, revealing both the bright and the dark aspects of cinema and life. Cinema serves as a means for Sammy to cope with his fears and loneliness, but sometimes it pushes him even further apart, at home and in school. His growing interest in directing provides a way for him to bond with his artistic mother, brilliantly portrayed by Michelle Williams — yet it also poses a risk of revealing her deepest secrets. And now, decades later, this passion has equipped Spielberg with the skills to tell this extraordinary tale, brimming with life, love, joy, and sadness — qualities that define great films.

24. Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021)

Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo have returned with their highly-anticipated sequel to “Bridesmaids” in the form of this hilarious comedy. They not only wrote it, but also star as a duo of friends who are stuck working at Jennifer Convertibles in Soft Rock, Nebraska. When they lose their jobs, they use their severance pay for an extravagant trip to Florida, where they both become smitten with a handsome enigma (Jamie Dornan, bravely satirizing his own image as a muscular Casanova). This man is part of a plot to ruin the town using genetically-modified mosquitoes, yes, the old trope.

Wiig and Mumolo are outstanding in their roles, tackling subjects like Tommy Bahama fashion and the allure of the name Trish. The script will be remembered until we’re all swarmed by killer mosquitoes. In these challenging times, “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” has arrived like a pair of sequined pants, shining brightly as a guiding light to help us escape our troubles.

23. Inside Out (2015)

Prior to his tenure as Pixar’s chief creative officer, Pete Docter was considered a brilliant mind within the company. He contributed as a writer for movies like ‘Toy Story’, ‘Toy Story 2’, and ‘WALL-E’, and directed three of the studio’s most acclaimed films: ‘Monsters, Inc.’, ‘Up’, and ‘Inside Out’. The latter is an exceptionally crafted narrative that delves into the inner life of an 11-year-old girl, Riley. When Riley’s family moves from Minnesota to San Francisco, her world experiences turmoil, leading to a conflict between her personified emotions in her brain. The design of Riley’s brainscape is incredibly innovative, offering intrigue in every frame of every scene. Above all, ‘Inside Out’ stands out as one of the most insightful films ever produced about the significance of sadness and mourning in our lives.

22. The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)

21. Memento (2000)

Warning: Underestimate Memento as merely a cinematic trick at your own risk. While it’s true that the intricate and convoluted narrative structure is one of director Christopher Nolan’s most challenging works, if not cinema history’s overall, the jumbled timelines and frequent flashbacks serve a purpose beyond capturing the viewer’s attention. They create a sense of disorientation that mirrors the fragmented state of mind of the film’s protagonist, Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), who suffers from a rare form of amnesia, making it impossible for him to create new memories.

Despite his condition, Leonard persists in seeking out the man who murdered his wife. The initial scenes suggest he has succeeded, but then systematically rewinds through the preceding days to reveal the truth. Nolan’s innovative approach catapulted him into the spotlight as an exciting emerging director, yet there is nothing glamorous about Leonard himself. He is ultimately portrayed as a tragic character driven by the most fundamental human desire: The belief that his life holds significance. As Nolan continued to explore form and carried forward many of Memento’s themes throughout his career, he seemed to have set aside the dark humor that pervades the film, from Leonard’s uncertainty during a chase scene about whether he is the hunter or the hunted, to the naming of Leonard’s hotel as the “Discount Inn” (because he spends the movie questioning the story of Sammy Jenkins, a man he once met who suffered from a similar medical condition).

20. L.A. Confidential (1997)

Reflecting on the layers of nostalgic unraveling I find myself immersed in with “L.A. Confidential,” it’s fascinating to consider. Set in the 1950s, it echoes the mood of “Chinatown” from the 1970s and was produced during the late 1990s, a time when it was still feasible to craft an expansive big-budget crime drama with a limited number of well-known stars. Notably, Kevin Spacey and Kim Basinger were the only familiar faces among the main cast.

Much like the James Ellroy novel it’s based on, “L.A. Confidential” shatters the romanticized notion that the 1950s represented a more straightforward, joyful era in sunny Los Angeles. As one character remarks, that idyllic image has been peddled to us; the reality had largely remained hidden until Ellroy and director Curtis Hanson brought it to light.

19. The Prestige (2006)

As a cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but rave about “The Prestige” by Christopher Nolan. This masterpiece skillfully weaves together his signature cinematic techniques – intricate time structures, unexpected twists, and morally complex protagonists who often grapple with the loss of their spouses. The story unfolds in Victorian London, where two rivaling magicians, played by Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman, push each other to extraordinary feats – both groundbreaking innovations and deadly acts.

The film presents a Russian doll-like structure, with stories nesting within stories, delving into the concept of artists making sacrifices for their craft and the duality of good and evil lurking within every individual. Even after you’ve uncovered the film’s powerful surprises, it remains a delight to watch and rewatch “The Prestige”. With each viewing, new details emerge, revealing how meticulously Nolan foreshadows every plot twist – if you pay close attention.

18. The Social Network (2010)

The question of whether director David Fincher and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin accurately depicted the beginnings of Facebook may be subjective, but there’s no denying their portrayal of a particular type of man, represented by Jesse Eisenberg’s character Mark Zuckerberg: intelligent, resentful, arrogant, yearning for affection and approval. Fincher’s decision to make a film about Facebook in 2010 might have puzzled some viewers at the time, but now it seems clear that it was a spiritual successor to Fight Club, another tale of a disillusioned, isolated man who learns that unleashing his anger on society can lead to unexpected results. The pivotal element in this movie is Justin Timberlake’s casting as Napster founder (and early Facebook executive) Sean Parker, who serves as Mark Zuckerberg’s counterpart to Tyler Durden. Timberlake and Eisenberg share such a striking resemblance that they could almost pass for brothers – if one had won the genetic lottery and the other rolled double snakes. This is the image of success Mark aspires to, and he comes so close.

17. Nickel Boys (2024)

In this job, you often get to watch a variety of excellent and exceptional films. However, it’s rare to come across a movie that feels fresh and innovative, one that explores uncharted territories within its medium. But then, every now and then, a gem like “Nickel Boys” appears. This is not just an original film, but a bold one, with a unique perspective – or in this case, dual perspectives.

This is so because the co-screenwriter and director, RaMell Ross, took a daring approach by shooting most of his adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel through point-of-view shots from the eyes of its two primary characters. The extraordinary POV camerawork of Ross and cinematographer Jomo Fray immerses the viewer into the thoughts and experiences of two young men enduring a harsh Florida reform school in the 1960s. (I still can’t comprehend why Fray wasn’t nominated for an Oscar for Best Cinematography.) Misused, this technique could become a bothersome gimmick. But under Ross’ guidance, you genuinely feel like you’ve experienced the world from a new perspective. And perhaps, glimpsed the future of cinema as well.

16. Past Lives (2023)

In a poignant blend of beauty and sorrow, this captivating drama delves into the unseen influences guiding our lives – whether it’s fate, destiny, or what I’ll call inyun – forces that bind us together yet drive us apart, much like magnetic attractions subject to the unchanging rules of physics. The narrative revolves around two characters: Nora (Greta Lee), a writer, and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), an engineer. Despite their inability to maintain a lasting relationship, they are bound by an intense connection that keeps them from drifting apart. Their paths cross at various stages of life – as children, college students, and adults – with the world around them constantly evolving, but their central bond endures. In this third encounter, Nora is married to an American named Arthur (John Magaro). The question arises: Will Nora remain loyal to her husband or will she find herself in Hae Sung’s arms? The heart-wrenching conclusion of this subtle love triangle leaves you pondering the critical junctures and decisions that have molded your own life, even when their significance only becomes apparent in retrospect.

15. Boyhood (2014)

Over the course of twelve years, I’ve had the privilege of following a young boy (Ellar Coltrane), his mother (Patricia Arquette), and his sister (Lorelei Linklater) through their lives, as directed by Richard Linklater. Some may view this film as an autobiographical stunt by Linklater, but the outcome is far from trivial. It presents a fascinating snapshot – or rather, a series of snapshots – of American life during the early 21st century, capturing the love, hardships, and sacrifices of one extraordinary family. Time is integral to all films, but Boyhood has a distinctive bond with it. The progression of the actors throughout the movie adds an extra layer of emotional depth to certain scenes, and intensifies the poignancy in others. When Arquette delivers her closing speech about her life experiences, she speaks from a well of real-life pain and joy accumulated over a dozen years. As Roger Ebert once said, “We live within a box of space and time, and movies are windows into its walls.” I believe that Boyhood offers some of the widest windows yet.

14. Catch Me If You Can (2002)

In a unique blend, “Catch Me If You Can” stands as one of Steven Spielberg’s most delightfully frivolous productions and his most introspective examination of solitude and family. The film boasts an exceptional ensemble cast: Leonardo DiCaprio portrays the brilliant swindler Frank Abagnale Jr., Christopher Walken takes on the role of his struggling father, Jennifer Garner and Amy Adams play two of Frank Jr.’s romantic interests, and Tom Hanks assumes the part of tenacious, humorless FBI agent Carl Hanratty.

The cat-and-mouse game between Hanratty and Frank, marked by the latter’s creative evasions and disguises, is at once thrilling and poignant. Both characters are so isolated that their relentless chase becomes the sole constant in their lives, symbolized by their annual Christmas phone calls. (Notably, “Catch Me If You Can” might be the most melancholic Christmas film since “It’s a Wonderful Life.”) If you don’t find this movie endearing, I have a knock-knock joke for you.

13. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

The film “Mad Max: Fury Road” stands out as the most exceptional car chase movie of our time, a fact that’s hard to deny. However, what makes this movie truly unique is its deep spiritual and even Biblical undertones. It’s essentially a journey from the doomed cities of Sodom and Gomorrah in search of a new paradise. This journey is led by the legendary Imperator Furiosa, played by Charlize Theron, with Tom Hardy’s enigmatic Max serving as their guide through the desert. While Max assists them in finding safety, he cannot share their ultimate destiny. George Miller’s breathtaking chaos demonstrates that action movies can indeed be both exciting and intelligent. If anyone attempts to persuade you otherwise, simply look them straight in the eye and say, “That’s absurd.

12. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

Martin Scorsese, now over 80 years old, continues to challenge himself and his viewers, eliciting remarkable performances from actors, and delving into recurring themes that have graced many of his finest films – the allure and destructive nature of wealth, and the shadows of darkness and tragedy concealed within American history. The setting for this exploration is the “Reign of Terror” that claimed the lives of numerous Osage Nation members in the 1920s, following their control of oil-rich lands in Oklahoma, which made them a target for their white neighbors, including one (Leonardo DiCaprio’s Ernest Burkhart) who is married to an Osage oil millionaire (Lily Gladstone’s Mollie). It seems I find myself writing this with each new Scorsese film these days, but it may be more accurate for Killers of the Flower Moon than any other – if this proves to be his last film, it would serve as a fitting and resounding finale to an extraordinary career.

11. Boogie Nights (1997)

Paul Thomas Anderson’s film navigates through the vibrant, comedic, and heartbreaking era of the 1970s Southern California porn industry with an effortless grace, reminiscent of Heather Graham skating smoothly. The movie introduces a captivating ensemble of characters, such as Burt Reynolds, playing a failed porn director, and Julianne Moore, portraying Amber Waves, a troubled caregiver hooked on drugs. It’s not far-fetched to assume that the character’s name isn’t coincidental; Anderson is delving into more than just these individuals – he’s examining America in all its splendor (and sexually active, melancholic, and drug-ridden aspects) during the late 1970s.

10. The Matrix (1999)

One of the unique advantages of growing older is being able to observe how films maintain their appeal over time. I watched The Matrix during its initial release with minimal expectations, yet it was an exhilarating experience that I still vividly remember – the theater, the specific auditorium at the multiplex, and even my seat. The previews looked promising, but the film itself surpassed those expectations, captivating and entertaining me.

Twenty years on, it continues to impress. My only qualm with this movie: It’s not a suitable choice to play in the background while trying to complete work since you’ll find yourself repeatedly drawn back into watching The Matrix yet again.

9. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)

2007 saw an abundance of exceptional films, but among them, one movie holds a unique significance in my heart – “The Diving Bell & The Butterfly”, directed by Julian Schnabel. This film was an adaptation of Jean-Dominique Bauby’s memoir, chronicling his struggle with locked-in syndrome. Bauby’s narrative, and Schnabel’s portrayal of the message to live life fully, left a profound impact on me that remains unforgettable. As I exited the theater, I was instantly inspired to propose to my girlfriend, a decision I’ve never regretted as it led to 15+ years and two beautiful children together. Re-watching it recently, I can attest that its impact hasn’t waned one bit.

8. The Truman Show (1998)

It’s quite possible that our lives are just part of a virtual reality. If they aren’t, then The Truman Show seems to have foreseen everything about our modern world – characterized by privacy invasion, product placement, escalating anxiety, and an overwhelming sense of artificiality – in a way that appears implausible. Additionally, though this film primarily revolves around a man living within a massive reality TV show, the experiences of its protagonist during the first half can be seen as an insightful depiction of a mid-life crisis, encapsulating the feeling of suddenly questioning, “Is this my genuine life?!” at age 40.

7. Zodiac (2007)

David Fincher’s film, “Zodiac,” delves deeper than just portraying serial killers; it serves as a chronicle spanning several decades of San Francisco’s history, told from the perspectives of three men: a detective (Mark Ruffalo), who is said to have inspired the movie “Bullitt,” a crime reporter for the Chronicle (Robert Downey Jr.), whose articles made him a Zodiac Killer target, and an amateur codebreaker and sleuth (Jake Gyllenhaal) named Robert Graysmith. Graysmith becomes obsessed with the case even after the killings cease, which is a theme that “Zodiac” masterfully explores more effectively than most films. Fincher skillfully immerses viewers in this intricate web of clues and deceit using exceptional cinematography and editing techniques. By the film’s final scene, which poignantly circles back to its opening moments following 157 suspenseful minutes, every viewer can empathize with Robert Graysmith’s unshakable fixation on the case.

6. Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)

Viewed from a particular perspective, all the films Joel and Ethan Coen have collaboratively produced can be seen as duets. “Inside Llewyn Davis” serves as their duet on the theme of duets. Previously, I’ve elaborated that this movie is not just a depiction of New York’s folk music scene in the early 1960s, but also explores the chain of small tragedies that afflict a talented musician (played by Oscar Isaac, marking his breakthrough role) following the demise of his partner. It seems fitting that although Llewyn’s voice and guitar playing are captivating, his most beautiful song is “Fare Thee Well.” This melody loses its charm when played solo.

5.Lady Bird (2017)

Greta Gerwig’s film, “Lady Bird,” is centered around various pairs of contrasting elements: The protagonist carries two first names, she has two romantic interests throughout the story, and she maintains relationships with two best friends. The narrative unfolds across two school terms, each marked by its unique school play. There are two dances, two parties, two significant family dynamics, and she considers applications to two different colleges while regularly attending two churches. This multitude of options makes “Lady Bird” a deeply thought-provoking movie about choice – choices that, at the protagonist’s age, seem like life-altering decisions. In many ways, they are.

4. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

I can’t recall the exact location or date I first watched Eternal Sunshine. This movie was released about 20 years ago, during my time living and studying in New York City. Regrettably, the memory of that screening has faded away like many memories do as the years pass. However, this makes me value the film more now than I did in 2004. The reason is simple: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind explores a sci-fi premise (a couple who erase their memories of each other due to a new technology, resulting in tragicomic consequences) to contemplate the effects of natural memory loss. The performances by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet are among the greatest in cinema history, as their doomed relationship resonates with viewers because every relationship ultimately follows the same path; like a beach house eroding into the sea.

3. American Movie (1999)

In this lighthearted yet poignant documentary, aspiring filmmaker Mark Borchardt’s persistent efforts to realize his long-held dream project offer a profound and melancholic depiction of unrealized aspirations. Despite his eloquent expressions about the necessity of creation, he never fully achieves all that he aims for. The film, titled American Movie, is not just a fascinating study of friendship, but also showcases Mark’s reliance on his companion Mike in producing his low-budget films. It’s an entertaining watch when you’re young, but profoundly heartbreaking when you’re older. Without a doubt, it ranks among the most memorable American movies of recent times.

2. Take Shelter (2011)

For someone who has endured an excessive number of panic attacks, I wholeheartedly assert that the film “Take Shelter” stands among the finest ever produced on the subject of living with anxiety. The character Curtis LaForche, portrayed brilliantly by Michael Shannon, is a family man with a loving wife and daughter. Yet, he is haunted by terrifying dreams of catastrophic storms and an unshakable feeling that disaster is imminent. Delivering an exceptional performance alongside Jessica Chastain as his spouse, “Take Shelter” vividly portrays the vicious cycle of fear with striking authenticity. Curtis fears he may be on the brink of a breakdown, as mental illness has a history in his family, which only intensifies his anxiety, causing him even greater distress. While many might label the film’s conclusion as ambiguous, I see it as inevitable, for it acknowledges that this type of anxiety cannot be conquered. Neither can it be halted by constructing physical or metaphorical barriers to safeguard what we cherish. It can merely be comprehended and, with the assistance of friends and loved ones, managed.

1. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)

As a devoted cinephile, I found myself seated at Musso & Frank Grill alongside Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth, with producer Marvin Schwarz proposing a role in Italian Westerns for Rick. The proposition left Rick shattered, convinced he was past his prime. Upon exiting the eatery, the weight of his despair hit him hard, tears streaming down his face. Quentin Tarantino masterfully positioned the camera low, panning up to reveal the towering Musso & Frank Grill sign above them, its message stark: “Oldest in Hollywood.” In that instant, Rick seemed like a relic of a bygone era, and though he had a few good years left, it felt as if his time was running out. Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” is an exceptional film, brimming with brilliant details such as this poignant scene. It serves not only as a vivid portrayal of a turbulent era in America (and pop culture), but also as a heartfelt homage to an art form that might soon be fading away too.

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2025-07-15 17:36