90s Movies That Are Basically Unwatchable Now

The 1990s was a decade of significant change in filmmaking. It was a time of transition from practical effects to computer-generated imagery (CGI), and many movies from this era are now seen as products of their time. While some 90s films remain timeless classics, others have not aged as gracefully. These movies, once popular, are now difficult to watch for various reasons, including outdated special effects, slow pacing, and themes that are no longer acceptable.

This list explores movies from the 90s that are now considered largely unwatchable. The reasons for their decline in watchability vary, from cringeworthy dialogue to special effects that were once groundbreaking but now look silly. As we look back at these films, we can see how much filmmaking and societal standards have evolved in just a few decades. What was once considered entertaining can now be a chore to sit through, offering a glimpse into a different era of cinema.

Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997)

‘Speed 2: Cruise Control’ attempted to capitalize on the success of its predecessor. The story follows Annie Porter, who is on a Caribbean cruise with her new boyfriend. The relaxing vacation takes a turn when the cruise ship is hijacked by a disgruntled former employee of the cruise line. He sets the ship on a collision course with an oil tanker, forcing the heroes to find a way to stop the massive vessel before it’s too late. The film was a box office bomb and was heavily criticized upon its release.

The main issue with ‘Speed 2’ is its ridiculous premise. While the first movie’s concept of a bomb on a bus was tense and exciting, a slow-moving cruise ship fails to create the same sense of urgency. The special effects, particularly the CGI used for the ship, look dated and unconvincing by today’s standards. The lack of the original film’s star, Keanu Reeves, also hurt the movie, as the chemistry between the new leads was not as strong.

Batman & Robin (1997)

‘Batman & Robin’ is often cited as one of the worst superhero movies ever made. The film features Batman and his sidekick Robin as they try to stop the villainous Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy from taking over Gotham City. The movie is known for its campy tone, a stark contrast to the darker Batman films that preceded it. The introduction of Batgirl was meant to add a new dynamic to the team, but it was not enough to save the film from its many flaws.

The movie’s garish production design and over-the-top performances are major reasons why it is unwatchable today. The costumes, particularly the infamous “bat-nipples,” have been widely ridiculed. The dialogue is filled with cheesy puns and one-liners that make it difficult to take the story seriously. The film’s departure from the gritty realism of the previous Batman movies was a major misstep that alienated fans and critics alike.

Wild Wild West (1999)

‘Wild Wild West’ was a big-budget steampunk western that failed to impress audiences. The film stars Will Smith and Kevin Kline as two government agents in the 1860s who are tasked with stopping a diabolical inventor. The villain, a former Confederate scientist, has created a giant mechanical spider and plans to assassinate the President of the United States. The movie was a critical and commercial failure, despite its high production values.

The film’s blend of western and steampunk genres did not resonate with viewers. The special effects, particularly the giant mechanical spider, were impressive for their time but now look goofy and out of place. The humor often falls flat, and the chemistry between the two leads is not strong enough to carry the film. The movie’s convoluted plot and uneven tone make it a difficult watch today.

Battlefield Earth (2000)

‘Battlefield Earth’ is a science fiction film based on the novel by L. Ron Hubbard. The story is set in the year 3000, where humanity has been enslaved by a race of giant aliens known as the Psychlos. The film follows a human who leads a rebellion against the alien overlords in an attempt to reclaim Earth. The movie was a massive critical and commercial failure and is often considered one of the worst films ever made.

The movie’s poor quality is evident in almost every aspect of its production. The acting is over-the-top and often unintentionally humorous. The special effects are dated and unconvincing, and the cinematography, with its excessive use of Dutch angles, is disorienting. The film’s convoluted plot and weak script make it a confusing and unenjoyable experience for most viewers.

Anaconda (1997)

‘Anaconda’ is a horror film about a film crew that is taken hostage by a snake hunter who is obsessed with capturing a giant anaconda. The group is forced to help him on his quest, leading to a series of deadly encounters with the massive snake. The movie was a box office success but was met with negative reviews from critics.

The film’s main drawback is its poorly executed CGI anaconda. The snake often looks fake and unconvincing, which undermines the horror elements of the movie. The acting is also a weak point, with many of the performances being over-the-top and hammy. The film’s predictable plot and cheesy dialogue make it a difficult watch today, especially for those who are used to more sophisticated horror films.

Kazaam (1996)

‘Kazaam’ is a fantasy comedy film starring basketball superstar Shaquille O’Neal as a 5,000-year-old genie. The story follows a young boy who accidentally unleashes Kazaam from his boombox prison. As his new master, the boy is granted three wishes, but he must also deal with the genie’s mischievous and often unhelpful nature. The film was a critical and commercial failure.

The movie’s premise is silly, and the execution is even worse. Shaquille O’Neal’s acting is wooden and unconvincing, and the film’s attempts at humor often fall flat. The special effects are cheap-looking and dated, and the story is predictable and uninspired. The film’s cheesy tone and weak script make it a cringe-worthy and unwatchable experience for most viewers.

Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997)

‘Mortal Kombat: Annihilation’ is the sequel to the successful 1995 film ‘Mortal Kombat’. The story picks up where the first film left off, with the evil emperor of Outworld invading Earth. A group of human warriors must fight to defend their realm from the otherworldly threat. The film was a critical and commercial failure and is considered a significant step down from its predecessor.

The movie is a chaotic mess of fight scenes and special effects. The plot is thin and serves only as a flimsy excuse for the endless action sequences. The acting is poor, and the dialogue is cheesy and unmemorable. The special effects, which were meant to be a major selling point, are dated and often look ridiculous. The film’s lack of a coherent story and its over-reliance on mindless action make it an unwatchable mess.

Cool as Ice (1991)

‘Cool as Ice’ is a romantic musical film starring rapper Vanilla Ice. The story follows a rebellious rapper who gets stranded in a small town and falls in love with a local high school girl. The film was a critical and commercial disaster and is often cited as one of the worst films ever made. It was intended to be a vehicle to launch Vanilla Ice’s acting career, but it had the opposite effect.

The movie is a cringeworthy time capsule of early 90s fashion and culture. Vanilla Ice’s acting is stiff and unnatural, and his attempts at being a romantic lead are laughable. The film’s plot is thin and clichéd, and the dialogue is filled with cheesy one-liners. The musical numbers are poorly staged and do little to enhance the story. The film’s overall cheesiness and lack of substance make it an unwatchable relic of a bygone era.

The Flintstones (1994)

‘The Flintstones’ is a live-action adaptation of the classic animated television series. The film tells the story of Fred Flintstone, a working-class dinosaur crane operator who gets a promotion at his job, only to find himself embroiled in an evil scheme orchestrated by his boss. The movie was a box office success but received mixed reviews from critics.

While the film’s production design and costumes are impressive, the story and humor do not hold up well. The plot is predictable, and the jokes often feel forced and unfunny. The casting of John Goodman as Fred Flintstone was praised, but other performances were not as well-received. The film’s reliance on slapstick humor and its lack of a compelling story make it a difficult watch for anyone who is not a die-hard fan of the original cartoon.

Super Mario Bros. (1993)

‘Super Mario Bros.’ is a live-action film loosely based on the popular video game series. The story follows two Brooklyn plumbers, Mario and Luigi, who are transported to a parallel dimension ruled by a tyrannical dictator. They must rescue a princess and save the dimension from the dictator’s evil plans. The film was a critical and commercial failure and is often considered one of the worst video game adaptations ever made.

The film’s dark and gritty tone is a stark departure from the colorful and whimsical world of the video games. The plot is confusing and convoluted, and the characters bear little resemblance to their video game counterparts. The special effects are dated and unconvincing, and the film’s overall look is cheap and uninspired. The movie’s failure to capture the spirit of the source material makes it an unwatchable experience for fans of the video games and casual viewers alike.

Bio-Dome (1996)

‘Bio-Dome’ is a comedy film starring Pauly Shore and Stephen Baldwin. The story follows two dim-witted friends who accidentally get locked inside a bio-dome, a sealed ecological experiment, for a year. The two must learn to live in their new environment while also dealing with the scientists who are running the experiment. The film was a critical and commercial failure.

The movie’s humor is juvenile and often relies on cheap gags and toilet humor. The performances by Pauly Shore and Stephen Baldwin are grating and unfunny. The plot is thin and predictable, and the film’s attempts at environmental satire are heavy-handed and ineffective. The movie’s overall stupidity and lack of wit make it an unwatchable and painful experience.

Spice World (1997)

‘Spice World’ is a musical comedy film starring the popular British girl group, the Spice Girls. The movie follows the group as they prepare for a major concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The film is a self-aware and satirical look at the world of pop music and celebrity culture. It was a box office success but received mixed reviews from critics.

The film’s loose and episodic structure can be jarring for some viewers. The plot is thin and serves mainly as a vehicle for the Spice Girls’ musical numbers and comedic skits. The humor is often silly and over-the-top, and the film’s constant winks to the camera can become tiresome. While fans of the Spice Girls may still find some enjoyment in the film, its lack of a strong narrative and its dated pop culture references make it a difficult watch for a general audience.

Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot (1992)

‘Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot’ is an action-comedy film starring Sylvester Stallone and Estelle Getty. The story follows a tough police sergeant whose life is turned upside down when his overbearing mother comes to visit. She becomes his unofficial partner and meddles in his professional and personal life, leading to a series of comedic and chaotic situations. The film was a critical and commercial failure.

The movie’s premise is weak, and the humor is forced and unfunny. The chemistry between Sylvester Stallone and Estelle Getty is nonexistent, and their comedic timing is off. The action sequences are generic and uninspired, and the film’s attempts at blending comedy and action are unsuccessful. The movie’s overall lameness and lack of laughs make it an unwatchable and embarrassing entry in Stallone’s filmography.

It’s Pat (1994)

‘It’s Pat’ is a comedy film based on a popular ‘Saturday Night Live’ sketch. The story follows the androgynous character Pat, whose gender is never revealed. The film revolves around the comedic attempts of other characters to determine Pat’s gender. The movie was a critical and commercial disaster and is often considered one of the worst films ever made.

The movie’s one-joke premise is stretched thin over the course of a feature-length film. The humor is repetitive and quickly becomes tiresome. The film’s attempts at social commentary on gender identity are clumsy and outdated. The movie’s lack of a compelling story and its reliance on a single, unfunny joke make it an unwatchable and cringeworthy experience.

Double Dragon (1994)

‘Double Dragon’ is a martial arts film based on the popular video game of the same name. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles and follows two brothers who possess one half of a powerful ancient medallion. They must protect their half from a ruthless crime lord who wants to possess the entire medallion and gain immense power. The film was a critical and commercial failure.

The movie’s plot is thin and nonsensical, and the acting is wooden and unconvincing. The fight scenes are poorly choreographed and lack excitement. The special effects are cheap and dated, and the film’s overall production values are low. The movie’s failure to capture the fun and excitement of the video game makes it an unwatchable and disappointing adaptation.

Let us know in the comments which 90s movies you think are unwatchable today.