I’m a DC Comics Fan, But These 10 Movies Are Just Embarrassing

As a lifelong DC Comics fan, I’ve cheered for the epic highs of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman on the big screen, thrilled by their iconic stories brought to life. But not every DC movie hits the mark, and some have left me cringing instead of celebrating.

These ten films, despite the rich source material, stumbled hard with weak plots, odd casting, or just plain bad execution. Here’s my take on the most embarrassing DC movies that missed the chance to shine.

10. ‘Superman IV: The Quest for Peace’ (1987)

This film had a noble idea—Superman tackling nuclear disarmament—but it fell apart with a weak story and budget cuts that gutted the production. Christopher Reeve’s heartfelt performance couldn’t save the clunky dialogue or the poorly executed villain, Nuclear Man.

The low-budget effects looked painfully dated, and the plot felt like a preachy after-school special. It’s a shame, as Reeve’s passion deserved a better send-off for his final time as the Man of Steel.

9. ‘The Return of Swamp Thing’ (1989)

Swamp Thing’s first film had a gritty charm, but this sequel went full camp, leaning into cheesy humor that clashed with the character’s dark roots. The story of Swamp Thing fighting a mad scientist’s mutations felt like a cheap B-movie knockoff.

Heather Locklear’s Razzie-winning performance didn’t help, and the low-rent creature effects were more laughable than scary. It’s a jarring misstep that ignored what made the original compelling.

8. ‘Supergirl’ (1984)

This spin-off from the Superman series had potential with its stellar cast, including Faye Dunaway and Peter O’Toole, but it squandered them on a shallow plot. Supergirl’s journey to Earth got bogged down in a bizarre love triangle that felt out of place.

The film lacked the heart and spectacle of its predecessor, with lackluster action and a script that never gave Kara Zor-El a chance to shine. It’s a missed opportunity for a powerful heroine.

7. ‘Jonah Hex’ (2010)

Josh Brolin as a scarred bounty hunter sounded promising, but this film was a chaotic mess with a plot that barely made sense. The supernatural Western vibe felt forced, and the story rushed through Hex’s revenge tale without depth.

Poor editing and a forgettable villain played by John Malkovich left me disconnected. Despite a talented cast, the film failed to capture the gritty charm of the comics.

6. ‘The Flash’ (2023)

The idea of a multiverse-spanning Flashpoint story was exciting, but this film tripped over its own ambition. The CGI was distractingly bad, and the plot juggled too many cameos, making it feel like a gimmick fest rather than a coherent story.

Ezra Miller’s charm couldn’t overcome the messy narrative or the odd choice to lean on nostalgia over substance. It’s a swing that didn’t land for Barry Allen’s big moment.

5. ‘Suicide Squad’ (2016)

This antihero team-up had a killer cast and a fun premise, but it collapsed under a choppy plot and weak villain. The attempt to blend gritty action with pop-song montages felt disjointed, leaving characters like Harley Quinn underused.

The rushed pacing and studio meddling were obvious, turning a bold concept into a forgettable mess. It’s frustrating when you see the potential buried under bad choices.

4. ‘Green Lantern’ (2011)

Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan could’ve been great, but this film was a visual and narrative disaster. The sci-fi spectacle felt cheap, with CGI that looked more cartoonish than cosmic, and the story rushed through the Green Lantern mythos.

The script’s weak humor and lack of stakes made it hard to care about Jordan’s journey. It’s a film that made me wince at how it fumbled an iconic hero.

3. ‘Steel’ (1997)

Shaquille O’Neal as John Henry Irons, a Superman-inspired hero, was a bold casting choice that didn’t pay off. The film’s low-budget production and weak script turned a promising character into a forgettable action flop.

The clunky armor and lack of emotional depth made it feel like a straight-to-video knockoff. It’s a low point that kept Steel off the big screen for decades.

2. ‘Batman & Robin’ (1997)

This film’s campy tone and neon-drenched visuals were a far cry from the dark, brooding Batman I love. George Clooney’s stiff performance and the infamous bat-nipples on the costume made it hard to take seriously.

The overstuffed plot with Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy felt like a cartoon, and the goofy one-liners killed any tension. It’s a film that nearly derailed the Batman franchise entirely.

1. ‘Catwoman’ (2004)

Halle Berry as a new Catwoman, Patience Phillips, sounded intriguing, but this film abandoned the comics for a bizarre supernatural story about a cosmetics conspiracy. The CGI-heavy action and cringeworthy dialogue were tough to watch.

Berry’s talent was wasted on a script that didn’t understand the character, earning her a Razzie and a spot as DC’s biggest misfire. It’s a painful reminder of how far a film can stray from its roots.

Which DC movie disappointed you the most, or is there another flop I missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!