These Are Hands-Down the 10 Worst Sci-Fi Movies I’ve Watched

Sci-fi movies can take us to new worlds, spark wild ideas, and push the limits of imagination. But not every sci-fi flick delivers—some crash and burn with bad plots, weak acting, or effects that look like they were made in a basement. I’ve sat through plenty of sci-fi duds, and these ten stand out as the absolute worst. From confusing stories to laughable visuals, here’s my countdown of the most disappointing sci-fi films I’ve ever watched.

This list ranks the movies from bad to downright unwatchable, based on my own viewing pain. Each one had potential but fell apart for one reason or another—whether it was poor writing, bad casting, or just a total mess. Let’s dive into the sci-fi disasters that made me question why I even pressed play.

‘The Last Days on Mars’ (2013)

This movie follows a group of astronauts on Mars who find a deadly bacteria. It sounds promising, but the execution is flat, with a story that drags and characters you don’t care about. The plot feels like a knockoff of better sci-fi horror, and the tension never builds. By the end, I was more bored than scared.

The acting is decent, but the script gives the cast nothing to work with. The special effects are okay for a low-budget film, but they can’t save the predictable plot twists. It’s a forgettable movie that tries to be thrilling but ends up feeling like a chore to watch.

‘Doom’ (2005)

Based on the iconic video game, this film should’ve been a fun, action-packed ride. Instead, it’s a messy blend of bad dialogue and forgettable characters that fails to capture the game’s energy. The plot about soldiers fighting mutants on Mars feels generic and uninspired. It’s a slog from start to finish.

The first-person shooter scene is a nod to the game, but it’s too little, too late. The cast, including big names like Dwayne Johnson, can’t elevate the weak script. It’s a sci-fi action flick that feels like it was made to cash in rather than entertain.

‘The Happening’ (2008)

This film tries to be a creepy sci-fi thriller about plants releasing toxins to kill humans. The idea is interesting, but the execution is awful, with wooden acting and a story that falls apart fast. The dialogue is so unnatural it’s almost funny, but not in a good way. It’s a movie that takes itself too seriously and fails.

The pacing is slow, and the supposed scares never land. Even the talented cast can’t save the ridiculous plot or the laughable moments, like people running from wind. It’s a sci-fi disaster that feels more like a parody than a thriller.

‘Skyline’ (2010)

Aliens invade Los Angeles, and a group of friends tries to survive. Sounds cool, right? Wrong. The story is thin, the characters are bland, and the dialogue is cringe-worthy. The special effects are the only decent part, but they can’t carry the whole movie.

The plot jumps around without focus, and the ending is a confusing mess that sets up a sequel nobody wanted. It feels like a cheap attempt to mimic better alien invasion films. I was left annoyed and wishing I’d watched something else.

‘Battlefield Earth’ (2000)

This movie is about humans fighting alien overlords in a post-apocalyptic world. It’s a notorious flop with a convoluted plot and over-the-top acting that’s hard to watch. The visuals are dated, and the story makes no sense, jumping from one bad idea to another.

John Travolta’s performance as the alien leader is so exaggerated it’s almost comical, but not enough to make it fun. The film tries to be epic but ends up as a confusing, boring mess. It’s a sci-fi trainwreck that’s tough to sit through.

‘Jupiter Ascending’ (2015)

This space opera has a huge budget and big stars, but it’s a chaotic mess. The story about a woman discovering she’s space royalty is hard to follow, with too many ideas crammed in. The visuals are stunning, but they can’t hide the weak plot or flat characters.

The dialogue is clunky, and the romance feels forced and awkward. Even the action scenes get repetitive and lose impact. It’s a movie that looks great but fails to deliver a story worth caring about.

‘After Earth’ (2013)

A father and son crash-land on a dangerous future Earth. The concept could’ve been solid, but the execution is lifeless, with a slow pace and no emotional weight. Will Smith and Jaden Smith try, but the script is dull, and their chemistry feels off.

The CGI creatures look fake, and the world-building is lazy, with plot holes everywhere. It’s a sci-fi movie that tries to be deep but feels shallow and forgettable. I wanted to like it, but the story just didn’t hold up.

‘The Core’ (2003)

The Earth’s core stops spinning, and a team must drill down to fix it. It’s a wild premise, but the movie collapses under bad science and cheesy dialogue. The cast is talented, but the script is so ridiculous it’s hard to take seriously. The action feels repetitive, and the stakes never feel real.

The special effects are decent for the time, but the plot is a string of clichés and absurd moments. It’s a sci-fi adventure that tries to be epic but ends up laughably over-the-top. I was glad when it was over.

‘Babylon A.D.’ (2008)

A mercenary escorts a girl with a secret in a dystopian future. The idea has potential, but the movie is a jumbled mess with a thin plot and weak characters. Vin Diesel looks bored, and the story feels like a generic action flick with sci-fi paint slapped on.

The pacing is uneven, and the twists are predictable or nonsensical. The visuals are gritty but not enough to save the dull story. It’s a forgettable sci-fi thriller that never finds its footing.

‘Plan 9 from Outer Space’ (1959)

This classic B-movie is about aliens raising the dead to stop humans from building a bomb. It’s called the worst movie ever made for a reason—terrible acting, cheap effects, and a plot that makes no sense. It’s so bad it’s almost fun, but not enough to enjoy it.

The production is painfully low-budget, with visible strings on the flying saucers. The dialogue is absurd, and the editing is a mess. It’s a sci-fi disaster that earns its infamous reputation.

‘Catwoman’ (2004)

This isn’t a traditional sci-fi movie, but its futuristic tech and superhuman powers push it into the genre. The story of a woman gaining cat-like abilities is a complete mess, with a laughable plot and terrible acting. Halle Berry tries, but the script is awful, and the CGI is painfully dated.

The action scenes are dull, and the villain’s plan is absurd. It’s a sci-fi superhero flick that fails on every level, from bad costumes to cringeworthy dialogue. It’s the worst of the worst.

What’s the worst sci-fi movie you’ve ever watched? Share your pick in the comments!