Top 20 Bad Movies That Were Very Successful

Some movies take a beating from critics and still crush it at the box office, turning weak reviews into massive ticket sales and global buzz. These are the releases that audiences showed up for in huge numbers, often thanks to big brands, bigger marketing, and even bigger spectacle. Here are twenty films that many viewers love to hate yet still made serious money, complete with useful facts on budgets, grosses, and why they drew crowds.

‘Transformers: Age of Extinction’ (2014)

This entry sailed past the one billion mark worldwide and dominated international markets, especially China where it set local milestones. It carried a production budget well north of two hundred million and leaned on premium formats to boost revenue. Brand power and large scale robot set pieces helped drive repeat business. It also reset the series with new human leads and a focus on global appeal.

‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’ (2009)

Despite rough reviews, the sequel delivered one of the biggest opening frames of its era and finished with more than eight hundred million worldwide. A hefty budget and an even heftier marketing push kept it front and center for weeks. Summer timing and the franchise’s toy line synergy helped awareness. IMAX and other formats lifted average ticket prices.

‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ (2017)

This installment earned over six hundred million globally with a pronounced tilt toward international markets. China again supplied a large share of the total and offset a softer domestic run. The production cost was sizable and the campaign highlighted returning robot favorites. It also positioned itself as a lore expansion with knights, legends, and crossover mythology.

‘The Twilight Saga: New Moon’ (2009)

The second chapter exploded out of the gate and wrapped with more than seven hundred million worldwide. A modest budget by franchise standards delivered towering profit margins. Fan events and a tightly coordinated social media strategy kept engagement sky high. The Team Edward versus Team Jacob conversation powered must see momentum.

‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1’ (2011)

Splitting the finale into two parts paid off with a global haul north of seven hundred million. It opened at number one across key territories and held strong through the holiday corridor. The film benefited from premium format surcharges and collector oriented tie ins. A cliffhanger ending funneled interest straight into the final chapter.

‘Suicide Squad’ (2016)

This comic team up crossed seven hundred million worldwide and posted a record setting August debut. It later won an Academy Award for makeup and hairstyling which kept it in the news cycle. The campaign spotlighted breakout characters like Harley Quinn and the soundtrack produced multiple charting singles. Strong awareness extended deep into casual audiences beyond core fans.

‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ (2016)

Two marquee heroes shared the screen and that event status drove a global finish near nine hundred million. A massive marketing blitz spanned consumer products, partner ads, and sports tie ins. It introduced the new cinematic Wonder Woman and seeded future team ups. Premium large format screens and early fan screenings added momentum.

‘Venom’ (2018)

This antihero launch delivered one of the biggest October openings on record and finished around eight hundred fifty million worldwide. The budget sat near the mid hundred million range which made the return impressive. It played especially well in China where audiences embraced the character. A brisk runtime and comedic tone helped word of mouth with general moviegoers.

‘Jurassic World Dominion’ (2022)

Dinosaurs plus a reunion of legacy stars pushed this chapter over the one billion mark worldwide. It leaned on premium screens across the globe and timed releases to maximize holidays in major markets. International revenue outweighed domestic by a wide margin. The film closed out a trilogy while still leveraging the larger brand.

‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ (2011)

This swashbuckling adventure topped one billion worldwide and became the highest grossing entry in its series. A strong overseas turnout carried the day with notable strength in emerging markets. Shot for 3D, it captured premium ticket surcharges across formats. Star power and recognizable branding anchored a sprawling global tour.

‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales’ (2017)

The fifth voyage pulled in nearly eight hundred million worldwide despite a softer domestic result. International markets did the heavy lifting with robust turnout in Asia and Europe. The campaign emphasized new characters alongside returning favorites to broaden reach. Holiday placement and premium formats aided legs.

‘The Last Airbender’ (2010)

This live action adaptation earned more than three hundred million worldwide on a very large budget. A late 3D conversion helped raise average ticket prices despite mixed reactions. The built in audience from the Nickelodeon series drove strong early turnout. It became a frequent target at the Razzies and still finished deep in the black after global sales.

‘Godzilla’ (1998)

Backed by a huge marketing blitz, this monster reboot stomped to nearly four hundred million worldwide. Tie in products ranged from toys to a heavily promoted soundtrack that topped charts. A prime holiday opening boosted family attendance. Large format screens and city smashing spectacle kept curiosity high.

‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’ (2018)

The Wizarding World brand fueled a global gross around six hundred fifty million. Overseas markets outpaced domestic, reflecting the franchise’s broad international base. The film expanded magical lore with new locations and creatures to entice fans. Merchandising and theme park synergy supported awareness throughout its run.

‘The Mummy’ (2017)

This modern take collected more than four hundred million worldwide with a particularly strong showing in China. It was intended to launch a connected monster universe and carried a star driven campaign. Premium formats and international premieres amplified visibility. Home entertainment and TV rights further cushioned returns.

‘Terminator Genisys’ (2015)

Domestic turnout was modest, yet international sales pushed the total to about four hundred forty million. China delivered an outsized share that reshaped the box office story. The film positioned itself as a franchise refresh with timeline twists and legacy faces. A substantial production budget was partially offset by global tax incentives and partnerships.

‘The Da Vinci Code’ (2006)

Critics were cool, but the adaptation raced to roughly seven hundred sixty million worldwide. The bestselling source material and a major star director combo drew broad demographics. It premiered at Cannes which fueled nonstop media coverage. Success spawned two follow ups and a long tail in ancillary markets.

‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ (2015)

With a lean budget near the forty million mark, this romantic drama soared to more than five hundred seventy million worldwide. A Valentine launch strategy proved perfectly timed for date night crowds. The soundtrack produced streaming hits that kept it trending. The film kicked off a trilogy and maintained strong international legs.

‘Fifty Shades Darker’ (2017)

The sequel added another three hundred eighty plus million to the franchise total with strong overseas support. Marketing leaned into character chemistry and upscale fantasy elements. It played well across premium auditoriums that boost per ticket revenue. A quick turnaround from the first film kept interest high.

‘Independence Day: Resurgence’ (2016)

The return of city smashing aliens landed near four hundred million worldwide on a sizable budget. International sales made up the majority of the gross with solid results in several key territories. The film lacked a major original star which shifted the focus to spectacle and effects. It leveraged nostalgia heavy marketing and premium formats to maximize yield.

Share your own picks for successful bad movies in the comments and tell us which ones you think still hold up on a rewatch.