20 Worst Comedy Movies of All Time

Comedy misfires can be fascinating because they often have big stars, big budgets, and jokes that simply do not land with audiences. This list looks at high profile misses that struggled with critics and moviegoers despite plenty of hype. You will find sequels that could not recapture the magic, spoofs that leaned too hard on references, and star vehicles that pushed familiar bits past their breaking point. Each entry includes who made it, who starred in it, and what it tried to do so you can see exactly where things went off the rails.

‘Movie 43’ (2013)

This anthology was overseen by Peter Farrelly with shorts directed by a rotating group of filmmakers. It features an all star cast including Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, Halle Berry, and many others. The movie strings together sketch style segments with a loose framing device about a desperate screenwriter. It was released wide in 2013 and quickly became known for its aggressive gross out gags and disjointed structure.

‘Gigli’ (2003)

Directed by Martin Brest, this romantic crime comedy stars Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez. The plot follows a low level mob enforcer assigned to kidnap a federal prosecutor’s brother. Production included reported reshoots that shifted the movie’s tone toward romance. The film opened in 2003 to intense media attention and became synonymous with high profile box office failure.

‘The Love Guru’ (2008)

Mike Myers headlines as self help star Guru Pitka in a comedy centered on a hockey player’s relationship issues. Marco Schnabel directed, with Jessica Alba and Justin Timberlake in supporting roles. Much of the humor draws from fish out of water antics and recurring catchphrases. The movie released in summer 2008 and struggled to connect with audiences beyond fans of Myers’ earlier characters.

‘Jack and Jill’ (2011)

Adam Sandler plays both siblings in a story about a successful ad executive hosting his chaotic twin for the holidays. Dennis Dugan directed and Al Pacino appears as a heightened version of himself that becomes fixated on Sandler’s Jill. Product placement gags and slapstick bits drive most scenes. The movie’s Thanksgiving release in 2011 did not translate into strong word of mouth.

‘Norbit’ (2007)

Eddie Murphy plays multiple roles in a comedy about a timid man trapped in a disastrous marriage. Brian Robbins directed, with Thandiwe Newton and Cuba Gooding Jr. in key roles. The script builds around Murphy’s transformations and broad set pieces. Despite notable makeup work, the movie’s early 2007 release drew criticism for its characterizations and tone.

‘Son of the Mask’ (2005)

This sequel shifts away from Jim Carrey and follows Jamie Kennedy as a cartoon loving artist who encounters the magical mask. Lawrence Guterman directed and the plot focuses on a baby developing chaotic powers. Heavy CGI effects power most of the gags and action. The movie reached theaters in 2005 as a family oriented follow up to the original ’90s hit.

‘Little Man’ (2006)

Shawn Wayans and Marlon Wayans star in a caper about a jewel thief posing as an infant to retrieve a stolen diamond. Keenen Ivory Wayans directed the movie and used digital effects to create the central illusion. The story mixes home invasion antics with slapstick parenting jokes. It opened in 2006 and became known for its reliance on a single high concept premise.

‘Disaster Movie’ (2008)

Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer wrote and directed this spoof that stitches together rapid fire parodies of popular blockbusters. The cast includes an ensemble of young performers playing recognizable pop culture stand ins. The plot is minimal and serves mainly to set up reference driven sketches. Released in late summer 2008, it followed the duo’s earlier parody formula closely.

‘Epic Movie’ (2007)

Another entry from Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer, this spoof targets fantasy hits like ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean.’ The movie introduces orphaned leads who stumble through a series of genre themed set pieces. Cameo style impressions and celebrity send ups dominate the humor. It reached theaters in early 2007 and leaned heavily on then current trends.

‘Meet the Spartans’ (2008)

Written and directed by Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer, this parody focuses on ‘300’ while weaving in reality TV jokes. The narrative follows King Leonidas and his soldiers through exaggerated versions of famous battle scenes. Much of the comedy revolves around costumes, catchphrases, and quick cut sketches. The film arrived in 2008 amid a wave of similar pop culture spoofs.

‘The Hottie & the Nottie’ (2008)

Paris Hilton stars in a romantic comedy about a man who must help his crush’s best friend find love before he can date her. Tom Putnam directed, with Christine Lakin and Joel David Moore co starring. The story uses makeover plot points and Los Angeles dating setups. It opened in 2008 and soon became a case study in marketing centered on celebrity fame.

‘Freddy Got Fingered’ (2001)

Tom Green wrote, directed, and stars as an aspiring animator who creates chaos at home and at work. The movie features surreal pranks and boundary pushing shock humor as its primary style. Rip Torn co stars as the protagonist’s exasperated father. Released in 2001, it developed a cult following over time while initially drawing widespread criticism.

‘Dirty Grandpa’ (2016)

Robert De Niro and Zac Efron lead a road trip comedy about a straight laced attorney and his unpredictable grandfather heading to spring break. Dan Mazer directed and the plot uses college party settings for most of its set pieces. The movie includes a mix of raunchy humor and fish out of water scenarios. It premiered in 2016 during a crowded winter slate.

‘Holmes & Watson’ (2018)

Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly reunite in a slapstick take on Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Etan Cohen directed and the story places the duo at Buckingham Palace as they attempt to stop a criminal plot. Physical comedy and period parody drive the set pieces. The movie opened during the 2018 holiday season and received notably poor audience feedback at some screenings.

‘Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2’ (2004)

Bob Clark directed this sequel about a group of toddlers who communicate secretly and take on a villain’s mind control scheme. The cast includes Jon Voight and Scott Baio in supporting roles. The movie blends live action stunts with talking baby effects for its humor. It was released in 2004 and quickly became known for its outlandish concept.

‘The Master of Disguise’ (2002)

Dana Carvey stars as Pistachio Disguisey, a man who learns family traditions of disguise to rescue his parents. Perry Andelin Blake directed and packed the movie with costume changes and character bits. The turtle club scene and other transformations form the core gags. It arrived in 2002 as a showcase for Carvey’s impersonation skills.

‘The Ridiculous 6’ (2015)

Adam Sandler headlines this Western themed ensemble made for streaming. Frank Coraci directed and the cast includes Terry Crews, Taylor Lautner, and Jorge Garcia. The story follows six half brothers on a quest tied to their outlaw father. The 2015 release drew attention for cultural controversy and for its broad slapstick approach.

‘Zoolander 2’ (2016)

Ben Stiller directs and returns as male model Derek Zoolander alongside Owen Wilson and Penélope Cruz. The sequel follows retired fashion icons pulled back into a conspiracy involving the industry’s elite. Celebrity cameos and runway set pieces take center stage. The movie opened in 2016 and struggled to match the first film’s sleeper appeal.

‘Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2’ (2015)

Kevin James reprises his role as a mall security guard attending a convention in Las Vegas. Andy Fickman directed and shifted the action to casino floors and expo halls. The plot pits Blart against a crew planning a heist during the event. It released in 2015 and leaned on pratfalls and gadget gags familiar from the original.

‘The Emoji Movie’ (2017)

This animated comedy follows an expressive text icon who journeys through smartphone apps to prevent a system reset. Tony Leondis directed, with voice performances by T. J. Miller, James Corden, and Anna Faris. The movie uses branded app worlds as locations and builds set pieces around messaging themes. It premiered in 2017 and became a high profile example of concept first animation.

Share your own picks for comedy flops in the comments and tell us which misses you think belong on this list.