10 Films That Feel “Empty” Despite Huge Budgets

Big budgets can promise dazzling visuals and star-studded casts, but money alone doesn’t guarantee a film with heart or substance. Some movies, despite their massive spending, leave you feeling oddly hollow.

I’ve picked 10 films that, despite their lavish production, fell flat with thin stories, weak characters, or a lack of emotional pull. These are examples where all the cash in the world couldn’t fill the void.

The Mummy (2017)

With a $125 million budget, ‘The Mummy’ aimed to launch a Dark Universe franchise, starring Tom Cruise and boasting CGI-heavy action. Its lavish sets and global locations screamed blockbuster ambition.

The film’s rushed plot and generic villain left it feeling soulless, with Cruise’s charm unable to save it. Rewatching only highlights the lack of stakes or personality, making the budget feel wasted.

Jupiter Ascending (2015)

The Wachowskis’ ‘Jupiter Ascending’ cost $176 million, delivering vibrant space visuals and a sprawling sci-fi universe. Mila Kunis and Channing Tatum led a cast draped in extravagant costumes.

Its muddled story about interstellar royalty and bizarre subplots, like space bureaucracy, felt detached and incoherent. A second look reveals flashy effects masking a lack of emotional core.

Green Lantern (2011)

‘Green Lantern’ had a $200 million budget to bring Ryan Reynolds as a cosmic hero to life, with CGI alien worlds and a glowing power ring. It aimed for Marvel’s superhero success.

The film’s weak script and bland villain, plus overuse of effects, made it feel like a corporate product. Rewatching shows Hal Jordan’s arc lacking depth, leaving the spectacle empty.

Fantastic Four (2015)

This $120 million reboot of ‘Fantastic Four’ promised a gritty take on the comic-book team, with a young cast like Miles Teller and Kate Mara. Its sleek visuals aimed for sci-fi realism.

A rushed plot and studio meddling gutted its character development, making the team’s bond feel forced. On rewatch, the film’s cold tone and lack of fun waste its polished look.

John Carter (2012)

Disney’s ‘John Carter’ cost $250 million, crafting a lavish Martian epic with Taylor Kitsch as a Civil War hero on a red planet. Its detailed alien cultures and CGI battles aimed big.

The convoluted story and forgettable characters failed to grip audiences, feeling like a generic adventure. A second viewing shows the budget went to visuals, not heart or clarity.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

With a $250 million price tag, ‘Batman v Superman’ packed Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill into a dark DC showdown, backed by epic CGI and a Hans Zimmer score. It aimed for philosophical depth.

Its grim tone, choppy pacing, and weak motivations left it feeling bloated yet empty. Rewatching reveals missed chances for emotional resonance, with spectacle trumping story.

The Lone Ranger (2013)

‘The Lone Ranger’ cost $215 million, pairing Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer in a Western adventure with massive train stunts and sweeping deserts. Disney banked on ‘Pirates’ magic.

The overlong plot and tonal mess—part comedy, part drama—felt directionless, with Depp’s quirky Tonto unable to save it. A second look shows style over substance, wasting its grandeur.

Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)

Michael Bay’s ‘Transformers: Age of Extinction’ had a $210 million budget, delivering giant robot battles and global destruction. Mark Wahlberg joined for a fresh human lead.

Its thin plot, endless runtime, and interchangeable action made it feel like noise without meaning. Rewatching highlights the lack of character depth, with effects drowning out any spark.

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)

Guy Ritchie’s ‘King Arthur’ cost $175 million, reimagining the myth with Charlie Hunnam as a streetwise hero. Its gritty visuals and fast-cut action aimed for a bold epic.

The messy story and weak villain left it feeling hollow, despite flashy sword fights. On rewatch, the film’s reliance on style over emotional stakes makes the budget seem pointless.

Cats (2019)

‘Cats’ burned $95 million on CGI fur and a star-studded cast like Judi Dench and Taylor Swift, adapting the Broadway musical. Its surreal sets aimed for whimsical charm.

The uncanny visuals and disjointed plot made it feel bizarrely empty, with songs lacking context. A second viewing only amplifies the lack of coherence, wasting its lavish production.

Which big-budget movie left you feeling empty, or is there another overfunded flop I missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!