The 15 Cheesiest Films Ever Made — Ranked from Cringe to Classic

Some movies lean so hard into melodrama, clichés, or over-the-top antics that they earn the label “cheesy.” These films, packed with exaggerated emotions or campy charm, can be guilty pleasures or outright disasters, but they’re never boring.

I’ve ranked 15 of the cheesiest films ever, from the painfully awkward to those that embrace their silliness so well they become timeless. Whether you love to laugh at the cringe or revel in the charm, these movies deliver unforgettable excess.

15. ‘The Room’ (2003)

Tommy Wiseau’s bizarre drama about love and betrayal is a masterclass in unintentional comedy. Lines like ‘You’re tearing me apart, Lisa!’ and awkward acting make it a cult favorite. The plot barely holds together, but the passion is oddly endearing. It’s a chaotic mess you can’t look away from.

‘The Room’ is peak cringe, but its sheer weirdness earns it a special place. Perfect for laughing with friends at its glorious awfulness.

14. ‘Troll 2’ (1990)

This horror oddity about goblins turning people into plants has no connection to the first ‘Troll.’ The acting is wooden, the effects are laughable, and lines like ‘They’re eating her!’ are iconic. It’s called the “best worst movie” for a reason. Its absurdity is magnetic.

‘Troll 2’ is so bad it’s almost brilliant. Its cheesy charm makes it a fun watch for those who love cinematic disasters.

13. ‘Showgirls’ (1995)

Elizabeth Berkley stars as a dancer chasing fame in Vegas in this over-the-top drama. The dialogue is absurd, the drama is dialed to eleven, and the dance scenes are hilariously exaggerated. Critics panned it, but its campy excess has built a cult following. It’s a wild ride.

‘Showgirls’ is cheesy in all the wrong ways, yet its bold absurdity makes it oddly watchable. It’s a guilty pleasure for camp fans.

12. ‘Battlefield Earth’ (2000)

John Travolta’s sci-fi flop follows humans fighting alien overlords in a dystopian future. The tilted camera angles, hammy acting, and ridiculous plot make it a cheese-fest. Travolta’s passion project is a mess, but it’s hard to hate. It’s laughably overdone.

‘Battlefield Earth’ is a cinematic trainwreck that’s entertainingly bad. Its over-the-top style lands it firmly in cheesy territory.

11. ‘Over the Top’ (1987)

Sylvester Stallone plays a trucker competing in arm-wrestling to win his son’s love. The ‘80s cheese is thick, with dramatic slow-motion matches and a sappy soundtrack. Stallone’s earnestness adds heart, but it’s pure melodrama. It’s a nostalgic guilty pleasure.

‘Over the Top’ leans into its absurd premise with gusto. Its cheesy charm makes it a fun, if ridiculous, watch for retro fans.

10. ‘Road House’ (1989)

Patrick Swayze stars as a philosophical bouncer cleaning up a rowdy bar. The overblown fight scenes, cheesy one-liners like ‘Pain don’t hurt,’ and a cartoonish villain make it a campy gem. It’s pure ‘80s excess. Swayze’s charisma carries it.

‘Road House’ is a cheesy action flick that’s endlessly quotable. Its exaggerated swagger makes it a cult classic worth revisiting.

9. ‘Mortal Kombat’ (1995)

This video game adaptation pits fighters against supernatural foes in a cheesy tournament. The dated effects, dramatic yells, and ‘Mortal Kombat!’ theme song are pure ‘90s cheese. Christopher Lambert’s Raiden adds campy flair. It’s a nostalgic blast for gamers.

‘Mortal Kombat’ embraces its silliness, making it a fun, cheesy ride. Its over-the-top energy is perfect for a lighthearted watch.

8. ‘Xanadu’ (1980)

Olivia Newton-John plays a muse inspiring a roller-disco club in this musical fantasy. The glittery costumes, roller-skating dance numbers, and ELO soundtrack scream cheese. Gene Kelly’s cameo adds charm, but it’s gloriously absurd. It’s a campy time capsule.

‘Xanadu’ is a cheesy delight that’s hard to resist. Its vibrant silliness makes it a fun pick for retro musical fans.

7. ‘Flash Gordon’ (1980)

This sci-fi adventure follows Sam J. Jones as a football star saving Earth from Max von Sydow’s Ming the Merciless. The garish visuals, hammy dialogue, and Queen’s epic soundtrack are pure cheese. It’s a bold, campy spectacle. Fans love its over-the-top charm.

‘Flash Gordon’ is a cheesy triumph that leans into its absurdity. Its vibrant energy makes it a standout for camp lovers.

6. ‘Top Gun’ (1986)

Tom Cruise’s Maverick soars as a cocky Navy pilot in this ‘80s classic. The cheesy romance, volleyball scene, and ‘Danger Zone’ soundtrack crank the melodrama. The aerial action is thrilling, but the clichés are thick. It’s a beloved guilty pleasure.

‘Top Gun’ balances cheese with charisma, making it a nostalgic hit. Its over-the-top moments keep it high on the fun scale.

5. ‘Dirty Dancing’ (1987)

Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey ignite the screen in this romantic dance drama. Lines like ‘Nobody puts Baby in a corner’ and the over-the-top dance finale are pure cheese. The ‘80s soundtrack and heartfelt romance make it iconic. It’s a feel-good classic.

‘Dirty Dancing’ wears its cheese proudly, blending heart and camp. Its infectious energy makes it a timeless crowd-pleaser.

4. ‘Footloose’ (1984)

Kevin Bacon plays a teen bringing dance to a repressed town in this ‘80s musical. The dramatic dance-offs, big hair, and songs like ‘Let’s Hear It for the Boy’ are gloriously cheesy. It’s a rebellion tale with heart. Bacon’s charm seals the deal.

‘Footloose’ is a cheesy blast that’s impossible not to love. Its upbeat vibe and dance energy make it a classic.

3. ‘The Karate Kid’ (1984)

Ralph Macchio’s Daniel learns karate from Pat Morita’s Mr. Miyagi in this underdog tale. The training montages, ‘80s soundtrack, and ‘Crane Kick’ finale are pure cheese. Its earnest heart and quotable moments make it iconic. It’s a nostalgic gem.

‘The Karate Kid’ blends cheese with inspiration, making it endlessly rewatchable. Its charm elevates it to classic status.

2. ‘Grease’ (1978)

John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John star as ‘50s high school sweethearts in this musical. Songs like ‘You’re the One That I Want’ and over-the-top dance numbers scream cheese. The retro vibe and chemistry make it a fan favorite. It’s pure nostalgic fun.

‘Grease’ is a cheesy masterpiece that’s endlessly quotable. Its vibrant energy and catchy tunes make it a beloved classic.

1. ‘Mamma Mia!’ (2008)

Meryl Streep leads a sunny musical using ABBA hits like ‘Dancing Queen’ to tell a story of love and family. The exaggerated singing, island dance parties, and Pierce Brosnan’s shaky vocals are peak cheese. It’s a joyful, campy ride. Fans can’t resist singing along.

‘Mamma Mia!’ embraces its cheesiness with infectious glee. Its feel-good vibe and catchy songs make it the ultimate cheesy classic.

Which cheesy movie is your guilty pleasure, or did I miss a campy gem? Drop your faves in the comments!