15 Times Great Actors Gave Awful Performances

Even the most skilled actors can stumble, delivering performances that fall flat despite their proven talent. These moments stand out not because the actors lack ability, but because of poor scripts, miscasting, or off days that clash with their usual brilliance.

I’ve gathered 15 examples of great actors giving surprisingly weak performances in films or TV shows. From over-the-top choices to flat deliveries, these roles highlight that even the best can miss the mark. Let’s dive into these surprising lows, presented from least to most glaring.

15. Meryl Streep in ‘Into the Woods’ (2014)

Meryl Streep, a legend with unmatched range, plays the Witch in this musical adaptation. Her singing and dramatic flair are usually stellar, but here, her performance feels overly theatrical, clashing with the film’s grounded tone.

The exaggerated expressions and vocal choices make her scenes feel disconnected from the ensemble. Despite her effort, the role doesn’t gel, making it a rare misstep for an actor known for perfection.

14. Robert De Niro in ‘Dirty Grandpa’ (2016)

Robert De Niro, iconic for roles in ‘Taxi Driver’ and ‘The Godfather Part II,’ plays a crude grandfather in this raunchy comedy. His performance feels forced, leaning into over-the-top humor that doesn’t suit his natural intensity.

The mismatch between De Niro’s gravitas and the film’s silly tone creates awkward moments. It’s a paycheck role that leaves fans wondering why he signed on.

13. Natalie Portman in ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace’ (1999)

Natalie Portman, an Oscar winner for ‘Black Swan,’ plays Queen Amidala in this ‘Star Wars’ prequel. Her delivery is stiff and robotic, lacking the emotional depth she’s known for.

The clunky dialogue and heavy makeup don’t help, but Portman’s flat performance stands out in a film already criticized for its direction. She shines elsewhere, but this role feels like a missed opportunity.

12. Tom Hanks in ‘Elvis’ (2022)

Tom Hanks, beloved for ‘Forrest Gump’ and ‘Saving Private Ryan,’ plays Colonel Tom Parker in this biopic. His odd Dutch accent and cartoonish mannerisms overpower the film’s serious moments.

While Austin Butler’s Elvis steals the show, Hanks’ exaggerated performance feels like a caricature. It’s a rare low for an actor who usually nails every role.

11. Al Pacino in ‘Jack and Jill’ (2011)

Al Pacino, a titan from ‘Scarface’ and ‘The Godfather,’ appears as himself in this Adam Sandler comedy, performing a bizarre ‘Dunkaccino’ rap. The cameo feels beneath his talent, lacking any depth or humor.

Pacino’s over-the-top energy clashes with his legendary status, making the scene cringe-worthy. It’s a brief but painful detour from his storied career.

10. Kristen Stewart in ‘Twilight’ (2008-2012)

Kristen Stewart, later lauded for ‘Spencer,’ plays Bella Swan in the ‘Twilight’ saga. Her monotone delivery and constant lip-biting make Bella feel one-dimensional, despite the role’s emotional demands.

The weak script doesn’t help, but Stewart’s awkward performance became a meme for all the wrong reasons. She’s grown since, but this role remains a sore spot.

9. Colin Farrell in ‘Daredevil’ (2003)

Colin Farrell, stellar in ‘In Bruges’ and ‘The Banshees of Inisherin,’ plays the villain Bullseye in this superhero flop. His over-the-top, scenery-chewing performance feels cartoonish and unhinged.

The film’s poor writing and direction amplify Farrell’s exaggerated choices, making the role a forgettable blip in his otherwise strong career.

8. Halle Berry in ‘Catwoman’ (2004)

Halle Berry, an Oscar winner for ‘Monster’s Ball,’ takes on the lead in this notorious superhero dud. Her performance as Catwoman is stiff, with little charisma to salvage the messy script.

Berry herself poked fun at the role while accepting a Razzie, admitting the film’s flaws. It’s a low point for an actor capable of so much more.

7. Johnny Depp in ‘Mortdecai’ (2015)

Johnny Depp, celebrated for ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ and ‘Edward Scissorhands,’ plays a bumbling art dealer in this action-comedy flop. His exaggerated accent and over-the-top antics feel forced, missing the charm he’s known for.

The film’s weak script and messy tone drag Depp’s performance down further. It’s a forgettable role that doesn’t match his usual flair.

6. Russell Crowe in ‘Les Misérables’ (2012)

Russell Crowe, brilliant in ‘Gladiator,’ plays Javert in this musical adaptation. His singing is strained, and his acting feels wooden, lacking the emotional depth the role demands.

While co-stars like Hugh Jackman shine, Crowe’s vocal struggles overshadow his performance. It’s a rare miss for an actor known for commanding roles.

5. Keanu Reeves in ‘Bram Stoker’s Dracula’ (1992)

Keanu Reeves, beloved for ‘John Wick’ and ‘The Matrix,’ plays Jonathan Harker in this gothic horror. His shaky British accent and stiff delivery turn serious scenes into unintentional comedy.

Surrounded by heavyweights like Gary Oldman, Reeves seems out of his depth. It’s a role that highlights his early-career limits.

4. Cameron Diaz in ‘Gangs of New York’ (2002)

Cameron Diaz, charming in ‘There’s Something About Mary,’ plays Jenny in this Martin Scorsese epic. Her performance lacks the grit needed to match co-stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Day-Lewis.

The film’s intensity exposes Diaz’s weak chemistry and uneven delivery. It’s a miscast role in an otherwise powerful movie.

3. Eddie Redmayne in ‘Jupiter Ascending’ (2015)

Eddie Redmayne, an Oscar winner for ‘The Theory of Everything,’ plays a villain in this sci-fi flop. His bizarre, whispery voice and over-the-top mannerisms make every scene unintentionally funny.

The film’s messy script doesn’t help, but Redmayne’s choices amplify the absurdity. It’s a performance that earned him a Razzie and endless memes.

2. Sofia Coppola in ‘The Godfather Part III’ (1990)

Sofia Coppola, a talented director, plays Mary Corleone in this crime saga. Her wooden delivery and lack of emotional depth stand out painfully against the film’s veteran cast.

Critics panned her performance, and nepotism rumors didn’t help. She’s since excelled behind the camera, but this acting role remains a low point.

1. Jared Leto in ‘Suicide Squad’ (2016)

Jared Leto, an Oscar winner for ‘Dallas Buyers Club,’ plays the Joker in this DC film. His over-the-top, method-acting approach results in a grating, unconvincing performance that feels like a parody.

From his bizarre accent to his creepy mannerisms, Leto’s Joker misses the mark entirely. It’s a bold swing that lands as one of the most criticized performances in recent memory.

Which performance shocked you the most, or did I miss an awful turn by a great actor? Share your thoughts in the comments!