20 Worst Movies That Somehow Made Millions

Some movies pack theaters and rake in cash despite being critical disasters. Strong marketing, star power, or franchise loyalty can turn even the weakest films into box office hits, proving that money doesn’t always mean quality.

This article ranks 20 of the worst movies that still grossed millions, exploring why they failed to impress but succeeded financially. From sloppy sequels to misguided remakes, these films show how hype can outweigh substance.

God’s Not Dead 2 (2016)

‘God’s Not Dead 2’ follows a teacher defending her faith in court, starring Melissa Joan Hart. The 2016 film pushes a heavy-handed message, leaning on stereotypes and a weak plot that feels more like a sermon.

Critics slammed its lack of nuance, earning a 9% Rotten Tomatoes score. Still, it grossed $24 million worldwide on a $5 million budget, driven by a dedicated Christian audience.

Pledge This! (2006)

‘Pledge This!’ is a crude comedy about sorority antics, starring Paris Hilton. The 2006 film’s juvenile humor and messy story earned it a 0% Rotten Tomatoes rating, with critics calling it a waste of talent.

Despite the backlash, it pulled in $43 million globally, likely due to Hilton’s tabloid fame. Its low budget and straight-to-DVD appeal helped it turn a profit despite its awfulness.

Piranha 3DD (2012)

‘Piranha 3DD’ is a horror-comedy sequel about killer fish invading a waterpark. The 2012 film amps up the sleaze with absurd moments, like a piranha-related injury that defies logic, earning a 14% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It grossed $8.5 million worldwide on a $5 million budget, fueled by fans of campy horror and cameos like David Hasselhoff. Its cheap production and niche appeal secured its earnings.

The Hottie and the Nottie (2008)

‘The Hottie and the Nottie’ stars Paris Hilton as a woman who won’t date until her less buccal friend finds love. The 2008 rom-com’s shallow plot and painful humor scored a 3% Rotten Tomatoes rating.

Hilton’s star power drove its $69 million global gross on a $5 million budget. The film’s notoriety and low costs turned a profit, but critics called it a low point for comedy.

The Last Airbender (2010)

M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘The Last Airbender’ adapts the beloved animated series, following a boy controlling the elements. The 2010 film’s stiff acting and rushed story earned a 5% Rotten Tomatoes score.

Despite fan outrage, it grossed $319 million worldwide, thanks to the anime’s popularity and 3D ticket sales. Its big budget and visual effects drew crowds, but it failed the source material.

Fifty Shades Darker (2017)

‘Fifty Shades Darker’, the 2017 sequel to ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’, dives deeper into Christian and Ana’s romance, starring Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson. Critics panned its thin plot and wooden dialogue, scoring 11% on Rotten Tomatoes.

It grossed $381 million worldwide, driven by the book’s fanbase and steamy marketing. The franchise’s allure trumped its critical failure, proving hype can outweigh quality.

A Good Day to Die Hard (2013)

The fifth ‘Die Hard’ film, ‘A Good Day to Die Hard’ (2013), pairs Bruce Willis with Jai Courtney in a Russian-set action flop. Critics called its chaotic plot and weak action a betrayal of the franchise, earning a 15% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It still grossed $304 million worldwide, fueled by the ‘Die Hard’ brand and global action fans. The film’s failure to capture the original’s charm didn’t stop its box office haul.

Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (2015)

‘Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2’ sends Kevin James’ bumbling security guard to Las Vegas. The 2015 sequel’s lazy humor and predictable gags scored a 6% Rotten Tomatoes rating, with critics calling it painfully unfunny.

It grossed $107 million worldwide, riding the original’s success and James’ fanbase. Cheap production and family appeal pushed it to profit despite its weak execution.

Showgirls (1995)

‘Showgirls’, a 1995 drama by Paul Verhoeven, follows Elizabeth Berkley as a dancer in Las Vegas. Its over-the-top style and sleazy tone earned a 23% Rotten Tomatoes score and seven Razzie Awards.

Despite critical scorn, it grossed $45 million worldwide on a $45 million budget, later gaining cult status. Hype around its NC-17 rating drove initial ticket sales.

The Number 23 (2007)

‘The Number 23’ stars Jim Carrey as a man obsessed with the number 23 in a 2007 thriller. Critics slammed its convoluted plot and weak twists, earning a 7% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It grossed $77 million worldwide, thanks to Carrey’s star power and a clever marketing campaign. The film’s failure to deliver a gripping mystery didn’t stop its financial success.

Epic Movie (2007)

‘Epic Movie’ is a 2007 parody of blockbusters like ‘Narnia’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. Its crude humor and lazy spoofs earned a 2% Rotten Tomatoes score, with critics calling it a comedy disaster.

It grossed $87 million worldwide, driven by the spoof genre’s popularity and a low budget. Teen audiences kept it profitable despite its lack of wit.

Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2 (2004)

‘Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2’ features talking babies saving the world, starring Jon Voight. The 2004 sequel’s absurd plot and poor effects scored a 0% Rotten Tomatoes rating, called a cinematic low.

It grossed $9 million on a small budget, enough to profit due to straight-to-DVD sales. Its sheer oddity drew curious viewers, but it remains a notorious flop.

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

The 2011 ‘Twilight’ installment follows Bella and Edward’s marriage and pregnancy. Critics panned its slow pace and melodrama, earning a 25% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It grossed $796 million worldwide, adjusted for inflation, fueled by the ‘Twilight’ fanbase. Devoted fans ignored the weak story, making it a massive hit.

Batman Forever (1995)

‘Batman Forever’ (1995) stars Val Kilmer as Batman, with Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey as villains. Its campy tone and cluttered plot scored a 38% Rotten Tomatoes rating, alienating fans of darker Batman films.

It grossed $708 million worldwide, adjusted, thanks to the Batman brand and star power. The film’s over-the-top style didn’t stop its box office success.

Pearl Harbor (2001)

Michael Bay’s ‘Pearl Harbor’ (2001) blends romance and war, starring Ben Affleck. Critics called its sappy story and bloated runtime a mess, earning a 24% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It grossed $728 million worldwide, adjusted, driven by Bay’s spectacle and patriotic appeal. The historical drama’s visuals drew crowds despite its narrative flaws.

Shrek the Third (2007)

‘Shrek the Third’ (2007) follows Shrek navigating fatherhood and royalty. Critics found its humor stale and plot thin, scoring a 42% Rotten Tomatoes rating, a step down from earlier ‘Shrek’ films.

It grossed $1.1 billion worldwide, adjusted, thanks to the franchise’s popularity and family appeal. Brand loyalty ensured profits despite its weaker story.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

Michael Bay’s 2009 ‘Transformers’ sequel amps up the action but stumbles with a messy plot and crude humor, earning a 20% Rotten Tomatoes score. Critics called it loud and boring.

It grossed $1 billion worldwide, adjusted, fueled by the franchise’s fanbase and global markets. Spectacle trumped story, making it a financial juggernaut.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

The 2011 ‘Pirates’ film introduces Jack Sparrow to mermaids and Blackbeard, starring Johnny Depp and Penélope Cruz. Its bloated plot and weak characters scored a 33% Rotten Tomatoes rating.

It grossed $1.2 billion worldwide, adjusted, driven by the franchise’s popularity and international appeal. Fans showed up despite the lackluster story.

Jurassic World: Dominion (2022)

‘Jurassic World: Dominion’ (2022) reunites the original ‘Jurassic Park’ cast with new stars like Chris Pratt. Critics panned its convoluted plot and weak dinosaurs, earning a 29% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It grossed $1 billion worldwide, riding the franchise’s legacy and global draw. Nostalgia and dino spectacle ensured profits despite its critical flop.

Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

The 2019 ‘Star Wars’ finale, starring Daisy Ridley, wraps up the Skywalker saga. Critics called its rushed plot and fan-service heavy, scoring a 51% Rotten Tomatoes rating.

It grossed $1.1 billion worldwide, driven by the ‘Star Wars’ brand and global hype. Fan loyalty powered its success despite a divisive reception.

The Lion King (2019)

Disney’s 2019 ‘The Lion King’ remakes the 1994 animated classic with photorealistic CGI, starring Donald Glover and Beyoncé. Critics found it soulless, earning a 51% Rotten Tomatoes score.

It grossed $1.7 billion worldwide, fueled by nostalgia and Disney’s marketing. The iconic story and visuals drew crowds despite lacking the original’s heart.

Which of these box office hits shocked you with its earnings, or is there another bad movie that made millions you’d add? Share your thoughts in the comments!