10 Disliked Action Movies That Are Actually Not That Bad (original) (raw)
Image via Lucasfilm
Published Mar 18, 2025, 7:02 PM EDT
Writing from the Chicagoland area in Illinois, Robert is an avid movie watcher and will take just about any excuse to find time to go to his local movie theaters. Robert graduated from Bradley University with degrees in Journalism and Game Design with a minor in Film Studies. Robert tries his best to keep up with all the latest movie releases, from those released in theaters to those released on streaming. While he doesn't always keep up with the latest TV shows, he makes it a goal to watch nearly every major new release possible. He has been honing his craft and following any and all movie news all his life, leading up to now, where he has a vast knowledge of film and film history. He also logs every movie that he watches on his Letterboxd page, and has hosted a weekly online movie night with his closest friends for over 6 years.
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Due to its widespread notion of being one of the most popular and versatile genres for franchises and blockbuster filmmaking, audiences prove to be more passionate about action movies than any other genre. This appeal is a double-edged sword, as while it can result in massive amounts of acclaim and success for action movies that electrify and work well for audiences, action movies deemed bad in the eyes of audiences can be given an inescapable death knell in terms of reputation.
However, audience appeal is far from the entire story when it comes to a film's inherent quality, as many action films still garner exceptional positive aspects that make them not nearly as bad as fans and audiences make them out to be. It's certainly easy to be a part of a mob mentality and join in on the widespread hate train given to a film, yet sitting and experiencing these so-called terrible films may just have audiences delighted and pleasantly surprised.
10 'Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome' (1985)
Directed by George Miller
Tina Turner as Aunt Entity in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome
Image via Warner Bros.
When a sequel fails to live up to its predecessor, many fans can find themselves completely clouded by rage and disappointment, failing to see the persistent qualities within a new installment. This sentiment is directly seen in Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome, a film whose PG-13, almost family-friendly execution pales in comparison to the dirty, chaotic aura of both previous and future Mad Max films. While it's certainly one of the weakest links in the Mad Max franchise, George Miller is an undeniably talented director, and his signature style shines in aspects of Beyond Thunderdome.
The production design and costuming are still masterfully crafted throughout Beyond Thunderdome, especially with the film's increased notions towards worldbuilding and different societies in the wasteland. At the same time, certain members of the new supporting cast feel like a perfect fit for the world, with Tina Turner's Aunty Entity and the chaotic duo of Master Blaster fully living up to Miller's creative vision.
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome
Release Date
June 29, 1985
Cast
Mel Gibson, Tina Turner, Helen Buday, Bruce Spence, Angelo Rossitto, Adam Cockburn, Frank Thring, Paul Larsson, Angry Anderson, Robert Grubb, George Spartels, Edwin Hodgeman, Bob Hornery, Andrew Oh, Ollie Hall, Lee Rice, Tushka Bergen, Tom Jennings, Rebekah Elmaloglou, Mark Spain, Mark Kounnas, Justine Clarke, Rod Zuanic, Shane Tickner
Runtime
107 minutes
Writers
George Miller, Terry Hayes
9 'Super Mario Bros.' (1993)
Directed by Rocky Morton and Annabel Jankel
Close up of Bob Hoskins as Mario Mario looking shocked in Super Mario Bros
Image via Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
Often considered one of the most prominent examples of how poorly executed video game films used to be, Super Mario Bros. fails when it comes to adapting the world-famous video game. Strange decisions like the disturbing monster designs, making Bowser a human-reptile hybrid played by Dennis Hopper, and the overall mismatched tone of the film made it a massive disappointment to fans. However, while the film fundamentally fails as an adaptation, as a standalone sci-fi fantasy adventure, it genuinely isn't half-bad.
Whether it's the gothic, cyberpunk world of Dinohattan or the exceptional puppet work that is on the same level as masterful blockbusters like Jurassic Park, Super Mario Bros. is filled with inklings of scattered greatness. When all the pieces line up together, the film is quite effective in its storytelling, although it's still the complete opposite of what it's supposed to be adapting.
Super Mario Bros.
Release Date
May 28, 1993
Runtime
104 minutes
Director
Annabel Jankel
Cast
Bob Hoskins, John Leguizamo, Dennis Hopper, Samantha Mathis, Fisher Stevens, Richard Edson, Fiona Shaw, Dana Kaminski, Mojo Nixon, Gianni Russo, Francesca P. Roberts, Lance Henriksen, Sylvia Harman, Desiree Marie Velez, Andrea Powell, Heather Pendergast, Melanie Salvatore, John Fifer, Don Lake, Terry Finn, Thomas Merdis, Michael Harding, Michael Lynch, Scott Mactavish, Wallace Merck
Writers
Ed Solomon, Parker Bennett
8 'The Flash' (2023)
Directed by Andy Muschietti
The Flash looking up with a shocked expression
Image via Warner Bros.
Many of the films in the DCEU were riddled with behind-the-scenes issues such as reshoots, rewrites, and an overall lack of a cohesive plan that would end up crumbling the entire cinematic universe. No film is this more blatantly apparent than in The Flash, whose frequent changes and adjustments behind the scenes make the entire film feel like an uneven mess that tries to find solace through fan service. While the film was largely mocked and torn apart by audiences, there are moments of greatness that shine through from previous drafts of the film.
With so many different creative voices having input in The Flash, at least a few of them were going to create something great, even if only for a little bit. While the film proves to be strangely paced with some of the worst CGI in the superhero genre, the film also features undeniable strengths that make it worth a watch. Among the strongest aspects are the emotional core with Barry's mother, Sasha Calle's performance as Supergirl, and some genuinely great comedic moments.
The Flash
Release Date
June 16, 2023
Cast
Ezra Miller, Sasha Calle, Michael Keaton, Michael Shannon, Ron Livingston, Maribel Verdú, Kiersey Clemons, Antje Traue, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Rudy Mancuso, Ed Wade, Jeremy Irons, Temuera Morrison, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Sean Rogers, Kieran Hodgson, Luke Brandon Field, Ian Loh, Karl Collins, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Poppy Shepherd, Nina Barker-Francis, Bastian Antonio Fuentes, Andoni Gracia, Rob Hunt
Runtime
144 minutes
Writers
Christina Hodson, Joby Harold, John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein, Bill Finger, Bob Kane, Carmine Infantino, Gardner Fox, Harry Lampert, Joe Shuster, Jerry Siegel, Robert Kanigher, William Moulton Marston
7 'We Can Be Heroes' (2020)
Directed by Robert Rodriguez
we-can-be-heroes-cast-social
Image via Netflix
When it comes to fan-favorite action comedies for audiences of all ages, few directors were as prolific and effective in the space as Robert Rodriguez, with films like Spy Kids and Sharkboy and Lavagirl becoming era-defining in their scope and scale. However, as the years went by since Rodriguez's last family film, the same level of audience acclaim would not be shared with his modern family outing, We Can Be Heroes. A good portion of the blame can be placed upon the marketing at Netflix, which posed the film as a pseudo-sequel to Sharkboy and Lavagirl despite the characters' inclusion being little more than a cameo.
A majority of the complaints toward We Can Be Heroes can be paralleled to issues with Rodriguez's other family films, being goofy, unrealistic VFX, generic characters, and an over-reliance on green screens. However, while the film shares many flaws of previously beloved films, it also features a lot of the same benefits, having the same sense of charm and whimsy that makes these films so successful with children. If this film had been released in the early 2000s alongside other Rodriguez family movies, it would certainly be beloved in the same way.
6 'Iron Man 3' (2013)
Directed by Shane Black
Tony Stark/Iron Man lays in the snow in Iron Man 3
Image via Marvel Studios
One of the most misaligned and over-hated entries in the MCU, Iron Man 3 is often given a bad rap due to being constantly compared to both the original Iron Man and the previous MCU film, the first Avengers film. Another great point of contention among fans that made the film receive a great deal of backlash is its treatment of The Mandarin, transforming the iconic character into a glorified joke to play against expectations. However, outside these comparison points and flaws as an adaptation, Iron Man 3 still stands out as one of the highlights of Marvel's Phase 2.
The way that Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark is treated in Iron Man 3, with the character dealing with crippling anxiety and fear out of obligation to protect the world, is some of the best characterization that the MCU has ever seen. These elements and takeaways are further compounded by the plot stripping away his suits and leaving him to be a hero based on his ingenuity, just like the first film. While the ways that the film gets Tony to this point are a bit contrived, the final product certainly has enough high points to make it a truly fun time.
Cast
Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Jon Favreau, Ben Kingsley, James Badge Dale, Stephanie Szostak, Paul Bettany, William Sadler, Dale Dickey, Ty Simpkins, Miguel Ferrer, Wang Xueqi, Shaun Toub
Runtime
130 Mins
Writers
Drew Pearce, Shane Black
5 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' (2008)
Directed by Stephen Spielberg
Shia LaBeouf, Harrison Ford, and Karen Allen in Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull
Image via Paramount Pictures
Any film that attempts to follow up one of the most legendary action trilogies of all time is going to receive some level of pushback, as it was impossible for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull to live up to the original trilogy. Between Harrison Ford's older age, uninteresting new characters like Shia LaBeouf's Mutt, and strange setpieces like Indy surviving a nuclear blast by going in a refrigerator, the film just didn't have the same spark as previous entries.
However, the film is far from being completely devoid of positives, as Steven Spielberg's directing charm still shines through in several exceptionally crafted action setpieces and emotional moments. Crystal Skull is especially painted in a great light following the release of yet another Indiana Jones reboot, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, which wound up being even more underwhelming and worse than Crystal Skull ever was.
Cast
Cate Blanchett, Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Shia LaBeouf, Ray Winstone, John Hurt, Jim Broadbent, Igor Jijikine, Dimitri Diatchenko, Ilia Volok, Emmanuel Todorov, Pasha D. Lychnikoff, Andrew Divoff, Venya Manzyuk, Alan Dale, Joel Stoffer, Neil Flynn, Vincent Foster, Chet Hanks, Brian Knutson, Dean Grimes, Sasha Spielberg, Nicole Luther, Sophia Stewart, Chris Todd
Runtime
122 minutes
Writers
David Koepp, George Lucas, Jeff Nathanson
4 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' (2017)
Directed by Rian Johnson
Luke Skywalker holding his blue lightsaber in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Image via Lucasfilm
One of the most polarizing and divisive blockbusters of all time, opinions surrounding Star Wars: The Last Jedi at the time of its release ranged from being either overwhelmingly negative or overwhelmingly positive. The general conversation mostly shifted negatively toward the film in the years since its release, with prominent and controversial choices like the killing off of major characters like Luke Skywalker still stinging in the eyes of fans.
However, with the full scope and perspective of the sequel trilogy in mind, it's easy to see The Last Jedi as the only film that was actively attempting to take risks and tell a unique story that wasn't reliant on fan service and safe bets. Even outside its story choices that will always be controversial until the end of time, Rian Johnson proves himself to be a wildly effective action filmmaker, giving the film many iconic and glorious setpieces that sometimes even rival the original trilogy.
Cast
Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Lupita Nyong'o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern, Benicio Del Toro, Frank Oz, Billie Lourd, Joonas Suotamo, Amanda Lawrence, Jimmy Vee, Brian Herring, Justin Theroux, Tim Rose, Tom Kane, Adrian Edmondson, Dave Chapman
Runtime
152 minutes
Writers
Rian Johnson
3 'Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance' (2011)
Directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor
Ghost Rider rides his flaming motorbike down a freeway in a still from Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.
Image via Columbia Pictures
The Marvel movies released before and during the early years of the MCU massively range in terms of quality and reputation, especially those not as a part of other major franchises like X-Men. One of the most often forgotten chapters in Marvel's cinematic ventures was the Ghost Rider movies starring Nicolas Cage, most notably the sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. The signature action directing style of Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor gives the film a distinct flair and voice that turned away many audiences accustomed to more grounded superhero films.
Neveldine and Taylor's action filmmaking style is certainly an acquired taste, as their combination of in-your-face style is often alienating to average audiences. However, in a modern cinema landscape that is overreliant on green screens and bland visual effects, the combination of over-the-top visuals and practical stunt-oriented action makes Spirit of Vengeance a wildly refreshing and fun time. Cage is also in full camp mode during the film, giving a performance that is simultaneously ridiculous and entertaining, perfectly fitting the film's overall style.
Cast
Nicolas Cage, Fergus Riordan, Violante Placido, Ciarán Hinds, Johnny Whitworth, Idris Elba, Spencer Wilding, Sorin Tofan, Jacek Koman, Anthony Stewart Head, Cristian Iacob, Christophe Lambert, Jai Stefan, Vincent Regan, Ionut Cristian Lefter, Will Ashcroft, Sabina Brândușe, Tobias Öjerfalk, Adina Galupa, Alin Panc
Runtime
96 minutes
Writers
Seth Hoffman, David S. Goyer, Scott M. Gimple, Roy Thomas
2 'Speed Racer' (2008)
Directed by Lilly and Lana Wachowski
Image via Warner Bros Discovery
Lilly and Lana Wachowski were once some of the most respected and acclaimed action directors of all time, with their groundbreaking work on The Matrix trilogy revolutionizing what sci-fi action in the digital era could be. The directing duo's follow-up film to the trilogy attempted to similarly combine top-of-the-line technology and visual effects to bring to life an action concept defined by its sense of spectacle and visuals. Speed Racer was wildly divisive upon release, with its jarring bright colors and green-screen usage making it feel unlike any other action movie and, to many, being too chaotic and colorful for its good.
While Speed Racer's cacophony of colors and style was never going to make it a hit with widespread audiences and critics,the film's insistence on staying true to the source material's style and flair makes it a shining beacon of personality. Few films, even today, come close to the level of high-energy chaos and beauty that Speed Racer employs, even in its simplistic dialogue sequences. It becomes a sort of sensory overload in the best way possible, as when the film is in full-throttle, and everything comes together, it acts as some of the most cathartic action filmmaking imaginable.
1 'Tenet' (2020)
Directed by Christopher Nolan
John David Washington wearing a mask in Tenet
Image via Warner Bros.
While Tenet was once hailed as a champion of blockbuster filmmaking that helped usher in the return of the theatrical venue during the COVID-19 pandemic, time has not been kind to the reputation and legacy of Christopher Nolan's time thriller. Especially with the rise of Oppenheimer as the premiere Nolan experience of the 2020s, Tenet has largely been relegated as a convoluted and uninteresting mess that pales in comparison to Nolan's other cinematic outings.
However, Tenet shows that even a lesser Nolan film can be one of the most entertaining and well-crafted action experiences out there, even with an all-over-the-place premise and story. The way that the film utilizes the reversing of time for its pacing and action sequences proves to be some of the most creative and cathartic action sequences of recent memory. There's an inherent reason that the film was such a smash hit when it was first released, as Nolan still knows how to make a high-energy action thriller that makes the most of the medium of film.
Tenet
Release Date
September 3, 2020
Cast
John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Kenneth Branagh, Dimple Kapadia, Michael Caine, Martin Donovan, Fiona Dourif, Yuri Kolokolnikov, Himesh Patel, Clemence Poesy, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Laurie Shepherd, Anthony Molinari, Juhan Ulfsak, Jefferson Hall, Ivo Uukkivi, Andrew Howard, Rich Ceraulo Ko, Jonathan Camp, Wes Chatham, Sander Rebane, Josh Stewart, Denzil Smith, Jeremy Theobald
Runtime
150 minutes
Writers