Here’s a bold statement: some of the most unforgettable movie experiences aren’t the masterpieces—they’re the disasters. But here’s where it gets controversial: while many people avoid bad movies like the plague, there’s a certain thrill in witnessing cinematic chaos. Sure, a great film is satisfying, but there’s something uniquely entertaining about cringe-worthy dialogue, baffling plot twists, and acting that makes you question humanity. It’s like staring into a creative abyss and thinking, ‘If they can make this, maybe I could too?’ And let’s be honest, sometimes you just want to revel in the absurdity of it all.
That’s where Letterboxd comes in—a treasure trove for cinephiles and masochists alike. With its database of over 1 million films, it’s the perfect tool to uncover the absolute worst movies of every decade. By sorting titles by their lowest average scores, you can pinpoint the cinematic low points of each era, from the silent film age to the present. And this is the part most people miss: these aren’t just bad movies—they’re cultural artifacts, reminders of what happens when ambition outpaces talent or budgets go wildly off the rails.
Below, I’ve compiled a century’s worth of these cinematic missteps. Personally, I’ve only seen eight out of the ten worst-ranked films (a fact I’m both ashamed of and oddly proud of), but it’s given me a watchlist for my next deep dive into the world of cinematic dreck. Whether you’re here for the schadenfreude or the sheer curiosity, this list is a testament to the fact that even the worst movies have a story to tell.
Controversial question for you: Do bad movies deserve our scorn, or are they just misunderstood masterpieces in their own right? Let’s debate in the comments—I’m ready to defend (or roast) these films with you!
