Rotten Tomatoes has become one of the most influential barometers of critical consensus in modern cinema. While many films settle somewhere in the middle, a rare few fall to the extreme low end of the scale, reflecting near-universal rejection from reviewers. These movies span genres, budgets, and decades, proving that no production is immune to failure. Below are the first five films in our list of 20 Films with Less Than 5% on Rotten Tomatoes, each remembered for earning some of the harshest critical reactions on record.
Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever (2002)
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Often cited as one of the lowest-rated major studio releases of all time, Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever currently holds a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score. Critics criticized its incoherent plot, poorly staged action, and lack of chemistry between leads Antonio Banderas and Lucy Liu. Despite its high-concept premise, the film became a cautionary tale about style overwhelming substance.
Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2 (2004)
This sequel to Baby Geniuses was met with near-universal disdain, earning a 0% score from critics. Reviews focused on its juvenile humor, grating performances, and misguided attempt to appeal to both children and adults. The film’s reception has since made it a frequent reference point in discussions of critically reviled family entertainment.
Left Behind (2014)
Starring Nicolas Cage, Left Behind is a faith-based disaster film that failed to resonate with critics across the spectrum. Holding a 0% Rotten Tomatoes rating, the movie was widely criticized for flat performances, weak visual effects, and a lack of narrative urgency. Its reception highlighted the challenges of adapting religious material for a broad theatrical audience.
Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol (1987)
While the Police Academy franchise enjoyed box-office success, the fourth installment marked a critical breaking point. With a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score, reviewers cited recycled jokes, thin plotting, and franchise fatigue. The film’s reception symbolized how diminishing returns can erode goodwill even for popular comedy series.
One Missed Call (2008)
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This American remake of a Japanese horror film failed to translate its source material effectively, earning a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics pointed to bland direction, predictable scares, and a reliance on clichés rather than atmosphere. Its poor reception reinforced skepticism toward early waves of J-horror remakes in Hollywood.
A Thousand Words (2012)
In this fantasy comedy starring Eddie Murphy as a fast-talking literary agent, critics uniformly criticized the film’s premise and execution, resulting in a rare 0 % Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers pointed to stale jokes and a miscast lead forced into a mostly silent role, making it one of the most panned comedies of the 2010s.
Pinocchio (2002)
This English-language adaptation of the classic story, directed by and starring Roberto Benigni, failed to connect with critics, earning a 0 % Rotten Tomatoes rating. Many reviewers found the portrayal of the titular character unsettling and the tone inconsistent, making it one of the most notorious failures among early 2000s family films.
Gold Diggers (2003)
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A misguided comedy from the National Lampoon franchise, Gold Diggers managed to secure a 0 % approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes due to overwhelmingly negative reviews. Critics described the humor as thin and toothless, failing to live up to the comedic standard set by similar ensemble comedies.
Dark Tide (2012)
Starring Halle Berry as a shark expert returning to the water after tragedy, Dark Tide was critically dismissed for its lackluster narrative and pacing, contributing to its sub-5 % Rotten Tomatoes rating. Although not quite at the absolute bottom, the film’s combination of thin character development and predictability left critics unimpressed.
Max Steel (2016)
Based on the Mattel action figure, Max Steel attempted to launch a superhero franchise but collapsed under critical scrutiny, earning a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score. Reviewers criticized its generic origin story, uneven visual effects, and lack of personality. The film’s failure illustrated the difficulty of translating toy-based properties into compelling cinematic universes.
Precious Cargo (2016)
This low-budget action thriller starring Bruce Willis was widely dismissed by critics, resulting in a 0% Tomatometer rating. Reviews focused on its disjointed plot, minimal stakes, and Willis’s limited screen presence. Despite its crime-film aspirations, the movie was seen as emblematic of formulaic direct-to-VOD releases.
Stratton (2017)
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A British action film adapted from a popular novel series, Stratton failed to impress critics, earning a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score. Reviewers cited flat direction, underdeveloped characters, and a lack of tension as major shortcomings. The film’s reception stalled hopes of launching a new spy franchise.
Dark Crimes (2016)
Starring Jim Carrey in a rare dramatic role, Dark Crimes was harshly rejected by critics and currently holds a 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes. While Carrey’s casting generated interest, reviewers found the film’s bleak tone and muddled storytelling ineffective. Its reception demonstrated that star power alone cannot overcome flawed execution.
Homecoming (2019)
This thriller, loosely inspired by true events, was critically panned upon release and landed below the 5% threshold on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics pointed to weak character motivation, inconsistent pacing, and a lack of suspense. Despite topical subject matter, the film failed to deliver the tension expected of the genre.
The Queen’s Corgi (2019)
This animated comedy about a spoiled royal dog was widely criticized for relying on tasteless humor and mishandling themes inappropriate for its intended audience, earning it an extremely low Rotten Tomatoes score. Critics questioned the film’s suitability for children and concluded it lacked the charm expected of family animation.
Daddy Day Camp (2007)
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A sequel released without most of the original cast, Daddy Day Camp was overwhelmingly rejected by critics and holds a 1% Rotten Tomatoes score. Reviews focused on its lack of energy, recycled gags, and a noticeable drop in comedic timing. The film is often cited as an example of how franchise extensions can falter without creative continuity.
Epic Movie (2007)
Designed as a parody of popular blockbusters, Epic Movie earned a 2% rating due to its reliance on crude humor and scattershot references. Critics argued that the film mistook volume for wit, offering little satire and few genuine jokes. Its reception contributed to growing fatigue with the spoof-comedy trend of the mid-2000s.
Battlefield Earth (2000)
Frequently ranked among the most critically derided films ever made, Battlefield Earth holds a 3% Rotten Tomatoes score. Reviewers criticized its convoluted plot, excessive use of tilted camera angles, and incoherent world-building. Despite its ambitions as a science-fiction epic, the film became a lasting symbol of large-scale cinematic miscalculation.
Getaway (2013)
This action thriller starring Ethan Hawke and Selena Gomez failed to generate momentum with critics, earning a 4% Tomatometer rating. Reviews highlighted weak dialogue, implausible character decisions, and repetitive chase sequences. Though fast-paced, the film was widely seen as lacking narrative tension or originality.
Jack and Jill (2011)
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Adam Sandler’s dual role comedy was met with near-universal critical disapproval and currently holds a 3% Rotten Tomatoes score. Critics cited broad stereotypes, relentless product placement, and a thin premise stretched to feature length. The film’s reception cemented its reputation as one of the most infamous comedy misfires of its era.
