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- Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer just hit the big screens and has been a critical and commercial success so far. Such a thing is no wonder; given how talented the filmmaker is and the high expectations the fans had, it only makes sense that one of the most anticipated films of the year is also one of the most well-received. While all of Nolan's films are, for the most part, very successful, some people on Reddit believe that Batman Begins, for one (funnily enough also starring the talented Cillian Murphy), could have been better if it weren't for a "miscast character." Below, we gather some films "ruined" by bad acting performances, courtesy of moviegoers on the platform.
From good directing to well-written, intriguing characters, there are many key elements that ultimately make a movie great, and acting definitely plays a big part. While a good plot is one of the most important elements to telling an impactful, entertaining story, it can be hard to remain focused when a film features questionable performances.
From the Star Wars franchise to Bram Stoker's Dracula, Redditors share their very interesting takes on some films that deliver a good plot but fall short in the acting department. These could have been better or even legendary movies that are unfortunately harmed by poor performances or simply miscast characters.
Updated on July 31, 2023, by Daniela Gama:
Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer just hit the big screens and has been a critical and commercial success so far. Such a thing is no wonder; given how talented the filmmaker is and the high expectations the fans had, it only makes sense that one of the most anticipated films of the year is also one of the most well-received. While all of Nolan's films are, for the most part, very successful, some people on Reddit believe that Batman Begins, for one (funnily enough also starring the talented Cillian Murphy), could have been better if it weren't for a "miscast character." Below, we gather some films "ruined" by bad acting performances, courtesy of moviegoers on the platform.
15 The 'Star Wars' Franchise
The Star Wars universe is undoubtedly one of the most iconic of all the cinematic universes in film history, and for good reason. Through the beloved movies, George Lucas successfully managed to create a vast world that beams with significance, inspiring viewers to dream and create.
Although the treasured franchise is exceptionally good at offering enthralling plots for fans to immerse themselves in, people on Reddit are not impressed with some of the performances, something that has probably more to do with the writing than the skills of those involved. According to m0hawk, "The Star Wars movies generally fit the bill of being good movies with horrendous acting. Lucas can't evoke emotions out of his actors, unfortunately." On the same thread, 17-40 adds, "He managed to flatten Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, and Natalie Portman all at once. That takes some serious (lack of) skill."
14 'Gran Torino' (2008)
This top-rated Clint Eastwood-directed movie follows Walt Kowalski (Eastwood), a grumpy old man who has recently lost his wife and seemingly can not get along with anyone. When his neighbor Thao Lor (Bee Vang) tries to steal his most prized possession (a Gran Torino), Kowalski sets out to reform him.
"Good film but aside from Clint Eastwood the rest of the acting in Gran Torino is pretty terrible, kinda struggled to ignore it when I re-watched it a while ago," jamdunks writes on Reddit. On another post, MajesticMongoose shares a similar opinion: "Pretty much everyone is awful except for Clint Eastwood." Although it makes sense that viewers point this out, it doesn't hurt to keep in mind that the kids weren't actually professional actors, but regular people picked from the community to realistically represent the Hmongs.
13 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' (1994)
Four Weddings and a Funeral is a highly popular comedy-drama centering around Hugh Grant's charming but insecure committed bachelor, who, throughout the course of five social occasions, must consider the notion that he may or may have not finally found love.
While the movie is undoubtedly entertaining (even if it lacks chemistry between the two leads), one specific character managed to get on Redditors' nerves. "Maybe an unpopular one but Andie Macdowell in four weddings and a funeral. Still a great film but her character irritates me a lot," sugmamale234 admitted, and many people seemed to agree.
12 'War of the Worlds' (2005)
Howard Overman's underrated sci-fi disaster film War of the Worlds, based on H.G. Wells' classic of the same name, depicts a mankind-threatening alien invasion depicted through the eyes of one American family fighting for survival.
According to a now-deleted Redditor, Dakota Fanning's character seems to be the major issue in the film. "I get what they were going for with how a child would naturally respond but my god did the screaming hurt my ears every time," they wrote, clarifying that they don't hate the actress but rather could not deal with "the constant screaming," which "got annoying after a while."
11 'The World is Not Enough' (1999)
In this Pierce Brosnan-led third James Bond installment, the iconic agent unearths a nuclear plot while he is assigned to protecting an oil heiress (Sophie Marceau) from her former kidnapper, an international terrorist who can't feel pain.
Nuclear weapons expert Dr. Christmas Jones (Denise Richards) seems to be the problem in The World is Not Enough, with many people agreeing that the actress wasn't the best choice for the role. Drogyn1701, for one, even goes as far as saying that "if someone more believable than Denise Richards had been cast as the nuclear scientist in The World is Not Enough, I think it would have been one of the best Bond films of all time."
10 'Scanners' (1981)
1981 movie Scanners — David Cronenberg's dark sci-fi story — introduces audiences to Scanners, also known as men and women born with incredible telepathic and telekinetic powers. While some are responsible and mean no harm, others plan on creating a race that will slowly take over the planet.
Even if it makes for an intriguing and mind-blowing watch, Scanners features flaws in the acting department, at least according to Reddit. "Stephen Lack, who plays the main character, puts on one of the worst performances in film history. Unbelievably flat," MondoUnderground wrote, highlighting how much of a pity it is since everything else in the film is wildly good.
9 'Pacific Rim' (2013)
Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim follows a former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and a trainee (Rinko Kikuchi) who are coupled together in order to save the world from the apocalypse during a war between mankind and gigantic sea creatures known as Kaiju.
Acting aside, people on Reddit consider the sci-fi fantasy film a good watch. "Pacific Rim. Decent movie with bad acting," doucheplayer says. In the same thread, another Reddit user quickly comes to the film's defense and remarks that the performances weren't actually that bad – it was all about the "cheesy lines."
8 'Kingdom of Heaven' (2005)
Focusing on the journey of a blacksmith named Balian who recently lost his mother, Ridley Scott's epic historical fiction drama (featuring one of the highest body counts in film) is a bloodthirsty and violent film set during the Crusades of the 12th century that follows the characters' turbulent and bloody adventure, which soon leads to the Battle of Hattin.
While some Redditors agree that Orlando Bloom's acting was the major issue in the movie, others believe that his character was simply miscast. On the platform, GalleonCauldron writes, "Orlando Bloom in Kingdom of Heaven was atrocious," to which a now-deleted Redditor replies, "I didn't think his acting per se was bad... I just don't think he has the gravitas to carry that role. Just a bad piece of casting."
7 'Godzilla' (2014)
At this point, everyone's at least heard about Godzilla – the implacable King of The Monsters, a destructive creature who indiscriminately attacks and even kills other beings. The 2014 monster film directed by Gareth Edwards (the first film in Legendary Pictures' MonsterVerse) follows the ancient predator's battle with hostile opponents that threaten the survival of humanity.
As Doctorboffin suggests, the epic monster film is not so bad even if it features questionable acting performances: "Aside from [Bryan] Cranston the new Godzilla had pretty bad acting, but it was amazingly shot, directed, choreographed, etc."
6 'The Godfather Part III' (1990)
Francis Ford Coppola's third and last entry for The Godfather centers around 60-year-old Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) as he seeks to remove himself from the crime world and legitimize his family's interests while trying to find a worthy successor.
A popular opinion regarding the subject on the platform, ryl00 reveals in a comment that the filmmaker's daughter's acting in the iconic gangster film is a huge letdown: "I can't even think about it. I am sure she is a lovely person and she is a great director but Sofia Coppola ruined it beyond salvation."
5 'The Man From Earth' (2007)
The Man From Earth centers around university Professor John Oldman (David Lee Smith) – who claims to be a caveman who has secretly survived for more than 14,000 years – and his mysterious past after he reveals it to his colleagues during an impromptu goodbye party.
The science fiction drama directed by Richard Schenkman is an innovative movie that ultimately provides viewers with an engaging plot. On Reddit, user Portarossa remarks that the film's general theme is quite appealing, although the acting is hardly on the same level: "It's a genius idea, but the acting is the kind of thing you'd see in a school play, and the script isn't much better. With a bit of polish, it could have been amazing."
4 'Batman Begins' (2005)
According to Redditors, the first installment of Christopher Nolan's genre-bending superhero film trilogy, The Dark Knight saga starring Christian Bale, also makes it to this list. The talented director's take on the beloved superhero follows the character's origin story, from the death of his parents to his journey to become The Batman.
While Nolan's film is highly entertaining, casting Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes in Batman Begins wasn't the best choice according to many users on the website: "Katie Holmes in Batman Begins, great movie but she was terrible," ForToday shares.
3 'Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets' (2007)
When Alpha, a space station city with a huge community of several different species from a thousand planets, is faced with an intergalactic threat, Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and his partner Laureline (Cara Delevingne) must save the universe.
Although this fantasy action film has the potential to be a fun watch, many agree that the lead was not suitable: "Valerian would have been more bearable without whoever that guy is as the main character. That actor made me wish I could rewind my brain and pretend I never saw it. I had such high hopes for that movie but the acting sucked," YoureNotYouAnymore regrettably said. The casting choice for Delevingne's character was not spectacular either: "I was also not a fan of Laureline. And the two of them had terrible chemistry," another Redditor added.
2 'Gangs of New York' (2002)
Set in 1863, this Martin Scorsese movie follows a young Irish immigrant (Leonardo DiCaprio) released from prison as he returns to the Five Points seeking revenge against an anti-immigrant gang leader (Daniel Day-Lewis), who killed his father.
With Oscar winners in your film, it isn't hard to be slightly outshined even if you're actually a good performer. Many users on the platform noted how Cameron Diaz's performance negatively impacted their movie experience: "Cameron Diaz just completely ruined Gangs of New York for me. Took me out of the movie every time she was on screen," akincisor said.
1 'Bram Stoker's Dracula' (1992)
Centering around the well-known, centuries-old vampire tale of Bram Stoker's classic novel, Francis Ford Coppola's fantasy horror movie revolves around Count Dracula's (Gary Oldman) journey after leaving the captive Jonathan Harker (Keanu Reeves) for London in search of Mina Harker (Winona Ryder).
While Bram Stoker's Dracula is a treat for those who enjoy the gothic genre, the main issue with the film seems to be Reeves' poor acting, which contrasts with his recent projects, and fake accent. "Bram Stoker's Dracula would be fantastic if it weren't for Keanu Reeve's horrid British accent," Nova_Jake remarks.