Update
menu icon
search icon
×

39 Signs That a Movie Is Going To Be Bad

Published: by · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Many movies aim to captivate, entertain, and leave a lasting impression, but there inevitably emerge those cinematic endeavors that fall short of the mark. Film lovers often find themselves eagerly anticipating the release of new movies, only to be met with disappointment.

A bored-looking woman in a cinema.

To help navigate the cinematic landscape and perhaps save you from the agony of enduring a lackluster experience, we present 39 signs that a movie is going to be bad. From cringe-worthy trailer clichés to ominous comedies using the same tired joke, this comprehensive guide is your beacon in the storm of potential cinematic letdowns.

Jump to:

1. Repetitive Humor Overkill

A happy couple in a cinema.

Have you ever noticed a comedy movie bombarding you with multiple trailers, yet they all seem to hit you with the same punchline? This Redditor shares that if the trailers rely on a single joke, chances are the movie might be running low on fresh, creative humor.

It is like they are handing you the same punchline on a silver platter, and you start wondering if that is the peak of their comedic genius. A good comedy should have a variety of jokes to tickle your funny bone, not just one recycled gag in different packaging.

2. Camp Sneakiness & Ignorance

The storyline always involves characters sneaking away from summer camp without realizing it will trigger a murderous rampage, leaving only one survivor. If a movie's characters lack the basic survival instincts to foresee the consequences of their actions, they are unintentionally setting the stage for a horror cliche.

When the plot hinges on characters making incredibly foolish decisions, it can be a sign that the narrative is sacrificing logic for the sake of a suspenseful twist.

3. Loud Equals Funny Syndrome

Ever come across characters who think they are the funniest simply because they speak at maximum volume? If a movie relies on characters shouting to generate laughs, it might be compensating for weak jokes and lackluster writing.

True humor should come from wit, clever dialogue, and well-timed delivery, not just from cranking up the volume. A comedy that thinks being loud is a shortcut to hilarity might leave you with a headache instead of hearty laughter.

4. Immature Weed and Fart References

There are movies where the characters constantly reference farts or weed as jokes – as if mentioning them is comedy gold. If a film relies on these lowbrow references without clever punchlines, it could be a sign of lazy writing and a lack of genuine humor.

A quality comedy should make you laugh through wit and cleverness, not by repeatedly nudging you with juvenile jokes that have long lost their charm.

5. Spoiler-ific Trailers

Sci-fi movie trailer in a cinema.

Sometimes, you watch a movie trailer and feel like you already know the entire plot, from the first scene to the last. If a trailer spills the beans on the entire story, it is like the filmmakers are handing you a condensed version of the movie itself.

A great movie should keep you on the edge of your seat, not leave you feeling like you have seen it all before even stepping into the theater. When the trailer tells you everything, they are serving you a spoiler-filled appetizer before the main course, and that is rarely a good sign.

6. The Tyler Perry Prefix

Have you ever hesitated before watching a movie when it proudly proclaims, "Tyler Perry presents..."? It is like a cinematic code for a specific style of storytelling, and if you are not in the mood for it, you might seek alternatives.

As one Reddit user wisely suggested, sometimes a quick Boondocks summary can fulfill your Tyler Perry fix in just a minute, saving you from a potentially lengthy cinematic experience.

7. The Red Flag of Poor Reviews

If a movie is consistently receiving negative reviews from both critics and audiences alike, it is definitely a flashing red warning sign. Poor reviews can indicate issues with the film's overall quality, from its writing and acting to its direction.

While opinions may vary, a pattern of unfavorable feedback could suggest potential pitfalls that might make the viewing experience less enjoyable.

8. Trailer Deja Vu

Some movie trailers showcase the exact same scenes, just rearranged in a different order. It is a case where they are trying to create an illusion of variety when, in reality, those few scenes might be the only noteworthy moments in the entire film. When every trailer feels like deja vu, it is a hint that the movie might lack substance beyond those carefully selected snippets.

9. The Vision-Lacking Writer Ensemble

Sometimes, you notice a movie's opening credits rolling, and lo and behold, there are more than three writers listed. It is like the more cooks you add to the kitchen, the harder it becomes to create a cohesive and focused narrative.

Not always, but often, when a film boasts a surplus of writers, it might lack a clear vision or fall victim to endless rewrites. It is the "too many cooks in the kitchen" mentality, and the result can be a mishmash of ideas that struggle to find a unified direction.

10. Modernized Classics

Sn

You may see a movie advertised as "updated for modern audiences" or a "reimagining" of a classic tale. It definitely waves a neon sign that screams, "We've taken liberties with the original!"

While some movie adaptations successfully breathe new life into timeless stories, others may miss the mark. When filmmakers signal a departure from the source material to cater to contemporary tastes, it raises questions about their understanding of the essence that made the classic so beloved in the first place.

11. Premature Best of the Year Proclamation

One Redditor shared that oftentimes, you see a movie advertised as one of the best of the year, and it is not even out of January yet. The moviemakers are trying to convince you it is a cinematic masterpiece before the year has even unfolded.

While it is not impossible for a January release to be a gem, the hype might be a little too eager. If a film is labeled as one of the best before you have even fully recovered from your New Year's celebrations, it is like they are playing with your expectations, and not necessarily in a good way.

12. The Prolonged Production Odyssey

Have you ever wondered why a movie took so long to hit the screens? If a film has been in production for what feels like an eternity, with multiple changes in screenwriters, directors, and production companies, it is a flashing warning sign.

Take Chaos Walking as a recent example—a decade in the making, with a multitude of shifts in creative leadership. When a movie undergoes such a turbulent journey, it is carrying the weight of its troubled past, and the end result might not live up to the star-studded promises made during its tumultuous creation.

13. Trailer Hyperbole

Imagine watching a movie trailer that is so over the top that it feels like a rollercoaster ride on steroids. If the trailer seems more interested in bombarding you with flashy visuals and explosive moments than giving you a taste of the actual story, they are probably compensating for something.

A good trailer should entice, not overwhelm, and when the hype levels are cranked to eleven, it could be a sign that the film itself is struggling to deliver substance.

14. The Cringe-Worthy Acting Preview

Have you ever watched a movie trailer and cringed at the acting? If the performances seem wooden, melodramatic, or just plain off, it is like the trailer is inadvertently warning you about the overall quality of the film. A good trailer should showcase the best of the movie, and when the acting does not pass the trailer test, it is a signal that the full feature might be a tough watch.

15. Snack Break Indifference

Snacks on a table during movie time.

Oftentimes, you felt the urge to get up for snacks just minutes into a movie, but then you thought, "I'm probably not missing out on much."

If a film fails to grab your attention from the start, the storytellers have already missed a crucial opportunity to engage the audience. A compelling movie should have you glued to your seat, not contemplating snack runs during the opening scenes.

16. The Steven Seagal Syndrome

Every time Steven Seagal's name pops up, there is a flood of hilarious videos about him on Reddit. It is like a collective internet nod to the fact that his movies often fall into the "so bad, it is good" category.

If a film stars Steven Seagal, it might be a sign that you are in for a unique cinematic experience—one that is more likely to elicit laughter than genuine admiration for its artistic merits.

17. Ad Blitz Across Media

If the marketing team goes all-in with a relentless campaign spanning TV, radio, social media, and billboards, they may be compensating for something. While successful movies do need promotion, an excessive ad blitz can sometimes be a sign of overcompensation, as if they are desperately trying to convince audiences that it is a blockbuster when the substance might not match the hype.

18. The J.Lo Wedding Extravaganza

There are a lot of movies that feature Jennifer Lopez and revolve around weddings. Why could that be? It is like a cinematic deja vu, considering J.Lo's penchant for bridal roles.

While she may shine in some wedding-themed films, if the entire premise revolves around her and nuptials, it could be a sign of a formulaic, predictable storyline. It is like they found a sweet spot and decided not to venture far from it, banking on the proven success of the J.Lo-wedding combo.

19. Anachronistic Beauty Standards

Have you ever watched a historical piece only to notice characters rocking modern hair and makeup? It’s as if the filmmakers are playing fast and loose with historical accuracy.

When a movie set in the past features characters looking like they just stepped out of a modern salon, it is a jarring inconsistency. It’s like they prioritize contemporary aesthetics over authenticity, potentially compromising the immersive experience for the audience.

20. The Sinister New House Cliché

A murderer in a house hall.

It is always the family moving into a new home, and surprise, someone gets killed! If this plotline sounds all too familiar, it is because it is a well-worn trope.

When a film relies on the “haunted new house" concept, the creators seem to be sticking to a tried-and-true formula rather than exploring fresh, original ideas. It is a classic setup that can be effective when done right, but when it feels like a lazy fallback, the movie might be treading on predictable ground.

21. Exposition Overdrive

There are movies where characters seem to have a sudden urge to spill their life stories just to move the plot along. If a film resorts to forced character exposition, they are handing you a cheat sheet instead of letting the story unfold organically.

This Redditor says that good storytelling weaves character backgrounds seamlessly into the narrative, avoiding clunky and unnatural information dumps. When characters start sounding like tour guides to their own lives, it is a sign that the movie might be struggling to let the story breathe on its own.

22. The Sexy Sell-Out

A movie that is heavily advertised as sexy with an overly attractive cast is another bad movie classic. While sex may sell, it can also be a red flag when it is used as a cheap marketing ploy.

If a film relies too much on the allure of its cast rather than a compelling plot, it is definitely banking on superficial appeal instead of substantive storytelling. A truly engaging movie should captivate audiences with more than just eye candy.

23. Adaptation Agenda Reveal

Some directors or studios discuss changes that they made to an adaptation, laying bare their intentions. Take Percy Jackson, for example, where characters were aged up, and romance was injected. Or The Golden Compass, where religious controversy was removed for American audiences.

When creators prioritize their agenda over the core plot of the original work, they are signaling a departure from the source material that might leave fans scratching their heads. It is a delicate balance between adaptation and personal agenda, and not all filmmakers navigate it successfully.

24. Studio Motif Overload

You press play on a movie and have to endure what feels like a marathon of production studio logos before the actual film starts. If there are more studio motifs than you can count on one hand, it is like they are building a logo tower instead of diving into the story.

While giving credit is essential, an excess of production logos can be a tedious overture, leaving you tapping your foot impatiently for the main event to begin.

25. The Geriatric Comedy Lead

Robert De Niro

You may have noticed in a comedy movie that the supporting character is a legendary actor playing a dad or grandpa. That movie definitely relied on the star's legacy for laughs rather than crafting a fresh, funny narrative.

While seasoned actors can certainly pull off comedic roles, it becomes a red flag when the entire humor hinges on their status as a Hollywood legend. A great comedy should make you laugh for its wit and writing, not just for the fame of its lead.

26. Celebrities and Visual Effects as the Main Course

When a movie's main selling points are big-name celebrities and mind-blowing visual effects, it could be a sign that the story might not be strong enough to stand on its own. While star power and stunning visuals can enhance a film, they cannot replace a compelling narrative.

A Redditor agrees that if the marketing is all about dazzling you with famous faces and CGI spectacles, they are trying to distract you from a potential lack of substance.

27. The "As You Know" Monologue

Imagine a movie where one character spills out their life story and every plot detail to another character, who should already be well aware of it. If a film relies on such blatant exposition, it might be a red flag for poor storytelling and a lack of subtlety.

Good movies trust their audience to pick up on the details without having them explicitly spelled out in a forced conversation. When characters start narrating their own lives to people who should be familiar with the script, it is like the filmmakers are underestimating the audience's intelligence and disrespecting the art of storytelling.

28. The Missing Establishing Shot

When you watch a movie, and you realize there is no real establishing shot, it leaves you confused about where and when the narrative takes place.

If a film fails to provide a clear setting in its opening moments, it is like they are throwing you into the story blindfolded. Spending the first 15 minutes piecing together the context can be a frustrating experience, and a well-crafted establishing shot can be the key to a smoother entry into the narrative.

29. Uncomfortable Humor Dynamics

Jokes that fall flat, insensitive portrayals of sensitive topics, or forced political correctness can create an uncomfortable viewing experience. If a movie struggles to balance humor without causing discomfort or offense, the filmmakers might be missing the mark on creating an enjoyable and inclusive atmosphere for the audience.

A well-crafted film should navigate these dynamics with finesse, ensuring that humor adds to the viewing pleasure rather than detracts from it.

30. Unnatural Dialogue

A bunch of young people is choosing a movie.

Ever cringe at movie dialogue that feels stilted and unnatural? If characters speak in a way that does not mirror real conversations, the film is pulling you out of the immersive experience. Good dialogue should flow seamlessly, capturing the nuances of human interaction. When the lines sound forced or robotic, it is a signal that the writing might not be as polished as it should be.

31. The Enigmatic Alan Smithee

Ever come across a movie where the directing credit goes to the mysterious Alan Smithee? It might seem intriguing at first, but in reality, it is often a pseudonym used when a director wants to disown the project.

This person on Reddit shares that while Alan Smithee might be a legend of versatility, having his name on every genre does not necessarily mean he is a genius. Sometimes, it is just the sound guy, the best boy, and maybe even the caterers all rolled into one imaginary director.

32. The Wokeness Trap

If you notice a movie embracing wokeness without adding depth to the story or context, and the main character is a bland yet attractive individual, they are ticking boxes without substance.

When a film starts off with a heavy-handed focus on woke themes, it may signal an agenda-driven narrative rather than a well-crafted story. The emphasis on surface-level attributes over character depth could leave audiences craving more substance than the movie is willing to offer.

33. The Will Ferrell Warning

Have you ever seen a movie starring Will Ferrell and felt a twinge of hesitation? While Ferrell has delivered some comedic gems, his presence in a film can also be a divisive factor. If a movie prominently features Will Ferrell, it might be a hit or miss, as his humor tends to polarize audiences.

34. The Sandler Scenario

Similarly, when a movie declares, "...starring Adam Sandler..." it could set off alarm bells. Sandler's films often carry a signature style of humor that may not appeal to everyone. While some adore his comedic approach, others might find it grating. If you are not in the mood for Sandler's particular brand of comedy, it could be a sign to proceed with caution.

35. Tired Tropes in the Trailer

Movie posters.

Sometimes, you watch a movie trailer that tries to sell a tired trope as if it is the first to ever explore it. If the marketing hypes up a storyline like "It's all your favorite fairy tales...but DARK!" it might be a sign of creative exhaustion.

When a movie relies on recycled ideas without offering a fresh take, it could suggest a lack of innovation in storytelling, leaving audiences with a sense of boredom.

36. Safe Haven for Remakes

It is frustrating to see beloved classics or even decent films getting recycled for what feels like a safe money grab. This Redditor asks, “Why would studios make another remake of a movie that did not suck in the first place?”

While remakes have the potential to breathe new life into overlooked gems, it is disheartening when studios opt for tried-and-true formulas instead of taking risks on original ideas. It sounds like they are relying on nostalgia rather than exploring the vast creative landscape for fresh, innovative storytelling.

37. Generic Premise Predictability

Have you ever come across a movie with a cliché or uninspired plot that feels like a copycat of many others? If the premise lacks originality and resembles a multitude of films before it, they are just recycling ideas without injecting creativity into the storytelling. A generic premise could indicate a lack of effort in crafting a unique and engaging narrative.

38. The Silent Promotion Syndrome

If a movie receives minimal marketing or promotional efforts from the studio, they are surely playing the quiet game with the audience. The lack of confidence in promoting the film might suggest reservations about its potential success. While not always definitive, limited promotion could be a signal that the studio is not fully backing the movie.

39. Disruptive Editing and Pacing

Jump cuts, jarring transitions, and scenes that drag or feel rushed can be disruptive elements that hinder the flow and immersion of a movie. When the editing and pacing fail to create a cohesive viewing experience, it is like the film is stumbling over its own narrative, making it challenging for the audience to stay engaged.

39 Signs That a Movie Is Going To Be Bad pinterest image.

More Interesting