Not all Netflix originals can be hits, as some of the worst Netflix original movies have proven. In recent years, Netflix has proven to be capable of competing with major networks and studios. In fact, they now primarily focus on developing original content, and this initiative has transformed the service from a simple arbiter of entertainment to a pioneer of modern media consumption. Meanwhile, several other Netflix movies have also achieved critical acclaim, although the Cannes Film Festival has banned Netflix movies from competition altogether.

While some Netflix films proved to be praise-worthy, others have left critics scratching their heads. Netflix releases more original content than ever these days, and while some original Netflix movies have scooped prestigious awards including Oscar nominations, others have been lambasted by critics. However, a lot of these poorly received movies are actually adored by casual audiences who are often just looking to have a good time. In fact, some people even want to know about the worst Netflix original movies because they enjoy a good bad film. The critics have spoken and some Netflix movies stand out as the worst that the streaming service has ever made.

25 The Outsider (2018)

One of the worst Netflix original movies is led by none other than Oscar-winner Jared Leto. In The Outsider, he portrays an American POW who stays in Japan and works his way up to become a member of the Yakuza crime organization. Based on the plot alone, this movie had the potential to be great. However, critics were left completely disappointed. An ambitious and intriguing premise which, unfortunately, was poorly executed.

Jared Leto has had a mixed career, with his filmography containing its share of flops such as Morbius and 2016’s Suicide Squad. Unfortunately for The Outsider it falls into this camp. Variety has referred to this Netflix Original as “dull, flavorless, and fundamentally incurious,” and it was also noted that Leto’s acting appeared “disengaged.” It’s a prime example of a film that critics skewered, but audiences didn’t necessarily mind as movies about the Yakuza can be difficult to find.

24 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword Of Destiny (2016)

One of the worst Netflix originals also happens to be a successor to one of the greatest martial arts movies ever made. This is a sequel to the influential movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which garnered several Academy Award nominations and a few victories too. It also became one of the most culturally influential movies of all time. However, its sequel — Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword Of Destiny — became one of the worst Netflix original movies.

For the follow-up movie on Netflix, Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh returned to reprise her role as Yu Shu Lien. While the fight scenes were incredible, the plot itself was considered underwhelming. In the end, it failed to measure up to the original, proving that it’s among the Asian films that are impossible to remake in America. Its disappointment factor compared to the legendary status of its predecessor is what makes it one of the worst Netflix original movies.

23 Special Correspondents (2016)

One of the worst Netflix original movies comes from Ricky Gervais, and is another low-rated comedy from the streaming service. Special Correspondents follows two characters in radio journalism (Gervais and Eric Bana) who decide to fake their kidnapping while on assignment in South America. Once more this is an interesting premise that’s poorly delivered by a Netflix original movie.

Although it seems that viewers might have enjoyed this one more than the official reviews, it still has ranked low. Audiences and critics seem to agree that the writing on Special Correspondents falls flat, and the characters feel one-dimensional — both incredibly damning for a comedy. It’s indefinable satirical message got lost in translation, but Gervais does deliver some comedic moments.

22 The True Memoirs Of An International Assassin (2016)

It was only going to be a matter of time before more stars decide to appear on Netflix, which unfortunately means more of the worst Netflix original movies but with a better cast. That said, The True Memoirs of an International Assassin seemed to be the perfect Netflix vehicle for comedian Kevin James. Sadly though this Netflix Original didn’t land anywhere near as well as hoped, despite (yet again) having a premise that intrigued many.

In this movie, James is a novelist who is mistaken for a real assassin after his book is published as a true story. That’s how he comes face to face with Andy Garcia’s El Toro, who is like a modern-day Che Guevara. In the end, though, critics have said that the movie is neither funny nor interesting. It was a better Kevin James movie than say, Paul Blart: Mall Cop, and it has a more unique set-up. However, the balance of action and comedy left viewers wondering what genre it truly fell under.

21 A Fall From Grace (2020)

A Fall from Grace is a Netflix original movie from Tyler Perry, and, while it was popular among fans of his work, it didn’t impress audiences or critics at large, making it one of the worst Netflix original movies. The film attempts to present a web of conspiracies and tries to hook its audience into solving the mysteries, with Tyler Perry admittedly delivering a great performance as Rory.

However, Tyler Perry showing up for the occasion wasn’t enough to save this movie from being oe of the worst Netflix original films. The plot of A Fall From Grace follows Grace Waters, played by Crystal Fox, who is put on trial for the murder of her husband and her attorney, attempting to figure out the true story behind her husband’s death. Many weren’t impressed with the ending plot twist and many felt Perry had thrown realism to the wind with A Fall From Grace‘s final moments.

20 The Kissing Booth (2018)

Romantic comedies are perfect for those looking for something relaxing that won’t demand a ton of thought or emotional investment. That said, fans of the genre may want to consider other options before they decide to stream Netflix’s The Kissing Booth series, some of the worst Netflix original movies the streaming service has made.

Critics couldn’t care less about this film. For them, The Kissing Booth is just a continuous showcase of every romantic cliché audiences have ever seen. Meanwhile, rom-com connoisseurs might also be interested to know that the film wasn’t received all that well by general viewers. In fact, it’s ranked as one of the worst rom-coms of the 2010s. Regardless, there is a following for The Kissing Booth, as it got two sequels.

19 The After Party (2018)

The After Party represents an interesting split between critics and audience members. While viewers praised the movie, critics remarked that it was one of the worst Netflix original movies to hit the screen. The After Party is a film about an aspiring rapper making a name for himself at a New York City afterparty but goes viral after smoking too much weed with Wiz Khalifa, vomiting on him, and having a seizure.

The After Party celebrates hip-hop music and culture, and it features quite a few cameos from prominent people in the scene. While the film has a decent handle on its music and celebrity cameos, the acting from its other main characters feels wooden at times, with many questioning protagonist Owen’s priorities.

18 The Do-Over (2016)

The premise behind one of the worst Netflix original movies doesn’t sound original, but, because it stars Adam Sandler, David Spade, and Paula Patton, audiences and critics decided to give it a chance. Sadly, The Do-Over would only leave Netflix subscribers dumbfounded. In the movie, Sandler and Spade play two men who decide to fake their own deaths.

As viewers may have guessed, however, the new identities they assume only make their lives more miserable. With every passing minute, though, the film left critics increasingly miserable, and it went down as yet another flop in Sandler’s Netflix career. While Spade and Sandler’s chemistry is undeniable and putting them into action sequences was a unique choice, audiences were divided over the ending and final act in general.

17 The Cloverfield Paradox (2018)

Almost everyone can enjoy a great sci-fi flick, and, initially, The Cloverfield Paradox looked quite promising. After all, the film was produced by J.J. Abrams, the very same man who resurrected the Star Trek franchise. He is also responsible for creating hit shows such as Alias, Lost, and the sci-fi series Fringe.

In The Cloverfield Paradox, Abrams introduces fans to the idea that the Earth can disappear from space without warning. Unfortunately, the premise required a lot of explanation, and the characters came across as underdeveloped, making it one of the worst Netflix original movies. Some also argue that the plot feels rushed. While it does provide more mythos to the Cloverfield franchise and boasts some decent special effects, many didn’t feel connected to its characters or plot.

16 Naked (2017)

Naked is a Netflix movie that attempts the typical Groundhog Day plot that sees a character re-live a particular moment in their life over and over again until they’re able to solve whatever is holding them in the time loop. However, even utilizing this popular trope, it still ended up being one of the worst Netflix original movies.

The movie follows a man — Marlon Wayans in his second sordid Netflix appearance — on his wedding day, but he wakes up in an elevator without any clothes over and over again. It sounds promising, but most agree that the Netflix original was a dud. Naked‘s humor was middling at best, and audiences were a little disappointed that other series like Russian Doll try to do something interesting with the time-loop aspect, differentiating it from all those that came before, whereas Naked just felt like a rehash.

15 Game Over, Man (2018)

Suddenly caught up in a hostage situation in a Los Angeles hotel, three nobodies must band together to save the day in a comedy film that seems eager to push all sorts of extremes. Game Over, Man is like a combination of The Hangover and Die Hard but critics feel it lacks the intrigue of the latter and the humor of the former, making it one of the worst Netflix original movies.

Audiences were unimpressed, and critics totally reviled this 2018 Netflix original. While it may offer something to those looking to totally turn their brains off for a bit, Game Over, Man is pretty much the bottom-of-the-barrel when it comes to Netflix comedies. Leads that audiences may recognize from Workaholics(Adam DeVine, Anders Holm, and Blake Anderson) find their humor in their interactions, but the comedy trio being confined to an action movie script didn’t do their talents any favors.

14 How It Ends (2018)

How It Ends is a 2018 disaster movie starring Forest Whitaker that concerns a man searching for his missing wife during the end of the world, and it’s one of the worst Netflix original movies. It’s a solid if clichéd premise, but the grim scenarios and hammy acting and dialogue make for a movie that takes itself too seriously.

The biggest fault with How It Ends, however, is that it doesn’t have an ending. Ironically enough considering its title, it quite literally wraps in the middle of an escape sequence. It’s a shoddy film through and through, with critics and audiences agreeing that How It Ends isn’t worth beginning.

13 Father Of The Year (2018)

This Netflix original combines the comedic chops of Spade and Nat Faxon, but unfortunately turned out to be one of the worst Netflix original movies. Produced by Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions, the premise of the film is a drunken debate between college graduates as they argue whose dad would win when pitted against another dad.

Ultimately, this rivalry is taken seriously, and the whole film unravels from there. Some critics have accused the film of being utterly unfunny, while others have regarded the film as forgettable. RogerEbert.com even said that “you’ll forget you saw it before it’s even over.” Viewers who enjoy the deadbeat dad trope are better off watching Sandler’s other movie, That’s My Boy.

12 The Royal Treatment (2022)

It’s unclear at what point in time Netflix decided to create its own brand of cheesy Hallmark rom-coms, but the streaming service now has plenty of them to offer, and they’re usually some of the worst Netflix original movies. One of these was 2022’s The Royal Treatment. The film follows hairdresser Izzy, who is commissioned for a haircut on the Prince of Lavania, Thomas.

Despite Prince Thomas having a fiancé, he falls head over heels for Izzy, who also teaches him a thing or two about being kind to regular people. The film is tropes layered on top of tropes and has a highly predictable plot. Critics, of course, lambasted the film for its cheesy plot, cheap look, and the distracting forced New York accents coming from New Zealand actors. That said, it’s enjoyable for those that want to watch something so bad that it’s funny.

11 Hubie Halloween (2020)

Another one to come out of Netflix’s deal with Adam Sandler is 20220s Hubie Halloween, and it turned out to be one of the worst Netflix original movies. It follows the Halloween-loving Hubie (Sandler) who investigates strange goings-on in his hometown of Salem, Massachusettes after hearing rumors that his new neighbor has escaped a mental institution.

Hubie Halloween features a talented ensemble cast with a few Sandler favorites, like Kevin James and Rob Schneider. Even the late Ray Liotta stars in the film. However, those that don’t find the Sandler “voice” comedic will find the film grating and many of its jokes will fall flat. Critics skewered the holiday flick, and it was nominated for three Golden Raspberry Awards, including Worst Actor for Sandler.

10 Me Time (2022)

Mark Wahlberg and Kevin Hart seemed like a comedy duo that could bring on some big laughs, but Me Time proved to be one of the worst Netflix original movies. The film follows Hart’s Sonny, a stay-at-home dad, who finds himself home completely alone for the first time in years. He brings his wild but somewhat estranged friend Huck (Wahlberg) into the mix, and it leads to a crazy weekend that threatens his idyllic existence.

Critics and audiences alike felt as though the plot was so formulaic that it was reminiscent of countless other funnier films. The film loses its focus at times and many of the jokes didn’t land. It’s rare for Kevin Hart to not be funny, which is why Me Time turned out to be such a disappointment. In addition, it’s the lowest-rated movie on Netflix to feature Mark Wahlberg, and the second-lowest for Kevin Hart.

9 The Ridiculous 6 (2015)

Netflix subscribers have come to wonder why Sandler’s Netflix movies are so bad. These films often boast of a lot of star power, and, in The Ridiculous 6, Sandler is joined by Rob Schneider, Luke Wilson, David Spade, Steve Buscemi, Danny Trejo, and even Blake Shelton. No matter the cast, The Ridiculous 6 turned out to be one of the worst Netflix original movies.

All this talent also means that the film is among Netflix’s most expensive original movies according to the production budget. Sadly, it’s also one of the very worst original movies ever to premiere on Netflix, and that’s mostly to do with the ever-controversial hammy acting of Sandler. The film is crude, even for Sandler’s normal fare, and the structure makes it so episodic that viewers almost forget they’re watching a movie and not a series of sketches.

8 Tall Girl 2 (2022)

After Tall Girl was mercilessly mocked on social media, it’s a wonder that the film got a sequel. Tall Girl 2 hit the streaming service and turned out to be one of the worst Netflix original movies, to no one’s surprise based on the reception of its predecessor. The cast of the original returns to see the titular tall girl Jodie now popular thanks to the efforts of the first film. However, she doesn’t wear it well and miscommunications soon wreak havoc on her life and reputation.

The first film had merits with at least having a few cute moments and a positive message about self-esteem. The second film decided to forgo all of this, offering banal conflicts and a lot of teenagers just sulking. Between the predictability of the plot and its wooden acting, viewers found themselves disappointed at its lack of a heartwarming message and critics immediately took note.

7 Sextuplets (2019)

As the title suggests, the story of Sextuplets, one of the worst Netflix original movies, is about a father-to-be who learns that he is soon going to be welcoming sextuplets into the world. That expecting father happens to be played by Marlon Wayans, an actor who is known for his comedic chops. It’s a relatively simple premise and one that could have made for a standard yet satisfactory comedy. Unfortunately, it didn’t.

In Sextuplets, Marlon Wayans also portrays several of the film’s characters, just like Tyler Perry would in his Madea movies. However, critics were still less than impressed. Some noted that the jokes just weren’t funny, while others have flat-out said that this film is a waste of time. Reviews from both critics and audiences were unfavorable for this Marlon Wayans and Michael Tiddes collaboration.

6 He’s All That (2021)

The ’90s cult classic teen movie She’s All That kickstarted Freddie Prinze Jr.’s career, despite being clearly problematic. However, Netflix decided to do an updated remake of the tale by gender-swapping the characters, and it turned out to be one of the worst Netflix original movies. He’s All That follows popular girl Padgett (Addison Rae) as she gives the timid student Cameron (Tanner Buchanan) a makeover.

Ultimately, He’s All That turned out to be a complete flop. While the original featured the iconic stylings of ’90s darlings like Matthew Lillard and Rachael Leigh Cook, the characters of the remake just couldn’t measure up to the charisma and charm of the original cast. There was hardly any chemistry between the cast members and the dialogue didn’t have the same witty repartee that the original was known for.