Netflix's Biggest Flops: 10 Movies You Should Skip

Hey movie buffs and fellow streamers! Let's be real, Netflix is an absolute treasure trove, brimming with incredible shows and films that keep us glued to our screens. From critically acclaimed dramas to hilarious comedies and gripping thrillers, there's always something new to discover. But, just like any streaming giant, even Netflix has its fair share of duds. You know the ones – those Netflix bad movies that leave you scratching your head, wondering what went wrong, and ultimately regretting those precious hours you'll never get back. We've all been there, guys, scrolling endlessly, picking a title with high hopes, only to be met with pure cinematic disappointment. It’s like finding a lump of coal in your Christmas stocking when you were hoping for a shiny new gadget! This article is all about helping you navigate the treacherous waters of worst Netflix movies and steer clear of the biggest Netflix flops. We're diving deep into the top 10 movies you should skip on Netflix, giving you the lowdown on why these films just didn't hit the mark and are probably best avoided. So, grab your snacks, settle in, and let's talk about the disappointing Netflix originals that might just be a waste of your valuable binge-watching time. Our goal here isn't to be overly harsh, but rather to give you an honest, human-centered review of films that, for various reasons, just didn't deliver the goods. Get ready to update your 'do not watch' list!

1. The Ridiculous 6: A Comedy That Forgets to Be Funny

Starting off our list of Netflix bad movies with a bang, we have The Ridiculous 6. This Adam Sandler vehicle, released in 2015, was one of Netflix's first big forays into original film content, and oh boy, did it set a certain standard – just not the one anyone hoped for. Intended as a Western comedy spoof, the film follows Tommy "White Knife" Stockburn (Sandler), an orphan raised by Native Americans, as he discovers he has five half-brothers and together they embark on a quest to save their father from a gang of outlaws. Sounds like a setup for some wild humor, right? Wrong. This movie is often cited as one of the worst Netflix films ever produced, and for good reason. From the get-go, The Ridiculous 6 struggles immensely with its humor, frequently resorting to low-brow, culturally insensitive jokes that fall flat. Many critics and viewers alike found its attempts at comedy to be incredibly lazy, relying heavily on slapstick and crude gags without any genuine wit or cleverness. The pacing is a mess, dragging viewers through an unnecessarily long runtime that feels even longer due to the absence of engaging plot points or character development. Seriously, guys, we’re talking about a movie where the jokes are so predictable and uninspired that you can see them coming from a mile away, and yet they still manage to disappoint. The film also sparked significant controversy during production regarding its portrayal of Native American characters, leading to walk-offs by several actors and consultants who felt the script was offensive. This controversy only highlighted the film's deeper issues with outdated and harmful comedic sensibilities. Despite featuring a surprisingly star-studded cast including Terry Crews, Jorge Garcia, Rob Schneider, Luke Wilson, and Taylor Lautner, none of them manage to elevate the material. Their talents feel utterly wasted in a script that gives them little to work with beyond stereotypes and tired tropes. It's a prime example of a film with huge potential – a Western comedy with a big budget and famous faces – completely squandering it, landing squarely on our list of disappointing Netflix originals. If you’re looking for a good laugh, you’re better off watching paint dry; it might offer more suspense. Seriously, this is a skip it at all costs kind of movie.

2. Death Note (2017): A Failed Adaptation That Missed the Mark

Next up on our list of Netflix bad movies is the 2017 live-action adaptation of Death Note. For fans of the critically acclaimed and immensely popular Japanese manga and anime series, this film was met with widespread anticipation and, ultimately, crushing disappointment. The original story follows Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook, the Death Note, which allows him to kill anyone by simply writing their name in it. He uses it to rid the world of criminals, becoming a vigilante known as "Kira," while being hunted by an enigmatic detective named L. The source material is known for its intricate cat-and-mouse psychological thriller elements, moral complexities, and philosophical debates. The Netflix adaptation, however, completely stripped away much of what made the original so compelling. One of the biggest criticisms leveled against this film is its fundamental misunderstanding and mischaracterization of the main protagonists. Light Turner (Nat Wolff) in this version is portrayed as a whiny, somewhat awkward teenager who stumbles into power, rather than the calculating, brilliant, and morally ambiguous mastermind from the original. Similarly, L (Lakeith Stanfield), while visually distinct, lacks the detached brilliance and quirky intensity that defined his anime counterpart, often coming across as erratic rather than eccentric. This complete overhaul of character personalities alienates long-time fans and fails to create engaging new ones. The complex mind games, which are the heart and soul of Death Note, are largely absent, replaced by a much more straightforward and less intellectually stimulating plot. The movie rushes through key plot points and character developments, sacrificing depth for a superficial re-imagining. Visually, the film attempts a gritty, Americanized aesthetic, but this often clashes with the supernatural elements and the philosophical underpinnings of the story. Ryuk, the Shinigami (death god) who owns the Death Note, voiced by Willem Dafoe, is one of the few redeeming features, but even his presence can't save the muddled narrative. This film serves as a cautionary tale for adaptations, showcasing how even a beloved source material can become a truly disappointing Netflix original when its core essence is lost in translation. It’s not just a bad adaptation; it’s a bad movie in its own right, failing to capture tension, excitement, or any genuine emotional investment from the audience. For anyone looking for the thrill and intellectual stimulation of Death Note, you're much better off sticking to the anime or manga. Definitely one of the worst Netflix movies for fans and newcomers alike.

3. Bright: A Muddled Concept with Wasted Potential

Moving right along our list of Netflix bad movies, we encounter 2017's Bright, an ambitious fantasy-action film starring Will Smith and directed by David Ayer. On paper, the concept sounded incredibly intriguing: a gritty, urban fantasy set in an alternate Los Angeles where humans coexist (uneasily) with orcs, elves, and fairies. Smith plays Daryl Ward, a human LAPD officer, and Joel Edgerton plays Nick Jakoby, the LAPD's first-ever orc officer. Together, they stumble upon a magical wand, a powerful artifact, and find themselves embroiled in a mystical battle that could change the world. This premise had massive potential – a chance to blend social commentary with high fantasy in a unique way. Unfortunately, Bright ultimately falls short, landing squarely on our list of disappointing Netflix originals. The film tries to tackle too many themes at once, attempting to weave in allegories for racism, police brutality, and class struggle into its fantastical setting, but it does so clumsily and superficially. The world-building, while interesting in concept, feels underdeveloped and inconsistent. We're told about the history and politics of this alternate L.A., but we rarely feel it. The rules of magic and the various fantasy races are introduced haphazardly, leaving viewers with more questions than answers. The dialogue, a signature of David Ayer's previous work, often feels forced and cliché, attempting to be edgy but frequently coming across as generic. Will Smith and Joel Edgerton deliver decent performances given the material, but even their chemistry can't overcome the film's structural issues. The action sequences, while sometimes visually engaging, often feel disconnected from a compelling narrative, relying more on spectacle than genuine tension. Critics widely panned the film for its confusing plot, derivative elements, and its failure to fully commit to either its fantasy or its social commentary aspects. It's a shame because the underlying idea of Bright was genuinely innovative, offering a fresh take on urban fantasy. However, the execution was so muddled that it became a prime example of wasted potential and a truly bad Netflix movie. If you're looking for a deep, engaging fantasy, this one won't cut it. It’s an expensive production that unfortunately proves that a big budget and a high-concept idea aren't always enough to make a good movie. Skip this one, guys, and find a fantasy world that’s actually coherent.

4. The Kissing Booth 2: Endless Tropes and Repetitive Drama

Now, let's talk about a genre that Netflix often excels in: the teen romantic comedy. However, even here, we find some Netflix bad movies. Enter The Kissing Booth 2, the sequel to the highly successful, albeit critically mixed, The Kissing Booth. While the first film certainly had its flaws, it captured a certain charm for its target audience. The sequel, unfortunately, doubles down on the weaknesses and serves up a heaping helping of repetitive drama and predictable tropes, earning its spot on our list of worst Netflix movies. The story picks up with Elle Evans (Joey King) navigating her senior year of high school and a long-distance relationship with her dreamy boyfriend, Noah Flynn (Jacob Elordi), who's off at Harvard. Meanwhile, her best friend and Noah's brother, Lee Flynn (Joel Courtney), is dealing with his own relationship drama with Rachel. As new crushes emerge – the charming new guy Marco Peña (Taylor Zakhar Perez) for Elle, and a seemingly perfect college girl for Noah – Elle finds herself caught in a whirlwind of insecurities, misunderstandings, and classic rom-com clichés. The biggest issue with The Kissing Booth 2 is its lack of originality and depth. It rehashes every single long-distance relationship cliché in the book: the jealousy, the trust issues, the attractive new temptations, and the inevitable miscommunications that could easily be solved with a single honest conversation. The characters, especially Elle, make incredibly frustrating and often illogical decisions, primarily to prolong the drama. Her constant indecisiveness and tendency to keep secrets from Noah and Lee create artificial conflict that feels manufactured and tiresome. The humor often falls flat, and the attempts at emotional resonance feel superficial because the characters' problems are so clearly self-inflicted or based on flimsy premises. It's a film that, despite its vibrant visuals and energetic soundtrack, lacks any real emotional punch or meaningful character growth. Many viewers found themselves exasperated by the characters' inability to communicate maturely, making the two-hour-plus runtime feel like an eternity. While some might argue it's just harmless teen fun, the sheer repetitiveness and frustrating plot contrivances make it a prime example of a disappointing Netflix original that offers little value beyond its initial premise. If you’re craving a good teen romance, there are far better options out there that don’t rely so heavily on such exhausting tropes. Save yourself the eye-rolls, guys; this is one of the Netflix movies to skip.

5. Tall Girl: A Shallow Premise That Fails to Connect

Next up on our expedition through Netflix bad movies is Tall Girl, a 2019 teen romantic comedy that sparked a considerable amount of discussion, not all of it positive. The film centers around Jodi Kreyman (Ava Michelle), a 16-year-old who is exceptionally tall – 6 feet 1 inch, to be precise – and struggles with her height, finding it difficult to fit in and attract boys. Her best friend, Jack Dunkleman (Griffin Gluck), a shorter boy, has been hopelessly in love with her for years, but Jodi pines for the new, equally tall exchange student, Stig Mohlin (Luke Eisner). The premise itself, while aiming to be relatable for those who feel different, was widely criticized for being incredibly shallow and out of touch. Many viewers and critics found it difficult to sympathize with Jodi's central struggle, especially given that her "problem" – being tall – is framed in a way that feels trivial compared to the genuine struggles many teenagers face. It quickly became perceived as a superficial portrayal of insecurity, rather than a genuine exploration. The script, unfortunately, doesn't delve much deeper than its surface-level premise. The dialogue is often cliché, and the characters are largely one-dimensional, serving as archetypes rather than believable individuals. Jodi’s constant complaining about her height, despite having a supportive family, a loyal best friend, and generally being quite attractive, made her come across as entitled and ungrateful to many. The love triangle element is equally uninspired, following a predictable path where the "nice guy" best friend is overlooked for the unattainable new arrival. The film attempts to deliver a message about self-acceptance and embracing one's uniqueness, but this message feels hollow when the central conflict is so flimsy and the protagonist is often portrayed unsympathetically. It’s a classic case of a disappointing Netflix original that had the chance to be genuinely empowering but instead delivered a tone-deaf and often irritating narrative. The film feels like a missed opportunity to truly tackle body image issues with nuance, instead opting for a simplistic, almost insulting approach. For a movie meant to inspire, it often does the opposite, leading to frustration rather than connection. If you're looking for a heartwarming story about overcoming adversity, you’re better off looking elsewhere. Tall Girl earns its spot on our list of Netflix movies to skip because its central premise and execution simply don't resonate. Trust us, guys, your time is better spent elsewhere.

6. The Cloverfield Paradox: A Confused Entry in a Beloved Franchise

Next up on our rundown of Netflix bad movies is The Cloverfield Paradox, a film that promised to expand the intriguing and mysterious Cloverfield universe but instead delivered a confusing and ultimately disappointing mess. The film, released unexpectedly on Netflix after Super Bowl LII in 2018, takes place in the near future where Earth is facing a global energy crisis. A team of international astronauts aboard the Cloverfield Station is attempting to activate a particle accelerator, the Shepard device, hoping to solve the crisis. However, an accident during activation causes them to jump into an alternate dimension, leading to strange phenomena and terrifying discoveries. The core idea of linking the Cloverfield anthology films through a multiverse concept was genuinely exciting for fans. Unfortunately, the execution in The Cloverfield Paradox was severely flawed, making it one of the most disappointing Netflix originals for sci-fi enthusiasts. The biggest problem is its lack of narrative coherence. The plot feels less like a well-thought-out story and more like a collection of disjointed horror and sci-fi tropes crammed together, often with little explanation or logical progression. Characters are introduced, undergo bizarre transformations, or meet gruesome ends without much emotional impact, largely because their motivations and arcs are so poorly developed. The film attempts to explain the various monstrous appearances in the Cloverfield universe by positing that the Shepard device created rips in the fabric of reality, allowing creatures from other dimensions to cross over. While this could have been a clever device, it feels tacked on and rushed, failing to truly enhance the existing lore or provide satisfying answers. Instead, it just creates more confusion. Critics largely panned the film for its convoluted plot, thin characters, and its failure to capture the unique tension and mystery that defined the original Cloverfield and 10 Cloverfield Lane. It felt less like a carefully crafted entry in a beloved franchise and more like a generic sci-fi horror film rebranded with the Cloverfield name as an afterthought. The rushed release might have generated buzz, but it couldn't hide the film's fundamental weaknesses. If you were hoping for a thrilling continuation or explanation of the Cloverfield universe, prepare for disappointment. This is truly one of the worst Netflix movies that attempted to capitalize on a good brand but utterly failed to deliver a quality product. Steer clear, guys, unless you're a glutton for narrative punishment.

7. The Last Days of American Crime: A Grueling and Uninspired Thriller

Prepare yourselves, guys, because up next on our list of Netflix bad movies is The Last Days of American Crime, a 2020 action-thriller that quickly became infamous for its overwhelmingly negative reception. Based on a graphic novel, the film is set in a near-future America where, in response to a rising crime wave, the government plans to broadcast a signal that will make it impossible for anyone to knowingly commit unlawful acts. This "American Peace Initiative" will effectively end all crime. The story follows a small-time criminal named Graham Bricke (Edgar Ramírez), who teams up with a femme fatale, Shelby Dupree (Anna Brewster), and a master hacker, Kevin Cash (Michael Pitt), to pull off one last, audacious heist before the signal goes live. The premise, while dystopian and intriguing, is unfortunately squandered in a brutal, joyless, and ultimately uninspired execution. This film is a prime example of a disappointing Netflix original that fails on almost every front. The biggest criticism is its relentlessly bleak and gratuitous nature. It's filled with excessive violence, including sexual assault, and a pervasive sense of nihilism that offers no redeeming qualities or genuine character development to justify the grimness. The characters are largely unlikable and their motivations are either unclear or stereotypical, making it impossible for viewers to root for anyone. The plot, despite its high-stakes concept, becomes incredibly convoluted and plodding, dragging on for an agonizing 2 hours and 29 minutes. What should be a tense, high-octane race against time feels like a sluggish slog. The attempts at social commentary on freedom versus security are superficial and overshadowed by the film's relentless focus on shock value. Direction by Olivier Megaton, known for Taken 2 and Taken 3, leans heavily into a gritty aesthetic, but it often translates into a muddy, confusing visual style that makes the action hard to follow. Critics universally panned the film, calling it tedious, gratuitous, and a waste of talent. It holds a rare 0% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a testament to its widespread critical failure. This isn't just a bad Netflix movie; it's a grueling cinematic experience that actively works against audience enjoyment. If you're looking for an engaging crime thriller, you are absolutely better off literally watching anything else. Do yourselves a favor, guys, and give this one a wide, wide berth. Seriously, it's one of the worst Netflix films you could choose.

8. Open House: A Suspense Film That Lacks Suspense

Alright, guys, let's talk about a horror film that's less "fright night" and more "flight mode" (as in, you'll want to fly away from your screen). Coming in on our list of Netflix bad movies is Open House, released in 2018. This horror-thriller follows a teenage boy, Logan Wallace (Dylan Minnette), and his mother, Naomi (Piercey Dalton), who are forced to move into a relative's remote, isolated house after a tragic death. The catch? The house is for sale, and they must leave every Sunday for an open house showing. Soon, strange and unsettling things begin to happen, suggesting they are not alone. While the premise of a haunted or stalked house is classic horror fare, Open House manages to fumble almost every aspect, making it a prime example of a disappointing Netflix original in the horror genre. The film's biggest sin is its utter lack of suspense or genuine scares. For a horror movie, it's remarkably devoid of tension, relying on cheap jump scares that are poorly executed and easily anticipated. The plot unfolds at an excruciatingly slow pace, with very little happening to build any real sense of dread or mystery. Instead of intricate scares, we get a series of disconnected, often illogical events that fail to form a cohesive or frightening narrative. The characters are thinly written and make incredibly baffling decisions, which is a common horror trope but is taken to an absurd extreme here. Logan and Naomi's reactions to the strange occurrences – from disappearing items to mysterious noises – are often bafflingly passive or completely illogical, making it hard for the audience to empathize with their plight. The dialogue is often stiff and unnatural, further detracting from any potential immersion. The film builds to a climax that is not only anticlimactic but also frustratingly vague, leaving viewers with more questions than answers and a feeling of having wasted their time. The antagonist's motives and identity are revealed in a way that feels arbitrary and unsatisfying, adding to the overall sense of confusion and disappointment. Critics widely panned the film for its slow pacing, undeveloped plot, unlikable characters, and its fundamental failure to be scary. It's a prime example of how even a solid concept can fall apart with poor execution. If you're looking for a good scare or an engaging thriller, Open House is definitely one of the worst Netflix movies to pick. Seriously, guys, skip this one and find a horror film that actually delivers a chill.

9. He's All That: A Remake That Misses the Mark Entirely

Ah, remakes. Sometimes they hit the mark, sometimes they don't. And then there's He's All That, a 2021 gender-swapped remake of the beloved 1999 teen classic She's All That, which lands squarely on our list of Netflix bad movies. The original film was a quintessential '90s rom-com, known for its charm, iconic soundtrack, and a surprisingly heartfelt message about looking beyond superficial appearances. The remake attempts to update this formula for the TikTok generation, starring Addison Rae as Padgett Sawyer, an influencer who, after a public breakup, makes a bet with her friends that she can turn the school's most unpopular, artsy outcast, Cameron Kweller (Tanner Buchanan), into prom king. Sounds familiar, right? The problem is, He's All That strips away much of the original's charm and replaces it with a shallow, often cringe-worthy narrative that fails to capture the magic of its predecessor. One of the biggest issues is its over-reliance on social media culture as a plot device. While an attempt to modernize, it often feels forced and superficial, with constant references to TikTok, live streams, and follower counts dominating the dialogue and character motivations. The characters themselves are largely one-dimensional, lacking the depth and relatability that made the original cast so endearing. Padgett, despite her influencer status, comes across as self-absorbed and often unlikable, making it hard to root for her. Cameron, while initially intriguing, quickly becomes another generic romantic lead. The core message about inner beauty feels incredibly hollow given the film's obsession with superficiality and appearances. The transformation of Cameron, while central to the plot, feels less about genuine growth and more about a superficial makeover that doesn't actually challenge any stereotypes. The chemistry between the leads is notably lacking, making the central romance feel unearned and unconvincing. Unlike the original, which subtly critiqued high school cliques, this remake seems to revel in them, without any discernible irony. The humor is often stale, and the plot twists are predictable, offering no surprises for anyone even vaguely familiar with the rom-com genre. Even the cameo appearances from original cast members Rachael Leigh Cook and Matthew Lillard can't save this disappointing Netflix original from its inherent weaknesses. It’s not just a bad remake; it’s a bad movie that struggles to find its own voice and ends up being a pale imitation. If you're looking for a charming teen rom-com, do yourselves a huge favor and revisit the original She's All That instead. This is definitely one of the Netflix movies to skip if you value your time and nostalgia.

10. Father of the Year: A Cringeworthy Comedy That Falls Flat

To round out our list of Netflix bad movies, we have Father of the Year, a 2018 comedy starring David Spade and Nat Faxon. Part of the prolific Adam Sandler-produced content deal with Netflix, this film exemplifies many of the issues often found in Happy Madison productions that aim for broad, often juvenile humor. The plot revolves around two recent college graduates, Ben (Matt Shively) and Larry (Joey Bragg), who are home for the summer. After a drunken debate about whose dad could beat up the other, their fathers, Wayne (David Spade) and Mardy (Nat Faxon), take the challenge seriously, leading to escalating chaos and rivalry that threatens to destroy their families and the town. On paper, it sounds like it could be a silly, harmless comedy about parental rivalry. In reality, Father of the Year quickly devolves into a cringeworthy and largely unfunny mess, solidifying its place as one of the worst Netflix movies. The biggest problem is its lack of genuine humor. The film relies heavily on low-brow jokes, slapstick, and awkward situations that rarely land. Many of the gags feel forced and incredibly predictable, drawing groans instead of laughs. The attempts at physical comedy often come across as clumsy rather than clever, and the dialogue is frequently uninspired and repetitive. The characters are largely caricatures, with the fathers portrayed as childish and irresponsible, and the sons as generic protagonists trying to navigate their antics. There's very little character development or emotional depth, making it difficult to care about anyone's plight. David Spade, usually capable of delivering witty lines, feels wasted in a role that gives him little to work with beyond being a perpetually annoyed, albeit equally immature, father. Nat Faxon, while bringing some energy, can't rescue the material either. The plot, instead of building towards a satisfying comedic resolution, often meanders and introduces unnecessary subplots that only further dilute the already thin narrative. The rivalry between the fathers, which is meant to be the core comedic engine, quickly becomes tiresome and repetitive, lacking the inventiveness or charm to sustain a feature film. Critics largely dismissed Father of the Year as lazy, unfunny, and forgettable, another entry in a line of disappointing Netflix originals that feel like they were made without much effort or creative spark. If you're looking for a clever or heartwarming comedy about family dynamics, this isn't it. It's the kind of film that leaves you wondering why you bothered watching it at all. Seriously, guys, save yourselves the 94 minutes; this is one of the Netflix films to skip.

Wrapping Up: Choose Your Binge-Watching Wisely, Guys!

Alright, movie lovers, we've journeyed through some of the biggest cinematic missteps Netflix has to offer. From misguided adaptations like Death Note and The Cloverfield Paradox, to painfully unfunny comedies like The Ridiculous 6 and Father of the Year, and even shallow teen dramas like The Kissing Booth 2 and Tall Girl, it's clear that not every Netflix original is a winner. We've also seen ambitious concepts like Bright crumble under poor execution, thrillers like The Last Days of American Crime devolve into gratuitous messes, and horror films like Open House fail to deliver any actual scares. And let's not forget the utterly unnecessary remake that was He's All That. Our goal here was to give you an honest, no-holds-barred look at these Netflix bad movies so you can make informed choices about your valuable streaming time. We all love a good binge, but nothing's worse than investing hours into a film that leaves you feeling utterly underwhelmed or, worse, annoyed. So, the next time you're scrolling through the vast Netflix library, remember this list of worst Netflix movies. Don't be afraid to skip these disappointing films and instead, seek out the hidden gems and critically acclaimed titles that Netflix also boasts. There are plenty of fantastic movies out there waiting for you, guys – you just need to know which ones to avoid to find them. Happy streaming, and may your future movie nights be filled with nothing but cinematic gold!