Hollywood is home to some of the most remarkable actors in the world, celebrated for their outstanding performances and enduring contributions to the film industry. Even the greatest actors, however, have encountered the occasional stumble in their careers.
In this article, we celebrate seven Hollywood icons, from Robert Downey Jr. to Leonardo DiCaprio, who have showcased their talent in films that received a rare 0% Rotten Tomatoes rating. These actors prove that even in the face of adversity, their artistry shines through, leaving an indelible mark on cinema.
Robert Downey Jr.
Known for his charismatic portrayals, Robert Downey Jr. is a beloved figure in Hollywood. Despite his immense success with iconic roles like Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes, he, unfortunately, starred in one of the worst-reviewed movies of the entire decade, 1988’s Johnny Be Good. This movie also had negative impacts on Anthony Michael Hall, Uma Thurman, and Jennifer Tilly.
However, Downey’s undeniable talent continues to solidify his position as one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors.
Morgan Freeman
Despite his iconic voice and celebrated career, Morgan Freeman has had a few unfavorable movie choices in his filmography. One such film is Edison Force, where he starred alongside Kevin Spacey. Additionally, Freeman has two other movies with a 0% Rotten Tomatoes rating. One of them is the 2006 thriller The Contract, alongside John Cusack, who, despite his successful career, has also been part of nearly half a dozen movies with unfavorable ratings.
Freeman’s third 0% unfavorable movie dates back to the ’80s when he occasionally played street-tough characters. That Was Then…Then Is Now, written by Emilio Estevez, was quite different from his award-winning work in Bobby. While it’s interesting to see Freeman in different roles, the quality of these films makes them painful to revisit.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio, a revered actor with a string of acclaimed performances to his credit, has garnered multiple award nominations and victories throughout his career. Nevertheless, even someone as exceptionally talented as DiCaprio has had films that received less favorable reviews.
Before his breakthrough role in the series Growing Pains, DiCaprio’s first feature film was Critters 3, a direct-to-video sequel. Remarkably, he took on this project at the young age of 17. Considering how most of us cringe at our actions during our teenage years, it’s understandable that DiCaprio made this somewhat questionable choice. However, his unwavering commitment to storytelling and extraordinary acting prowess solidify his status as an iconic figure in Hollywood.
Nicolas Cage
A prolific actor with a diverse range of performances, Nicolas Cage has had his share of both critical acclaim and criticism. Much like Morgan Freeman, Nic Cage too has three movies that are rated 0%. The infamous feat was achieved by Deadfall, which quite literally fell dead for the critics, and fans weren’t impressed either. The other two movies that matched its ratings were Left Behind and Grand Isle.
Despite a few 0% Rotten Tomatoes ratings, Cage’s ability to immerse himself in his characters remains unparalleled, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.
George Clooney
While the notorious superhero flop, Batman & Robin, can’t be solely blamed on George Clooney, the film as a whole, from start to finish, was considered daft, indulgent, and misconceived. But it wasn’t the worst of Clooney’s; his worst came in 1988 as Return of the Killer Tomatoes.
The movie was a sequel to Attack of the Killer Tomatoes and was just as ridiculous as the title sounds. It was bashed by the critics and almost no one showed up to watch it.
Adam Sandler
Known for his comedic brilliance, Adam Sandler has a devoted fan base who adore his unique brand of humor. However, the movie Ridiculous 6 was a disaster. Adam Sandler’s portrayal of a white orphan raised by Native Americans in the Old West was widely criticized as poor.
The film itself received a score as low as zero percent on Rotten Tomatoes. While not all of his work has received critical acclaim, Sandler’s endearing performances resonate with audiences worldwide, making him a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Denzel Washington
Even his Oscar win just a year before couldn’t save Denzel Washington from picking the wrong script. After winning the coveted statue, the actor starred in the biggest nightmare of his career. The title? Heart Conditions. The 1990 release was one of the worst buddy cops comedies ever made.
The movie was so bad, it made Washington fire his agent who convinced him to take the role and also avoid comic roles for almost 23 years. It definitely gave the critics and the viewers heart conditions!
