Top 10 Celebrity Acting Attempts That FAILED

“Spice World” (1997)
Unfortunately, this project did not spice up our lives. While this excuse to showcase the Spice Girls’ talents performed well at the box office, film aficionados and critics had to cringe. Among other things, “Spice World” follows a corrupt CEO trying to sabotage the Spice Girls, as well as the girls trying to make it to their Royal Albert Hall concert. You would think that a pop group would have an easier time acting as, well, themselves. But they visibly struggle to deliver their lines. Roger Ebert even noted sourly that they could barely lip-synch to their tunes. In other words, “Spice World” is strictly for the fans.

“The Hottie and the Nottie” (2008)
Vanity projects have rarely been so horrifying. Paris Hilton stars as Cristabel Abbott, a beautiful woman friends with the “ugly” June Phigg. When Nate, an old admirer, is interested in seeing her, Cristabel insists on finding June a date too. The rest of the movie is a mindless and clichéd jumble of mishandled rom-com tropes, including a predictable transformation. Hilton’s performance is especially terrible, winning her a Razzie Award for Worst Actress. To be fair, the screenplay is far from the wittiest thing ever conceived. But she certainly doesn’t help matters in the role, something we could also say about her part in “Repo! The Genetic Opera.” Basically, this vanity project is too vain to function.

“Battleship” (2012)
Movies based on video games almost never end up doing well. Just ask that ‘90s “Super Mario Bros.” project. But an entire film based on a board game – “Battleship,” no less? That’s just asking for trouble. This one follows military ships that discover an extraterrestrial naval fleet. Rihanna's acting is indeed subpar, an indifferent performance compared to her work in “Ocean’s Eight.” Of course, “Battleship”’s over-earnestness mixed in with its absurd plot elements, like humanoid aliens, do not help. Not to mention its screenplay filled with groaner lines. In the end, Rihanna and the whole film sink like the titular ship, and have received mostly negative critical reviews.

“Employee of the Month” (2006)
Directed by Greg Coolidge, “Employee of the Month” follows slacker Zack as he strives to get the titular honor in the hopes of winning the new hire’s affections. He finds it difficult, however, especially as his rival attempts to sabotage him. Jessica Simpson is particularly one-note in her portrayal of Zack’s love interest Amy, her role more of a prize to be won than anything resembling a character. There’s no real depth or complexity given to the character, making her performance another element to criticize among many in a flick that’s offensive and unfunny all around.

“From Justin to Kelly” (2003)
Considered one of the worst films of all time, “From Justin to Kelly” is…something. Led by Kelly Clarkson and her “American Idol” runner-up, it follows the romance between Kelly and Justin, whose initial meet-cute becomes complicated by expected misunderstandings. The result is unfunny, and not in the least bit swoonworthy. Clarkson and Justin Guarini don’t mesh well on screen, and do not make for plausible romantic leads in the slightest. Clarkson even admitted that she knew the film was going to be bad, but that she had no choice – her contract demanded she star in it, and it was to her detriment. Not even the songs can save her.

“Space Jam” (1996)
It’s Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny. What could go wrong? While “Space Jam” does interweave animation with live-action seamlessly, it’s unfortunately no “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” Jordan is arguably partly to blame. The story centers on the Looney Tunes, as they turn to the athlete to win them a consequential basketball game against the evil Nerdlucks that mean them harm. Unfortunately, some feel Jordan’s portrayal of his fictionalized self is a weak spot, though he did receive some praise for his work. As the straight man in the midst of endless zaniness, he’s a little too chill, to the point of being almost wooden. This “Space Jam” performance might be more of a space turkey.

“The Idol” (2023)
Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye stars in this short-lived drama series directed by Sam Levinson, of “Euphoria” fame. Lily-Rose Depp is Jocelyn, a pop star that forms a relationship with cult leader Tedros. In his attempt to become Tedros, The Weeknd is dull, and lacking in the charm required of his character, with plenty of overacting to boot. As for the show itself, Levinson is on record saying that it takes place in the same universe as “Euphoria.” It’s far more problematic and less engaging, though. We don’t know that the Weeknd doing a better job could’ve saved the disastrous angle “The Idol” takes on, but we know he certainly contributes to making it unwatchable.

“Cats” (2019)
This one is definitely not the cat’s meow. A film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s stage musical of the same name, the overly literal interpretation of the balletic original was not helped by its casting. Among the worst offenders are Jason Derulo and Taylor Swift. Swift had already garnered criticism for 2010’s “Valentine’s Day”. But one would think her singing prowess would help in a musical. Alas, it’s a mixed bag. She has an intermittent English accent and a pop delivery some consider ill-suited for “Macavity.” Still, she’s among the only “Cats” stars who received positive reviews. Derulo’s Rum Tum Tugger, however? That’s a nightmare nearly as horrific as the CGI. Let’s not even go there.

“Kazaam” (1996)
There’s very little magic to be found in “Kazaam,” a vehicle for basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal. O’Neal plays the titular genie, emerging from a magical boombox. As you’d expect, he can grant teen Max three wishes. Kazaam proves to be a good asset, helping Max find his father and stand up to the jerks in his life. O’Neal is no Robin Williams, though. The movie is a jumble of kid flick platitudes, and O’Neal’s poor acting cannot rescue it from its own mediocrity. He just doesn’t give enough to emotionally invest us in the overall character arc, leading to a forgettable end result.

“Body of Evidence” (1993)
At least with most pop stars and celebrities, film flops are typically a one-and-done deal. But Madonna’s acting attempts have led to some truly terrible fruit. “Body of Evidence” is among the worst of her endeavors. It’s an erotic thriller with risible dialogue, and Madonna’s bad acting as a murder suspect who seduces her lawyer doesn’t help matters. Such was its infamy that the singer won a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress. Her ill luck in movies didn’t stop there, unfortunately, even following her to 2002’s “Swept Away,” a similar misfire. It turns out even icons like Madonna can’t do it all.