Top 30 Movies That Bombed So Hard They Ruined Actors Careers

#30: Halle Berry

“Catwoman” (2004)

Despite her historic Oscar win, Halle Berry noted in 2024 that her options are sometimes “limited,” citing a shortage of good roles for Black women. Her career and the entertainment landscape might look different had “Catwoman” been a better film. Following Ertha Kitt’s pawprints, Berry was the first Black actress to portray Catwoman in a multi-million-dollar film. A trailblazing opportunity was squandered with an awful script that was more sexist than empowering. Berry handled the critical and financial failure in stride, accepting her Razzie for Worst Actress. Nearly 20 years later, though, Berry can still taste this hairball. Her most high-profile work since then has primarily been as part of an ensemble while her lead roles have fallen short of her potential.

#29: Sharon Stone

“Basic Instinct 2” (2006)

“Catwoman” didn’t do Sharon Stone any favors either, but the long-delayed sequel took an ice pick to her career. The original 1992 hit propelled Stone to the summit of the Hollywood hierarchy. “Basic Instinct 2” brought things full circle, and not in a good way. By 2006, nobody was asking for Catherine Tramell’s return. So why does this film exist? Well, the director was desperate for work, Stone had a pay-or-play contract, and the studio figured it made more sense to make a movie than to just give away money. Not when this is the result, however. While Stone still finds work in TV and smaller films, “Basic Instinct 2” officially revoked her A-list status. She could use a studio like A24 to revive it.

#28: Maxwell Caulfield

“Grease 2” (1982)

According to Didi Conn, one of the few stars to appear in both “Grease” films, Paramount initially rejected the idea of a sequel. After the musical became a box office sensation, the studio had a change of tune. By that point, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John were no longer available. Instead, we got Maxwell Caulfield playing Michael Carrington, the Australian Sandy’s British cousin! Although Caulfield thought the role would make him the next John Travolta, the disastrous box office returns would stall his career for years. Co-star Michelle Pfeiffer might’ve met the same fate had it not been for next year’s “Scarface.” While Caulfield has come to embrace the sequel’s cult following, the reception upon release hit him like a bucket of cold water.

#27: Faye Dunaway

“Supergirl” (1984)

Faye Dunaway was among the definitive faces during the New Hollywood movement. Dunaway’s fame took a dive as that movement came to a close in the 80s. Some might point to “Mommie Dearest” as her career-killer, but at least that notorious film made a profit. The same can’t be said about “Supergirl,” which cast Dunaway as the villainous Selena. Although she didn’t play the titular lead, Dunaway is still the name most people associate with this super-sized turkey. Dunaway wasn’t the happiest camper on set, wanting to bring more comedy to her performance. Director Jeannot Szwarc shot Dunaway down, insisting she play “the straight person.” In an ironic turn, audiences would laugh at Dunaway’s performance, but not in the way she might’ve hoped for.

#26: Eddie Murphy

“A Thousand Words” (2012)

For every flop, Eddie Murphy usually had several hits around the corner. His ability to pack theaters dwindled as the 21st century raged on. “A Thousand Words,” which was delayed multiple times, proved to be the last straw. You’d be hard-pressed to find a single critic with something positive to say about the film. While Murphy has often divided critics, audiences didn’t show up either with the comedy barely making back half its budget. The film was dumped straight to video in the UK, foreshadowing Murphy’s career turn. Almost all of his movies since then have been streaming exclusives. Although some of those films have performed well, “A Thousand Words” officially killed Murphy’s reign as a box office king… aside from maybe animated projects.

#25: Jaden Smith

“After Earth” (2010)

Jaden Smith was a charming child actor, but “After Earth” would test his bankability as a teenage lead. His father Will would come along for the ride, albeit in a supporting role with his usual charisma dialed down. Even at Will’s most subdued, Jaden’s performance here came off whiny and disinterested. Jaden doesn’t deserve all the blame, getting saddled with such awkward dialogue. As the only actor on screen for much of the runtime, “After Earth” might’ve asked too much of somebody so young. Being the star, though, Jaden endured most of the backlash attached to the film’s poor reception. Only appearing in a handful of movies since, Jaden is better known for his music, social media presence, and… well, being Will and Jada’s kid.

#24: Ezra Miller

“The Flash” (2023)

Given their off-screen shenanigans, one could argue that Ezra Miller’s career had already stopped dead in its tracks. The bottom line is what matters most in Hollywood, however. Had “The Flash” been a commercial success, the industry might’ve granted Miller a free pass (or several). Even with the negative buzz surrounding Miller, “The Flash” bombed harder than anyone could’ve imagined. Although superhero fatigue was a factor, there’s no denying that Miller’s behavior also alienated audiences while giving Warner Bros.’ PR department a splitting headache. Miller is still young and could turn their life around in the future. You can’t outrun the past, though, and it’s safe to assume this will be the last time Miller headlines a roughly $200 million production.

#23: Steven Seagal

“Half Past Dead” (2002)

By the early 2000s, this fading action star had begun the transition from mainstream theatrical releases to the dreaded direct-to-video bargain bin. After 2001’s “Exit Wounds” performed modestly at the box office, some thought there might still be life in Steven Seagal’s career. Only one year later, the industry found that Seagal’s time in the spotlight was half past dead. The title said it all! While any film opening against “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” was going to face an uphill battle, “Half Past Dead” barely cracked the top five on its first weekend and quickly disappeared from theaters. So did Seagal, who has been churning out almost nothing but home video productions for over two decades.

#22: Greta Garbo

“Two-Faced Woman” (1941)

Beginning her career in Sweden, Greta Garbo quickly found fame in Hollywood. She made another successful transition from silent films to talkies, becoming a staple of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Following the box office disaster that was 1937’s “Conquest,” an article would deem Garbo and several others “box office poison.” Garbo’s Oscar-nominated turn in “Ninotchka” suggested otherwise two years later. 1941’s “Two-Faced Woman” ended Garbo’s career, though, becoming another commercial and critical failure. Her contract with MGM concluded shortly after. While Garbo received other offers and expressed interest in returning to the screen, this would ultimately be her final film. Garbo went on to live a private life. Even when the Academy granted her an Honorary Oscar years later, she decided against accepting it in person.

#21: Klinton Spilsbury

“The Legend of the Lone Ranger” (1981)

The Lone Ranger seems to be a cursed role (in movies at least). The abuse allegations were the final nail in the coffin for Armie Hammer, although his turn as the masked hero previously derailed his chances of being a superstar. Meanwhile, Klinton Spilsbury’s career ended before it even started. Spilsbury found himself caught in the middle of a legal dispute between the studio and the original Lone Ranger, Clayton Moore. Regardless, Spilsbury already viewed himself as a star and wanted everyone to know it. Spilsbury didn’t have the talent to back up his ego, delivering a performance so uneven that the filmmakers redubbed his lines. If the film’s horrendous box office didn’t kill Spilsbury’s career, the reputation he garnered on set would’ve.

#20: Dennis Rodman

“Simon Sez” (1999)


Dennis Rodman’s NBA talent was undeniable. But his work in film was relatively short-lived. After making “Double Team” with Jean-Claude Van Damme, Rodman tried leading the action movie “Simon Sez.” In this film, the audience is supposed to buy that the athlete is an Interpol agent. But neither Rodman’s job title or his acting is remotely believable. The actor’s low-energy performance doesn’t really vibe with the high-octane action sequences. Additionally, he has zero chemistry with cast members like Dane Cook. When Rodman’s lack of skills were combined with the baffling plot, the movie became an airball at the box office. Although he appeared in a couple of films later on, Rodman’s career as a leading man was over after this bomb.

#19: Gene Kelly

“Xanadu” (1980)


After spending decades becoming known as one of the most talented Hollywood triple threats, Gene Kelly skated into a role in “Xanadu”. The movie tried to cram disco themes, Greek mythology and a night club into one flashy package. It’s not surprising to see why this plot didn’t exactly resonate with most audiences. Admittedly, Kelly’s joyful presence is a welcome addition to the movie. But he couldn’t save the overall film. Whether it was the bold aesthetics or the otherworldly story, the musical failed to garner much love. The awfully reviewed title even helped inspire the infamous Razzie awards that shamed bad movies. Unfortunately, the legendary star wasn’t able to step out of the shadow of this misfire musical before he retired from Hollywood.

#18: Kelly Clarkson & Justin Guarini

“From Justin to Kelly” (2003)


After Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini became the first winner and runner-up respectively of “American Idol,” executives wanted to see if the singers could be movie stars too. Although the two were more than ready to do concerts, they didn’t quite have the acting chops for movies yet. It didn't help that they were stuck in an extremely cliched story about a will-they won’t they romance that starts during spring break. In the end, the movie lost big at the box office. The company didn’t even bother releasing a studio album of the soundtrack. Both members of the duo thankfully pivoted to successful careers afterwards. Although they each get the occasional acting role, we don’t expect a “Justin to Kelly” sequel anytime soon.

#17: Julia Sweeney

“It’s Pat” (1994)


During the early 1990s, Julia Sweeney was a prominent cast member on “Saturday Night Live.” One of her most notable roles saw her play the androgynous character Pat. For some reason, execs thought the character needed their own feature length film. The bulk of the plot revolves around people trying to figure out Pat’s gender identity. If that doesn’t sound like a comedy to you, then you should know that critics and audiences agreed. It grossed less than $100,000 on an $8 million budget. While Sweeney was able to pick up small roles in film and tv after the flop, it took nearly a decade for her to become a series regular on a show again.

#16: Lori Petty

“Tank Girl” (1995)


Lori Petty might look familiar to fans of the sports classic “A League of Their Own.” After starring as supporting character Kit Keller, she got to play the lead in “Tank Girl”. Unfortunately for the actress, this comic-book adaptation didn’t end up being the ideal star vehicle. This is definitely a case where Petty gave a solid and fun performance. However, the terrible plot and baffling production decisions made “Tank Girl” a tonally strange sci-fi epic. The bizarre narrative kept viewers away and ensured the movie couldn’t earn back its budget. This setback discouraged Hollywood from casting Petty in big-ticket films. Fortunately, she eventually found success on TV on shows like “Orange is the New Black.”

#15: Shaquille O’Neal

“Steel” (1997)


Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most charismatic celebrities around. However, his good nature doesn’t often translate into excellent acting performances. In one of O’Neal’s worst attempts, he starred as the superhero Steel. While the script’s dialogue and characters admittedly didn’t do him many favors, his performance seriously weighed the project down. Most of O’Neal’s lines are delivered with the exact same tone and emotion. Although the shots he takes at himself can be funny, the flashes of humor aren’t enough to keep “Steel” going. The poor box-office returns and bad reviews deflated O’Neal’s chances as a leading man. Since then, he’s often only brought off the acting bench to make cameos.

#14: Chris Klein

“Rollerball” (2002)


In the 1990s, Chris Klein achieved mainstream acting success in successful comedies such as “American Pie.” His good-natured demeanor shaped his early filmography. But he attempted to open up his career to different roles with a role in “Rollerball”. Serving as a remake of the 1970s sci-fi classic, the 2002 version attempts to update the tale of extreme sports…with mixed results. It was dismissed for diluting the more intricate satire of the original and leaving stars like Klein with barely anything to work with. The film wasn’t able to make half of its budget back either. While Klein’s star faded a bit after wiping out with “Rollerball”, he was able to race back into consistent TV and movie roles a few years later.

#13: Geena Davis

“Cutthroat Island” (1995)


Winning an Academy Award and starring in commercial films in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, Geena Davis was a surefire choice to star in “Cutthroat Island” in 1995. The swashbuckling adventure story partnered Davis up with Matthew Modine in a big-budget production. Audiences in the middle of the decade weren’t compelled by the material and it became a historic box-office bomb. Despite the talent and money on display, this pirate movie proved to be a substantial setback in the actor’s career. The next few years saw less roles for her as an above-the-title star, positioning her as a supporting actor instead. Next to a few parts in television, she started working in the 2000s to promote female representation in media.

#12: Lindsay Lohan

“I Know Who Killed Me” (2007)


Lindsay Lohan got her start as a child actor with successful performances like "The Parent Trap." After transitioning into successful roles in her teenage years with movies like "Mean Girls," it looked like she was set to take off. But one of the movies that stalled her career trajectory was "I Know Who Killed Me". Years after playing identical twins in a family film, Lohan was set to portray siblings in a much darker thriller mystery. But the indecipherable plot and her uneven performances earned the movie terrible reviews. Lohan struggled to reestablish her reputation as a great actress in comparatively smaller roles. Her lead role 2022’s “Falling for Christmas” was a sign to many that she might finally regain her former glory.

#11: Cuba Gooding Jr.

“Boat Trip” (2002)


Throughout the 1990s, Cuba Gooding Jr. established himself as a multi-talented artist with Oscar-winning performances and blockbuster roles. But he veered into choppy acting waters in the early 2000s by starring in vehicles like "Boat Trip." This vacation comedy had potential and a stacked cast. However, the plot is built upon lazy jokes, an extremely problematic romantic subplot and a ton of cheap stereotypes about the LGBTQ+community. The failure of this movie was followed by a series of bad film choices throughout the decade. After making it through a rocky portion of his career, Gooding Jr. was set to make a comeback after his notable turn as O.J. Simpson. But his legal troubles make a full return to form unlikely.

#10: Dana Carvey

“The Master of Disguise” (2002)


Nearly a decade after leaving “SNL,” Dana Carvey got a chance to be the star of his own feature. The film showed off his talent for impressions, but it received negative reactions for its childish jokes and a less-than-convincing storyline. Carvey’s abilities were stretched out into a movie that sometimes ranks among the worst comedies of its kind. Even with its limited financial success, “The Master of Disguise” was the comedian’s last role before a lengthy film hiatus. He instead shifted his attention to his family and stand-up in the meantime. Other than the occasional appearance on late-night television or podcasts, the performer rarely acts in movies outside of voice work.

#9: Madonna

“Swept Away” (2002)


The Italian film “Swept Away” by Lina Wertmüller received a 21st-century update courtesy of director Guy Ritchie. The movie focuses on the story of two complete opposites surviving on a deserted island together. Playing the part of a snobby rich woman, Madonna was heavily criticized for her appearance in the love story. Given that the singer and Ritchie were married at the time, there was even more spotlight on the two artists during that period. Some people noted that the film was inferior to the original, along with the performer’s character being a divisive anti-hero. The remake ended up being one of her last live-action roles, turning her attention back to music and touring in the years since.

#8: Tom Green

“Freddy Got Fingered” (2001)


It’s hard to believe that a movie called “Freddy Got Fingered” was released to the general public. Directed by, written by and starring Tom Green, the film was a provocative comedy with some truly controversial jokes. Green had momentary attention from this film and other projects such as his MTV show, but the reaction to the former halted any major career progress. While much of his comedy from that period has developed a cult following, he’s mainly steered towards his own stand-up and more talk shows in the intervening years. Green has yet to return to the level of stardom he achieved in the early 2000s.

#7: Alicia Silverstone

“Batman & Robin” (1997)


“Batman & Robin” wasn’t kind to any of its main stars, including Alicia Silverstone. She had built up a reputation for her charismatic turn in “Clueless,” and was touted to be another huge star. After the release of the most panned Batman film ever, Silverstone started to disappear from larger Hollywood productions. Her appearance as Batgirl didn’t inspire confidence in filmmakers at the time, earning her a Razzie award and a mixed reception for the role. Films like “Blast from the Past” and “Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed” offered her supporting parts through the end of the ‘90s and the 2000s. Participating in theatre, the actor also spent the next few decades exploring different artistic avenues.

#6: Carrot Top

“Chairman of the Board” (1998)


Love him or not, Carrot Top is widely known as a premier prop comic. His rise to fame in the ‘90s spawned several TV appearances and this film. “Chairman of the Board” captures the performer’s wackiness in a movie that didn’t go over well with audiences. With bizarre casting choices including Raquel Welch, the strange plot about an inventor taking over a corporation failed to connect on a comedic level. The movie didn’t even crack a million dollars at the box office, unable to transplant Carrot Top’s success into the film world. Instead of taking the starring role in another project, he focused on his live comedy and developed a show in Las Vegas at the Luxor Hotel.

#5: Warren Beatty

“Town & Country” (2001)


Although Warren Beatty’s status as an A-list actor is indisputable, his stellar career isn’t without a few duds. The rom-com “Town & Country” stands as his biggest flop yet. This film had an incredible ensemble cast that included the likes of Charlton Heston and Goldie Hawn. Unfortunately, not a single one of the acting heavyweights in the movie could make it compelling to watch. Neither the physical comedy or wordplay could inspire as much as a giggle either. Beatty was absent from movie theaters for a decade and a half following this release. After that long gap in filmography, he was able to return to the big screen with a passion project called “Rules Don’t Apply.”

#4: Taylor Kitsch

“John Carter” (2012)


“John Carter” was set to be a huge Disney live-action epic. Instead of breaking records in a good way, the movie was among the biggest failures of its kind. The film's star Taylor Kitsch could’ve likely gone on to greater success, but this disastrous release stalled his trajectory as a future box-office star. He reappeared in films like “Lone Survivor,” but it seemed like the fallout from the sci-fi adventure had dashed any chances of him attaining leading-man status. Any plans for a sequel were also ditched despite original plans to the contrary. Kitsch has found more success in television since “John Carter,” whereas his future in cinema remains unclear.

#3: Jamie Kennedy

“Son of the Mask” (2005)


Jamie Kennedy was never a massive star, but he received several chances to reach a bigger audience. After his role in “Scream” and his own prank show, this part in “Son of the Mask” was a big break for him as a potential comedy star. Instead of capturing the spirit of the original, the film was a jumbled mix of endless gags without the edge of Jim Carrey’s presence. Audiences largely steered away from the spinoff and its lack of genuine star power. Kennedy took on a significant amount of criticism and after the film his opportunities in Hollywood seemed to largely fade away. He’s managed to pave his own path in lesser-known movies, but this critical failure was a negative flashpoint for his career.

#2: Mike Myers

“The Love Guru” (2008)


In the ‘90s, Mike Myers was synonymous with hilarious comedy in both television and film. The actor finished out his spy trilogy “Austin Powers” in the early 2000s, later focusing on an original idea called “The Love Guru.” The result was one of Myers’s biggest critical and commercial misfires. Parodying Bollywood cinema, the movie doesn’t have the same fresh energy as Myers’s previous work. Ineffective and unflattering for the star, the project didn’t impress audiences. The resulting effect dulled the actor’s hold on Hollywood and compelled him to take a step back from leading roles. He’s slowly climbing out of this less successful period, having developed his own Netflix series called “The Pentaverate.”

#1: Elizabeth Berkley

“Showgirls” (1995)


“Saved by the Bell” introduced Elizabeth Berkley to the world in the late ‘80s. By the time the show ended in the mid ‘90s, it was fair to say that the actor wanted to take a dramatic leap forward into films. Her opportunity came with the making of Paul Verhoeven’s panned film “Showgirls.” Instead of being a gritty look into the life of a dancer, the project comes off like a parody of itself. Berkley’s performance was widely derided along with the rest of the production. While it wasn’t entirely her fault, the film left a stain on her future as a leading woman. Some supporting parts allowed the performer to continue her career, but this was the last recognizable role for her.


Are there any actors you’d like to see make a comeback? Let us know in the comments!