Top 5 Disappointing Movies of 2018

There’s Always Next Year…

Sometimes the hype is more fun than the movie itself and unfortunately, these films simply fell short of our expectations. For this list, we’re taking a look five movies released in 2018 that failed to live up to their potential. Although these movies aren’t all bottom of the barrel per se, they could’ve been so much more given the talent involved. Before we get into the list, make sure you’re all caught up with our End of Year Playlist before the new year and check out the full video of the Top 10 Disappointing Movies of 2018 below! Now, let’s get into the movies that made us say… 

#5: “Mute” (2018)

“Moon” was one of those movies that you probably didn’t catch in theaters, but eventually heard about when it arrived on home video. A favorite of critics and cinephiles, this low-budget sci-fi flick put director Duncan Jones on the movie map. As a spiritual successor to his debut feature film, “Mute” seemed destined to become another cult classic. Unfortunately, this Netflix film lacks the tight plot and compelling characters of its predecessor, with the best performance coming from Paul Rudd’s mustache. While “Mute” is undoubtedly a stylish achievement, we’d be lying if we said it didn’t look an awful lot another science fiction film. We think it was called “Blade” something…

#4: “The Predator” (2018)

The original “Predator” is such a kickass movie that we can’t help but get pumped whenever a new installment is announced, even if we know deep down that it’s not gonna be too hot. After the poorly-received “Predator 2” and the divisive “Predators,” this Shane Black film had to be nothing short of mind-blowing. Instead of breathing new life into the franchise, “The Predator” generally left audiences sighing in disappointment. The film isn’t without a few humorous one-liners and the cast share a natural chemistry, but it’s difficult to get invested in anybody when it’s evident from the get-to who’s going to live and who’s going to die during the series of standard action scenes.

#3: “A Wrinkle in Time” (2018)

Disney was fortunately responsible for some of 2018’s biggest hits because they also delivered this box office bomb, which reportedly lost more than $86 million. Even with an A-list cast, gifted newcomers, and a director of Ava DuVernay’s caliber, it’s not surprising that “A Wrinkle in Time” couldn’t live up to expectations. Madeleine L’Engle’s novel has been described as unfilmable and Disney’s previous attempt to adapt it didn’t work either. Still, given its extraordinary visuals, diverse ensemble, and promising source material, this version seemingly had all the makings of a perennial classic. With a script that could’ve used more time in the incubator, however, the film is a wrinkle on Disney’s otherwise smooth track record.

#2: “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” (2018)

Unlike our previous entry, the follow-up to “Jurassic World” was a colossal box office smash, although that doesn’t mean audiences got what they paid for. After four movies, you’d think it’d be clear to everyone that dinosaurs and humans shouldn’t co-exist. In “Fallen Kingdom,” however, we not only have to watch characters make the same idiotic choices, but also make new mistakes that defy all logic. Between the volcanic eruption and Jeff Goldblum’s glorified cameo, the best moments are all in the trailer, with much of the action in the second half being restricted to a dimly-lit mansion. If it weren’t for the admittedly intriguing cliffhanger, we’d be ready for this franchise to officially go extinct.

1: “The Cloverfield Paradox” (2018)

Like its predecessors, the third “Cloverfield” had one of the most brilliant marketing campaigns in cinematic history with its story and connection to the other films clouded in mystery. Originally announced under the name “God Particle,” we didn’t even know the film’s exact release date or official title for a while. Our jaws dropped when an ad for “The Cloverfield Paradox” appeared during Super Bowl LII, revealing it’d be available to stream right after the game. Assuming that you weren’t staying tuned for “This Is Us,” we all immediately logged into our Netflix accounts, pressed play, and… watched a generic sci-fi movie with no new ideas, engaging characters, or worthwhile plot twists. Well, that sucks…

Is there another movie that disappointed you this year? Check out our full video below to find out all 10 of 2018’s most disappointing movies!