10 Movie Franchises With No Good Movies Despite Their Big Name: Hollywood is synonymous with glitz, glamour, and most importantly, groundbreaking cinema. However, not all that glitters is gold. Despite their illustrious names, some movie franchises have consistently missed the mark, failing to deliver the cinematic quality that audiences expect. This irony of fame without critical acclaim is far more common than one might expect. From big-budget spectacle to star-studded cast lineups, certain franchises have repeatedly disappointed, with each new release seemingly destined for mediocrity. In this article, we delve into ten such movie franchises, exploring why, despite their immense reputation and potential, they have yet to produce a truly great film. Welcome to a narrative of hype without substance, promises without delivery.
10 Movie Franchises With No Good Movies Despite Their Big Name
Fantastic Four
Despite the lofty expectations that come with its high-profile comic book origins, the “Fantastic Four” franchise has struggled to translate into successful movies. The 2005 version and its 2007 sequel were criticized for their cartoonish tone and lackluster character development, while the 2015 reboot faced harsh backlash for its dark, joyless atmosphere and convoluted plot. Despite featuring talented casts, the films have failed to deliver satisfying adaptations of Marvel’s first family, resulting in repeated box office disappointments. Overall, the “Fantastic Four” movies have consistently fallen short, with poor writing, direction, and execution leaving fans yearning for a truly ‘fantastic’ rendition.
Fifty Shades Of Grey
Even after having a massive popularity in literature, the “Fifty Shades of Grey” franchise did not impress as a series of films. The adaptation, beginning with the 2015 release, attracted a broad audience due to its source material’s reputation. However, it fell short in delivering a cinematic experience that matched the hype. Criticisms were levelled at the weak plot, one-dimensional characters, and a lack of chemistry between the leads. Moreover, many believed it oversimplified and misrepresented BDSM culture. Its sequels, “Fifty Shades Darker” and “Fifty Shades Freed,” didn’t improve upon these issues, leaving a franchise that, despite its commercial success, lacks critical acclaim for its narrative and filmmaking quality.
Resident Evil
The “Resident Evil” film series, despite the popularity of its video game source material, has struggled to deliver an engaging and faithful adaptation to the big screen. Beginning in 2002, the franchise has frequently been criticized for its confusing plot, underdeveloped characters, and reliance on over-the-top action at the expense of the horror and suspense elements that made the games so beloved. While the films have found commercial success, particularly among fans of mindless action and spectacle, they are widely viewed as a missed opportunity to create a compelling, game-true horror movie franchise. Overall, the “Resident Evil” movies have been largely disappointing to critics and fans alike.
Underworld
Debuting in 2003, the series has been repeatedly criticized for its convoluted plots, flat characters, and over-reliance on stylish but hollow action sequences. While Kate Beckinsale’s performance as Selene is praised for its commitment, the movies often neglect compelling storytelling in favor of visual effects and gothic atmosphere. Despite spawning multiple sequels and prequels, the “Underworld” films have struggled to elevate themselves beyond their surface-level genre trappings, leaving audiences with a franchise that falls short of its potential.
Fantastic Beasts
Despite originating from the beloved world of Harry Potter, the “Fantastic Beasts” series has struggled to capture the magic of its predecessor. The franchise, beginning with “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” in 2016, has been criticized for its complex, often confusing plotlines and lack of character depth compared to the original series. While visually stunning, critics often found the narrative direction to be lacking, with too many subplots and an unclear overarching story. The performances of the cast, including Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander, have generally been praised, but they have not been enough to save the series from mixed reviews and a lukewarm audience reception.
Leprechaun
It follows a malicious leprechaun on a murderous rampage, often in pursuit of his stolen gold. Critics and audiences alike have dismissed the series as low-brow and lacking substance, often criticising its reliance on cheap thrills, weak humor, and over-the-top gore. While the franchise has gained a cult following due to its campy nature and the performance of Warwick Davis, it’s generally considered as a low point in the horror genre. All in all, the “Leprechaun” movies are seen as lacking any significant redeeming cinematic quality.
Tomb Raider
The “Tomb Raider” franchise, inspired by the highly successful video game series, has had a difficult journey in cinema. The initial 2001 film, starring Angelina Jolie, failed to capture the depth and complexity of the games, criticized for its thin plot and reliance on action sequences over character development. The 2018 reboot, featuring Alicia Vikander, attempted to rectify these issues, but still received mixed reviews, often criticised for its formulaic plot and lack of originality. Even after two attempts with talented leads, “Tomb Raider” has yet to fully translate its video game success into film.
Children Of The Corn
Based on Stephen King’s short story, the “Children of the Corn” franchise has unfortunately struggled to translate the terrifying concept into a successful series of films. The original 1984 film drew mixed reviews, but its numerous sequels and a remake failed to impress. Critics have often cited poor character development, weak plots, and an over-reliance on shock value and gore as the series’ main issues. Despite the promising premise of a cult of children in rural Nebraska, the franchise quickly devolved into a string of low-budget, forgettable horror films. As a result, “Children of the Corn” is seen as a franchise that has squandered its potential.
Alvin and the Chipmunks
The “Alvin and the Chipmunks” film franchise, despite the nostalgic charm of its cartoon origins, has largely missed the mark in its translation to the big screen. The series, beginning in 2007, has been widely criticized for its lack of substantial narrative, underdeveloped characters, and reliance on slapstick humor that often fails to land. While the films have had some commercial success, critics argue they offer little beyond high-pitched singing and lowbrow gags. The overall sentiment is that the movies, despite their appealing anthropomorphic stars, have consistently failed to deliver engaging stories or memorable moments, resulting in a franchise that is more forgettable than fantastic.
Divergent
The “Divergent” series, while initially promising as a new entry in the young adult dystopian genre, ultimately failed to meet the expectations set by its bestselling source material. The first movie, released in 2014, drew mixed reviews, and subsequent entries “Insurgent” and “Allegiant” saw a decline in both critical and audience reception. Critics pointed out issues with shallow character development, predictable plots, and a lack of originality. Additionally, the decision to split the final book into two films was met with negative response, and the final installment was ultimately cancelled. The “Divergent” franchise stands as an example of a promising series that fell short of its potential.
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