Hailey Watson
Netflix has changed how we watch movies and shows, giving us thousands of options at our fingertips.
But not every release hits the mark.
Some productions arrive with huge budgets, famous actors, and tons of hype, only to leave viewers scratching their heads in confusion or disappointment.
From poorly adapted manga stories to superhero shows that fell flat, these nine Netflix originals prove that even streaming giants can miss the target spectacularly.
1. The Last Days of American Crime (2020)
Earning a rare 0% on Rotten Tomatoes is no small feat, yet this dystopian thriller managed exactly that.
Based on a graphic novel, the film attempted to blend crime drama with science fiction but crashed spectacularly.
Critics slammed its messy storytelling and gratuitous violence that seemed to serve no real purpose.
Running over two hours, viewers found themselves lost in a confusing plot that never quite made sense.
The film tried to tackle big ideas about government control and freedom but got tangled in its own ambition.
What could have been a thought-provoking thriller became a tedious watch that most audiences couldn’t finish.
2. The Cloverfield Paradox (2018)
Surprise releases can generate buzz, but they can also backfire spectacularly.
Announced during the Super Bowl and dropped immediately afterward, this Cloverfield sequel seemed exciting until people actually watched it.
The plot grew increasingly convoluted as it tried connecting to previous franchise films.
What should have explained the Cloverfield universe only created more confusion and frustration.
Science fiction elements felt borrowed from better movies without adding anything fresh or interesting.
Critics noted the talented cast seemed wasted on a script that couldn’t decide what story it wanted to tell.
The surprise marketing strategy couldn’t mask fundamental storytelling problems that left audiences disappointed.
3. The Ridiculous 6 (2015)
Adam Sandler’s first collaboration with Netflix started on shaky ground.
This Western comedy aimed for laughs but mostly drew groans from viewers and critics alike.
The humor felt juvenile and outdated, relying on stereotypes that made many uncomfortable.
Despite Sandler’s loyal fanbase, even his biggest supporters struggled to defend this one.
The performances lacked energy, making the nearly two-hour runtime feel endless.
Netflix reportedly paid big money for Sandler’s multi-film deal, making this disappointing debut particularly painful.
While some Sandler fans found moments to enjoy, most agreed this ranked among his weakest efforts, setting a concerning tone for future Netflix comedies.
4. Bright (2017)
With Will Smith starring and a reported $90 million budget, expectations ran high for this fantasy cop thriller.
Director David Ayer brought his gritty style to a world where humans coexist with orcs and fairies in modern Los Angeles.
Unfortunately, the ambitious world-building felt half-baked and confusing.
The allegory about racism and social divisions came across as heavy-handed rather than thoughtful.
Critics savaged the film for wasting its interesting premise on a generic buddy-cop plot.
Despite harsh reviews, Netflix claimed strong viewership numbers and even greenlit a sequel.
This disconnect between critical reception and audience interest sparked debates about how streaming success should be measured.
5. The Kissing Booth (2018)
Teen rom-coms walk a fine line between charming and cringe-worthy, and this film stumbled into the latter category for many viewers.
Based on a Wattpad story, it followed a predictable formula without adding much personality.
The romance felt forced, with problematic relationship dynamics that concerned some parents and critics.
Characters made questionable choices that were played for laughs rather than addressed seriously.
The script lacked the wit and heart that made classic teen movies memorable.
Surprisingly, younger audiences loved it enough to spawn two sequels, proving that critical disappointment doesn’t always equal commercial failure.
Still, many felt Netflix could have delivered something more substantial for its teen audience.
6. The Woman in the Window (2021)
Delayed multiple times before finally landing on Netflix, this psychological thriller arrived with its reputation already damaged.
Amy Adams played an agoraphobic woman who witnesses something disturbing from her window, but the execution failed to thrill.
The twist ending felt contrived rather than clever, undermining everything that came before.
Pacing issues made the film drag despite its relatively short runtime.
What should have been tense and atmospheric instead felt predictable and dull.
Based on a bestselling novel, the adaptation couldn’t capture what made readers turn pages frantically.
Critics noted that talented actors seemed constrained by a script that never found its footing, resulting in another high-profile Netflix disappointment.
7. Jupiter’s Legacy (2021)
Superhero fatigue wasn’t the only problem facing this ambitious series.
Following multiple generations of heroes, the show tried balancing family drama with action sequences but satisfied neither craving.
Critics complained about sluggish pacing that made episodes feel twice as long as they actually were.
The action scenes lacked the excitement viewers expected from a superhero show with a substantial budget.
Character development moved at a crawl, testing audience patience.
After just one season, Netflix pulled the plug, leaving storylines unresolved and fans frustrated.
The cancellation highlighted how even established comic book properties can’t guarantee success in an increasingly crowded superhero landscape dominated by Marvel and DC.
8. Persuasion (2022)
Jane Austen adaptations carry high expectations, and this modernized take on Persuasion missed the mark entirely.
Breaking the fourth wall and using contemporary language, the film tried making Austen feel fresh but instead felt jarring.
Purists objected to changes that altered the story’s tone and character motivations.
Even viewers unfamiliar with the source material found the tonal shifts confusing and off-putting.
The romance at the story’s heart never quite sparked, leaving the central relationship feeling hollow.
Dakota Johnson’s performance divided audiences, with some appreciating her approach while others felt it clashed with the period setting.
Ultimately, the film pleased neither traditionalists nor those seeking a bold reimagining, landing awkwardly between both camps.
9. The Electric State (2025)
Sometimes massive budgets and A-list stars aren’t enough to guarantee success.
This recent release combined cutting-edge special effects with a star-studded ensemble cast, yet audiences stayed away in surprising numbers.
Critics pointed to a muddled narrative that never quite explained its fascinating world properly.
The retro-futuristic setting looked amazing but felt underdeveloped, leaving viewers wanting more substance beneath the stunning visuals.
Emotional beats landed flat despite talented performers giving their all.
Netflix’s investment in the project made its failure particularly stinging for the streaming service.
The disconnect between production value and audience interest raised questions about whether bigger always means better in the streaming era.
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