Netflix has become a haven for original content, releasing a seemingly endless stream of new movies. However, amidst the influx of titles, some films have failed to resonate with audiences, falling short of expectations. While the year is still young, here are the five worst Netflix movies of 2024 so far, based on their lackluster performance and critical reception.
5. Rebel Moon: Part Two — The Scargiver (2024)
Directed by Zack Snyder, this sci-fi epic delivers the climactic battle between the rebels of Veldt and the evil Imperium, a narrative thread established in the first installment, 2023’s *Rebel Moon: Part One — A Child of Fire*. Unfortunately, this sequel inherits the shortcomings of its predecessor, lacking character depth and relying heavily on expository dialogue, slow-motion sequences, and recycled *Star Wars* tropes. *The Scargiver* does boast epic, visually stunning moments characteristic of Snyder’s work. However, similar to its predecessor, it lacks a cohesive narrative, leaving viewers with a sense of emptiness. In fairness, this release is a shorter version, preceding Snyder’s three-hour director’s cut, *Curse of Forgiveness*, which may address the shortcomings of this version.
4. Unfrosted (2024)
Jerry Seinfeld’s long-standing love for Pop-Tarts manifests itself in this fictionalized, cartoonish depiction of the toaster pastry’s creation. The film centers around the bitter rivalry between Kellogg’s and Post food companies, featuring a humorous portrayal of a cereal mascot uprising. Despite a star-studded cast and a wacky brand of dad humor, this glossy spoof of the 1960s food industry barely manages to deliver. *Unfrosted* does offer some laughs thanks to its talented actors, clever jokes, and cultural references. However, viewers expecting a Seinfeld-esque take on *Anchorman* will likely be disappointed.
3. Atlas (2024)
This sci-fi action flick follows an AI-hating analyst (Jennifer Lopez) as she is forced to pilot an AI mech suit to apprehend a robot terrorist (Simu Liu) on a distant planet. Although it reached Netflix’s Top 10 list in nearly a hundred countries, popularity doesn’t equate to quality. The movie may boast a stellar cast and impressive visuals, but it remains a formulaic action blockbuster with a predictable story and clichéd dialogue. *Atlas* does explore the pertinent question of whether we should utilize AI, but this message is ultimately buried beneath a film that feels more at home among the gun-toting blockbusters of the 90s.
2. Trigger Warning (2024)
*Trigger Warning* follows a Special Forces officer (Jessica Alba) who returns to her hometown after her father’s sudden death, only to discover that a family of arms dealers led by a corrupt senator (Anthony Michael Hall) is responsible. Produced by Thunder Road Films (known for *John Wick* and *Monkey Man*), this movie was marketed as a female-led blend of *First Blood* and *John Wick*. While this pitch seems promising, *Trigger Warning* ultimately falls short, emerging as another dull, lower-tier action flick despite reaching Netflix’s Top 10. The film does offer some beautiful shots and decent fight scenes. However, the story and its characters lack depth, and the cast fails to captivate audiences with the material they are given. It also lacks the artistic action and emotional depth to rival the films it aspires to be, let alone stand out from them.
1. Lift (2024)
This flashy Kevin Hart vehicle follows a ragtag team of art thieves as they are forced to pull off a daring heist on an airborne plane to retrieve a stash of gold being delivered to an evil billionaire. Despite being helmed by veteran film director F. Gary Gray (*Friday*, *Straight Outta Compton*), *Lift* plummets just as it takes off, plagued by bland dialogue, unfunny jokes, one-dimensional characters, and a convoluted story. It’s especially disappointing that the film fails to capitalize on Hart’s comedic talents, leaving his character devoid of genuine appeal. Overall, this film will likely lose its audience before the heist even begins.
