Netflix has become known for taking risks regarding original movies and television shows. With Stranger Things pulling in the big bucks, it would be wise for them to continue playing the game the way they are. But not every original movie or show that premieres on Netflix are a hit. 2017 had its fair share of flops and disasters along with original hits that blew everyone away like Castlevania, Master of None, Bojack Horseman, American Vandal, Mindhunter, and G.L.O.W.
Going out on a limb and taking chances is the way Netflix rolls. Sometimes it pays off tenfold and other times it leaves them looking foolish and amateurish. But to stay alive in today's competitive field, especially with every network and their mother getting a streaming channel, risks need to be played. What is funny for someone may be boring as hell for another. What some may say is brilliant and creative might lead others to say is boring and full of unnecessary tropes. The bottom line is that you can’t please everyone, so why not create a constant flow of various genre movies and shows from your mega platform.
With Hulu and Amazon striving to become more like Netflix, the mega giant needs to stay ahead of the pack. They do this by creating vastly different forms of original content. Some hit while others truly miss. We’ve put together some heavy flops, along with controversial movies and shows that audiences seem to be split on. From Orc cop partners to original content filled with A-list actors, here are 25 of the worst original Netflix movies and shows from 2017.
25 Mashup Blues For Netflix Original Bright
Written by Max Landis, Bright was supposed to be a big name original film for Netflix. David Ayer directed and produced the film, while A-list actors like Will Smith takes the lead role as police officer Daryl Ward, next to Joel Edgerton as his Orkish police partner. The biggest problem most critics had with Bright stemmed from its lack of creativity. Instead, it followed the blueprint for standard tropes that most are tired of seeing repeated.
Comic book writer, podcast host on Fatman on Batman with Kevin Smith, and previous editor for The Los Angeles Times Marc Bernardin spoke out on Twitter. “I'm all for genre mashups. I like chocolate in my peanut butter. But, ideally, you want the two elements to be good in and of themselves, even before the mashup. And the mismatched buddy cop stuff here is laughably cliched.”
24 Great Concept Goes Belly Up In Disjointed
Created by David Javerbaum and Chuck Lorre, Disjointed is a hot mess that doesn’t appeal towards any specific audience. The idea for this original Netflix show probably seemed good on paper, but once put together it failed to deliver.
Kathy Bates puts everything she has into her character Ruth Whitefeather Feldman, but between poor writing, full of 80s sitcom and bland stoner tropes, her skills weren’t enough to save this doomed project.
Robert Rorke from the New York Post had this to say: “Lorre and Javerbaum disguise Disjointed’s monotonous humor with an intrusive laugh track and cutaway spoofs of TV commercials for potato chips and Marlboros that are funnier than the jokes delivered by Bates and company.” Chris Cabin from Collider added, “Disjointed doesn’t quite offend as much as its unyielding and unfunny flippancy renders each episode null and void as an experience.”
Dear Netflix: If you want to air a true stoner comedy that can reflect our current culture and society, please ask Snoop, Doug Benson, or Dr. Greenthumb next time. Sincerely, the entire world.
23 Shot Down By Viewers With War Machine
Directed and written by David Michôd, War Machine is a satire film on the war in Afghanistan. While not all humor based films will please the masses, Michôd is no Quentin Tarantino and War Machine is a far cry from Inglorious Bastards. Most of the beats miss the mark while Brad Pitt’s character is way over-the-top (and not in a good way).
34 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes
Some critics tried to save it, claiming it was award-worthy, but Netflix audience members spoke up and shot down this high budget original movie. As Jonathan Pile from Empire states, War Machine is “a confused comedy that wastes the promise of its premise. And Brad Pitt’s performance, sadly, belongs in a different film entirely.” Scoring a 34 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, it would seem the masses agree.
22 Dumpster Diving With Iron Fist
From typical whitewashing to horribly boring boardroom scenes, creator Scott Buck either hasn’t read a Marvel comic book in his life, or was disillusioned by input from others around him. Set in the MCU with other Netflix originals like Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Daredevil — Iron Fist taints everything it's related to.
17 percent critic score on Rotten Tomatoes
Jamie Broadnax review on the pilot from Black Girl Nerds easily sums up the whole series. “This pilot is nowhere near as compelling as Daredevil, Jessica Jones, nor Luke Cage. The character development was solid, but the performances were mediocre and often various scenes tend to drag.”
Supposedly , a second season of Iron Fist has been greenlit, but most are hoping that Marvel will either change its direction or just put it in the trash where it belongs.
21 Nostalgia Only Goes So Far With Fuller House
Created by Jeff Franklin, Fuller House had tons of potential to be great. Which is probably why so many were disappointed when it failed to deliver anything but nostalgia for the original series. The story takes place in the future from where it left off, focusing on D.J. Tanner-Fuller, who works as a veterinarian and is a widowed mother with three sons.
As critic Willa Paskin says, “Fuller House scrambles the normal critical circuitry. It is bad, but in a manner, so in keeping with the original that to harp on its badness feels like meanness, akin to insulting a three-legged dog for not having four.”
The classic Full House nostalgia is great for the first few episodes, but wanes quickly without any new or improved styles upon the old. Times have changed, and so should have Fuller House.
20 One Too Many Seasons For House Of Cards Season 5
The first few seasons of House of Cards was revolutionary and captivating. Yet, it made the classic mistake of never trying to become more than what it was. This led to boring episodes that many waded through just to find out how the current crisis would become resolved.
House of Cards season 5 was already off to a poor start, but then the disgusting charges and allegations against Kevin Spacey made it so much worse to watch. Even with Spacey gone, many doubt that House of Cards can pull itself from the bottomless hole it’s fallen into.
The series should have ended on a high note with the departure of creator Beau Willimon at the end of season four. Instead, Netflix chose to milk it for all it was worth and paid a very high price in the end.
19 Another Failed Live Action Movie With Death Note
Unlike the amazing collaboration between East and West in the new animated series Devilman Crybaby, the live action version of Death Note strayed way too far from its original content. If you want to “loosely” base a movie off a manga or anime, then at least have the decency to give it a different title, rather than trying to succeed off someone else’s coattails.
Director Adam Wingard sadly didn’t follow this advice, leaving many upset and confused as to why it’s so hard for Americans to produce a decent live action movie based on a Japanese manga and anime. What makes the live action version of Death Note so frustrating, is that the manga written by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata contains a powerful and thrilling story. Even William Dafoe couldn’t save this train wreck.
18 The MCU Has Its First Failed Collaboration In Marvel Defenders
Instead of listening to fans and critics regarding the individual series of Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, Daredevil, and Iron Fist, Douglas Petrie and Marco Ramirez let all the bad parts seep into their collaboration attempt. While not being the worst original Netflix series of 2017, it certainly was the most disappointing.
Iron Fist certainly didn’t help, but neither did the overall story either. The finale was by far the worst in Marvel history, leaving many fans questioning if the DC virus of producing poor content was spreading.
Most critics wrote that Marvel Defenders was a bland and unexciting story, but it was great to see all four heroes sharing the screen. Sadly, this concept of visual over story was a popular trend in 2017 (Justice League) and one we hope won’t be repeated in 2018.
17 A-List Cast Can’t Save Sandy Wexler
Directed by Steven Brill and written by Dan Bulla, Paul Sado and Adam Sandler, Sandy Wexler was another highly anticipated Netflix original for 2017. The cast contained dozens of top-notch comedians and A-list actors with the likes of Adam Sandler, Jennifer Hudson, Kevin James, Terry Crews, Rob Schneider, and even Arsenio Hall.
Having a great cast can’t save a flop at the end of the day
But having a great cast can’t save a flop at the end of the day. While some comedic parts were funny, audiences have possibly become numb towards Adam Sandler’s standard humor. Pacing was also a huge issue, causing more than a few critics and viewers to ask for their two hours back.
Travis Hopson from Punch Drunk Critics sums Sandy Wexler up best. “A period piece set in 1994, Sandy Wexler is so bad you'll want to go back in time and erase Netflix from the timeline.”
16 Hopeless 40 Somethings Fail In Friends From College
Created by Francesca Delbanco and Nicholas Stoller, Friends from College is about a group of 40 somethings that have been friends since their glory days in college. If the creators were looking to capitalize on the aging Friends audience, they not only missed the mark but fell flat on their face. Yet, despite its overall poor ratings from critics and viewers, Netflix still chose to announce that they would be producing a second season.
They not only missed the mark but fell flat on their face
Wenlei Ma, a critic from news.com.au, summed up the series with these wise words. “The overwhelming mark against Friends From College is it's asking you to spend time with a group of hopeless people and finding humor in their shortcomings says a little something about us.”
Sophie Gilbert from The Atlantic adds, “The show's biggest crime is that it overestimates its audience's tolerance for watching people screw up.”
15 Comedic Passion Runs Dry With Chelsea
Personally, I’ve always enjoyed Chelsea Handler, but her second season of Chelsea on Netflix didn’t highlight her explosive and hilarious personality. This left many fans confused, wondering if they should watch it to support her, or find something more entertaining. With so many good comedic talk shows currently on the market, none of them being led by a female, I was hoping Chelsea would rise to the top.
But, alas, it was not meant to be. In October 2017, Chelsea Handler went to Facebook and announced she would not be returning for a third season. Was she as frustrated as the viewers? Perhaps so, because she states that she wants to become more active in areas that support her passions.
“I’ve decided not to return for another season of Chelsea and instead devote as much time as I can to becoming a more knowledgeable and engaged citizen and to focus on projects that have significance to me.” Says Chelsea Handler. “My goal is to be better informed, raise my voice, and participate in a more meaningful way.”
14 One And Done Sums Up F Is For Family Season 2
Created by Bill Burr and Michael Price, the first season of F is for Family landed on Netflix during 2015, getting high praise and reviews for its dark comedic tones. The issue however with Bill Burr’s dark comedic voice, is that audiences can’t overload or binge on it. It simply becomes too depressing and dreary.
The two-year gap should have lightened the load a bit, but for some reason, the second season of F is for Family didn’t resonate with audiences like the first season did. Perhaps it was because the same tone was used, or it could’ve been in part to all the depressing events taking place in 2017.
Bill Burr and Michael Price have the right idea, and it should’ve been a hit. But the pieces seemed mis-aligned for season two.
13 Mixed Reviews For First Season Of Gypsy
Starring Naomi Watts stars as Jean Holloway, Gypsy sounded good before its release. Critics and fans were torn as to if they liked the series or not, creating a split like one found regarding The Last Jedi. Most hailed the show as boring, leading to plenty of negative reviews and comments. While others saw it as a show worth sticking around for, waiting for the next big moment to drop.
One reviewer for the UK Times wrote, “Everything is character-led, in a manner, frankly, that normally only happens with male leads, although we don't yet have any clear idea of the character leading it all.” While Teresa Jusino had this to say about Gypsy. “I'm just left with the impression of a story that's supposed to be about self-discovery, but when you open up the box where the ‘self’ is supposed to be, nothing's there.”
12 Plot Holes Aplenty In IBOY
Game of Thrones Maisie Williams pulls of a stellar performance in IBoy, but sadly it’s not enough to save this Netflix original. The film IBoy is a British science-fiction teen thriller based on a 2010 novel by Kevin Brooks. Ironically, on Rotten Tomatoes, critics scored the film higher than audiences did.
The story is about a 16-year-old who attempts to stop an assault, but gets shot. He awakens to discover that fragments of his smartphone have embedded in his brain, giving him superhero powers. Naturally, he uses these powers to seek revenge.
“IBoy misses out on the opportunity for entertaining mischief with a po-faced approach to the material and a lack of internal logic to the story,” says Wendy Ide from Screen International.
11 Too Slow With Wheelman
Written and directed by Jeremy Rush, Wheelman is just another heist movie that never sets itself apart from the pack. It’s not a horrible film, but my interest was lost around the halfway point of the movie. Not that it's all Wheelman’s fault, as I was seriously entertained and spoiled by Baby Driver this past year.
The pacing was horribly slow, and audiences recognized it despite the rave reviews from critics. Edgar Wright, however, showed everyone in 2017 was a car chasing heist movie — can and should look like — for a new generation with Baby Driver.
Wheelman stars Frank Grillo, a getaway driver thrust into a high stakes race-to-survive after a bank robbery goes terribly wrong. He has to figure out who double-crossed him and trust his daughter.
10 Better Anime Out There Than Neo Yokio
Netflix has been nailing anime in the thriller and horror categories (Castlevania and Devilman Crybaby), but still hasn’t quite got it right regarding other styles. Created by Ezra Koenig of the rock band Vampire Weekend, and produced by Japanese anime studios Production I.G. and Studio Deen, Neo Yokio wasn’t very memorable.
Critics were quick to trash it, and audiences seemed on the fence about it. Neo Yokio is described as a diverse labyrinth of cultural and architectural innovation at the forefront of global fashion and finance.
Dan Fienberg from the Hollywood Reporter put it this way. “Why resort to a so-so anime takeoff when there's ample real anime that's cooler and funnier on its own?” While Miranda Sanchez of IGN Movies says, “Neo Yokio fails to be anything close to an anime parody as it circles back on jokes and uninteresting plot points. It juggles too many unfocused ideas in too little time.”
9 Potential Falls Short In Message From The King
Directed by Fabrice Du Welz while being written by Stephen Cornwell and Oliver Butcher, Message from the King is a revenge-action-thriller film that didn’t fully deliver. Personally, I watched the whole movie (which is rare if I don’t like it) and found the foundation of it to be terrific. However, there were plenty of issues that myself, critics, and audiences couldn’t overlook.
Message from the King is described as a film that spans the seven days following Jacob Kings actions after losing contact with his younger sister. Within twenty-four hours he finds unsettling evidence of a life gone awry — grown-up, substances, and secrets in the sleazy underbelly of the City of Angels.
Critic José Martín sums it up nicely by saying, “Better directed than written and with some sound performances from the entire cast.”
8 Failing Comedy Cancelled With Girlboss
Girlboss was a Netflix original comedy series created by Kay Cannon, which failed to impress anyone. The series scored so low on all the ratings sites that it was soon cancelled after its premier. It is described as a show about a misfit who discovers she has a passion for fashion and builds a fashion empire.
Some fans tried to raise the score on Rotten Tomatoes, but it still couldn’t save this flop. Dana Schwartz from the New York Observer had this to say about it. “If Girlboss hadn't been based on the memoir and business guide from Nasty Gal founder Sophia Amoruso, it might have been a better TV show.”
Bethonie Butler from the Washington Post added, “Despite some genuinely charming moments, Girlboss has a flimsy narrative and gives some of Sophia's personal relationships only a passing glance.”
7 Flaked Still Doesn’t Deliver Like Arrested Development
Maybe I’m getting old, or perhaps I just find the same comedic beats repeated over-and-over to be a waste of my precious time left on this planet. The first season of Flaked was nothing special, but not horrible either. Sadly, season 2 does nothing to fix the issues from the first, making it tiring and unenjoyable to watch through an entire season.
Flaked is not Arrested Development
Those who appreciate what Mitch Hurwitz and Will Arnett have done in the past, are continually loyal to Flaked. And I totally respect that. But Flaked is not Arrested Development. The second season is described as “Chip can't get out of his own way. Find out how his love interest, bromance, recovery and lies come to fruition.” If the description doesn’t send off a red flag, then you actually might enjoy this comedy.
6 Bad Balance Of Comedy And Horror In The Babysitter
Directed by McG and written by Brian Duffield, The Babysitter is a comedy-horror film that failed to connect with most audiences who enjoy a good story with plenty of gore. The premise for the story is about a twelve-year-old boy who has a serious crush on his babysitter. That is, until he witnesses her stab someone.
William Bibbiani from IGN Movies calls it like it is by saying, “It may be manic enough to amuse some horror fans, but it's so immature — even about its own immaturity — that it's difficult to recommend.” While Blake Goble follows up with “It's insulting. Unfunny. Blunt. It'll leave a hell of a bitter taste in the mouths of general audiences and horror nuts alike.”