In Defense of Bad Movies: Sometimes, You Just Need a Good Trainwreck

In a world where film critics and audiences alike are constantly chasing the next cinematic masterpiece, it's easy to overlook the charm and allure of a truly bad movie. You know the kind: plot holes big enough to drive a truck through, acting that makes high school drama club performances look Oscar-worthy, and special effects that are anything but special. Yet, despite all these flaws—or perhaps because of them—there's something undeniably delightful about indulging in a good trainwreck of a film.

First, let's acknowledge the elephant in the room (i.e. do not yell at us via email): not every movie needs to be a contender for the Cannes Film Festival. Highbrow cinema has its place, and we can all appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating a critically acclaimed film. But sometimes, after a long week of adulting, all you want to do is sink into your couch and watch something that requires absolutely zero brainpower. Enter the bad movie, stage left.

One of the greatest gifts that bad movies offer is the joy of low expectations. When you know you're about to watch something that's been panned by critics and has a Rotten Tomatoes score that barely reaches double digits, you can shut off your screaming brain and just enjoy the ride. There's no pressure to analyze the deeper meaning or to appreciate the cinematography. It's pure, unadulterated escapism.

There's a certain camaraderie that forms when you're watching a cinematic disaster with friends or family. The collective groans, the shared laughter at absurd dialogue, and the inevitable moments of "Did they really just do that?" create a viewing experience that's interactive and communal. It’s the movie equivalent of comfort food.

Take, for example, the 2003 cult classic The Room. Directed by and starring the enigmatic Tommy Wiseau, this film is a masterclass in bad moviemaking. From its nonsensical plot to Wiseau's bewildering performance, The Room has captivated audiences for years, spawning midnight screenings where fans enthusiastically participate by throwing spoons at the screen and shouting along with the film’s many, many awkward lines. We’re not the first to say that the film is so bad that it transcends badness and becomes an art form unto itself.

Or how about Sharknado? The SyFy channel’s unlikely hit that somehow spawned a multi-film franchise. The premise is simple yet ridiculous: a tornado filled with sharks wreaks havoc on Los Angeles. The CGI is laughable, the script is absurd, and the acting is, well, we’re happy that the actors are having fun. And that's the point. Sharknado knows exactly what it is and leans into the absurdity, inviting viewers to do the same.

But bad movies aren't just for laughs; they can also serve as a reminder that filmmaking is a risky business. For every critically acclaimed hit, there are countless flops and missteps. Watching a bad movie can be a humbling experience, reminding us that even the biggest names in Hollywood aren't immune to creating a dud. It’s fascinating to see the creative process and the fact that not everything that glitters is gold.

Moreover, bad movies can be surprisingly educational. Aspiring filmmakers can learn a lot from watching these disasters unfold. They serve as a visual guide on what not to do: avoid over-the-top acting, ensure your plot makes sense, invest in decent special effects (or shy away from making something that requires effects), and for the love of cinema, get a competent editor. By studying these failures, future filmmakers can hopefully avoid making the same mistakes.

Bad movies are an essential part of the cinematic landscape. They offer a different kind of entertainment, one that’s not about high stakes or high art but about enjoying the spectacle of a glorious mess. So, the next time you’re scrolling through your streaming service and stumble upon a film with a laughably low rating, give it a chance. Embrace the trainwreck. You might just find that sometimes, you need a bad movie to remind you how to appreciate the good ones—and to provide a whole lot of fun along the way.