Making a movie is a difficult task, and requires the coordination of dozens, if not hundreds of people. As a result, things don't always go as planned, and the results sometimes fail to impress. This is true of even the most talented directors the industry has to offer, most of which have entries in their filmographies which they'd rather you forget.
Whether they're at the start of their career and lack creative control, or nearing the end and simply have fallen out-of-touch, these films represent their very worst creations. With this in mind here are 10 bad films by great directors.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (6.7)
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker marks the epic conclusion of the trilogy of trilogies, and J.J. Abrams' second time directing a Star Wars movie. But in reality, the conclusion proved to be less than epic and left both critics and fans underwhelmed.
Despite featuring everything fans of the franchise loved, and some of the best special effects money can buy, it was the film's story that didn't live up to expectations. Palpatine's return felt unearned and the cloning was confusing, making this finale feel anti-climactic.
Alien 3 (6.5)
Despite starting with two of the greatest sci-fi movies ever made, the wheels quickly came off the Alien franchise, beginning with Alien 3.
The film marked the first feature film David Fincher directed, and although he would go on to direct some of the greatest dark thrillers ever made, Alien 3 remains a black spot on his résumé. The notorious behind the scenes drama has been well documented over the years and saw Fincher's creative control reduced.
Celebrity (6.3)
Woody Allen's long career has produced some of the greatest and most innovative romantic comedy the genre has to offer. But, Allen's sizable filmography has also produced plenty of so-so movies. 1998s Celebrity remains one of his most underwhelming efforts.
Despite a star-student cast Celebrity failed to connect with audiences and received mixed reviews from critics. The movie is derivative of Allen's other work, has nothing new to say about the film industry, and recycles tropes from his past works.
Topaz (6.3)
From the mind of acclaimed thriller director Alfred Hitchcock, Topaz is undoubtedly one of his most underwhelming movies. Whereas his other films with leave you on the edge of your seat, Topaz leaves you out of your seat and headed in the kitchen to make a snack.
Clocking in at almost two-and-a-half hours, Topaz is long and worst of all boring. With an anti-climatic ending that leaves you utterly unsatisfied, the film is a skip for any thriller fans seeking a fun watch.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (6.1)
Indiana Jones kept audiences waiting for the much anticipated fourth entry in the franchise, and after over two decades Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was finally released.
All the ingredients were there to recapture the magic of the original films, including Steven Spielberg returning to direct. But the film stands out in stark contrast to its predecessor as a decidedly different beast. They went too far, and this adventure was simply too far fetched for anyone to stomach.
Boxcar Bertha (6.0)
Though by no means a terrible film, 1972's Boxcar Bertha comes up short when compared to the rest of Martin Scorsese's filmography. Set during the great depression, the film sees a union leader and a young woman team up to bring down the corrupt management of the railroad.
Scorsese would go on direct some of the most acclaimed movies ever made over his career which spans decades, but the low budget flick Boxcar Betha is not one of them.
Mimic (5.9)
Guillermo del Toro would go on to define his career through his unique and surreal creations, and while 1997's Mimic featured all the elements you'd expect from one of his movies, it failed to impress. The horror movie features a deadly genetically engineered insect unleashed into the world.
Featuring his trademark passion for monsters, Mimic delivers some thrills but the uninspired story failed to impress. It remains one of the visionary director's most underwhelming movies.
Jack (5.8)
Francis Ford Coppola has had one of the most varied careers of any director. Soaring to great success with The Godfather films, he stepped outside of his comfort zone with 1996's Jack.
It stars Robin Williams as a boy with a rare genetic disorder, causing him to look like a 40-year-old man. The film was savaged by critics who took issue with the way the disease was portrayed, as well as the movie's clichéd and shallow story.
The Counselor (5.3)
Few directors can jump between genres as effortlessly as Ridley Scott can. Over his long career, he has directed some of the greatest and most innovative films ever seen, across as many different genres.
But 2013 The Counsellor marked a noticeable drop in quality from the veteran director's other works. The story of a lawyer becoming entwined with drug-traffickers failed to resonate with audiences, despite the star-studded cast including Micheal Fassbender and Cameron Diaz.
Piranha Part Two: The Spawning (3.7)
Pirana Part Two: The Spawning, marked James Cameron's first time directing a feature film, and stands out in stark contrast to the rest of his filmography. Where his other films pushed the limits of technology and innovated, Piranna Part Two is an entirely different creation.
The behind-the-scenes drama surrounding the film has been well documented and saw Cameron fired only a couple of weeks into shooting, only for him to be brought back to assist with the editing later on. Despite the problems the production suffered, Cameron looks back on the films as a stepping stone in his career.