Over the years, Vin Diesel has grown into one of the biggest international movie stars in the world. He is known for his action hero roles and his part in huge blockbusters such as the Fast and Furious movies and the MCU. However, when it comes to the critics, Diesel is not always so popular.
While his biggest films have received some solid reviews over the years and most agree Diesel makes for a fun action hero, he has also made a number of movies that failed to gain much love from critics. Taking a look at his Rotten Tomatoes page, you might be surprised which films rank among his worst.
xXx: Return Of Xander Cage (2017) - 44%
After successfully returning to the Fast and Furious series, Diesel decided to revise another action franchise he previously walked away from. xXx: Return of Xander Cage has Diesel return as the extreme sports star turned government agent.
Most critics acknowledged that fans of the original film would likely have some fun with this sequel. However, they also pointed out that the ridiculous set pieces couldn't distract from a weak storyline. In the end, this return didn't offer anything new to the franchise or the action genre.
Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk (2016) - 44%
It's not often we see Diesel step outside the action genre to appear in a dramatic role. He attempted to stretch his acting muscles in Ang Lee's modern war film, Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk. The film tells the story of a young soldier on a victory tour after returning from the war. While he is celebrated by the public, he relives the harrowing battle that brought him there. Diesel appears in flashbacks as Billy's fallen comrade.
Despite Lee's talents as a filmmaker, many critics agreed that the unengaging screenplay sinks this movie. Lee's use of the 120 frame rate was also seen as more of a distraction than a game-changing innovation.
Bloodshot (2020) - 30%
Given how long this year has seemed, many fans probably would have forgotten Diesel's latest starring role was released in 2020. Adapted from the comic of the same name, Bloodshot stars Diesel as a soldier killed in action who is brought back to life and given superpowers to become an unstoppable assassin.
Though the initial setup of the movie intrigued some, the general consensus was that an interesting premise was wasted on a fairly generic action movie. Though many agreed it was a solid starring role for Diesel.
The Chronicles Of Riddick (2004) - 29%
Riddick is another one of Diesel's most famous characters. First introduced in the underrated sci-fi Pitch Black, this badass intergalactic outlaw was given an expansive sequel with The Chronicles of Riddick.
The action and sci-fi adventure of the film might offer some thrills for fans, according to some critics. However, most were disappointed that the low-key sci-fi thriller vibe of Pitch Black was abandoned for an overly complex story like this.
Fast & Furious (2009) - 28%
Given how successful the Fast and Furious films have been for Diesel's career, it's surprising to see one of them rank among his worst movies. Even more surprising, it is the movie that saw him return to the franchise.
This fourth film sees Diesel reuniting with Paul Walker for the first time since the first film as they get into more car racing mayhem. However, critics were initially unimpressed to see Diesel back behind the wheel as they pointed to the story and the characters as a big failure for the movie.
Knockaround Guys (2001) - 21%
As Diesel was on the cusp of stardom, he played a supporting role in the crime film Knockaround Guys. The movie follows a group of friends who are the sons of mob bosses. Looking to make a name for themselves, they pull a small job that spirals out of control.
With a cast that includes Barry Pepper and John Malkovich, many critics offered some praise for the acting in the movie. However, they found that it felt like a cheap imitation of other crime films.
The Pacifier (2005) - 21%
It seems like every movie tough guy is required to do one silly comedy where he is forced to look after a baby. In The Pacifier, Diesel plays a Navy SEAL who is assigned to protect the family of a CIA scientist whose enemies are looking to uncover his secret plans.
The tired and goofy premise went over about as well as you'd think with critics. Diesel manages to get some praise for parodying his tough-guy image, but the movie failed to deliver enough charm or laughs to make it worthwhile.
The Last Witch Hunter (2015) - 18%
Many people might not know Diesel is a big fan of Dungeons and Dragons and used one of his own characters from the game as inspiration for The Last Witch Hunter. The fantasy action movie follows an ancient warrior who must stop an evil and powerful witch from destroying the world.
Despite coming from Diesel's own imagination, many critics felt that this was the wrong role for him. They also found the overall movie to be dull and overly confusing which robbed it of any fantasy fun.
A Man Apart (2003) - 11%
A Man Apart is one of Diesel's first starring roles as a leading man and one of his most forgettable. He plays a DEA agent who takes down a top drug lord. But when an assassination attempt on him results in his wife's death, he goes on a mission of revenge.
The movie attempts to mix a hardcore action movie with an intense drama. Critics seemed to agree that was where the movie went wrong. The result is a familiar and uninteresting actioner without much for Diesel to do.
Babylon A.D. (2008) - 6%
Diesel looked to headline the ambitious and epic sci-fi adventure Babylon A.D. which turned into a Hollywood disaster. Diesel plays a mercenary who agrees to transport a woman across a dangerous territory as she is hunted by enemies.
The movie's extensive behind the scenes drama was very apparent to critics with the final product. They called it a boring, derivative sci-fi movie with a bad script and poorly made action sequences.