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Introduction: The Scarcity of Zero-Star Reviews
In arts and culture, few critiques are as brutal—or as rare—as The Guardian‘s zero-star review. Known for balanced critiques, the publication reserves this rating for works so flawed they fail on every level. Over the years, only 15 films and shows have earned this dishonor. Here’s what made them that bad.
The Complete List of Zero-Star Reviews
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Clash of the Titans (2010)
Peter Bradshaw called this remake a “joyless, leaden, monotonous, ugly, and pointless” spectacle. -
Sex and the City 2 (2010)
Cath Clarke condemned its “toxic pile of sexist, racist, homophobic nonsense.” -
I Give It a Year (2013)
Bradshaw again: a rom-com “so unfunny it induces nausea.” -
The Snowman (2017)
Benjamin Lee labeled this adaptation “incoherent, incompetent, and insulting.” -
Mother! (2017)
Steve Rose dismissed Darren Aronofsky’s film as “pretentious, preposterous, and unbearable.” -
The Emoji Movie (2017)
Lee’s verdict: “a soul-crushing disaster.” -
Holmes & Watson (2018)
“The worst film of the decade,” per Lee. -
Serenity (2019)
Bradshaw’s take: “a bafflingly terrible film.” -
Cats (2019)
Rose’s iconic line: “a deformed, half-digested hairball of a film.” -
365 Days (2020)
Adrian Horton called it “a romanticized kidnapping fantasy.” -
Music (2021)
Charles Bramesco criticized its harmful portrayal of autism. -
The Many Saints of Newark (2021)
Lee: “a pointless, uninspired cash grab.” -
Morbius (2022)
Bradshaw: “a catastrophic mess with no redeeming qualities.” -
Blonde (2022)
Horton’s take: “exploitative misery porn.” -
Your Place or Mine (2023)
Ann Lee deemed it “a lifeless, chemistry-free waste of time.”
Why These Works Earned Zero Stars
- Creative Failure: Baffling choices (Cats, Holmes & Watson).
- Ethical Concerns: Harmful portrayals (Music, Blonde).
- Sheer Incompetence: The Snowman’s incoherent plot.
The Cultural Impact of Zero-Star Reviews
These reviews aren’t just pans—they’re cultural warnings. They shape discourse, deter audiences, and sometimes eclipse the work itself (Cats’ infamy). For The Guardian, they’re a hall of shame highlighting artistry’s lowest lows.
What’s the worst film you’ve ever seen? Share your picks below!
