Star Studded Failures: 10 Movies With Impressive Casts That Bombed

Normally, movies with an all-star cast are guaranteed hits. Actors are a major draw to bring fans to the theaters. But even our favorite actors have some misses every now and then.

History has shown us that even the most talented cast can’t always save a film from its own shortcomings.

1. THE GOLDEN COMPASS (2007)

Based on Philip Pullman’s beloved His Dark Materials trilogy, The Golden Compass had high expectations. With Daniel Craig, Sam Elliott, and Eva Green in key roles, fans of the books were highly anticipating it. However, it failed to capture the magic of the written words, leaving most disappointed.

2. AMSTERDAM (2022)

One would expect greatness with a star-studded ensemble including Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Rock, and more. However, this David O. Russell film fails to live up to the hype. As we’ll see later, this may be a common occurrence for some movie fans.

3. MOVIE 43 (2013)

Movie 43 is a prime example of how a brilliant cast can not guarantee success. This anthology film featured renowned actors like Elizabeth Banks, Kristen Bell, Halle Berry, and Gerard Butler. Some segments may have had their moments, but the film as a whole failed to deliver.

4. THE DEAD DON’T DIE (2019)

Despite boasting a talented cast including Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Tilda Swinton, and Selena Gomez, The Dead Don’t Die disappointed audiences. You’d expect more than the film looking down at fans of zombie films, yet the satirical take on the zombie genre didn’t resonate with many, resulting in an underwhelming experience.

5. A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION (2006)

Despite the fact that it included a stunning cast consisting of Woody Harrelson, Tommy Lee Jones, Kevin Kline, Meryl Streep, and Maya Rudolph, the film did not live up to the expectations of many. It came across as a downright terrible film.

6. THE MONUMENTS MEN (2014)

Despite its intriguing premise and an ensemble cast that included George Clooney, Matt Damon, and Cate Blanchett, The Monuments Men felt dull and overly long to some viewers. Despite its premise, it ultimately fell short of expectations.

7. AMERICAN HUSTLE (2013)

Directed by David O. Russell and featuring a star-studded lineup including Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, and Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle had all the makings of a hit. However, one movie goer mentions that they fell asleep during the film. Not a good sign!

8. THE GREAT GATSBY (2013)

With Baz Luhrmann at the helm and a cast that included Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, and Carey Mulligan, The Great Gatsby had the potential to be a visually stunning adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel. While it remains a hit, many share it was forgettable at best.

9. THE COUNSELOR (2013)

Featuring an impressive cast including Michael Fassbender, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, and Brad Pitt, The Counselor had all the ingredients for success. Directed by Ridley Scott and written by Cormac McCarthy, it should have been a thrilling ride. However, it proved to be basically unwatchable for some viewers.

10. GANGSTER SQUAD (2013)

Despite a brilliant cast including Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, and Sean Penn, the film fell short of expectations. As is the case with many adaptations, the film failed to live up to the novel.