15 (Not So) Guilty Pleasure Movies
I’ve got some questionable tastes, Fanbros, and it’s about time I own up. There are some movies that I know are terrible but that I love to death.
I’ve never been a big fan of the whole film snobbery thing. I’ll say loud and proud that I like films even when I know the writing, acting, or story isn’t up to some standard. So here it is: my (not so) guilty pleasures. Don’t judge me too harshly:
1. Batman Forever (1995)
This was the precursor to the worst of the worst (Batman and Robin, of course). It led us down that campy road of no return. But I adore this one. The Riddler and Two-Face team up. Why? Who cares? Why so serious?
2. Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997)
This movie is a cult classic and I genuinely adore it. Pretending to invent post-its to impress your former high school classmates, a random threeway dance scene to “Time After Time” and a rare girl buddy comedy where friendship trumps some lame dudes. Yes, please.
3. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers movie (1995)
I’m in the Power Rangers generation therefore everything about this is golden. I don’t care what anyone says against it. No matter how many cheesy one-liners they sling or how silly the special effects look, I’m here for it. They drop the G because they’re hip like that.
4. The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
Ah, yes scientists making dumb decisions. I mean seriously how does this “paleontologist” think it’s a good idea to kidnap a T-Rex baby from its parents? I’ll just grab some popcorn and wait for the madness to unfold–this movie is fabulous.
5. Bring It On (2000)
Cultural appropriation film of the early 2000s, Gabrielle Union vs Kirsten Dunst, and cheerleading urban legends. Hate it cause it’s beautiful. This movie captures some teen movie essence they’ve been trying to remake in sequels ever since.
6. Urban Legend (1998)
Take all of the urban myths and throw them in a pot together and you have this thriller. Anytime I’m in a car alone at night and I hear “Total Eclipse of the Heart” I think of Urban Legend. Just an example of a horror film so bad it’s good.
7. Hocus Pocus (1993)
Whenever Halloween comes around, I have to watch this at least once. This is a total nostalgia pick. The boy who never believed in ghost stories or any Halloween nonsense has to face three witches who want to steal the souls of children and live forever. This movie even has heart–the ending always gets me.
8. Teen Witch (1989)
It’s got to be the quintessentially 80s vibe. Thirty-three percent fresh, rotten tomatoes? Psshh. A teen uses her newfound magical powers to make the most popular boy fall in love with her. Also she alienates her best friend and becomes a pretty unlikeable person, but of course in the end she sees the error of her ways. So top that.
9. The Butterfly Effect (2004)
I’ll always remember the young Ashton Kutcher look alike slamming his hands down on those pencils. This movie is bizarre and terribad but oh so good. Ashton Kutcher traveling back in time to change the future of this poor girl’s life only to realize it’s much better without him in it. Awww burn.
10. The Faculty (1998)
You see Elijah Wood pre-Frodo and Josh Hartnett pre-Penny Dreadful. A band of high school misfits have to come together to stop parasitic aliens from taking over their town. It’s like The Breakfast Club, absurd sci-fi edition. What’s not to love?
11. Susie Q (1995)
A prom queen dies in a car accident in the 50s and comes back in the future as a ghost. Susie Q sets out to save her parents from poverty with the help of current high schooler, Zach–who weirdly meets a girl exactly like her when Susie moves on to the afterlife.What a beautiful mess. With Amy Jo Johnson (the pink ranger) in the lead, this was Disney channel realness.
12. Spice World (1997)
This movie is so many levels of ridiculous. Covering deep themes such as the perils of being a mega pop star, Spice World is sheer randomness (remember how they met those aliens. WTF?). Proof that the Spice Girls could get away with anything. What a masterpiece of film.
13. Roll Bounce (2005)
I once said I loved this film in college and my friend told me I shouldn’t say that out loud. Well, I’m admitting it now. Bow Wow in the lead role of a movie about roller-skating? This 90s kid approves. Also, where’s the Oscar for the car smashing scene?
14. Sugar & Spice (2001)
Another early 2000s cheerleading movie, but slightly more action packed. An MTV film and it shows: cheerleaders decide to rob a bank to support their former captain’s teen pregnancy. Terrible greatness ensues. I can watch this over and over again.
15. The Mummy Returns (2001)
Problematic representation, anyone? When will white people stop trying to call themselves Egyptians? Either way I was obsessed with this movie. And it had nothing at all to do with my crush on 90s Brendon Fraser. Egyptian mythology? The Book of the Dead? Evie battling Anck-su-namun? Come on, this is good stuff.
Any way, please don’t leave me hanging out here alone. Tell me in the comments some of your favorite “bad films.” Cause hey who makes these rules anyway?
