Spinoffs are the ultimate gamble in Hollywood. At their best, they expand a beloved universe and bring side characters into the spotlight. At their worst? Here are my top 10 worst spinoff movies that should’ve never left the drawing board.
They’re unwatchable cash grabs that leave audiences regretting their ticket purchase. Whether it’s unnecessary backstories, weak scripts, or outright bizarre creative decisions, spinoff disasters prove that not every side character needs their time to shine.
Elektra
Kicking off this list is Elektra, a spinoff of the equally lukewarm Daredevil. Jennifer Garner’s Elektra was a mysterious and intriguing figure in her debut, but her solo outing left everyone wondering, “Who asked for this?” With a confusing plot, lifeless action sequences, and characters that lack any emotional depth, this film proves that not every anti-hero can carry a franchise.
The Scorpion King
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s charisma couldn’t save The Scorpion King. As a spinoff of The Mummy Returns, it promised action, intrigue, and ancient drama.
What it delivered was a cheesy, low-budget mess with laughable dialogue and lackluster special effects. Instead of being the badass origin story fans hoped for, it became an unintentional comedy.
Minions
While Despicable Me was charming, this spinoff starring its babbling, yellow sidekicks became a test of patience for many viewers. The plot—if you can even call it that—was stretched thinner than a banana peel.
Kids might have been entertained by the nonsensical antics, but adults found themselves wondering why Universal thought these gibberish-spewing mascots deserved their own movie.
The Bourne Legacy
When Matt Damon stepped away from the Bourne franchise, the studio decided to introduce a new lead: Jeremy Renner as Aaron Cross. Unfortunately, The Bourne Legacy lacked the sharp storytelling
and adrenaline-pumping action of its predecessors. Renner did his best, but without Jason Bourne’s emotional core and gripping backstory, this spinoff felt like a cheap knockoff rather than a worthy continuation.
Catwoman
Widely regarded as one of the worst films ever made, Catwoman is a spinoff in name only, as it has almost nothing to do with the DC Comics character. Halle Berry does her best with the material, but she’s no match for a script involving
cursed cat powers and a villain whose evil plan revolves around beauty cream. Yes, beauty cream. The less said about the CGI and that infamous basketball scene, the better.
The Legend of Chun-Li
Based on the iconic Street Fighter video game franchise, The Legend of Chun-Li somehow manages to fail on every level. Weak fight scenes, a nonsensical plot, and laughable performances
ensure this spinoff is remembered as a complete disaster. Fans of the franchise were left wondering why the filmmakers didn’t hit pause and try again.
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Nobody asked for a Han Solo origin story, and after watching Solo, it’s clear why. While Alden Ehrenreich gives a valiant effort as the iconic smuggler, the film feels like a checklist of unnecessary backstory explanations.
How did Han meet Chewbacca? Why does he call himself Solo? By the time the Kessel Run arrives, it’s hard to care. The movie lacks the magic and excitement of the main Star Wars saga.
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
The Fantastic Beasts series was supposed to breathe new life into the Wizarding World, but The Crimes of Grindelwald did the opposite. This overstuffed and incoherent mess is filled with
unnecessary subplots and baffling character choices. What should’ve been a magical spinoff turned into a convoluted chore, alienating even the most die-hard Harry Potter fans.
Hobbs & Shaw
When Fast & Furious turned into a global phenomenon, a spinoff focusing on fan-favorite characters Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) and Shaw (Jason Statham) sounded like a great idea.
But instead of delivering the high-octane thrills fans expected, the movie went overboard with absurd action sequences, unnecessary family drama, and a plotline involving a super-virus. Even for a franchise known for its outlandish stunts, this was a bit much.
Puss in Boots
Don’t get us wrong, Puss in Boots is adorable. But his standalone spinoff lacks the wit and charm of the Shrek series. While Antonio Banderas does a great job voicing the swashbuckling feline, the story feels formulaic and uninspired. It’s not the worst movie on this list, but it definitely doesn’t live up to its potential—or its parent franchise’s legacy.
The main issue with spinoffs is that they often feel like afterthoughts—cash grabs designed to capitalize on the popularity of a franchise. Instead of focusing on quality storytelling, studios tend to prioritize brand recognition, resulting in shallow scripts and lackluster characters.
Spinoffs also have the challenge of standing on their own while staying connected to their source material. When that balance isn’t struck, audiences are left with movies that feel unnecessary, uninspired, or both. Top 10 Worst Spinoff Movies
