Dramas like "His Three Daughters" and "Rebel Ridge" were well-loved by critics.
Reviewers had a harder time enjoying entries like "Mother of the Bride" and "Uglies."
Over the years, Netflix has become a frontrunner in creating original movies, from award-worthy films like "Marriage Story" (2019) and "Maestro" (2023) to fan favorites like "The Gray Man" (2022).
Each year brings critically acclaimed works and cinematic duds to the streamer, and this year was no different.
Here are the 10 best and 10 worst Netflix original movies of 2024, based on critic scores on Rotten Tomatoes.
The success of "His Three Daughters" rests on the shoulders of its three stars.
Natasha Lyonne, Elizabeth Olsen, and Carrie Coon in "His Three Daughters."
Synopsis: As their father nears the end of hospice care, estranged sisters Rachel (Natasha Lyonne), Katie (Carrie Coon), and Christina (Elizabeth Olsen) come together — which only leads to conflict as they clash over their different lifestyles.
Elevated by remarkable acting performances, the family drama received widespread critical acclaim.
"'His Three Daughters' is a performance piece, giving room to three talented actors to show you exactly what they can do — and they are enthralling," Wenlei Ma wrote for The Nightly.
"Rebel Ridge" kept critics on the edge of their seats.
Synopsis: Former marine Terry (Aaron Pierre) is on his way to help his cousin Mike (CJ LeBlanc) get out of jail when cops pull him over and unjustly seize the bail money.
Critics were enthralled by "Rebel Ridge," which they called a propulsive, cathartic action thriller.
"'Rebel Ridge' could have been a brainless genre-flick with not much on its mind except stunts and ratings," Graeme Tuckett wrote for Stuff. "But Saulnier wrote an intelligent and darkly funny script, and then put together a terrific cast to bring it to life."
"The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar" was applauded for its whimsical direction.
Benedict Cumberbatch as Henry Sugar in "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar."
Synopsis: Based on four short stories by Roald Dahl, the fantasy film stitches together a litany of tales, one of which recounts the story of benevolent gambler Henry Sugar (Benedict Cumberbatch).
Critics adored Wes Anderson's storybook approach to this whimsical anthology and Cumberbatch's compelling central performance.
"There was something so marvelous in seeing this actor in four roles, each of which he nailed, in these excellent films that did not get the recognition they deserved," A.S. Hamrah wrote for N+1.
Critics said "Orion and the Dark" left them with a lot to ponder.
DreamWorks was behind the animated Netflix film "Orion and the Dark."
Synopsis: On the night of a blackout, anxious 11-year-old Orion (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) is confronted by his worst nightmare — the Dark (voiced by Paul Walter Hauser) — who takes him on a magical trip to confront his deepest fears.
In critics' eyes, the inventive animated feature proved to be a more existential venture than most family films.
"This one took me by surprise, and I can easily see adults and kids taking lessons away from this delicate, beautifully rendered work," Steven Prokopy wrote for Third Coast Review.
"Joy" was deemed a fitting tribute to a vital discovery.
Synopsis: Based on a true story, the film centers on Jean Purdy (Thomasin McKenzie) and Robert Edwards (James Norton) as they work under the tutelage of surgeon Patrick Steptoe (Bill Nighy) to develop the world's first "test tube" baby.
The historical drama was met with high acclaim, with many critics agreeing that the history of IVF is especially poignant right now.
"'Joy'shines a deserving spotlight — albeit an embellished one — on some everyday heroes with bold ideas and lab equipment, whose work remains as vital as ever," Todd Jorgenson wrote for Cinemalogue.
"The Piano Lesson" was hailed for its exceptional performances.
Synopsis: Set in Pittsburgh during the Great Depression, "The Piano Lesson" follows the Charles family as they grapple with what they should do with the heirloom of an enslaved ancestor.
Based on the play by August Wilson, the film captivated critics with its tightly wound story and stellar cast.
"'The Piano Lesson' is the best horror film of the year, but even beyond its genre, it is the best-acted film, thanks to Danielle Deadwyler and John David Washington," Kate Sánchez wrote for But Why Tho? A Geek Community.
Critics said "Carry-On" was a return to holiday action classics like "Die Hard" (1988).
Synopsis: On Christmas Eve, TSA officer Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton) races against time to save his girlfriend (Sofia Carson) — and the greater Los Angeles International Airport — after a lethal mercenary (Jason Bateman) gets a bomb past security.
The action-thriller packed a big punch and won critics over with its talented cast and high-stakes plot.
"'Carry-On' does its best to deliver as a 'Die Hard' knockoff," Alan French wrote for Sunshine State Cineplex. "For the most part, it succeeds, thanks to Collett-Serra's fun direction and a committed cast.
The delightfully silly "Hot Frosty" genuinely took critics by surprise.
Synopsis: When widowed café owner Kathy Barrett (Lacey Chabert) magically brings Jack the snowman (Dustin Milligan) to life with a scarf, things start to heat up between the unlikely couple.
Despite its ridiculous premise, critics said that the charming comedy and likable leads made "Hot Frosty" better than they expected.
"'Hot Frosty' packs in a lot of the entries from your Christmas Movie Bingo Card, including cookie baking, decking the halls and a dressing-room montage, as we wait to see whether Kathy's heart will thaw before Jack's body melts," Alison Gillmore wrote for Winnipeg Free Press.
"Good Grief" was a bittersweet melodrama with a soft-hearted center.
Synopsis: After the unexpected loss of his husband Oliver (Luke Evans), Marc (Daniel Levy) is whisked away to Paris by his best friends Sophie (Ruth Negga) and Thomas (Himesh Patel).
"Good Grief" didn't receive a perfect score across the board, but it did earn its fair share of flowers from critics for its sensitive meditations on grief.
"There's something warm and hopeful about 'Good Grief' that wraps around your heart in an odd, comforting way," Archi Sengupta wrote for Leisure Byte.
Christina Milian's effortless charm made "Meet Me Next Christmas" better than expected.
Devale Ellis and Christina Milian in "Meet Me Next Christmas."
Synopsis: After a meet-cute at the airport, Layla (Milian) and James (Kofi Siriboe) agree to attend next year's Pentatonix Christmas concert together if they're both still single.
When the time comes, though, Layla enlists the help of Teddy (Davale Ellis) to find tickets, and they find a romantic spark.
As the lead in two other Netflix rom-coms — "Falling Inn Love" and "Resort to Love" — Milian was seen by critics as the bright spot of an otherwise serviceable romcom.
"Despite an awkward setup, when this quirky Christmas romance settles into the main act of its two lead characters' getting to know each other, it wins in tone and sweetness," Jennifer Green wrote for Common Sense Media.
On the other hand, critics didn't cozy up to "Our Little Secret."
Synopsis: Resentful exes Avery (Lindsay Lohan) and Logan (Ian Harding) unexpectedly reconnect when they learn their new partners are siblings. To impress her new boyfriend's mother (Kristin Chenoweth) over the holidays, Avery convinces Logan to keep their past relationship a secret.
Critics applauded Lohan's continued rom-com revival but felt like the story didn't leave a lot for the actors to work with.
"A typically formulaic seasonal sugar rush that's only blandly mediocre, rather than so-bad-it's-good," John Nugent wrote for Empire magazine. "But Lindsay Lohan's romcom-dominance cannot be denied."
"A Family Affair" was written off as a lifeless flop.
Nicole Kidman, Joey King, and Zac Efron in "A Family Affair."
Synopsis: Zara (Joey King) is tired of being Chris Cole's (Zac Efron) personal assistant. After she quits, the famous actor sets out to hire her back, only to fall head over heels for her mom (Nicole Kidman).
Critics did not hold back when it came to their distaste for what they called an underwritten rom-com.
"Directed by Richard LaGravenese, every moment in 'A Family Affair' sits there as lifelessly as Gerard Butler's character in LaGravenese's most successful movie, 'P.S. I Love You,'" Jacob Oller wrote for the A.V. Club.
Critics said "Time Cut" failed to pick a clear genre.
Antonia Gentry, Madison Bailey, and Griffin Gluck in "Time Cut."
Synopsis: In the throwback thriller, Lucy Field (Madison Bailey) accidentally travels back to 2003 and discovers she may be able to prevent the murder of her older sister, Summer (Anthonia Gentry).
In the wake of better horror comedies like "Totally Killer" (2023), critics blasted "Time Cut" for failing to be scary or funny.
"The movie is a missed opportunity that fails to deliver chills, laughs, or any memorable moments," Tatat Bunnag wrote for the Bangkok Post.
"Incoming" lacked the laughs of many coming-of-age comedies.
Raphael Alejandro, Mason Thames, and Ramon Reed in "Incoming."
Spyglass Media Group, LLC and Artists Road, LLC/Courtesy of Netflix
Synopsis: Freshmen Benji (Mason Thames), Eddie (Ramon Reed), and Connor (Raphael Alejandro) quickly find themselves in over their heads as they try to navigate their first weeks of high school.
Despite having a clever line or two buried in its script, critics said the humorous moments were too few and far between for what was advertised as a raucous comedy.
"'Incoming' isn't the next 'Superbad' — it's just super bad," Matt Donato wrote for Collider.
Action-thriller "Trigger Warning" was a bit of a snooze fest.
Synopsis: After her father's death, skilled CIA officer Parker (Jessica Alba) returns home to settle affairs, only to find a violent gang running rampant in her small town of Creation, New Mexico.
Despite bearing the appearance of a robust action-thriller, "Trigger Warning" fell flat with critics.
"A more apt label for the latest Netflix original might be 'Warning: May cause drowsiness," Dustin Rowles wrote for Pajiba.
Critics felt like "Atlas" could've been written by an AI chatbot.
Synopsis: Set in a war-torn future, the sci-fi film follows data analyst Atlas Shepherd (Jennifer Lopez) as she's forced to use AI-assisted technology to track down a terrorist despite her distrust for machines.
Although the film involved Lopez fighting against tyrannical robots, critics agreed that it seemed as though the writers had, ironically, leaned on artificial intelligence to craft the screenplay itself.
"The thing that's most artificial about this AI thriller is the script," Tom Meek wrote for Cambridge Day.
"Tyler Perry's Mea Culpa" was difficult for critics to sit through.
Kelly Rowland and Trevante Rhodes in "Tyler Perry's Mea Culpa."
Bob Mahoney / Perry Well Films 2 / Courtesy of Netflix
Synopsis: Veteran defense attorney Mea Harper (Kelly Rowland) takes on a career-defining case when she chooses to defend an artist (Trevante Rhodes) charged with the murder of his girlfriend.
An overwhelming amount of critics were remiss in finding any redeemable qualities in Tyler Perry's mystery thriller.
"While it might start out as an erotic thriller, it slows down to a damp relationship drama before meandering its way to a climax hinged on head-scratching twists that make little to zero sense," Benjamin Lee wrote for The Guardian.
"Uglies" was a major letdown as a book adaptation.
Synopsis: Based on Scott Westerfield's book, "Uglies" is set in a distant future where everyone gets cosmetic surgery at 16. However, when Tally (King) is introduced to the world outside her city, she discovers that there's more to life than beauty.
Overall, critics agreed that the Netflix adaptation suffered from low production standards and a noticeable lack of heart.
"'Uglies' is yet another Netflix project that tries to be more than it can be with a talented cast squandered on cheesy dialogue and underbaked plot elements," Alex Maidy wrote for JoBlo's Movie Network.
Critics felt "Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver" paled in imitation of its influences.
Sofia Boutella as Kora in "Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver."
Synopsis: The space opera centers on former soldier Kora (Sofia Boutella) and her mission to defend the moon of Veldt against an onslaught of attacks from the imperial Motherworld.
Critics said that the sequel — and its first installment — sought to imitate the success of franchises like "Star Wars" while failing to capture what made them truly likable.
"On paper, 'Rebel Moon' should have been the perfect movie for me," Sean Chandler said for Sean Chandler Talks About. "In execution, it was shockingly dull, unoriginal, and sloppy."
There wasn't much praise for "Mother of the Bride."
Miranda Cosgrove and Brooke Shields in "Mother of the Bride."
Synopsis: Lana (Brooke Shields) is stunned when her daughter (Miranda Cosgrove) announces she's getting married in Thailand, especially when she learns the groom is the son of her college ex (Benjamin Bratt).
Most critics agreed that "Mother of the Bride" wasn't even bad enough to be entertaining; it simply amounted to a boring flop.
"It's an hour-and-a-half that feels like a decade, so you're left desperately searching for something to end the misery," Robert Levin wrote for Newsday.
All scores were current on the date of publication and are subject to change. Netflix's originals generally consist of both content created by the streaming service and content exclusive to the platform.
2024 saw the premiere — and return — of tons of TV shows, but critics liked some more than others.
Reviewers weren't that impressed by popular shows like "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story."
However, the third season of "The Bear" was one of the highest-rated shows of the year.
From top-rated dramas to new takes on popular franchises, there were plenty of TV shows to watch this year. However, not every series was a top choice among critics.
Here are 18 of the best and worst TV shows of 2024, according to critics.
"Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story" garnered mixed reactions from critics.
Nicholas Alexander Chavez and Cooper Koch in "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story."
Summary: This drama anthology recounts the 1989 murders of Jose (Javier Bardem) and Kitty Menendez (Chloë Sevigny) at the hands of their sons, Lyle (Nicholas Alexander Chavez) and Erik (Cooper Koch).
Some critics didn't love the second installment of Ryan Murphy's "Monsters" anthology series, and many thought the show was too sensationalized.
"'Monsters' proves itself capable of confronting a complex case with sensitivity — which makes its increasing sensationalism and salaciousness all the more frustrating," critic Dan Einav wrote in a review for the Financial Times.
Critics were underwhelmed by the spy thriller "The Veil."
Summary: A suspected terrorist, Adilah El Idrissi (Yumna Marwan), and spy Imogen Salter (Elisabeth Moss) form an uneasy alliance as they journey around the globe.
Many critics were bored by what was advertised as an exciting, dramatic thriller.
"It's an intriguing set-up, but 'The Veil' is hobbled by poor pacing, a lack of originality, and a particularly bemusing performance by the otherwise very arresting Moss," Rohan Naahar wrote for The Indian Express.
Season four of "The Umbrella Academy" was a letdown for a lot of critics.
Summary: In the fourth and final season of the science-fiction series "The Umbrella Academy," the Hargreeves siblings find themselves in an alternate timeline.
Even critics who enjoyed the series found the finale to be disappointing.
"It felt disjointed and rushed, and I thought the ending was, at best, confusing, at worst, anticlimactic," Valerie Anne wrote for Autostraddle.
"The Perfect Couple" had a ton of star power — but a mediocre reception.
Summary: Based on the book by Elin Hilderbrand, "The Perfect Couple" follows a family during a wedding weekend in Nantucket that's seemingly idyllic — until things take a grisly turn.
Although a few reviewers found "The Perfect Couple" to be a fun guilty pleasure, the fairly predictable show had a largely mixed reaction from critics.
"… There are way too many superfluous subplots, digressions, red herrings, and narrative dead ends," Robert W. Butler wrote for Butler's Cinema Scene. "For much of the series I felt I was treading water … getting in my exercise but going nowhere."
The prequel series "Dune: Prophecy" didn't reach the same heights as the movies.
Summary: Set 10,000 years before the events of "Dune" (2021) and "Dune: Part Two" (2024), this prequel series details the origins of the Bene Gesserit, an all-female order.
Although critics noted the high production quality of "Dune: Prophecy," many said the show had fits and starts before it found its rhythm.
"'Dune: Prophecy' is a visually impressive and obviously expensive production — albeit 'television impressive' as opposed to 'cinema impressive' — that despite its atrocious start did turn things around," Karl Puschmann wrote for The New Zealand Herald.
The TV adaptation of "Ted" took some critics by surprise.
Seth MacFarlane voiced the animated protagonist in "Ted."
Summary: Set as a prequel to "Ted" (2012), this series follows 16-year-old John Bennett (Max Burkholder) as he navigates high school with his foulmouthed teddy bear, Ted (voiced by Seth MacFarlane), by his side.
Although it didn't earn rave reviews across the board, many critics said they enjoyed the series more than they expected to.
"The talking teddy bear show? Yeah. I don't know what to tell you, but it's really funny, weirdly progressive for a Seth MacFarlane show, and unexpectedly touching," Dustin Rowles wrote for Pajiba.
"House of the Dragon" saw slightly-less-favorable reviews in its second season.
Summary: In the second season of the "Game of Thrones" prequel, the power struggle between Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) continues with deadly consequences.
The show's Rotten Tomatoes score dipped slightly from its first season, with some reviewers criticizing the writers for significantly slowing down the story's pace.
"The satisfactory direction of two character arcs, the forging of new alliances, dragons and riders set against the mandatory striking production values, somewhat offset the disappointing absence of massive, jolly battles," Mini Anthikad Chhibber wrote for The Hindu.
Critics thought "Agatha All Along" set itself apart from the rest of the Marvel universe.
Summary: Set three years after the events of "WandaVision," this Marvel series follows Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) as she attempts to reclaim her powers, with an aspiring magic user (Joe Locke) and other unlikely allies tagging along for the ride.
After over 15 years of Marvel releases on the big and small screens, some critics felt content overload. However, "Agatha All Along" leaned into its own unique charm and was received as a refreshing new addition to the franchise.
"As a part of the MCU, this series demonstrates that Marvel can do serious and considered and that with the right team, the most minor of characters can have an important role in the ongoing narrative arc of the Cinematic Universe," Anne-Louise Fortune wrote for Starburst magazine.
The thriller "Sweetpea" earned positive reviews from critics.
Summary: Rhiannon (Ella Purnell) leads an unassuming life as an assistant at a local newspaper. However, when her father dies, a series of events change the entire trajectory of her life.
Many critics were taken aback by the show's dark comedy, saying it packed a pretty hefty punch.
"With the police investigation getting dangerously close to discovering the truth, 'Sweetpea' quickly becomes a hugely entertaining watch with a fierce feminist edge," Andrew Murray wrote for The Upcoming.
Critics said the third season of "Bridgerton" followed the same familiar formula.
Summary: Set in Regency-era London, the third season of the romantic drama follows Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) as she longs for her friendship with Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) to deepen into something more.
Many critics agreed the romance and tension of "Bridgerton" had become rather predictable — but for a cozy British drama, that wasn't necessarily bad.
"A 'Bridgerton'series should be able to do both: embrace ensemble storytelling while also achieving the full satisfaction and painstaking structural balance of a romance novel," Kathryn VanArendonk wrote for Vulture. "Season three does not pull this off, but 'Bridgerton' remains too much fun to consider breaking up with anytime soon."
Critics likened "St. Denis Medical" to comedies like "The Office" and "Superstore."
Summary: In this mockumentary sitcom, a staff of workaholic doctors, nurses, and cocky surgeons try to get through their shifts and treat patients at an underfunded hospital.
Cocreated by "Superstore" showrunner Justin Spitzer — who was also a writer on the beloved sitcom "The Office" — "St. Denis Medical" was warmly received by critics who were looking for another workplace comedy to fill their TV needs.
"… 'St. Denis' has a lot of potential," Kelly Lawler wrote for USA Today, adding: "It fulfills a need for a smart broadcast sitcom this season."
Season three of "The Bear" was a critical low for the series, but it was still one of the top shows of the year.
Summary: In the third season of the dramatic series, chef Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) and his team battle their personal struggles as they fight to keep their business afloat.
After stellar first and second seasons — rated 100% and 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, respectively — the Chicago-centered series took a small dip in ratings but still emerged as one of the year's biggest shows.
"It's not quite Richie's epic rendition of Taylor Swift's 'Love Story' in 'Forks,' but season three still packs enough of a punch to keep us invested — and even enthralled in bits," Gautam Sunder wrote for The Hindu.
Critics loved the lead characters' infectious chemistry in "Mr. and Mrs. Smith."
Maya Erskine and Donald Glover in "Mr. and Mrs. Smith."
Summary: Two strangers (Donald Glover and Maya Erskine) go undercover as a married couple, John and Jane Smith, as they complete secret missions for a shadowy organization.
Praise for "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" led to a season two renewal. Still, the same stars may not return — which is unfortunate since many critics cited Glover and Erskine as highlights of the show.
"While the show may pull you in with the action or grandeur (including some absolutely killer guest stars) that accessorizes the story, the deep exploration of two people navigating a relationship under high-pressure circumstances is what will get you to stay," Hayley Croke wrote for Loud and Clear.
"Fallout" was a well-received adaptation of a beloved video-game series.
Summary: In the postapocalyptic future, vault dweller Lucy MacLean (Ella Purnell) ventures into a nuclear wasteland to rescue her kidnapped father (Kyle MacLachlan).
Critics said shows like "Fallout" prove that video-game adaptations can be ambitious, rewarding — and ultimately — fun.
"'Fallout' has just enough guts and gore to not be for everyone, but whether you know the games or not, this television series welcomes everyone with open arms and a knife ready to plunge into your back," Sarah Marrs wrote for Lainey Gossip.
The success of "Nobody Wants This" instantly led to a series renewal.
Kristen Bell and Adam Brody in "Nobody Wants This."
Summary: Joanne (Kristen Bell) cohosts a sex-and-dating podcast with her sister. Noah (Adam Brody) is a freshly single rabbi. After a chance encounter, the two feel an overpowering connection.
Critics were charmed by the romantic comedy, which begged to be binged.
In a review for Film Authority, Eddie Harrison wrote that the show "should work for just about everybody; this deft, supple story suddenly makes situation comedy look like the easiest thing to do, at a time when there really hasn't been a good one for years."
Critics called "English Teacher" a winning classroom comedy.
Summary: English teacher Evan Marquez (Brian Jordan Alvarez) navigates the high-wire of modern high-school politics after a parent complains about him.
Bolstered by a lovable ensemble cast and Alvarez's distinctive brand of humor, "English Teacher" received a near-perfect reception from critics.
"'English Teacher' obviously has room to grow, but it makes a terrific entrance and reminds us that the comedy is television's most pliable genre," Craig Mathieson wrote for The Age.
Summary: In 1600, worlds collide when English sailor John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) becomes shipwrecked in Japan and crosses paths with Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada).
"Shōgun" earned stellar reviews and even took a victory lap in the awards-show circuit when it became the first non-English-language series to win an Emmy for outstanding drama series.
"… In a world this massive, there's much to find fascinating, and audiences are sure to connect with many facets of its multidimensional historical saga," Abe Friedtanzer wrote for Cinema Daily US.
The fourth season of "Abbott Elementary" earned a perfect grade from critics.
Tyler James Williams and Quinta Brunson in "Abbott Elementary."
Summary: Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson) and her fellow Willard R. Abbott Elementary School teachers navigate a series of challenges when a luxury golf course pops up in their neighborhood.
In its fourth season, "Abbott Elementary" continued to charm critics with its lovable ensemble cast, poignant writing, and relatable storylines.
"Overall, the season four premiere proves 'Abbott Elementary' to be as funny and feel-good as ever, cementing its place at the top of sitcoms, and indeed–all, currently airing shows, regardless of genre," Joshua Harris wrote for Paste magazine.
Synopsis: "The Holiday Calendar" follows Abby Sutton (Kat Graham), a photographer who doesn't quite know what she wants out of life and is afraid to go after her dreams.
However, when her grandfather (Ron Cephas Jones) gives her a magical advent calendar, it helps her gain the confidence she needs to be herself.
"Kat Graham (of 'The Vampire Diaries') brings almost too many acting chops for a good holiday rom-com, but the film is still cheerily nonsensical," Lea Palmieri wrote for Decider.
"A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby" (2019) is the lowest-rated movie in the film series.
Ben Lamb and Rose McIver in "A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby."
Synopsis: The third installment in the "Christmas Prince" series returns to Aldovia as the kingdom prepares for the holiday season, and Amber (Rose McIver) and Richard (Ben Lamb) prepare to welcome a royal baby.
However, before they can relax for their parental leave, they must restore a 600-year-old treaty between Aldovia and Penglia.
Synopsis: Ten years after an ill-timed proposal ended in heartbreak, exes Avery (Lohan) and Logan (Harding) unexpectedly reconnect when they discover their respective partners are siblings.
In an effort to impress her new boyfriend's mother (Kristin Chenoweth) over the holidays, Avery begs Logan to keep their past relationship a secret.
"A typically formulaic seasonal sugar rush that's only blandly mediocre, rather than so-bad-it's-good," John Nugent wrote for Empire magazine. "But Lindsay Lohan's romcom-dominance cannot be denied."
"Best. Christmas. Ever!" (2023) is a funny holiday romance.
Heather Graham, Brandy Norwood, and Madison Validum in "Best. Christmas. Ever!"
Synopsis: In "Best. Christmas. Ever!" Charlotte (Heather Graham) sets out to prove that her old college friend Jackie (Brandy Norwood) doesn't actually have the perfect life she brags about in her annual Christmas newsletter.
"'Best. Christmas. Ever!' is not the most splendiferous Christmas movie ever, but it will satisfy those hungry for new sentimental holiday movies," Ferdosa Abdi wrote for Screen Rant.
"Scrooge: A Christmas Carol" (2022) is a musical retelling of the classic tale.
Synopsis: In the animated, musical retelling of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," Ebenezer Scrooge (voiced by Luke Evans) is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve who help he see the error of his ways.
The star-studded cast also features the voices of Olivia Colman, Jonathan Pryce, and Johnny Flynn.
"'Scrooge: A Christmas Carol' isn't the best addition to the collection of adaptations, not by a long shot. But it's surely the glitziest," Bill Goodykoontz wrote for the Arizona Republic.
"Holiday in the Wild" (2019) is a cheesy, light-hearted Christmas romance.
Kristin Davis and Rob Lowe in "Holiday in the Wild."
Synopsis: "Holiday in the Wild," previously called "Christmas in the Wild," follows Kate Conrad (Kristin Davis) as she goes on her "second honeymoon" alone after her husband suddenly ends their relationship.
Throughout the African safari, Kate rediscovers herself and falls for Derek Holliston (Rob Lowe).
Synopsis: In "Christmas Inheritance," Ellen Langford (Eliza Taylor) has to travel to her father's hometown and hand-deliver an important Christmas letter in order to become the CEO of her family's gift business.
Along the way, she's surprisingly charmed by the small town's friendliness and the handsome, down-to-earth inn manager (Jake Lacy).
Dana Schwartz wrote for Entertainment Weekly, "Unlike 'A Christmas Prince,' my favorite movie of 2017, it seems to have a self-satisfied earnestness that makes you want to sit it down and go, 'Hey 'Christmas Inheritance.' What exactly do you think you're doing here?'"
Britt Robertson casts Chad Michael Murray in her all-male stage show in "The Merry Gentleman" (2024).
Synopsis: To save her parent's small-town performance venue, Broadway dancer Ashley (Robertson) produces an all-male dance revue to bring money in.
As the Christmas-themed show comes together, Ashley finds herself falling for local handyman-turned-dancer Luke (Murray).
"There's nothing distractingly bad about this one and there are perhaps enough boxes ticked for undemanding Christmas movie completists but because of the overcrowded space, there's also nothing here that's worth a click," Benjamin Lee wrote for The Guardian.
Emma Roberts lent her star power to "Holidate" (2020).
Synopsis: In "Holidate," strangers Sloane (Emma Roberts) and Jackson (Luke Bracey) agree to be each other's plus-ones for every gathering in the coming year to avoid the constant judgment of their families.
But things get more complicated when it starts to become more than just a platonic agreement.
Lisa Kennedy wrote for Variety, "'Holidate' won't change your mind about the tread-worn challenges of romantic comedies, but its leads leverage their charms nicely."
Critics were entertained, but not wowed, by "Operation Christmas Drop" (2020).
Kat Graham and Alexander Ludwig in "Operation Christmas Drop."
Synopsis: "Operation Christmas Drop" follows Erica (Graham), a congressional aid who gets sent to an Air Force base with a festive pet-project to assess whether it should remain open.
She's set on crunching numbers and cutting budgets until the base's self-proclaimed Christmas expert, Captain Andrew Jantz (Alexander Ludwig), helps her find a little holiday cheer.
Kyle Turner wrote for The New York Times, "Everything in 'Operation Christmas Drop' falls predictably into place like children nestled all snug in their beds. Each plot point and character dynamic appears predetermined, and not in a seasonally charming way."
"A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding" (2018) didn't hold up to the original.
Rose McIver and Ben Lamb in "A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding."
Synopsis: In the sequel to "A Christmas Prince," Prince Richard (Lamb) and Amber (McIver) prepare for their royal wedding. But scandal rocks the kingdom when money disappears and the citizens of Aldovia grow increasingly angry with their royals.
"It's cheesy, it's cringey, but most importantly, it's harmless — and worth a watch if you're in the mood for some mindless holiday cheer," Libby Torres wrote for The Daily Beast.
Nina Dobrev and Jimmy O. Yang came together for "Love Hard" (2021).
Nina Dobrev and Jimmy O. Yang starred in "Love Hard."
Synopsis: At the beginning of "Love Hard," Josh (Jimmy O. Yang) catfishes Natalie (Nina Dobrev) from across the country. But when she surprises him for Christmas everything blows up in his face.
In order to try to right his wrong, Josh helps Natalie get together with Tag (Darren Barnet) while keeping up the ruse of their relationship for his family.
Courtney Howard wrote for Variety, "The ensuing shenanigans not only do our heroine a massive disservice by letting men manipulate her agency — they also cause us to question what exactly we're rooting for."
"The Princess Switch: Switched Again" (2020) introduced a third look-alike to the story.
Vanessa Hudgens played three characters in "The Princess Switch: Switched Again."
Synopsis: In the sequel to "The Princess Switch," Duchess Margaret (Vanessa Hudgens) and Kevin (Nick Sagar) are going through a rough patch, so Stacy (also Hudgens) swoops in to help. But things take a turn when another look-alike, party girl Fiona (also Hudgens), screws with their plans.
Dennis Harvey wrote for Variety, "Though inevitably the formula wears a little thinner in spots this time, it's a frothy fantasy that should satisfy viewers' itch for confectionary-looking Christmas fluff."
Vanessa Hudgens returned to her leading roles in "The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star" (2021).
Vanessa Hudgens in "The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star."
Synopsis: In the third installment of the "Princess Switch" franchise, Queen Margaret (Hudgens) and Princess Stacy (also Hudgens) have to team up with Margaret's scheming cousin Fiona (also Hudgens) to save the stolen Christmas star on loan from the Vatican.
"Anyone who has seen one of these movies can just take over for the characters and guess their lines as easily as the three cousins can swap clothes and accents to impersonate one another," Helen T. Verongos wrote for The New York Times.
"Falling for Christmas" (2022) marked Lohan's return to film.
Lindsay Lohan and Chord Overstreet in "Falling for Christmas."
Synopsis: In "Falling for Christmas," heiress Sierra (Lohan) gets in a skiing accident after her influencer boyfriend (George Young) proposes to her, and it leaves her with no memory of her life — not even her name.
Luckily, local inn owner Jake (Chord Overstreet) nurses her back to health throughout the week before Christmas.
Noel Murray wrote for the Los Angeles Times, "The overall mood is warm and cheery, and Lohan brings a spontaneous sincerity to even the corniest scenes. The movie's wrapping is shiny and plastic, but its star quality is genuine."
Critics were surprisingly charmed by "The Princess Switch" (2018).
Synopsis: In "The Princess Switch," Chicago-based baker Stacy (Hudgens) travels to Belgravia for the Royal Christmas Baking Contest.
But when she meets Duchess Margaret (also Hudgens), who could be her twin, Stacy agrees to switch places with her so the princess can see what "normal" life is like before she takes the throne.
"'The Princess Switch' is a delight. If you told me last year that I would thoroughly enjoy — nay, crave — another 'Parent Trap'–like moviebut starring Vanessa Hudgens ... I would have told you exactly what to do with your Christmas pastries," Emily Tannenbaum wrote for Cosmopolitan.
Reviewers called "Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square" (2020) a fun and campy holiday flick.
Dolly Parton in "Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square."
Synopsis: "Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square" centers on a small town on the brink of extinction.
Scrooge-like town owner Regina (Christine Baranski) is planning on selling the town without a spare thought for its residents — until an angel (Dolly Parton) steps in to try and change her mind.
Synopsis: In "Christmas With You," pop star Angelina (Aimee Garcia) feels like she's getting pushed out by younger singers at her record label. In order to get her name trending again and connect with her fans, she decides to grant Cristina's (Deja Monique Cruz) Christmas wish to meet her in person.
After spending time with Cristina and her family, Angelina gets wrapped up in writing a new song with Cristina's father, Miguel (Freddie Prinze Jr.).
Courtney Howard wrote for Variety, "It's a holiday trifle for sure, but there's enough to feel satiated — if just temporarily — by the festivities on display."
"That Christmas" (2024) hits all the right spots for a festive family film.
Synopsis: Narrated by Santa (Brian Cox) and based on a trio of children's books by "Love Actually" director Richard Curtis, the animated holiday film centers on residents of a small seaside town as a blizzard hits on Christmas Eve.
"'That Christmas' may not be the most revolutionary holiday film, but there's enough heart, silliness, and prime messaging in this animated film to give it its wings," Sarah Musnicky wrote for But Why Tho? A Geek Community.
"The Christmas Chronicles 2" (2020) brought back the cast of loveable characters.
Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell in "The Christmas Chronicles 2."
Synopsis: In the second installment of the "Christmas Chronicles" series, Kate (Darby Camp) is reunited with Santa (Kurt Russell) as a cynical teenager. But she ends up helping to save Christmas (again) when a mysterious troublemaker threatens to steal it.
Owen Gleiberman wrote for Variety, "At a harmless piece of hokum like this one, you giggle and grin a few times, you see the ruptures healed by Christmas, and you get to hang out with a Santa who's traditional but nearly cool."
Kurt Russell delivered as Santa Claus in "The Christmas Chronicles" (2018).
Kurt Russell as Santa in "The Christmas Chronicles."
Synopsis: In "The Christmas Chronicles," after two kids try to trap Santa (Russell) and end up losing his precious bag of gifts, the hunt is on to save Christmas — and Santa is charmingly sarcastic all along the way.
Melanie McFarland wrote for Salon, "The film's no great shakes, but Russell's star power in 'The Christmas Chronicles' is a gift anyone should be happy to claim."
Most critics found "A Very Murray Christmas" (2015) to be a surprisingly poignant holiday special.
Synopsis: In "A Very Murray Christmas," Bill Murray's (playing himself) Christmas special gets canceled because of a snowstorm. Instead, he seeks shelter in a bar where the fellow patrons are more than willing to sing a few holiday songs with him.
Jeff Jensen wrote for Entertainment Weekly, "Murray has surprising resonance. It may not be the yuletide cheer you want in a season darkened by terrorism and fear, but it does have a message that meets the moment."
Critics were charmed by the leads in "Meet Me Next Christmas" (2024).
Devale Ellis and Christina Milian in "Meet Me Next Christmas."
Synopsis: When Layla (Christina Milian) has a meet-cute at the airport with James (Kofi Siriboe), they promise to attend next year's Pentatonix Christmas concert together if they're both single.
A year later, Layla rushes to find tickets to the concert with the help of Teddy (Devale Ellis) — who soon develops feelings for her.
"This movie was a fun ride, with countless jokes, great characters, a compelling story, and overall, a feel-good time," Brandon Avery wrote for Just My Opinion Reviews. "Don't sleep on this one because you'll be missing out on something good."
"Single All the Way" (2021) follows a best friends-to-lovers arc.
The movie centers on best friends who fall for each other.
Synopsis: In "Single All the Way," Peter (Michael Urie) convinces his best friend Nick (Philemon Chambers) to come home with him for Christmas to trick his family into thinking he's in a relationship.
But thanks to his family's constant meddling, before long, Peter is stuck in a real and unexpected love triangle with Nick and townie James (Luke MacFarlane).
Synopsis: In "The Knight Before Christmas," small-town teacher Brooke (Hudgens) helps a time-traveling, medieval knight (Josh Whitehouse) fulfill his quest.
But the more time they spend together, the more Sir Cole wonders if he really wants to succeed and return home.
Ian Sandwell wrote for Digital Spy, "'The Knight Before Christmas' has every possible festive ingredient you could want, even a puppy in a stocking. Cynics need not apply, there's nothing here for you."
"The Noel Diary" (2022) is a touching holiday homecoming story.
Justin Hartley and Barrett Doss in "The Noel Diary."
Synopsis: Based on the novel by Richard Paul Evans, "The Noel Diary" follows successful author Jake Turner (Justin Hartley) as he returns to his hometown for the holidays to settle his mother's estate.
But after finding an intriguing diary, he teams up with Rachel (Barrett Doss), who's on her own investigative journey to uncover her family's past.
Noel Murray wrote for the Los Angeles Times, "Ditch the mistletoe and holly and it would still be a well-crafted, well-balanced character sketch, following two lost souls as they discover what they've been missing."
"A Christmas Prince" (2017) kicked Netflix's holiday film series off with a bang.
Synopsis: "A Christmas Prince" centers on Amber (McIver), a journalist gunning for her big break, as she goes undercover to write about the royal family of Aldovia.
Along the way, she ends up discovering a huge secret that could throw a wrench in the whole Aldovian line of succession, while also falling for the prince (Lamb).
"It's everything you want a holiday film to be: cheesy, hopeful, a little bit ridiculous, and overall as warm and toasty as the fireplace you're watching it next to," Lea Palmieri wrote for Decider.
"A Castle for Christmas" (2021) earned winning reviews.
Synopsis: In "A Castle for Christmas," an American writer named Sophie (Brooke Shields) sets off on a holiday vacation to Scotland in search of the castle her grandfather told her stories about as a child.
After falling in love with the property and putting an offer in on it, the only thing standing in her way is the grumpy duke (Cary Elwes) who owns it.
"Its sincere, aspirational sentiments about it never being too late to write your own second chapter feel genuinely meaningful," Courtney Howard wrote for Variety.
Despite its silly premise, "Hot Frosty" (2024) was a sweet surprise for many critics.
There are several Netflix original Christmas movies.
Synopsis: Kathy Barrett (Lacey Chabert), a recently widowed café owner, is shocked when she magically brings a snowman (Dustin Milligan) to life with a simple scarf.
As they evade questions from small-town cops, Kathy and Jack (the snowman) begin to bond as she opens herself up to the magic of the holiday season.
"There's a sincere pleasure in slipping down the ludicrous slide that is 'Hot Frosty''s premise, in which a hot, naive, but very sweet man is the perfect Christmas wish — for Kathy and for any of us who may need a bit of comfort from a cold, cold world," Kristy Puchko wrote for Mashable.
"A Boy Called Christmas" (2021) is a fantasy holiday film full of adventure and heart.
Henry Lawfull as Nikolas in "A Boy Called Christmas."
Synopsis: In "A Boy Called Christmas," Nikolas (Henry Lawfull) sets off on an adventure to try to find his father — who's on his own journey searching for a mystical village of elves.
But along the way, Nikolas discovers much more than what he set out for.
Natalia Winkleman wrote for The New York Times, "Magic abounds in 'A Boy Called Christmas,' Netflix's first prestige holiday movie of the season, but pulsing through this winning adventure tale is something even stronger: the immersive power of storytelling."
The interweaving stories in "Let It Snow" (2019) won many critics over.
Jacob Batalon, Matthew Noszka, Mitchell Hope, and Kiernan Shipka in "Let It Snow."
Synopsis: Based on the short stories by John Green, Lauren Myracle, and Maureen Johnson, "Let It Snow" follows a group of teenagers living in a small, Midwestern town during the holiday season. All of their stories lead to a Christmas Eve party at the local Waffle Town.
Molly Freeman wrote for Screen Rant, "In 'Let It Snow,' Netflix delivers a cute young adult holiday romance that's comforting in its cheesiness, even if it doesn't break new ground."
Critics called "Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey" (2020) a new holiday staple.
Madalen Mills and Forest Whitaker in "Jingle Jangle."
Synopsis: The musical holiday film centers on inventor/toymaker Jeronicus Jangle (Forest Whitaker) decades after his apprentice (Keegan-Michael Key) betrayed him by stealing his prized creation.
It's up to his granddaughter Journey (Madalen Mills) to reignite the magic in his shop and heal the wounds of his past.
"The many pleasures of this overflowing Christmas stocking of a film are sure to make it a family favorite, and most likely a family tradition," Nell Minow wrote for RogerEbert.com.
"Klaus" (2019) is an animated flick filled with Christmas myth.
J.K. Simmons voiced the title character in "Klaus."
Synopsis: In "Klaus," after struggling mail carrier Jesper (voiced by Jason Schwartzman) gets reassigned to an island above the Arctic Circle, he meets mysterious carpenter Klaus (voiced by J.K. Simmons).
Their unlikely friendship melts a years-old feud in their cold town of Smeerensberg and sparks a new holiday tradition.
"It's awkward and weird, and yet all that awkwardness and weirdness give it personality and charm and a freewheeling, nonsensical quality that feels refreshing," Bilge Ebiri wrote for Vulture.
"Alien Xmas" (2020) is the highest-rated Netflix-original holiday film.
Synopsis: In "Alien Xmas," when a group of extraterrestrials comes to Earth to try and steal its gravity — and then everything else on the planet — the only things that can save the world are the gift-giving spirit of Christmas and a small alien named X.
"It's a bit of a sloppy plot, but also kind of endearing in its loosey-gooseyness," John Serba wrote for Decider.
Note: All scores were current on the date of publication and are subject to change. Films without critical ratings were not included. Netflix's originals generally consist of both content created by the streaming service and content exclusive to the platform.
This story was originally published in December 2018, and most recently updated on December 23, 2024.
Nicole Kidman as Greer Winbury in "The Perfect Couple."
Seacia Pavao/Netflix
2024 saw the release of shows across a range of streaming platforms, but not all were well-received.
Shows like "The New Look," starring Ben Mendelsohn, failed to earn rave reviews across the board.
Despite big-name stars, critics roasted animated shows like "Universal Basic Guys" and "Good Times."
It seems 2024 saw the release of countless star-studded TV shows across a range of streaming platforms. However, top talent doesn't always guarantee rave reviews from critics.
Here are 20 of the worst TV shows your favorite actors starred in throughout 2024.
Will Forte is a crime-solving podcaster in the dark comedy "Bodkin."
Summary: Podcaster Gilbert Power (Will Forte) and his assistant Emmy Sizergh (Robyn Cara) join journalist Dove Maloney (Siobhán Cullen) in solving a cold case in Bodkin, Ireland.
Although many critics enjoyed "Bodkin" and praised Cullen, Cara, and Forte for their infectious chemistry, some viewers had mixed feelings.
"The elements don't quite congeal, but it's intriguing and well-crafted," critic Robert Levin wrote for Newsday.
Nicole Kidman starred in the mystery series "The Perfect Couple."
Summary: Just as Amelia (Eve Hewson) is about to marry into a wealthy family, her wedding weekend in Nantucket takes a deadly turn — and everyone (Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Billy Howle, and more) becomes a suspect.
Critics were split on their consensus of "The Perfect Couple," with some calling it a binge-worthy guilty pleasure and others deeming it an overwritten mess.
"Where 'The Perfect Couple' goes wrong — and where 'White Lotus' succeeded — is assuming its audience is watching," Maxwell Rabb wrote for the Chicago Reader. "Instead, everything of note is spelled out so attention to the characters themselves feels secondary."
"The New Look" boasted a stellar cast with Ben Mendelsohn, John Malkovich, and Maisie Williams.
Summary: This dramatic series follows fashion designers Christian Dior (Ben Mendelsohn) and Coco Chanel (Juliette Binoche) as they navigate life in Europe during the Nazi occupation of World War II.
Many critics noted the high production value — and the mesmerizing performances from its stellar cast — but couldn't help feeling like the story was lacking.
"For those enthralled with fashion, there's enough entertaining glitz and melodrama to keep one returning week after week," Brian Bromberger wrote for The Bay Area Reporter. "But for people less enamored by haute couture, the whole enterprise might seem sluggish with few rewards."
After wowing critics in "The Haunting of Hill House," Carla Gugino starred in "The Girls on the Bus."
"The Girls on the Bus" had the potential to be a biting political satire like "Veep," but some critics thought it played out like a shallow soap opera.
"It's diversion and distraction," Wenlei Ma wrote for The Nightly. "It has no more insight into politics and the media than 'Younger' had into publishing or 'The Bold Type' into journalism."
Former "Doctor Who" star Jenna Coleman played the central lead in the British drama "The Jetty."
Summary: This British crime drama follows Ember Manning (Jenna Coleman) as she investigates a fire in Lancashire and connects the dots to a cold case that was just blown wide open.
Though many critics appreciated the female perspective in "The Jetty," many felt like the story and pacing fell apart upon closer examination.
"These challenging issues might have been better served by a straight drama rather than an uneven mystery yarn littered with clichés, contrivances, clunky exposition, and thrillerish flourishes," Dan Einav wrote for the Financial Times.
Kristen Wiig, Laura Dern, and Allison Janney soaked up the sun in "Palm Royale."
Summary: In 1969, Maxine (Kristen Wiig) looks to climb the ladder of high society at an exclusive country club in Palm Beach, Florida.
Overall, critics loved the show's attention to costumes and set design, but thought the glamour distracted from the story, which lacked any real intrigue.
"There are plenty of individual elements that suggest a worthwhile final product," Allyson Johnson wrote for But Why Tho? "However, none of these elements come together to become something more than the small, individual highlights."
Mandy Patinkin sets out to solve a murder in "Death and Other Details."
Summary: This locked-room murder mystery, set on a cruise ship, follows detective Rufus Cotesworth (Mandy Patinkin) as he strives to prove passenger Imogene Scott (Violett Beane) is innocent.
Critics largely agreed the show had a few too many twists, which kept the story from being believable or having a truly rewarding ending.
"While there are elements of 'Death And Other Details' that have the potential to be entertaining, the show feels overstuffed and too interested in messing with the viewers to sustain what is a very complex whodunit," Joel Keller wrote for Decider.
Elisabeth Moss played a veteran secret agent in "The Veil."
Summary: Imogen Salter (Elisabeth Moss) and Adilah El Idrissi (Yumna Marwan) find themselves in a deadly cat-and-mouse game that takes them around the globe.
Critics enjoyed being whisked away to different locations, from Paris to Istanbul. However, they felt some aspects of the show did a disservice to its lead actors.
"…'The Veil' is a lot of style over substance," Liam Mathews wrote for TV Guide. "The show doesn't deeply engage with its characters or the real world around them."
Kate Winslet was a ruthless European leader in "The Regime."
Summary: Chancellor Elena Vernham (Kate Winslet) ineffectually leads a crumbling autocracy as she presides over a Central European government.
Critics generally felt misled by the advertising of "The Regime," which marketed itself as a dark comedy but decidedly underserved on jokes.
"So there are gags; it's just really going to be in the eye of the beholder how funny they are, not just in the context of this muddled story, but also right now," Tara Ariano wrote for Cracked.
Jeff Daniels played a real-estate mogul on the decline in "A Man in Full."
Summary: Based on Tom Wolfe's book of the same name, this dramatic miniseries follows Charlie Croker's (Jeff Daniels) downfall as his real-estate empire takes a nosedive.
Critics were evenly split on "A Man in Full," with some reviews citing Croker's exaggerated unlikeability as a huge turn-off.
"Over its six episodes, 'A Man in Full' repeats variations on Charlie's plaint that the 'world's gonna make men like me extinct,'" Steve Murray wrote for ArtsATL. "'Man in Full' can't persuade us that that even comes close to being a tragedy."
Anthony Hopkins starred as the emperor of Rome in "Those About to Die."
Summary: In 79 AD, Emperor Vespasian (Anthony Hopkins) and his sons rule over Rome as tavern owner Tenax ("Game of Thrones" star Iwan Rheon) tries to raise enough money to compete in a life-changing chariot race.
Although many critics felt the unpolished script did the actors a disservice, a large portion of them were entertained by the spectacle and gore nonetheless.
"It ends up as a fairly satisfying binge, not raucous enough to be a guilty pleasure but not in enough control of its characters to be seriously good," Jack Seale wrote for The Guardian.
Annette Bening and Sam Neill played an imperfect couple in "Apples Never Fall."
Summary: Just as successful tennis moguls Joy (Annette Bening) and Stan Delaney (Sam Neill) announce their retirement, Joy abruptly goes missing, sending the couple's children into a tailspin.
The show, which is based on a novel by "Big Little Lies" author Liane Moriarty, didn't mesh well with many critics — despite the best efforts of the cast.
"Annette Bening gives an excellent performance in the new seven-episode Peacock miniseries 'Apples Never Fall,' but she shows up all the lesser acting around her to a distracting degree," Eileen Jones wrote for the Jacobin.
Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny raised infamous sons in "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story."
Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny in "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story."
Summary: This drama chronicles the lives of Erik (Cooper Koch) and Lyle Menendez (Nicholas Alexander Chavez) and the murders of their parents (Javier Bardem and Chloë Sevigny).
Critics largely agreed that the show, created by Ian Brennan and Ryan Murphy, showed promise but overstayed its welcome.
"Some tonal inconsistency is understandable; how else could a show capture both the ludicrousness of this story and its dire, mortal dimensions?" Richard Lawson wrote for Vanity Fair. "But Brennan and Murphy push past that, into the realm of incoherence."
Seth Rogen, Michael Cera, and more revived their "Sausage Party" roles in "Sausage Party: Foodtopia."
Seth Rogen, Michael Cera, and Kristen Wiig lent their voices to characters in "Sausage Party: Foodtopia."
Summary: The characters of the animated comedy "Sausage Party" (2016) return to defeat the human race and establish their own civilization.
Despite the return of big-name stars like Seth Rogen, Michael Cera, and Kristen Wiig, critics felt the expanded world-building and characterization of "Sausage Party: Foodtopia" was fruitless.
In a review for RogerEbert.com, Clint Worthington wrote that the show was "an eight-episode series for Prime Video that simply regurgitates the same tired material as the film while adding little to the recipe."
Domhnall Gleeson and Andrea Riseborough fell in and out of love in "Alice & Jack."
Domhnall Gleeson and Andrea Riseborough in "Alice & Jack."
Summary: Lovers Jack (Domhnall Gleeson) and Alice (Andrea Riseborough) keep coming back to each other, but they never seem to get the timing right.
Overall, the reception for "Alice & Jack" was underwhelming, with critics saying it lacked the nuance and depth of more acclaimed relationship dramas like "Normal People."
"'Alice & Jack' shoots for the vertigo of a star-crossed romance, but does too little work to convince us of the relationship's validity," Angie Han wrote for The Hollywood Reporter.
Giancarlo Esposito seeks revenge for his son's murder in "Parish."
Summary: Gracián "Gray" Parish (Giancarlo Esposito) thought he had washed his hands of the criminal underworld until his son's horrific murder sends him hurtling back to the life he left.
Critics were delighted to see Esposito in the lead role but wished the script had been better written.
"The six episodes allotted to 'Parish' require a narrative discipline that simply isn't in play, and Esposito's talent demands original writing that rarely presents itself here," Melanie McFarland wrote for Salon.
Shailene Woodley sets out to chronicle different perspectives in "Three Women."
Summary: Journalist Gia Lombardi (Shailene Woodley) follows the lives of three women — Lina (Betty Gilpin), Sloane (DeWanda Wise), and Maggie (Gabrielle Creevy) — in search of what sex means to contemporary Americans.
"Buried under all the plot contortions and surplus extensions of 'Three Women' are many beautiful, moving observations," Ben Travers wrote for IndieWire. "If only it was easier to see them."
Billy Crystal starred as a grieving therapist in "Before."
Summary: Eli (Billy Crystal) is a child psychologist still reeling from losing his wife when he uncovers a disturbing connection to his next client.
Critics praised Crystal for stepping into a darker genre but didn't think the show was anything to write home about.
"Every comic legend deserves a chance to branch out, the same way Crystal's buddy Robin Williams famously went dark, often," Robert Moran wrote for The Sydney Morning Herald. "But 'Before' is no 'One Hour Photo.' It's barely a blank Polaroid."
Fred Armisen is David, a neurotic neighbor in the animated sitcom "Universal Basic Guys."
Fred Armisen voiced David in "Universal Basic Guys."
Summary: After brothers Mark and Hank Hoagies (both voiced by Adam Malamut) lose their jobs to automation, a universal basic-income program helps keep them afloat.
Critics said that "Universal Basic Guys" aimed for the familiar comedic stylings of "Family Guy" but fell short.
"While the premise is interesting enough, the show is stuffed with tiresome jokes that fail to pack a punch," Aramide Tinubu wrote for Variety.
Yvette Nicole Brown, JB Smoove, and Wanda Sykes lent their voices to "Good Times."
Yvette Nicole Brown, JB Smoove, and Wanda Sykes voiced characters in "Good Times."
Summary: "Good Times," an animated revival of the 1970s sitcom of the same name, centers on the Evans family as they try to get by in Chicago.
Critics said the animated series seemed fine-tuned to offend viewers, all while banking on the nostalgia for the original "Good Times."
"In a way, it would have been better to just craft this as an original series without all the baggage and expectations of reinventing a TV classic — but then, Netflix wouldn't have gotten all the headlines and attention from the shocked reactions," Eric Deggans wrote for NPR.
Summary: When actor Will Ferrell learns that his best friend — and fellow "Saturday Night Live" alum — Harper Steele has come out as a trans woman, he suggests that they take a road trip across the country together as they reconnect in deeper ways than they thought possible.
The documentary was a critical hit from the day it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January, with critics praising the sincerity, humor, and heart at the center of the film.
"Ferrell and Steele have earned their livings by making other people laugh, and their banter has plenty of drollery sprinkled among the truth nuggets," Robert W. Butler wrote for Butler's Cinema Scene. " I believe I'm a better person for having watched it."
"His Three Daughters" was a showcase of unparalleled acting talent.
Natasha Lyonne, Elizabeth Olsen, and Carrie Coon in "His Three Daughters."
Summary: Estranged sisters Rachel (Natasha Lyonne), Katie (Carrie Coon), and Christina (Elizabeth Olsen) reunite as their father reaches the end of hospice care. However, the reunion devolves into anger as they argue over how to live and grieve.
The family drama earned rave reviews across the board from critics.
"'His Three Daughters' is messy in a way that reflects all of our families," Tina Kakadelis wrote for Beyond the Cinerama Dome. "The way we fight, the way we grieve, and, hopefully, the way we love."
Critics said "The Wild Robot" was DreamWorks' best film in years.
"The Wild Robot" is based on a novel by Peter Brown.
Summary: Based on the 2016 novel by Peter Brown, "The Wild Robot" follows ROZZUM unit 7134, aka "Roz" (voiced by Lupita Nyong'o), a curious robot stranded on an island.
Over time, Roz learns to adapt to their surroundings, as well as their new animal friends (voiced by Kit Connor, Pedro Pascal, and more).
Rendered with dazzling animation and voiced by a noteworthy cast, the family-adventure film was a favorite among critics.
Summary: During the taping of a Halloween episode in the 1970s, late-night-talk-show host Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian) finds that old secrets have come back to haunt him.
Critics loved seeing Dastmalchian take the spotlight in this clever horror throwback after decades of acting in supporting roles.
"Dastmalchian conveys the creeping unease Jack feels as his TV career is circling the drain, which is nearly as terrifying as the horrors his show is about to unleash on America," Sean P. Means wrote for The Movie Cricket.
Critics said "A Real Pain" has the makings of a modern classic.
Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg in "A Real Pain."
Summary: After their grandmother dies, cousins David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) take a guided tour through Poland to honor her. As they journey, old family dynamics bubble up to the surface.
Between Eisenberg deftly playing triple duty as actor, writer, and director and Culkin's "Oscar-worthy" performance, critics said "A Real Pain" has the staying power of a modern classic.
"Jesse Eisenberg successfully carves out its niche as one of the best dramedies of the year," Elliott Collins said on his YouTube channel Movie Files. "The film's ability to intertwine humor with profound themes surrounding grief, identity, and historical context leaves you with a lasting impression."
"Dune: Part Two" proved to be a worthy successor to the first film.
Summary: In the sequel to Denis Villeneuve's "Dune," Paul (Timothée Chalamet) learns to adapt to life with the Fremen warriors — including the rebellious Chani (Zendaya) — after the downfall of his house.
Villeneuve was praised for making "Dune" his own without falling victim to the pitfalls of other tentpole franchises.
"It almost feels like a miracle that Denis Villeneuve got to make a 'Dune' adaptation this bold and daring in the current studio system," Andrew J. Salazar wrote for Discussing Film.
Many critics felt changed after watching "A Different Man."
Summary: After an experimental procedure successfully removes his facial tumors from neurofibromatosis, Edward Lemuel (Sebastian Stan) is approached to have his life adapted into a play. Soon, however, he finds himself upstaged by an actor with the same condition (Adam Pearson).
Critics called the film unsettling, absurdist, and chaotic — and they loved every second of it.
"Adam Pearson really shows range here," Aaron Neuwirth wrote for We Live Entertainment. "Having this actor, who has neurofibromatosis, arrive on the scene as the most charming, affable character in the film is such a blast."
Summary: Feeling like a has-been, Hollywood starlet Elizabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) is persuaded into trying an experimental drug that allows her to revert into a younger, more beautiful version of herself (played by Margaret Qualley).
Critics said audiences were in for a masterclass in feminist horror — if they could stomach the film's "David Cronenberg"-esque visuals.
"This is a film unlike any other you will see right now," Stephen Romei wrote for The Australian. "It will not be to everyone's taste. For this reviewer, who craves originality, it is a winner.
Critics called "My Old Ass" a trippy comedy with a lot of heart.
Summary: On the night of her 18th birthday, Elliott (Maisy Stella) takes hallucinogenic mushrooms and finds herself talking to her older self (played by Aubrey Plaza), who tries to give her advice for the future.
Critics said "My Old Ass" could've easily veered into hokey territory. However, writer-director Megan Park kept the film on track, anchoring it with Stella and Plaza's memorable performances.
"The talented cast, paired with a well-crafted and humorous script, creates a delightful time-travel paradox pic that can sit along with other teen comedies as a timeless treasure," Erin Maxwell wrote for Bust.
"Inside Out 2" was another winning sequel this year.
Anxiety is one of the new emotions in "Inside Out 2."
Summary: When Riley (voiced by Kensington Tallman) hits puberty at 13, new emotions join the "control panel" in her head. Soon after their arrival, it's clear that Joy (voiced by Amy Poehler) and Anxiety (voiced by Maya Hawke) have different ideas of what's right for Riley.
It was a tall order for Pixar animators to surpass the critical success of the original "Inside Out," but critics said the sequel came pretty close.
"While the original remains the gold standard for modern animation, this sequel more than justifies its existence via its empathetic themes, strong humor, and engrossing animation style," Calum Cooper wrote for Cinerama Film.
On the other hand, "Argylle" was too goofy to take seriously.
Henry Cavill as Agent Argylle in "Argylle."
Peter Mountain/Universal Pictures, Apple Original Films, and MARV
Summary: Reclusive author Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard) is on the brink of finishing the fifth book in her famed "Aubrey Argylle" series when she's drawn into a world of real-life spies, evil plots, and secret identities.
The film had a ton of press leading up to its release — namely due to a misguided rumor that Taylor Swift was behind it — but the story itself failed to live up to the hype in critics' eyes.
"'Argylle' is deeply unpleasant to watch and also deeply sad as a query of what exactly studio executives think audiences are meant to glean from a film like this, other than training us to expect less from our films," Andrew Kendall wrote for Stabroek News.
"Joker: Folie à Deux" was met with scattered applause.
Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix in "Joker: Folie à Deux."
Summary: As Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) awaits trial for murder at Arkham State Hospital, fellow psych-ward patient Harleen "Lee" Quinzel (Lady Gaga) forms an obsession with him and dreams up an escape plan.
Critics largely agreed that the second installment paled in comparison to the first "Joker."
"Longer than it should be (it clocks in at 138 minutes), 'Joker: Folie à Deux' is toilet paper on the shoe of a film that had a unique rhythm and an original point of view," Bruce R. Miller wrote for the Sioux City Journal.
"Time Cut" was deemed a lazy time-travel flick.
Antonia Gentry, Madison Bailey, and Griffin Gluck in "Time Cut."
Summary: Lucy Field (Madison Bailey) accidentally travels back in time to 2003. Then, she realizes that she might be able to save her older sister Summer (Antonia Gentry) before she's murdered.
Overall, critics said "Time Cut" failed to be truly scary or funny.
"Unlike other horror comedies, 'Time Cut' has nothing unique to say about creating satire about the differences between the past and the present or the tropes of predictable events in horror films," Lindsay Press wrote for Culturess.
Critics thought "The Strangers: Chapter 1" was unnecessary.
The film came after "The Strangers" and "The Strangers: Prey at Night."
Summary: Maya (Madelaine Petsch) and her boyfriend (Froy Gutierrez) go to a secluded cabin in the woods for their five-year anniversary — only to be visited by sadistic trespassers.
Critics largely agreed that the legacy of "The Strangers" and "The Strangers: Prey at Night" should've stopped at two.
"The latest entry is an uninspired, ineffective retelling of the original, with a narrative that strives to give us answers to questions we never asked for," Emma Vine wrote for Loud and Clear Reviews.
Summary: Ray (Wyatt Russell), Eve (Kerry Condon), and their children move into a new house and soon discover that the swimming pool in the backyard harbors a deadly presence.
Positive reviews for "Night Swim" were few and far between — with some critics being outright bored by the muted horror.
"'Night Swim' is a shallow genre exercise that goes in one ear, out the other," James Preston Poole wrote for Cosmic Circus.
Summary: A group of college friends violates a cardinal rule of Tarot by using someone else's deck — and they soon face the consequences.
Critics said it amounted to little more than a movie cobbled together with recycled tropes from better horror films.
"'Tarot' is a creatively bankrupt and passionless horror movie that clearly has studio interference written all over it, from its formulaic and blood-free scares to a surprising cheapness that dilutes any potential it may have otherwise had," Jack Martin wrote for Film Feeder.
Summary: Based on the book by Scott Westerfeld, "Uglies" takes place in a seemingly utopian future where everyone's worries melt away once they're given cosmetic surgery at the age of 16.
Young Tally (Joey King), however, learns that her world is built on lies.
Critics generally agreed that the Netflix adaptation reeked of low production value.
"'Uglies' is so carelessly made, it feels like an active gesture of contempt toward the readers of Scott Westerfeld's 2005 source novel and to anyone who watches the small-screen result," Steve Murray wrote for ArtsATL.
"Mother of the Bride" was a laughable romantic comedy — but not in a good way.
Miranda Cosgrove and Brooke Shields in "Mother of the Bride."
Summary: Lana (Brooke Shields) is shocked when her daughter (Miranda Cosgrove) announces that she's getting married in Thailand in less than a month. That shock only grows when she learns that the groom is the son of her old flame from college (Benjamin Bratt).
Most critics said "Mother of the Bride" wasn't even bad enough to be "funny bad" — it was simply forgettable.
"These superficially 'pretty people' are all bland, underdeveloped stereotypes, and each shallow, awkward scene turns out to be more predictable than the one preceding it," Susan Granger wrote for Susan Granger Reviews.
"Madame Web" proved to be another fruitless superhero offshoot.
Summary: After New York City paramedic Cassandra Webb (Dakota Johnson) begins to experience clairvoyant visions, she sets out to save three young women from their certain deaths.
"Madame Web" appeared to lose itself in a fog of bad dialogue and bland acting, leaving critics begging for more original storytelling.
"'Madame Web' is not fun and not entertaining," Ayla Ruby wrote for Loud and Clear Reviews. Most of all, it's disappointing, because it teases you with possibilities that never come to bear."
Critics thought "Borderlands" wasted its talented cast.
Ariana Greenblatt, Florian Munteanu, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Hart, and Cate Blanchett in "Borderlands."
Summary: Bounty hunter Lilith (Cate Blanchett) reluctantly sets off on a rescue mission with a ragtag group of misfits to save a teenager named Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt).
Critics didn't have many kind words for the video-game adaptation, which featured goofy CGI and underwhelming acting performances despite the stacked cast.
"This is the worst movie I have seen in years," Julia Swift wrote for My Champlain Valley. "Lots of top talent looking very uncomfortable. I'm assuming they didn't read the script before signing on for this mess."
Amy Adams is best known for films like "Enchanted" (2007) and "Arrival" (2016).
According to critics, her highest-rated movies are "Catch Me If You Can" (2002) and "Her" (2013).
But critics didn't love "Serving Sara" (2002) or "The Wedding Date" (2005).
Amy Adams is a six-time Oscar nominee who has wowed critics with her comedic talent and dramatic range.
Business Insider took a look back at the actor's successful career. Here's how all of Adams' movies rank from worst to best based on critic scores on Rotten Tomatoes.
Adams' lowest-rated film is "Serving Sara" (2002).
Summary: In "Serving Sara," attorney Joe Tyler (Matthew Perry) works with Sara (Elizabeth Hurley) to get back at her husband (Bruce Campbell) and his new girlfriend Kate (Adams) during their unexpected divorce proceedings.
Although "Serving Sara" is a comedy, reviewers thought the laughs were few and far between.
Summary: After Kat's (Debra Messing) sister Amy (Adams) sets a date for her wedding and she realizes that her ex-boyfriend will be the groom's best man, she decides to hire a male escort (Dermot Mulroney) as a wedding date to make her ex jealous.
Most critics wrote "The Wedding Date" off as a forgettable and boring affair.
"This is a charmless, lifeless affair that had me leaving the theater in a mood more appropriate to a funeral than a wedding," James Berardinelli wrote for ReelViews.
Summary: After a lab accident, a beagle (voiced by Jason Lee) becomes a crime-fighting superhero overnight. With his newfound powers, Underdog defends his home of Capitol City and falls for Polly Purebred (voiced by Adams).
The majority of film critics thought that "Underdog" was cute but too formulaic.
"At just over 80 minutes it feels not so much like a proper film as a piece of extended filler for slow afternoons on Disney's TV channels," James Rocarols wrote for BBC.
Summary: In the prequel to "Cruel Intentions" (1999), Kathryn Merteuil (Adams), the daughter of a wealthy socialite, attends an upscale prep school and plays mind games with her new stepbrother Sebastian Valmont (Robin Dunne).
The direct-to-video prequel was originally meant to be a TV series. When the show was canceled, the footage was reconfigured into a film, and critics agreed that the movie suffered because of the format change.
"If he intended to produce a straightforward two-hour original prequel, the writer-director would have made certain that the script was less meandering," Ted Murphy wrote for Baseline Hollywood.
Summary: In "The Ex," Tom Reilly (Zach Braff) starts a new job to support his family but soon realizes that his boss (Jason Bateman) was his wife's (Amanda Peet) high-school sweetheart.
Adams had a brief appearance as Abby March.
Although some critics admired the leading cast's acting ability, "The Ex" was largely panned for its over-the-top plot.
Summary: When Anna (Adams) learns of an Irish tradition in which women propose to their partners on leap day, she flies to Ireland to surprise her boyfriend (Adam Scott). But along the way, Anna meets the cynical Irishman Declan (Matthew Goode), who makes her rethink her relationship.
Most critics considered "Leap Year" to be a generic romantic comedy that wore thin toward the end, but Adams' performance was seen as a silver lining.
"The bright spot in this boggy botched mess is Amy Adams, a fine and always interesting actress who sparkles and shines here despite the stilted storyline," Neil Pond wrote for American Profile.
The actress starred as Bev in "Hillbilly Elegy" (2020).
Summary: Based on the memoir by JD Vance, "Hillbilly Elegy" centers on three generations of an Appalachian family — Mamaw (Glenn Close), Bev (Adams), and JD Vance (Gabriel Basso) — through the perspective of the youngest member as he's forced to return home from Yale Law School.
Critics weren't impressed with the Netflix film, citing its unlikable characters and uneven performances as some of its downfalls.
"'Hillbilly Elegy' isn't as terrible as the trailers make it look, but as an enterprise it's just all — around sad, a movie that courts sympathy for its characters yet ends up only as a requiem for itself," Stephanie Zacharek wrote for Time magazine.
Summary: Based on the novel by AJ Finn, "The Woman in the Window" follows agoraphobic child psychologist Anna Fox (Adams) as she accidentally witnesses a crime while keeping tabs on the family across the street through her window.
Most critics found the thriller to be lacking in substance.
"As it is, you get a good cast working with a good director and screenwriter on a story that just doesn't have enough to offer," Linda Holmes wrote for NPR.
Adams appeared in the movie musical "Dear Evan Hansen" (2021).
Summary: Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, "Dear Evan Hansen," follows anxious high schooler Evan (Ben Platt) as he navigates fitting into his social-media-driven world.
Adams appeared in the film as Cynthia Murphy.
Most critics didn't think the successful musical adapted well to the big screen.
"An adaptation that's alternately baffling and cringeworthy, with only the occasional emotional highpoint for balance," Caroline Siede wrote for AV Club.
The actress played Lois Lane in "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" (2016).
Summary: In the aftermath of Clark Kent's (Henry Cavill) citywide battle in Metropolis, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) starts to view the superhero as a threat and plans a way to take out his new adversary.
Critics felt like their senses were bombarded by the endless action in "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice."
"If only the film actually had depth, along with a little levity to lighten the bulk in the script, the visual murk and the sonic overkill," Peter Howell wrote for The Toronto Star.
She was Emily in the family drama "Lullaby" (2014).
Summary: After his father (Richard Jenkins) announces his plans to take himself off life support, Jonathan (Garrett Hedlund) uses his precious time left with his dad to reconnect with his family and his lost love Emily (Adams).
Critics blamed the poor reception of "Lullaby" on its low-level cinematography and cardboard-thin characters.
"A film like 'Lullaby' should both enlighten and inspire debate," Christy Lemire wrote for Roger Ebert. "Instead, it feels simultaneously superficial and overbearing, albeit with a few moments that do indeed resonate."
In the comedic drama "Pumpkin" (2002), she appeared as Alex.
Summary: In "Pumpkin," sorority girl Carolyn McDuffy (Christina Ricci) tries to score brownie points at school by helping athletes with disabilities. Although her mission is initially misguided, she soon falls for shot-put athlete Pumpkin Romanoff (Hank Harris).
Adams had a small supporting role in the film.
Unapologetically profane, "Pumpkin" was largely panned for grossly mishandling its subject matter.
Film critic Emanuel Levy wrote, "Rambling and diffuse, this debut film vacillates between the Farrelly brotthers' gross-out comedy and a softer, kinder message film, an incoherent blend that proves frustrating and not particularly enjoyable either."
She reprised her leading role in "Disenchanted" (2022).
Amy Adams and Gabriella Baldacchino in "Disenchanted."
Summary: "Disenchanted" picks up a few years after "Enchanted" as Giselle (Adams), Robert (Patrick Dempsey), and Morgan (Gabriella Baldacchino) start a new life in the suburb of Monroeville. But things quickly turn sinister after Giselle wishes their lives were more like her fairy-tale upbringing.
Many critics felt like the sequel's story didn't fit with the original world, but others enjoyed seeing the actors back together on the screen.
"Does 'Disenchanted' live up to the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of 'Enchanted?' No," Hoai-Tran Bui wrote for Inverse. "But does it lose the magic of the original? Not quite."
The actress returned as Lois Lane in "Justice League" (2017).
Summary: In "Justice League," Batman (Affleck) calls upon Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), Aquaman (Jason Momoa), the Flash (Ezra Miller), and Cyborg (Ray Fisher) to face off against the supervillain Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds)
Adams returned as Clark Kent/Superman's girlfriend, Lois Lane.
Although most film critics liked "Justice League" more than its prior installment, "Batman v Superman," they still found it overlong and imperfect.
"'Justice League' clears the spectacularly low bar set by 'Batman v Superman,'" Matthew Norman wrote for the London Evening Standard. "Whether bare adequacy is a compelling reason to extend the franchise is another matter."
Adams played Elise in the comedy "Standing Still" (2005).
Summary: In "Standing Still," old friends come together to celebrate the wedding of Elise (Adams) and Michael (Adam Garcia) during a weekend packed with wild bachelor parties and a whirlwind of secrets.
The majority of critics said that "Standing Still" plodded along with a drawn-out narrative.
Summary: In "Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian," Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) returns to help the living exhibits — including Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams), Amelia Earheart (Adams), and Ahkmenrah (Rami Malek) — at the Smithsonian when the source of their magic is threatened.
The "Night at the Museum" sequel earned mixed reviews from critics, but many welcomed Adams' presence in the film.
"Amy Adams is the lone saving grace to be found herein, which is a nice way of saying she's all that kept me from pondering 'to be or not to be,'" Rob Humanick wrote for The Projection Booth.
Summary: Based on the real-life experiences detailed in the novel by Jack Kerouac, "On the Road" follows writer Sal Paradise (Sam Riley), Dean Moriarty (Hedlund), and Marylou (Kristen Stewart) as they embark on a cross-country road trip.
Summary: In the dark comedy "Drop Dead Gorgeous," beauty contestants in the small town of Mount Rose, Minnesota, vie for the crown in a cut-throat competition.
Adams appeared as contestant Leslie Miller, starring alongside Kirsten Dunst and Brittany Murphy.
Critics fell in love with the cast of "Drop Dead Gorgeous" but felt like some of the dark humor fell flat.
"Energetically acted but too in love with its own outrageousness, 'Drop Dead Gorgeous' goes for the jugular of beauty pageant culture and ends up leaving only a hickey," Brian Farnham wrote for Citysearch.
The actress played Mickey in "Trouble With the Curve" (2012).
Justin Timberlake and Amy Adams in "Trouble With the Curve."
Summary: In the sports drama "Trouble With the Curve," Mickey (Adams) joins her father, Gus Lobel (Clint Eastwood), on a scouting trip to North Carolina to recruit new baseball players. Along the way, they meet rival scout Johnny (Justin Timberlake).
Although the script and story left something to be desired, the star-studded cast elevated the film, in critics' opinions.
"The narrative feels almost intentionally hokey and diagrammatic, a framework that gives the actors freedom to display their best-known qualities," Jake Wilson wrote for The Age.
She had a small cameo in "Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny" (2006).
Jack Black starred in "Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny."
Summary: In "Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny," wannabe rock stars JB (Jack Black) and KG (Kyle Gass) set their sights on fame and stardom after JB is inspired by Black Sabbath front man Ronnie James Dio.
Adams had a brief cameo in the film that was credited as "Gorgeous Woman."
Film critics had mixed feelings about "Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny," which was called enthusiastic, lazy, and overtly silly.
"'The Pick of Destiny' ain't going to win any awards, and the girls don't get much of a look-in, but it will strike a few power chords with a certain generation that is too old to disco and too young to die," Paul Arendt wrote for the BBC.
Adams played Marvel Ann in "Psycho Beach Party" (2000).
Summary: Set in 1962, the slasher comedy "Psycho Beach Party," follows Florence "Chicklet" Forrest (Lauren Ambrose) as she flirts and surfs in a small beach town. But when Florence starts blacking out while severed body parts start popping up on the beach, she wonders if she's responsible.
Adams had a supporting role as Marvel Ann, the girlfriend of surfer dude Starcat (Nicholas Brendon).
"Psycho Beach Party" split critics down the middle, with some loving the campy humor and others feeling like the satire was laid on a little too thick.
Summary: In "Man of Steel," superhuman Clark Kent (Cavill) discovers more about his past as he takes on his role as Superman on Earth. At the same time, news reporter Lois Lane (Adams) tries to piece together the man behind the myth.
Serviceable but hardly a crowd-pleaser, "Man of Steel" had a lot of critics longing for the earlier versions of Superman.
Summary: Based on the novel by Rachel Yoder, "Nightbitch" follows a new stay-at-home mom (Adams) who's looking to change up her life. However, things quickly become surreal when she starts to think she's a dog.
Although not every critic praised the film's somewhat odd plot, the consensus was that Adams' acting talent shone.
"Though oddly restrained at times, 'Nightbitch' is a bold, thoughtful, and often funny exploration of a side of parenthood that's rarely shown," Linda Marric wrote for HeyUGuys.
The actress portrayed Lynne Cheney in "Vice" (2018).
Summary: The partially biographical drama "Vice" details the political career of former Vice President Dick Cheney (Christian Bale), including the influence of his wife Lynne Cheney (Adams).
Some critics were unimpressed with the winding direction of "Vice," but most praised the range of the lead performances.
"What is perhaps most remarkable about Bale's and Adams's performances is that they supply depth and nuance to a film whose director appears to have had no appetite for either quality," Christopher Orr wrote for The Atlantic.
She played Susan in the comedy "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" (2006).
Summary: In the comedy "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby," NASCAR driver Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) has to crawl his way back to the top when his record-winning streak is broken by French rival Jean Girard (Sacha Baron Cohen).
Adams starred alongside Ferrell as Susan, Ricky Bobby's former assistant.
Relentlessly silly and full of heart, "Talladega Nights" was best enjoyed by critics when they turned their brains off and just went with it.
"Broad but not crude, dumb but not witless, clever but still snot-spittingly funny," wrote the staff of Time Out magazine. "Stupidly brilliant, in other words."
She played Lois Lane in "Zach Snyder's Justice League."
Summary: "Zack Snyder's Justice League" is director Zack Snyder's cut of the 2017 superhero movie and follows Batman (Affleck), Wonder Woman (Gadot), Aquaman (Momoa), Cyborg (Fisher), and the Flash (Miller) as they come together to save the world.
Adams once again played Lois Lane in the superhero flick.
Critics preferred this cut of the film over "Justice League," but it still didn't win over everyone.
"Four-plus hours is plenty of time for Snyder to have his say, yet he doesn't appear willing to let it go. But justice has been served, and it's time to move on," Adam Graham wrote for The Detroit News.
Summary: Based on a true story, "Big Eyes" centers on painter Walter Keane (Christoph Waltz) and his meteoric rise to fame in the art world after he claimed ownership of the paintings created by his wife Margaret (Adams).
Critics admired director Tim Burton's more subtle approach to directing and the nuanced performances he captured from his leads in "Big Eyes."
"It's not the kind of performance that screams for attention," Wendy Ide wrote for The Times. "But as the artist Margaret Keane, Amy Adams is quietly extraordinary."
She played Susan Morrow in "Nocturnal Animals" (2016).
Summary: In the romantic thriller "Nocturnal Animals," based on the book by Austin Wright, gallery owner Susan Morrow (Adams) tries to move on from a hidden past with her new husband. But after her ex, Edward Sheffield (Jake Gyllenhaal), releases a haunting novel, Susan finds old secrets rising to the surface.
Some reviewers felt like the narrative of the film was messy, but the majority of critics marveled at the cinematography and visual spectacle of "Nocturnal Animals."
"Just in case the theme isn't clear, midway through Adams becomes unnerved while standing in front of a painting with 'Revenge' sprawled on it," Mara Reinstein wrote for Us Weekly.
The actress starred as Rose in the independent drama "Sunshine Cleaning" (2009).
Summary: In the dramatic comedy "Sunshine Cleaning," Rose (Adams) and her sister Norah Lorkowski (Emily Blunt) make extra cash by cleaning up crime scenes. Although they couldn't be more different, the tough job helps them grow closer as siblings.
Several critics felt like the film could have benefited from better plotting, but most lent particular praise to Adams' strong lead performance.
"'Sunshine Cleaning' will be the sleeper of this year, a movie soon to be talked about in the same breath as 'Sideways,' 'Juno' and 'Little Miss Sunshine.'" Andrew O'Hagan wrote for the London Evening Standard.
In "The Slaughter Rule" (2002), she played Doreen.
Ryan Gosling, Amy Adams, and Eddie Spears in "The Slaughter Rule."
Summary: After receiving devastating family news and getting cut from his high-school football team, Roy Chutney (Ryan Gosling) gets a chance at redemption when a local semipro coach recruits him for a six-man team.
Adams had a supporting role in "The Slaughter Rule" as Roy's classmate, Doreen.
Critics were blown away by the debut effort of the directors and impressed with the young but talented cast at the helm of "The Slaughter Rule."
Summary: Based on the autobiographical novel by Julie Powell, "Julie and Julie" compares the interconnected lives of chef Julia Child (Meryl Streep) in 1950s Paris and writer Julie Powell (Adams) in 2002 New York as Julie tries to tackle every recipe in Child's famous cookbook within a year.
With a pair of lovable leads and witty writing, "Julie and Julia" received high praise from critics.
Summary: After governess Guinevere Pettigrew (Frances McDormand) is unceremoniously let go from her job, she quickly picks up a secretary position working for American actor Delysia Lafosse (Adams). As Delysia builds up Miss Pettigrew's confidence, she helps the actor sort out her love life in return.
Although the film was light and airy, sometimes to a fault, critics still adored McDormand and Adams in the romantic comedy.
"It's lucky that Amy Adams and Frances McDormand lend their best charms to 'Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day,' otherwise this featherweight Art Deco fancy might drift away like a soap bubble, and go 'pop!'" Anthony Quinn wrote for the Independent.
The actress played Sister James in the religious drama "Doubt" (2008).
Summary: In "Doubt," elementary-school instructors Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Streep) and Sister James (Adams) receive backlash from the congregation after they accuse Father Brendan Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) of sexual assault.
Critics said the film's slow buildup rewarded patient viewers with an emotional conclusion.
"It is an acting showcase with big questions and few answers, but for those willing to take the journey, it is an experience well worth having," wrote film critic Matthew Lucas.
She was Bonnie Bach in "Charlie Wilson's War" (2007).
Summary: Set in the early 1980s, "Charlie Wilson's War" details the real-life efforts of US Congressman Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks) and CIA operative Gust Avrakotos (Hoffman) to help Afghan freedom fighters during the Soviet-Afghan War.
Adams had a supporting role in the film as Wilson's assistant, Bonnie Bach.
With strong writing and a well-balanced script, "Charlie Wilson's War" was received as a winning picture.
"Aaron Sorkin has written an acute, hilarious, and informative screenplay which is rich with character, and is perfect fodder for director Mike Nichols, who has a knack for meshing comedy and drama," wrote film critic Matthew Pejkovic.
Adams starred as Peggy Dodd in "The Master" (2012).
Summary: In the aftermath of World War II, veteran Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) thinks he's returning home to an empty future until charismatic cult leader Lancaster Dodd (Hoffman) and his wife Peggy (Adams) welcome Freddie into their community.
Critics said that although "The Master" was a heavy drama, the story and performances made it worth watching.
"In the end it may not have the emotional uplift the Academy or a popular mainstream audience craves, but make no mistake, this is an enthralling drama about a peculiarly American restlessness, and the striving for insight and grace," Tom Charity wrote for CNN.
Summary: In "Junebug," art curator Madeleine (Embeth Davidtz) experiences culture shock when she visits her husband's large Southern family in North Carolina and befriends her new sister-in-law Ashley (Adams).
Critics clamored to praise Adams' performance in "Junebug," a role that led to her first Academy Award nomination.
Summary: In the sports drama "The Fighter," welterweight boxer Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) hires his half-brother Dicky Eklund (Bale) as his boxing coach to train for the Intercontinental Lightweight title.
Adams starred alongside Wahlberg as Micky's girlfriend, Charlene Fleming.
With brutal action sequences and breakneck pacing, "The Fighter" was a hit with critics, mostly due to its talented cast.
Summary: Inspired by a true story, "American Hustle" follows 1970s con artists Sydney Prosser (Adams) and Irving Rosenfeld (Bale) as they find themselves in hot water with the mafia and are forced to cooperate with FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper).
Critics called "American Hustle" an imperfect but electrifying crime film.
"The story stumbles ever so slight but it is ultimately fun, brilliantly acted and incredibly stylish," wrote film critic Katie Smith-Wong.
Adams starred as Princess Giselle in "Enchanted" (2007).
Summary: When she falls from the magical land of Andalasia into the chaotic world of Manhattan, bubbly Princess Giselle (Adams) struggles to adapt to life in the city as she befriends cynical lawyer Robert (Dempsey).
Led by the energetic and infectious charm of Adams, "Enchanted" was hard for critics to resist.
"Like the Cinderella figure she plays in Disney's 'Enchanted,' Amy Adams spreads a contagion of delight," Joe Morgenstern wrote for The Wall Street Journal. "The movie is great fun, but she's enchanting."
In the sci-fi drama "Arrival" (2016), she played Louise Banks.
Summary: When an otherworldly spaceship makes contact with Earth, linguist Louise Banks (Adams) and her team of scientists attempt to communicate with the alien species and decipher their language in "Arrival."
Reviewers praised "Arrival" as an intelligent and affecting science-fiction film.
Summary: In "Her," reserved writer Theodore Twombly (Phoenix) develops romantic feelings for his artificially intelligent computer system named Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson).
Adams had a supporting role in "Her" as Theodore's neighbor and friend Amy.
Thoughtful and warm, "Her" was praised for its clever send-up of romantic-comedy tropes.
"It is a sweet-natured and melancholy film, beautifully directed, that manages to be satirical about love in a digital, distracted age without losing its heartfelt quality," Geoffrey Macnab wrote for the Independent.
The actress starred alongside Jason Segel in "The Muppets" (2011).
Jason Segel and Amy Adams starred in "The Muppets."
Summary: Muppet fans Gary (Jason Segel), Mary (Adams), and Walter (voiced by Peter Linz) travel to Los Angeles to get the Muppets back together for one last show after a conniving oilman threatened to tear down their beloved Muppet Theater.
Colorful, cheerful, and simply fun, "The Muppets" was a winning film for all ages, according to critics.
"A film bursting at the seams with sheer, unadulterated joy: watch it, and the world seems just that little bit brighter," Tom Huddleston wrote for Time Out.
Her highest-rated film is "Catch Me If You Can" (2002).
Summary: Based on a true story, "Catch Me If You Can" details the unbelievable life of Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio), a con artist who posed as a pilot, doctor, and lawyer for years as he evaded the FBI.
Adams had a supporting role as Brenda, a young nurse who falls for Frank.
With a winding narrative and charismatic leads, "Catch Me If You Can" was praised across the board.
