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The late 1970s gave us some of the greatest movies ever made, but it also produced its fair share of complete disasters. Some films were muddied by confusing plots, mediocre acting, laughable special effects, or ideas that never should have been green lit in the first place. Others had enormous budgets or famous actors yet still couldn’t impress critics or movie lovers. Here are eight late '70s movies that became famous for being downright bad.
1. The Swarm (1978)
Synopsis
A deadly swarm of African killer bees begins spreading across the United States, leaving destruction wherever it goes. Scientists, military officials, and government leaders desperately try to stop the insect threat before it reaches major cities. The movie was made as a large-scale disaster thriller.
What Was Bad
Critics said the movie took an already unbelievable premise and made it even more silly with over-the-top dialogue and melodramatic performances. From the first scene, audiences struggled to take the "killer bee" threat seriously, especially as the movie stretched over two hours. Despite featuring an impressive cast, it became one of the most ridiculous disaster movies ever made.
2. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978)
Synopsis
Inspired by the famous Beatles album, the movie follows a small-town band as they seek fame, fortune, and magical musical instruments. The story features performances by the Bee Gees, Peter Frampton, and several other talented musicians. It was designed as a mystical musical fantasy.
What Was Bad
Critics thought the movie relied on Beatles songs while forgetting to tell an interesting story. Many Beatles fans also felt like it completely misunderstood what made the popular album so special. Despite its massive budget and well-known cast, it was one big disappointment in theatres.
3. Moment by Moment (1978)
Synopsis
A lonely Beverly Hills housewife (Lily Tomlin) falls for a much younger man, a drifter played by John Travolta. As the unlikely romance develops, the pair struggle to understand their complicated relationship. Producers hoped the movie would be a thoughtful romantic drama.
What Was Bad
Critics said the two main stars lacked chemistry, making the romance feel unbelievable. The dialogue often felt awkward and overly written. Audiences couldn’t connect with or relate to the characters or root for their relationship. Even with two popular stars, the movie was a major flop.
4. Meteor (1979)
Synopsis
A massive meteor is on a collision course with Earth, forcing the United States and the Soviet Union to work together to prevent catastrophe on a global scale. Scientists race against the clock while governments prepare citizens for the worst case scenario. The movie was meant to add to the successful big-budget disaster films popular at the time.
What Was Bad
Critics thought the special effects looked fake and unconvincing, even by the standards of the late 1970s. Many viewers said the pacing was too slow and the suspense never really built. In an era already full of disaster films, the movie just couldn’t compete.
5. Starcrash (1978)
Synopsis
A space smuggler and her eccentric group of companions set out on a dangerous mission to save the galaxy from an evil emperor. Along the way, they come across strange robots, massive spaceships, and bizarre alien worlds. The movie was clearly inspired by the success of Star Wars.
What Was Bad
Critics accused the film of being lazy to the point of copying Star Wars, while creating almost nothing original. Audiences laughed at the cheap special effects, funny-looking costumes, and hard-to-follow story. It is still remembered as one of the most eyerolling sci-fi wannabes ever made.
6. The Concorde... Airport '79 (1979)
Synopsis
Passengers aboard the famous Concorde supersonic jet find themselves in the middle of an international conspiracy. The crew is forced to dodge missiles, dangerous weather, and enemies while trying to safely complete the flight and land the plane. The movie was the fourth installment in the Airport disaster series.
What Was Bad
Critics stated that the franchise had definitely run out of ideas by this point. Audiences said the action became more ridiculous with every passing scene. The movie is by far the worst film in the Airport series.
7. Prophecy (1979)
Synopsis
A doctor investigating pollution in the forests of Maine discovers that toxic chemicals have created a gigantic mutated creature. As the monster begins attacking local neighborhoods, people struggle to survive. The movie was a classic creature-feature with environmental themes.
What Was Bad
Critics were confused by this movie and said that it couldn't decide whether it wanted to be serious or goofy. The monster costumes and effects were unintentionally funny and not the slightest bit scary. While some horror fans like it for its unintended campy charm, it was heavily criticized when it was first released.
8. Caligula (1979)
Synopsis
This historical epic follows the rise and fall of the infamous Roman emperor Caligula, depicting his increasingly violent rule and erratic behavior. The movie attempted to portray the excesses of ancient Rome on an enormous scale. It became one of the most controversial films ever released.
What Was Bad
Critics accused the filmmakers of focusing solely on graphic, sensational content instead of creating an interesting story. Many audiences found it gratuitous, excessive, confusing, and needlessly shocking. Even decades later, Caligula is one of the most disliked movies of the 1970s.
