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Just because a film didn’t have the best-written script, production values, or special effects, it doesn’t mean that it’s a bad movie. Even poorly written films can be worth watching for viewers when there are exceptional performances made by the actors.
Sometimes, viewers may find that a movie has a bad script or mediocre material, but the actors execute that material into an enjoyable film to watch.Redditusers discussed movies that didn’t have the best script but were saved by the quality of the cast’s performances.
Updated on July 20, 2025, by Daniela Gama:
While an intriguing storyline is obviously one of the most important aspects about filmmaking, a talented cast is definitely on the top of the list; proof of that is how great performances make audiences sit through a flick that would possibly make viewers leave the movie theater in the first few minutes. Redditors believe thatThe Devil Wears Prada, which celebrates its 17th anniversary this June, is one of those films.
11’Street Fighter' (1994)
With a 4.0/10 score onIMDb, the low-ratedSteven E. de Souza’s action comedy follows Colonel Guile (Jean-Claude Van Damme) and other martial arts heroes fight against Dictator M. Bison (Raul Julia) and his cohorts.
Despite its bad reviews, a now-deletedRedditaccount admitted that Raul Julia “saved(-ish)“Street Fighter.RubberDong, however, defends the disappointing film by saying it “did not need any saving,” adding that “the punches were great. There was a story set. The end.”
10’Foxcatcher' (2014)
This 2014 docudrama follows wrestling champions and brothers Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) and Dave Schultz (Mark Ruffalo) as they join “Team Foxcatcher,” led bySteve Carrell’s John Du Pont (arguably one ofCarrell’s best dramatic performances), and practice for the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea.
WhileFoxcatcherwas actually well-received by critics (including a fresh 87% score onRotten Tomatoes, for instance), aRedditorargued on the platform that they “can’t imagineFoxcatcherworking if the performances weren’t so strong.“PandaSupreme, on the other hand, believes that many aspects of the film make it great (aside from its strong performances), including “the lingering direction,” “beautiful cinematography,” and “subtly profound screenplay.”
9’Rat Race' (2001)
Rat Racewas a film that had one of thebest comedy ensemble castthat made viewers laugh. The ensemble of actors includingRowan Atkinson,John Clease,Whoopi Goldberg, andJohn Lovitzportrayed characters who pit against each other for $2 million dollars stashed over a hundred miles away.
Ultimately, not everyone enjoyed this film, asRat Racereceived a 45% rating onRotten Tomatoes. Reddit usergeorgiaphi1389said that the film “had dumb jokes and a questionable ending.” Nevertheless, they praised the entire cast, particularly calling John Clease and Rowan Atkinson “spectacular”.
Watch on Prime Video
8’Carnage' (2011)
Released in 2011,Carnageevolved around two sets of parents portrayed byKate Winslet,Christoph Waltz,Jodie Foster, andJohn C. Reillytrying to resolve a situation. It was more of a dark comedy film that viewers either loved or weren’t appealed to.
On the platform, userelderinodudecommented that the script ofCarnagewas dull, and it’s the actors that bought color to it: “Without this cast it whould’ve been a) borin as hell or b) a pretentious artfilm.” All in all, the user argued that without the gifted cast, the flick would’ve been extremely boring.
Watch on Hulu
7’The Prophecy' (1995)
There are so many horror movies in the 90s that audiences loved, especially diehard horror movie fans! WithThe Prophecy, oneReddituser says that it’s pretty much “a mediocre horror flick.”
To add on, they say that the film was, however, “elevated by the actors' performances,” which even “made the lame dialogue stand out.” Another Reddit user,Face_Jam, agreed and said that they couldn’t understand “how a B-movie scored a terrific cast.”
Watch on Tubi
6’End of Watch' (2012)
End of Watchis anon-horror found footage flickfollowing two Los Angeles Police Department officers portrayed byJake GyllenhaalandMichael Peñaand was known to have non-horror found footage in the film.
ARedditordiscussed howEnd of Watch"would have been a forgettable movie if it wasn’t for Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña’s friendship chemistry.” Additionally,fluffheadstravelsremarked that “the climax and villains aren’t interesting, but the hangout time between the actors was thrilling to watch.”
5’The Believer' (2001)
StarringRyan Gosling,The Believerwas loosely based on the true story ofDan Burros.However,Reddit userAlexanderTeknichesaid that the film was “a mess of poorly-conceived subplots and mechanics.”
However, they praised Gosling for a believable and committed performance, which made the film work, commenting that the actor delivered “a staggeringly committed, totally believable performance. He MAKES the film work through the sheer force of his acting.” According to the Redditor, Gosling’s skills were the reason why the film didn’t downfall even further.
Watch on Peacock
4’Taken' (2008)
One of thebest vigilante movies,Takenfollowed a retired CIA Agent, Bryan (Liam Neeson)flying to Paris to save his daughter who was kidnapped. It was an action-packed movie filled with intense fight and chase scenes.
On the platform,YoungCinnysays that Liam Neeson carriedthe movie. Another Reddit user,shane0mack, agreed and said that if Neeson “wasn’t attached,” the movie would’ve been bad.
Watch on Starz
3’The Devil Wears Prada' (2006)
The Devil Wears Pradahas all the elements and feels of a “rom-com” and typical chick flick. After all, it’s taken place in New York City and has its fair share of fashion montages and big makeovers.
Inloosemoose2969’s eyes,The Devil Wears Pradawas a “standard chick-flick that was bearable and moving because of the actors.” They also noted that “the actors gave the characters dimension,” where the roles could’ve been basic.
2’Iron Man' (2008)
Iron Manwas the groundbreaking movie that helped launch the Marvel Cinematic Universe and led to a whole new era of superhero films. However, in this Reddit thread, some users remark that Iron Man was only a good movie because of how its lead carried the role.
OnReddit, a now-deleted account says that while it’s a good action movie, the main draw was always the star power. They said thatRobert Downey Jr.did really well in his role in Iron Man with his dry wit, physical comedy, and witty chemistry — in their own words, its lead “knocked that role out of the park with his dry wit.” Furthermore, if it was any other actor,Iron Manwould’ve fallen apart.
