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8 Young Adult Fantasy Movies That Were a Critical Flop

Fame 10 Staff

September 24, 2013

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Ever since Harry Potter became a worldwide movie phenomenon, Hollywood studios have rushed to purchase the rights to popular young adult fiction, in the hopes that these books will become profitable movies. While audiences should be thankful that studios are looking for original source material instead of churning out sequels, (A trailer for the Fast and the Furious 17 could be a possibility in the distant future) not every book will translate into cinematic gold. Here is a list of some of the most poorly reviewed young adult fantasy/sci-fi fiction books to ever hit the big screen.

1. The Host

Released in 2013, The Host centers on a young girl fighting an invisible alien army. Based on the book, most literary critics concluded it would be a dreck of a movie. And they were right. The nebulous plot line, thinly sketched characters, and nonsensical plot twists were all factors in this film flopping. The film was based on the book from Stephanie Meyer (of Twilight fame).The film grossed 48,227,001- just barely making back it’s budget. The IMDB rating was 5.7. Drubbed by the critics, this movie only garnered a 9 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes.

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2. Beautiful Creatures

With stars like Viola Davis, Emma Thompson and Jeremy Irons in the film, it was assumed that critics would be fawning over this coming of age story about a young witch or ” castor”. Unfortunately, the gothic campiness did not resonate with some critics who were unimpressed with the pacing of the film and thought the conclusion of the film veered into silliness. The film, released in 2013, was based on the popular book written by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. The film received a 46 percent on rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It had an IMDB rating of 6.1 per cent.

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3. Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

Based on the best selling novels of Cassandra Clare, the movie takes elements of all the most recent popular fantasy movies (like Twilight) and cobbles them together hoping that they will work. A person destined for a special destiny. Check. Two competing love interests. Check. Vampires, werewolves, demons. Check. Despite the almost formulaic aspects of the film, it was not a big draw at the box office and production for a sequel has been delayed. The film was released this year. The film received a Rotten Tomatoes ranking 12 per cent. The IMDB rating was 67 percent.

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4. Beastly

This teen fantasy movie is adapted from the novel by Alex Flinn. Released in 2011, the movie revisits the story of Beauty and the Beast. Set in modern Manhattan, a rich and conceited young man rebuffs the advances of a witch and is cursed with “beastly” looks. He must find love to overcome the spell the witch has cast upon him. This movie attempts to instill positive messages about inner beauty and true love but can not overcome anemic performances and a hard-to-root for protagonist. This film has Rotten Tomatoes rating of 21 percent. It has an IMDB rating 53 percent.

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5. Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant

This movie concerns a teenage boy who becomes a vampire. Although he is desperate to leave his normal life as adolescent boy, he is also unsure of the new life that awaits him as apart of the Cirque du Freak. The film was adapted from the novels of Darren Shaw. The movie was released in 2009. Top critics called the movie one of the worst films of the year- with silly special effects, uninspired performances, with an over-extended plot. The Rotten Tomatoes rating was 38 per cent. It’s IMDB rating was 59 per cent.

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6. Eragon

This movie, based on the books of Christopher Paolini, is about a young man who finds a dragons egg and with the help of a dragon, must defeat evil. Although the film performed well at the box office, it was panned as a Lord of The Rings “wannabe” and was called risibly bad. It’s Rotten Tomatoes rating was 16 per cent. It’s IMDB rating was 51 per cent.

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7. Inkheart

This tale, based on Cornelia Funke’s book, shows how a young girl can bring characters from the fictional universe into reality. Critics called the movie, which made it’s debut in 2008, an exercise in prosaic and nonsensical storytelling. It’s Rotten Tomatoes was 39 per cent. It’s IMDB rating was 60 percent.

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8. I am Number Four

The plot focuses on an alien with superpowers who must keep his identity a secret as evil aliens threaten his life and the lives of those around him. Based on the book, I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore, critics blasted this film as a forgettable sci -fi movie. With its senseless action scenes and lukewarm chemistry between the leads, it is easy to agree with these sentiments. It’s Rotten Tomatoes was 33 per cent. It’s IMDB rating was 61 percent.