Top 20 Failed Oscar Bait Movies of All Time

When it comes to award season in Hollywood, there are always a handful of films that seem to be gunning for that prestigious Academy Award. These films, often referred to as “Oscar bait movies,” are typically characterized by their star-studded casts, high production values, and stories that tackle weighty issues. However, despite the best efforts of filmmakers and studios, not all Oscar bait movies are successful in capturing the hearts of critics and audiences alike. In fact, some of them end up being complete failures.
In this article, we will take a look at the top 20 failed Oscar bait movies of all time, exploring what went wrong and why they ultimately fell short of achieving Oscar glory.

1. “The Goldfinch” (2019)

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, “The Goldfinch” was one of the most anticipated films of 2019. However, the film failed to impress critics and audiences, with many citing its bloated runtime and lackluster performances as major issues.

2. “Collateral Beauty” (2016)

Despite its impressive cast, which included Will Smith, Keira Knightley, and Helen Mirren, “Collateral Beauty” was panned by critics for its manipulative storytelling and heavy-handed emotional manipulation.

3. “Seven Pounds” (2008)

Another Will Smith vehicle, “Seven Pounds” attempted to tackle weighty themes of redemption and sacrifice but ultimately fell flat due to its overly melodramatic plot and emotionally manipulative ending.

4. “The Soloist” (2009)

Starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr., “The Soloist” was based on the true story of a homeless musician with schizophrenia. Despite its powerful subject matter, the film failed to connect with audiences, leaving many feeling emotionally manipulated.

5. “The Iron Lady” (2011)

Meryl Streep won an Oscar for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady,” but the film itself was criticized for its uneven storytelling and lack of depth in exploring the complexities of Thatcher’s character.

6. “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” (2011)

Based on the novel of the same name, “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” was criticized for its exploitative portrayal of the 9/11 tragedy and its heavy-handed attempts to manipulate audience emotions.

7. “The Book of Henry” (2017)

Directed by Colin Trevorrow, “The Book of Henry” was a critical and commercial failure, with many critics labeling it as overly manipulative and tonally inconsistent.

8. “The Post” (2017)

Despite its impressive pedigree, which included directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, “The Post” failed to resonate with audiences, who found its portrayal of journalistic integrity to be heavy-handed and didactic.

9. “Lion” (2016)

“Lion” received critical acclaim upon its release, but many felt that it was too manipulative in its storytelling and lacked the emotional depth needed to truly resonate with audiences.

10. “The Reader” (2008)

Starring Kate Winslet in an Oscar-winning role, “The Reader” was criticized for its melodramatic storytelling and lack of depth in exploring its complex characters.

11. “The Danish Girl” (2015)

“The Danish Girl” received mixed reviews upon its release, with many criticizing its superficial treatment of transgender issues and lack of depth in exploring its characters.

12. “Atonement” (2007)

“Atonement” received critical acclaim and multiple Oscar nominations, but some felt that it was too manipulative in its storytelling and lacked the emotional depth needed to truly resonate with audiences.

13. “The Lovely Bones” (2009)

Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, “The Lovely Bones” was criticized for its tonally inconsistent storytelling and heavy-handed attempts to manipulate audience emotions.

14. “J. Edgar” (2011)

Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, “J. Edgar” was panned by critics for its sanitized portrayal of the controversial FBI director and its heavy-handed attempts to manipulate audience emotions.

15. “The Painted Veil” (2006)

Despite its stunning visuals and impressive performances, “The Painted Veil” failed to connect with audiences, who found its melodramatic storytelling and emotionally manipulative ending to be off-putting.

16. “The Age of Adaline” (2015)

Starring Blake Lively as a woman who stops aging, “The Age of Adaline” was criticized for its superficial treatment of its central premise and lack of depth in exploring its characters.

17. “Brooklyn” (2015)

“Brooklyn” received critical acclaim and multiple Oscar nominations, but some felt that it was too manipulative in its storytelling and lacked the emotional depth needed to truly resonate with audiences.

18. “The Light Between Oceans” (2016)

Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, “The Light Between Oceans” was criticized for its melodramatic storytelling and lack of depth in exploring its characters.

19. “Les Misérables” (2012)

“Les Misérables” received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its ambitious storytelling and powerful performances, while others felt that it was too manipulative in its attempts to evoke emotion from audiences.

20. “The Postman” (1997)

Directed by Kevin Costner, “The Postman” was a critical and commercial failure, with many critics labeling it as overly manipulative and tonally inconsistent.
In conclusion, while Oscar bait movies often have the best intentions, not all of them are successful in capturing the hearts of critics and audiences. Whether it be due to manipulative storytelling, lack of emotional depth, or tonal inconsistencies, the top 20 failed Oscar bait movies of all time serve as a reminder that sometimes even the most well-intentioned films can fall short of achieving greatness at the Academy Awards.