What is the Worst Disney+ Movie? A Deep Dive into Disappointment

Let’s rip off the band-aid, shall we? While taste is subjective and one person’s cinematic garbage fire is another’s guilty pleasure, by nearly all accounts, the “worst” Disney+ movie title is generally bestowed upon “Cheaper by the Dozen” (2022). This reboot, starring Gabrielle Union and Zach Braff, fumbled the charm, humor, and heart of previous iterations, offering instead a bland, forgettable experience that felt more like a generic family sitcom episode than a worthy addition to the Disney canon. It lacked originality, compelling characters, and any real reason for existing beyond capitalizing on a well-known brand.

A Critical Examination of “Cheaper by the Dozen” (2022)

The core issue isn’t just that it’s a bad movie in isolation; it’s that it’s a particularly bad reboot of a property with genuine affection attached to it. The original “Cheaper by the Dozen” (and even the Steve Martin version) had a certain warmth and chaotic energy that resonated. The 2022 version replaced this with a sanitized, predictable plot, paper-thin characters, and jokes that landed with all the grace of a newborn giraffe on roller skates.

The attempts at addressing contemporary issues like blended families and socioeconomic differences felt superficial and heavy-handed, never genuinely exploring the complexities they introduced. Instead, they served as shallow plot devices, quickly discarded in favor of predictable sitcom tropes. Braff and Union, both talented actors, seemed miscast and underutilized, unable to inject any real spark into their roles.

Ultimately, “Cheaper by the Dozen” (2022) is a perfect example of a movie made by committee, a soulless product designed to fill a content quota rather than tell a compelling story. It’s not just the worst Disney+ movie; it’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing brand recognition over genuine creativity.

Why This Choice Isn’t Just Opinion

While personal preferences certainly play a role, the overwhelming critical and audience reception of “Cheaper by the Dozen” (2022) paints a clear picture. Rotten Tomatoes scores, Metacritic ratings, and social media sentiment all point to a near-universal disappointment. It wasn’t just that people disliked it; they felt actively let down. It underperformed in viewership metrics and generated little to no positive buzz, quickly fading into the oblivion of forgotten streaming content.

Furthermore, comparing it to other Disney+ original movies reveals its shortcomings even more starkly. Even films that received mixed reviews often had some redeeming qualities, whether it was a strong performance, innovative visuals, or a genuinely interesting premise. “Cheaper by the Dozen” (2022) offered none of these.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into Disney+ Disappointments

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further explore the landscape of less-than-stellar Disney+ offerings:

1. Are there any other Disney+ movies that are considered particularly bad?

Yes, certainly. While “Cheaper by the Dozen” (2022) often tops the list, other contenders for the “worst” title include “Flora & Ulysses,” which, despite its charming source material, struggled to translate to the screen, and “Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made,” which, while aimed at a younger audience, often missed the mark with its humor and pacing.

2. What makes a Disney+ movie “bad”?

Several factors contribute to a movie being considered “bad.” These include:

• Poor writing: Weak plot, uninspired dialogue, and underdeveloped characters.
• Lack of originality: Relying too heavily on existing tropes or franchises without bringing anything new to the table.
• Miscasting: Actors who don’t fit the role or fail to connect with the material.
• Technical issues: Poor editing, subpar special effects, or uninspired direction.
• Failure to meet expectations: When a movie promises something it doesn’t deliver, it can lead to significant disappointment.

3. Are Disney+ original movies generally lower quality than theatrical releases?

Historically, there has been a perception that Disney+ original movies are often lower quality than their theatrical counterparts. This is often attributed to lower budgets, shorter production schedules, and a focus on appealing to a broader audience rather than pushing creative boundaries. However, this isn’t always the case, and some Disney+ original movies have been quite successful and well-received.

4. Does Disney+ have any “good” original movies?

Absolutely! While we’ve focused on the disappointments, Disney+ has produced some genuinely enjoyable and critically acclaimed original movies. “Hamilton” was a massive cultural phenomenon, and “Soul” (though technically released theatrically in some areas) is a stunning animated film with deep philosophical themes. Additionally, “Turning Red” and “Luca,” while Pixar films, premiered on Disney+ to great acclaim.

5. How does Disney decide which movies to release on Disney+ versus in theaters?

The decision of whether to release a movie on Disney+ or in theaters is complex and multifaceted. Factors influencing the decision include:

• Target audience: Movies aimed at younger audiences or families may be prioritized for Disney+.
• Budget: Lower-budget films are often more suitable for streaming.
• Franchise potential: Movies with strong franchise potential are more likely to receive a theatrical release.
• Market conditions: External factors like pandemics can significantly impact release strategies.

6. Are animated Disney+ original movies generally better than live-action ones?

There’s no definitive answer to this. Disney and Pixar animation studios have a long and storied history of producing high-quality films. While animated films on Disney+ often perform well, some live-action originals have also been successful. Ultimately, the quality depends on the individual movie and the creative talent involved.

7. What can Disney do to improve the quality of its Disney+ original movies?

Disney can take several steps to improve the quality of its Disney+ original movies:

• Invest in stronger writing: Prioritize original stories and hire talented writers.
• Give filmmakers more creative control: Avoid making movies by committee.
• Focus on character development: Create compelling and relatable characters.
• Avoid relying too heavily on nostalgia: While nostalgia can be effective, it shouldn’t be the sole focus.
• Take risks: Be willing to experiment with new ideas and genres.

8. Does the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) have any Disney+ projects that are considered “bad”?

The MCU is generally known for its consistent quality, but even it has had some missteps on Disney+. While none are universally considered “the worst,” some projects like “Ironheart” and parts of “Secret Invasion” have received mixed reviews and criticism for their writing, pacing, or visual effects.

9. Are there any upcoming Disney+ movies that have the potential to be “good”?

Yes! Disney has a number of promising projects in development for Disney+, including sequels to beloved films, adaptations of popular books, and original stories from talented filmmakers. Keeping an eye on announcements and trailers is the best way to stay informed about upcoming releases.

10. How do review aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes impact the perception of Disney+ movies?

Review aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes can significantly impact the perception of Disney+ movies. A low score can deter potential viewers, while a high score can generate buzz and attract a wider audience. However, it’s important to remember that these scores are just one factor to consider, and individual opinions may vary.

11. Is there a connection between the budget of a Disney+ movie and its quality?

While a larger budget doesn’t automatically guarantee a good movie, it can certainly help. Higher budgets often allow for better visual effects, more experienced actors, and more time for development and production. However, a talented team can often create a compelling movie on a smaller budget, while a poorly conceived movie can waste even the largest of budgets.

12. Ultimately, is “Cheaper by the Dozen” (2022) really the absolute worst Disney+ movie?

While the consensus strongly leans that way, “worst” is subjective. Perhaps another film offended your sensibilities more. However, given the critical drubbing, the lack of audience engagement, and the overall feeling of missed potential, “Cheaper by the Dozen” (2022) stands as a potent example of how not to reboot a beloved franchise and serves as a stark reminder that brand recognition alone doesn’t guarantee success. It earns the dubious distinction, at least for now, of being the benchmark for Disney+ disappointment.