17 Woke Movies That Tried Too Hard and Totally Missed
Movie studios have always tried to reflect the cultural mood, but sometimes the balance between progress and entertainment slips. In the rush to modernize and make a statement, some films tipped over their own messaging. These films attempted to transform characters, invert tropes, or double down on identity-driven themes. While the ideas weren’t bad, the execution failed, and the audience didn’t appreciate the effort. Here’s a lineup of movies that aimed to be bold but ended up stumbling.
Ghostbusters (2016)
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This all-female reboot lit up online debate before the trailer even dropped. While the cast delivered plenty of laughs, the film struggled to decide if it was a tribute, a takedown, or a total reinvention. Instead of reviving the franchise, it stirred up a nostalgia war and ghosted the box office.
Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
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If shoulder pads and neon dreams could save a movie, this one would’ve been golden. Coming off the high of Wonder Woman’s original success, the sequel leaned into ‘80s spectacle—but also weighed itself down with drawn-out storytelling and empowerment speeches that felt more scripted than sincere. Despite strong performances, the film failed to justify its scale and barely covered its budget.
The Marvels (2023)
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Three super-powered women, one intergalactic adventure, and zero cohesion–this MCU entry had the potential to be a dynamic crossover, but instead delivered a tangled storyline and humor that rarely landed. Fans got a slogan-heavy script and a lot of mid-air confusion.
Men in Black: International (2019)
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The absence of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones already made this feel unfamiliar. Add in bland chemistry and a script heavily focused on inclusion buzzwords, and the franchise’s cool factor quickly evaporated.
Charlie’s Angels (2019)
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Elizabeth Banks aimed to refresh the Angels with a smarter, more socially conscious tone. But mixed marketing muddled the message—was it an action flick or a feminist lecture? Audiences didn’t respond to it, and the box office faltered. The film’s cultural points clashed with its lack of a coherent, compelling story.
Tomb Raider (2018)
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Did you know Lara Croft used to raid tombs with flair and twin pistols? This version traded in the camp for grit—Alicia Vikander’s take was more survivalist than swashbuckler. While more grounded, the film lost its edge in the process.
What Men Want (2019)
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The idea was to reverse What Women Want and spotlight gender dynamics in the workplace. The execution brought a muddled combination of romantic comedy and awkward commentary. Taraji P. Henson gave it her all, but the script relied more on punch points than punchlines.
The Hustle (2019)
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Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson tried to pull off a stylish con in this gender-swapped riff on Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. The string of limp gags and forced accents, however, was off-putting. It had the bones of a classic caper, but the update felt more like a quick costume change than a clever heist.
Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)
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You’d think bringing back Linda Hamilton would ignite fan excitement. But this Terminator installment introduced new heroes and ideas without grounding them in the legacy that made the series iconic. The action was big, but the heart was missing.
Birds of Prey (2020)
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Harley Quinn was a standout in Suicide Squad, but her solo vehicle couldn’t build on that momentum. The film leaned heavily into its all-female ensemble and was peppered with overt political references. Even fans of the character felt she deserved a more coherent narrative.
Strange World (2022)
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This Disney animated feature aimed high with diverse characters, including a gay biracial teen protagonist. But the story itself didn’t seem to know what it wanted to be. Critics noted that the themes felt shoehorned rather than organically developed, and the film’s muddled plot led to one of Disney’s biggest animated flops.
Music (2021)
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Sia’s directorial debut had good intentions, but intent doesn’t equal impact. From casting controversy to misguided portrayals of autism, Music faced criticism from the moment the trailer hit. Instead of starting conversations, it sparked boycotts.
Lightyear (2022)
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Buzz was back—but not that Buzz. Pixar’s Buzz Lightyear spinoff sparked discussion after including a controversial scene. While brief, it led to bans in multiple countries and controversy in others. Some parents questioned its necessity in a children’s film. The result was an underwhelming box office and a rare Pixar misfire.
Ocean’s Eight (2018)
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The heist looked great on paper: a killer cast, slick visuals, and a fresh angle. But without the snappy tension or layered cons that made the originals fun, Ocean’s Eight ended up with no substance. It wasn’t the cast’s fault—it just never gave them enough to do beyond trading cool glances and costume changes.
No Time To Die (2021)
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While Daniel Craig’s final turn as 007 had emotional highs, not everyone wanted to see Britain’s coldest spy warm up. Handing the 007 mantle to a female agent sparked heated debates, and the film’s runtime didn’t help. It was a bold farewell, sure—but not the smoothest exit.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
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Rian Johnson’s sequel broke expectations and sparked a fandom civil war. After pushing aside familiar heroes in favor of new commentary-heavy arcs, it left a galaxy of fans wondering: was this evolution or erasure? Either way, the fallout still echoes in the Force.
Snow White (2025)
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Well before release, this remake drew criticism for casting decisions and plot changes that diverged from the original fairy tale. Online backlash exploded, with fans and critics questioning why so many elements were changed. Disney tried to reimagine the story for a new age, but early reactions suggest the magic mirror wasn’t impressed.