What's happened
A look back at 2025’s most critically panned movies, including Amazon’s 'War of the Worlds' and a costly 'Outer Worlds 2', alongside the year’s top video games and streaming highlights, revealing a year of cinematic disappointment and gaming innovation.
What's behind the headline?
2025 exemplifies how even big budgets cannot guarantee quality in Hollywood, with many films criticized for poor storytelling and execution. The proliferation of streaming services has shifted viewer attention, but not always for the better, as some content suffers from low production values or questionable creative choices. The gaming landscape remains vibrant, with players gravitating toward innovative titles like 'Doom: The Dark Ages' and 'Balatro', which offer immersive experiences and emotional depth. The year’s entertainment trends reveal a tension between commercial ambitions and artistic integrity, with audiences increasingly discerning and vocal about their preferences. The high costs of some productions, like 'Outer Worlds 2', underscore the risks of overinvestment in franchises that fail to meet expectations, while the popularity of niche documentaries like 'Underdogs' indicates a desire for more unconventional content. Overall, 2025’s entertainment scene highlights a landscape where quality is often sacrificed for spectacle, but also where niche and innovative works continue to find dedicated audiences, shaping the future of media consumption.
What the papers say
The New York Post criticizes the year’s blockbuster failures, highlighting Amazon’s 'War of the Worlds' as a particularly egregious example of low effort and high cost. The Guardian’s review of 2025’s top TV shows emphasizes the diversity of streaming content, from irreverent nature documentaries narrated by Ryan Reynolds to complex mystery series like 'Dep. Q'. Ars Technica provides a detailed look at the gaming landscape, noting the popularity of titles like 'Marvel Snap' and 'Doom: The Dark Ages', while also criticizing the industry’s reliance on microtransactions and high development costs. The articles collectively illustrate a year marked by cinematic disappointment, streaming dominance, and a resilient gaming community seeking meaningful and innovative experiences.
How we got here
The year 2025 saw a surge in high-budget flops and poorly received films, with critics highlighting movies like Amazon’s 'War of the Worlds' and 'No Name Smurf'. Meanwhile, streaming platforms dominated viewership, and gamers reflected on their favorite titles, with some expressing frustration over microtransactions and game design. The year also featured notable holiday TV specials, blending nostalgia with niche interests.
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