The Worst Jack Nicholson Movie of All Time, According to Critics
Isabella Wilson
Updated on February 22, 2026
While he hasn't appeared in a movie in over 10 years, Jack Nicholson's six-decade-plus career has made him one of the most famous and acclaimed actors of all time. His performances in films like Chinatown, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, The Shining, and Terms of Endearment earned him awards and adulation that has lingered long after he last graced our screens. But surely his film choices can't all be good. So, what are the worst Jack Nicholson movies of all time?
To find out, we consulted Rotten Tomatoes to see how critics have scored every Jack Nicholson film. We sorted by their ratings and headed to the bottom, opting to include any films that earned 65 percent approval or less. Read on to find out which of the movies Nicholson starred in—from ones made before he was famous to his most recent releases—earned him the worst reviews of his career. And for another Best Actor winner's film flops, check out The Worst Anthony Hopkins Movies of All Time, According to Critics.
17 The Two Jakes (1990)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 65 percent
16 Wolf (1994)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 61 percent
15 Blood and Wine (1996)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 61 percent
14 Studs Lonigan (1960)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 60 percent
13 Ironweed (1987)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 58 percent
12 Mars Attacks! (1996)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 54 percent
11 Hoffa (1992)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 52 percent
10 Heartburn (1986)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 45 percent
And for more movie mistakes featuring Nicholson's co-star, find out The Worst Meryl Streep Movies of All Time, According to Critics.
9 The Last Tycoon (1976)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 43 percent
8 Anger Management (2003)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 42 percent
7 The Bucket List (2007)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 41 percent
And for another star with this film on their résumé, check out The Worst Morgan Freeman Movies of All Time, According to Critics.
6 The Terror (1963)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 36 percent
5 How Do You Know (2010)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 31 percent
And for more fun content delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
4 Hell's Angels on Wheels (1967)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 29 percent
3 The Evening Star (1996)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 22 percent
And for more flawed follow-ups, discover The Worst Movie Sequels of All Time, According to Critics.
2 The Fortune (1975)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 17 percent
1 Man Trouble (1992)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 7 percent
And for more of the worst films ever made, discover The Worst Movie That Came Out the Year You Graduated.
Filed UnderActors • Celebrities • Entertainment • NewsRead This NextThe Worst Morgan Freeman Movie of All Time
The legendary actor's prolific career has not been without some mistakes.April 13, 2021The Worst Meryl Streep Movies of All Time
She's one of the greatest actors of her generation, but she's still made some bad movies.January 27, 202110 Things You Didn't Know about Justin Trudeau
Athlete, nerd, hopeless romantic, thespian. Yes, there’s a lot more to Canada’s Prime Minister than just politics.March 21, 2017Jon Hamm: The Best Life Interview
Jon Hamm, star of TV's Mad Men, reveals the secrets of manliness in a postmodern world.November 15, 2016Driving Tips Smart Men Know
Ten easy ways to be the safest driver on the road. April 3, 2017Men Who Set the Time: Cash Warren
The successful producer, entrepreneur and husband of Jessica Alba reveals how you, too, can live your best life.October 31, 2016Dr. Oz: The Best Life Interview
Mehmet Oz, M.D., asks the toughest question: Are you living or dying?October 23, 2016Dr. Oz's 15 Best Life Tips
October 23, 2016The One That Got Away
A single nutrient—omega-3 fatty acids—may have turned early humans into civilized man. Has stripping it from our diet given rise to cancer, diabetes, and other civilized diseases? Our correspondent investigates.February 23, 2017George Clooney Is Having Twins. Here's What Women Everywhere Are Saying About It
The legendary ladies' man who once swore off fatherhood went from zero to "Full House" very quickly—and the Internet has responded.February 10, 2017
