Jared Leto’s career as an actor has been marked by some controversial choices and questionable films that have divided audiences and critics alike, with many projects lacking the quality expected of high-profile releases. While Leto has delivered commendable performances in select roles, this list highlights the worst Jared Leto movies that viewers may want to steer clear of due to their disappointing execution, casting issues, or simply unimpressive storytelling.
A Look at Leto’s Divisive Film Career
Jared Leto’s reputation in the film industry is a topic of frequent debate, with some praising his dedication and others noting a pattern of poor movie choices. Although he has been part of acclaimed films such as Fight Club, American Psycho, and Requiem for a Dream—where his roles were memorable despite limited screen time—and even won an Oscar for Dallas Buyers Club, his filmography also includes a number of widely criticized titles. These misfires have contributed to the conflicted views held by audiences and have cemented his status as a polarizing figure. Notably, the following eight movies illustrate some of the lowest points in Leto’s cinematic journey.
8. Black and White (1999): A Forgotten Ensemble Misfire
Among the most obscure entries in Jared Leto’s career is Black and White, a social drama that, despite a star-studded cast, failed to make any significant impact. The film is set within the hip-hop scene and features appearances by members of the Wu-Tang Clan (who don’t portray themselves) alongside Mike Tyson, who does make a cameo as himself. Other recognized actors such as Robert Downey Jr., Joe Pantoliano, Brooke Shields, Ben Stiller, and Elijah Wood were unable to elevate the movie’s overall quality.
Directed by Joe Toback, Black and White struggled to find an audience at its release, and its lackluster storytelling and chaotic execution have led most to simply forget it exists. The discomfort surrounding the director, who faced substantial legal controversies later in life, only adds to contemporary audiences’ reluctance to revisit this film. Ultimately, Black and White stands as a cautionary example of wasted potential within ensemble films.
7. House of Gucci (2021): Style Over Substance, With Too Much Leto
House of Gucci, helmed by celebrated director Ridley Scott, presented itself as a flashy, camp-infused true crime drama, but was burdened by excessive length and some notably misguided performances. At nearly three hours, the film stretches its thin material and becomes difficult to endure, with audiences often feeling overwhelmed by the sheer runtime.
While Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, and Al Pacino occasionally inject some humor and energy into the story, Jared Leto’s turn is particularly jarring. In portraying Paolo Gucci, he is accused of delivering an overly exaggerated and at times clownish performance that distracts from the rest of the cast. Though House of Gucci at times entertains, the underlying flaws—particularly in Leto’s role—drag it into the realm of his worst vehicles.
6. Alexander (2004): Historical Epic That Missed the Mark
Director Oliver Stone’s attempt to chronicle the life and conquests of Alexander the Great results in a muddled epic, hampered by uneven storytelling and inconsistent performances. Alexander ambitiously covers vast stretches of history, from Alexander’s formative years through his pivotal relationships and major battles, and was released in multiple cuts ranging from long to incredibly prolonged.
The movie failed to live up to expectations as a grand historical drama. The casting choices have been questioned, and the lack of accent continuity among actors further diminishes the immersive effect. Leto plays Hephaestion, Alexander’s close confidant and possibly romantic partner, but limited screen time does little to shelter him from the film’s overall negative reception. The cast, including Leto, emerged largely unscathed only in the sense that the movie’s faults were pervasive rather than individual.
5. TRON: Ares (2025): A Sci-Fi Sequel Nobody Requested
The TRON series occupies a unique position in pop culture, with visually striking aesthetics but notably underwhelming narratives. TRON: Ares, the latest installment, continued the franchise’s trend of prioritizing style over substance, and its very existence left many filmgoers puzzled.
Despite carrying a massive production budget of $220 million, the film failed to connect with audiences, earning only around $142 million worldwide at the box office. This lackluster response stands as evidence that interest in a TRON revival anchored by Jared Leto as the star was minimal. Looking ahead, TRON: Ares is unlikely to achieve even the modest cult status of previous entries like Tron (1982) or Tron: Legacy (2010), solidifying its place on this list of the worst Jared Leto movies.
4. The Little Things (2021): Bland Crime Thriller with Few Surprises
In The Little Things, audiences are introduced to yet another somber tale centered on detectives tracking down a potential serial killer. Denzel Washington and Rami Malek take on the roles of law enforcement officers, while Jared Leto appears as a suspicious character who may be behind the string of murders.
Lacking originality, the film treads the same ground as superior crime and thriller movies such as those directed by David Fincher, notably Se7en and Zodiac. Despite a respectable cast, the movie comes across as flat and uninspired; even with recent release, it has quickly faded from public discussion. The Little Things serves as a reminder that the genre offers far more compelling options than what is presented here.
3. Chapter 27 (2007): Method Acting Meets Pointless Storytelling
Chapter 27 is emblematic of a film that strives for controversy or awards through method acting but falls short of providing meaningful insight. Jared Leto undertook a significant physical transformation, reportedly gaining 67 pounds to portray Mark David Chapman, the man who killed John Lennon in 1980. The film delves into Chapman’s psyche and the events leading to the murder.
However, Chapter 27 is widely considered shallow and exploitative, failing to approach the sensitive subject matter with the required nuance. Instead, the film presents a crass, empty attempt at biography, leading to indifference and avoidance from audiences. Very rarely does the movie find its way into discussions unless the topic is infamous Jared Leto projects, which alone testifies to its lack of impact.
2. Suicide Squad (2016): A Misguided Take on Iconic Characters
The DC universe boasts some well-received entries, but Suicide Squad remains one of the most notorious for missing the mark, particularly with Leto’s portrayal of the Joker. Throughout the film, the cast, including Denzel Washington, Adam Driver, and Al Pacino, struggle to find cohesion amid an uneven tone and choppy narrative structure. Leto’s Joker, characterized by eccentric and often jarring choices, stands in striking contrast to the legendary versions brought to the screen by Jack Nicholson, Heath Ledger, and Joaquin Phoenix.
The film’s confusion regarding character motivations and narrative thrust only accentuates the awkwardness of Leto’s performance. Notably, many recommend skipping this installment in favor of The Suicide Squad (2021), which is often regarded as a superior reimagining with stronger performances across the board.
1. Morbius (2022): A Superhero Movie Turned Meme
Of all Jared Leto’s forays into comic book cinema, Morbius is perhaps the most infamous, achieving notoriety both for its poor critical reception and its widespread mockery through internet memes. The film—marketed twice due to viral attention—centers on Dr. Michael Morbius, a scientist afflicted with a rare blood disease who, in his quest for a cure, turns himself into a vampire-like anti-hero. Even visually, the film lacks distinction, with few memorable moments beyond a notorious dance scene featuring Milo, played by Matt Smith.
The lackluster storytelling and underwhelming characterization of Morbius, combined with Sony’s ongoing attempts to build a Spider-Man-less Marvel universe (with related entries such as Madame Web and Kraven the Hunter), further entrench this film’s reputation as a misstep. Despite the initial wave of meme-driven attention, Morbius remains near-universally dismissed as the lowest point among the worst Jared Leto movies.
The Ongoing Debate and Leto’s Legacy
This list of the worst Jared Leto movies highlights the unpredictable trajectory of his acting career, pitting notable lows against flashes of undeniable talent. Whether due to misguided scripts, miscasting, or simply poor execution at every level, these films serve as reminders that critical and audience response does matter. For Leto, each new project brings fresh scrutiny, with fans and critics alike keeping a watchful eye on whether the next release will rise above or sink beneath these infamous cinematic lows. As film franchises continue and new characters emerge, viewers and studios must reckon with the risks—and potential rewards—of including Leto in major genre projects.
