Although he has numerous successful projects in his portfolio, Colin Farrell has also been a part of some less acclaimed acting ventures. Here are five of them, based on their critical and commercial reception.
5. Artemis Fowl – IMDb: 4.3
‘Artemis Fowl‘ (2020), a science fantasy film based on Eoin Colfer’s novel, starred Farrell as Artemis Fowl I, Artemis’ absent father. Despite its potential, the film faltered, receiving a disheartening 8% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Initially envisioned as a franchise starter, it failed to impress with its plot, characters, and deviation from the source material. Its digital release on Disney+ in June 2020, following a cancellation of its theatrical release due to the COVID-19 pandemic, did little to salvage its reputation. In fact, Disney+ even removed the film from their platforms in May 2023 due to a cost-cutting measure.
4. Daredevil (2003) – IMDb: 5.3
In 2003, Farrell starred as Bullseye in ‘Daredevil,‘ a superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character. Despite a respectable global box office return of $179.2 million, the movie’s reception was mixed. It scored 43% on Rotten Tomatoes and had an IMDb rating of 5.3. The film was noted for its action sequences and some performances but was criticized for its lack of innovation in the superhero genre. Even Ben Affleck disliked the movie, saying he hated it. A director’s cut released in 2004 fared better, yet the film remains a less successful part of Farrell’s filmography.
3. Alexander – IMDb: 5.6
Oliver Stone’s ‘Alexander‘ (2004) starred Farrell as the titular character and faced similar challenges. With an approval rating of 16% on Rotten Tomatoes, it struggled to resonate with American audiences. The film’s $167 million worldwide gross barely surpassed its $155 million budget, making it a commercial disappointment. Despite releasing multiple versions, including a director’s cut, the film was often viewed as more of a historical documentary than an engaging drama.
2. Miami Vice – IMDb: 6.1
In 2006, Farrell appeared in ‘Miami Vice,‘ an action crime film directed by Michael Mann. Although it grossed $164.2 million globally against a $135 million budget, the film received mixed reviews. With a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 47%, it was praised for its direction and visual style but criticized for its story. The film has since gained a cult following, yet its initial reception was underwhelming compared to expectations. In fact, even Farrell himself wasn’t fond of the movie.
1. Winter’s Tale – IMDb: 6.1
At the top of this list is ‘Winter’s Tale‘ (2014), a romantic fantasy film that grossed only $30.8 million on a $75 million budget. As of now, it holds a 13% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and the highest rank on IMDb, considering our list. The film struggled to capture the essence of its source material, Mark Helprin’s 1983 novel, and was criticized for its lack of emotional depth and coherent storytelling. Besides, one critic particularly criticized Farrell’s performance due to the Irish accent he uses, although his character had never been to Ireland.
