H.G. Wells’ classic novel The War of the Worlds has been adapted for the screen, the stage and radio countless times since it was published in 1898, but the latest is said to be the worst yet
A recent adaptation of H. G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds has been slammed as the “worst” in history by viewers. The timeless novel has been adapted numerous times for stage, screen and radio since its 1898 publication but, according to viewers, this year’s version is the most disappointing yet.
The film, starring Ice Cube, has sparked outrage among movie buffs, with a post on X going viral for highlighting the “fatal flaw” in the film adaptation. One disgruntled viewer even suggested that the producers should feel “ashamed” of their work, branding the film “one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen.”
Few had anything positive to say about the adaptation featuring the 56 year old rapper, who joins the likes of Tom Cruise, Orson Welles and Rafe Spall in the long list of stars who have appeared in adaptations of Wells’ alien invasion tale.
One irate viewer took to X to vent: “War of the Worlds (2025) is the worst adaption of the source material to date. It had no ideas beyond the found footage approach, and even then the film is struggling to find ways to present coherent scenes.
“Ice Cube is so lost. Maybe one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen. Most of the film just doesn’t make sense because they’re trying to rush through a mountain of developments.
“The viewer is left with a crazy amount of sensory and informational overload to the point where it’s hard to focus on the screen. Universal should be ashamed of their work.”
Some were intrigued about the film’s premise, with one enquiring: “Is the whole movie just Ice Cube watching YouTube and going ‘hell nah’?” The reply was a straightforward “yup.”
Others wondered whether the Cube-starring adaptation might surpass the C Thomas Howell version of War of the Worlds for the dubious honour of “worst War of the Worlds adaptation.”
One enthusiast of the films remarked: “Haven’t seen this yet, but I have seen the C Thomas Howell version (from the Asylum I think?) so the bar IS pretty low, ‘worst adaption yet’ pretty exciting!”
Films considered not that great by viewers can occasionally possess a “so bad it’s good” quality, making them ideal for group screenings or tongue-in-cheek viewing sessions.
This War of the Worlds adaptation, according to the original poster, possesses all of that appeal. “It’s ironic and unwatchable,” they penned.
“It’s a uniquely rough watch. New levels of bad movie hilarity.” In a follow-up comment, they remarked: “It is hilariously terrible. It’s difficult to watch but it’s often funny.”
Despite the alleged poor quality, many expressed eagerness to give the film a chance. One user commented: “I think I’ll check it out. I don’t know why War of the Worlds is such a difficult novel to adapt!”
Another chimed in with: “It’s a War of the Worlds with Ice Cube! That should be such an easy win.”
