Charlize Theron, renowned for her breakthrough role in the 1997 film The Devil’s Advocate, has since graced the silver screen with multiple blockbuster hits, delivering numerous unforgettable performances.

Her exceptional acting skills have garnered her widespread recognition, including an Academy Award for Best Actress for her remarkable portrayal in the 2004 film Monster. However, amidst her sparkling career, there exists a 2000 crime thriller that Theron prefers to keep out of the limelight.

In a candid interview with Esquire in 2008, Theron courageously expressed her disdain for Reindeer Games and shed light on her personal reasons for not discussing the film openly. Nevertheless, she did find solace in a singular positive aspect of her involvement in the movie.

Charlize Theron

Which Is Charlize Theron’s Worst Movie?

Charlize Theron’s disappointing 2000 release , Reindeer Games, paired her with Ben Affleck in a crime thriller directed by the late John Frankenheimer. The plot revolves around Rudy Duncan, who forges the identity of his dead cellmate during a prison riot, only to find himself embroiled in a post-prison heist. Unfortunately, the film failed to make an impact at the box office and received scathing reviews from critics.

Upon its release, the movie faced a wave of unfavorable reviews from critics. Unsurprisingly, the film failed to garner substantial box office success, earning a mere $32 million against its $42 million budget.

This subpar response is reflected in its awful 5.8 rating on IMDb and a low 27% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Seems like almost all of the viewers who watched the movie are on agreement with Charlize Theron’s dissatisfaction with the movie.

Charlize Theron

Shot in Vancouver, Canada, filming for Reindeer Games began on March 15, 1999, and had its premiere on February 25, 2000.

Presently, Theron remains candidly vocal about her dissatisfaction with the film, making it the sole entry in her filmography that she openly expresses her disdain for.

Why Did Charlize Theron Willingly Take Up Reindeer Games?

Despite her disdain for the 2000 film Reindeer Games, Charlize Theron expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate with the acclaimed director John Frankenheimer.

Recognized for his significant contributions to the world of cinema through projects like The Manchurian Candidate and Seconds, Frankenheimer holds a revered status.
“I wasn’t lying to myself — that’s why I did it. I mean, he directed The Manchurian Candidate, which is like the movie of all movies. F*ck regret. Just f*ck it.”
Reindeer Games marked Frankenheimer’s final full-length feature before his passing in 2002. Theron accepted the film’s shortcomings but highlighted her luck for the chance to work alongside the legendary filmmaker, stating that even though the movie sucked, she atleast got a chance to work with John Frankenheimer.
Charlize Theron in Reindeer Games
Despite not being considered a worthy addition to John Frankenheimer’s outstanding filmography, the director himself did not express regret for creating the film.

In fact, he encouraged viewers to contemplate the intricacies of the characters portrayed in the movie, even after its screening. Frankenheimer’s perspective suggests that there may be underlying depths and nuances within the film that warrant further reflection and analysis.