Summary
SomeBorderlandsfans had already watched the film and shared their sentiments on social media. Many of them expressed their dissatisfaction because it didn’t live up to their expectations.
TheBorderlandsfilm had been in the making for nearly a decade. It was first announced in 2015 and only released today (Jul 04, 2025). Thus, expectations were high among solid fans expecting to finally see their favorite characters from the action role-playing first-personlooter shooter video gamecome to life on the big screen. However, the initial reactions from those who had already watched the movie were not encouraging and might discourage others from spending their hard-earned money on the film.
A number of viewers turned to X, formerly Twitter, and criticized the film,Comicbook.comreported. According to them, the film directed by filmmaker and screenwriter Eli Roth was “really bad” and was a “disaster.” Some said the film was “unwatchable” and a “mess” for failing tohighlight the characters' earnest moments, obnoxious jests that turned old-fashioned after delivery, annoying characters, dull screenplay despite the impressive set design, and poor CGI. A number of solidBorderlandsfans felt that the film lacked the imagination, life, and cringe humor that keep the game alive and make gamers crack up while playing it. The disappointment was loud online, with some fans saying their favorite video game was butchered. The scenes edge the cringe but fail to commit to being cringe all the way, which is what the game is all about. Hence making the film unsatisfactory.
Critics onRotten Tomatoesseemingly feel the same asBorderlandshas received poor ratings on the platform. Itinitially received a 0% ratingbased on 23 reviews. The score has improved, with some giving positive reviews. However, it didn’t change much, with the Tomatometer now showing 7%. Just like those who aired their disappointment on social media, many on Rotten Tomatoes said the film was terrible. One even mocked it by saying it was “Bored-erland.” However, some found it entertaining, especially those who haven’t played the game. One fan gave it a half-star because the scenery looked and felt likeBorderlands. However, in general, most have the same complaints — the cast members lacked chemistry, poor dialogue, mediocre plot, and inconsistencies with the lore.
Although the initial reactions aboutBorderlandson social media are negative and it has a low score on Rotten Tomatoes, some still find the film decent and entertaining enough. While others said it wasRoth’s worst movie, some argued it received too much hate when it was an on-screen magic. Overall, there is a mixed reaction about the film, with more finding it bad and disappointing because it lacked the factors they enjoyed in the games, like tons of guns and explosions, dark and cringing humor, and savaged action. However, one of the biggest factors could be the movie’s PG-13 rating, which influenced its overall tone. It softenedBorderlands’original feel and approach.Video games are usually rated M (Mature)because they contain more intense violence, strong language, and mature sexual themes that are not suitable for audiences younger than 17. The PG-13 rating could be the movie’s most notable shortcoming.
