Why This 0% Rated Film Is Still Considered the Biggest Flop in Leonardo DiCaprio's Career

Today it's hard to believe that Leonardo DiCaprio once starred in a movie with a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

But yes, there was such a moment in his career — and its name is "The Critters 3" (1991) by Kristine Peterson. This isn't a typo or a joke: DiCaprio's feature film debut happened in the third installment of a cult but long-tired franchise about furry alien devourers.

The plot follows early '90s trash formula to a T: hairy space monsters end up in a Los Angeles apartment building and start hunting the residents. Somewhere nearby lurks a space bounty hunter, but don't expect help from him — he's become prey himself.
Actor Leonardo DiCaprio in a T-shirt next to a toothy monster in a hat
Stills from the movie "The Critters 3"
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Against this backdrop, the characters — including a teenager played by — must survive while fighting off toothy predators that became less scary and more comedic with each installment.

The film went straight to video and earned neither box office success nor critical love. Reviews sounded like death sentences: "The plot is anemic, the special effects are weak, and belonging to the 'little monsters' genre is a curse in itself" (Apollo Guide). "The film is notable only for being DiCaprio's debut" (Film Frenzy). And Sunday Times (Australia) gave it a laconic rating: 0 out of 5.
The trailer for the movie "The Critters 3"
Still, even among viewers there are those who find "bad movie charm" in it. One fan on Rotten Tomatoes admitted: "This is probably the worst film in the series, but it's fun watching young DiCaprio take his first steps."

And that's probably the only thing "The Critters 3" is remembered for today. It became that starting point — the lowest possible beginning for an actor who later conquered Hollywood and won an Oscar.

And that's exactly why the film is worth seeing at least once. To appreciate how far someone can go who once starred in a movie with a zero on the "Tomatometer." Earlier, we at zoomboola.com told you about the series "The Night Manager" — when Hugh Laurie proved he could be scarier than any villain.