Troll 2

  The Best Worst Movie Ever Made

Released in 1990, Troll 2 is widely regarded as one of the worst films ever made—but also one of the most beloved cult classics. Ironically, it has no connection to the original Troll from 1986, and there are, in fact, no trolls in the movie at all. Instead, the story centers around goblins who disguise themselves as humans in a small town called Nilbog—“goblin” spelled backward. What makes Troll 2 so famous isn’t just its bizarre plot or amateur acting; it’s the unintentional humor and sincerity that have turned it into a global phenomenon.

Directed by Italian filmmaker Claudio Fragasso under the pseudonym Drake Floyd, Troll 2 was conceived as a horror film with a strong anti-meat, pro-vegetarian message. However, due to a mix of language barriers between the Italian crew and the American cast, poor direction, and a nonsensical script, the film ended up being unintentionally hilarious. The cast consisted mostly of inexperienced or non-professional actors, including a dentist playing the father of the main character.

The plot follows a young boy named Joshua who, guided by the ghost of his grandfather, discovers that the seemingly friendly townspeople of Nilbog are actually goblins in disguise. These creatures feed on humans—not by eating them directly, but by tricking them into consuming a green goo that transforms them into plant matter. Once the victims are turned into plants, the goblins devour them. The boy must convince his family of the danger and stop the goblins before it's too late.

Troll 2 is packed with scenes and dialogue that have become iconic for all the wrong reasons. Perhaps the most famous line—delivered with exaggerated horror—is, “They’re eating her! And then they’re going to eat me! Oh my Gooooooooood!” The acting, editing, costumes, and special effects all contribute to a surreal, almost dream-like viewing experience. Despite—or because of—these flaws, the film has developed a passionate fanbase.

Over time, Troll 2 gained popularity through late-night television airings and word-of-mouth recommendations. What began as mockery gradually became appreciation, as fans embraced the film's earnestness and charm. Its cult status was cemented with the release of the 2009 documentary Best Worst Movie, directed by Michael Stephenson, who played Joshua in the original film. The documentary explores how the film’s failure turned into unexpected success, and how its cast members embraced their strange fame.

Today, Troll 2 is celebrated with special screenings, fan conventions, and midnight movie events where audiences quote along, wear costumes, and cheer for their favorite absurd moments. It is often mentioned in discussions about cult cinema, standing alongside other famously bad but beloved films like The Room and Plan 9 from Outer Space.

In the end, Troll 2 is a reminder that movies don’t have to be good to be loved. Its sincerity, combined with its failure to achieve its original vision, makes it unforgettable. It’s not just a bad movie—it’s a magical one, where every mistake somehow made it better.