With John Travolta and Jamie Lee Curtis leading the cast, a $20 million budget, and aerobics-fueled sex appeal, Perfect (1985) seemed destined for success. Instead, it became one of Hollywood’s biggest misfires, grossing just $12.9 million and earning multiple Golden Raspberry nominations.

The film follows journalist Adam Lawrence (Travolta) investigating fitness clubs, where he meets aerobics instructor Jessie Wilson (Curtis). However, critics dismissed it as little more than a montage of gym workouts and questionable fashion choices. Travolta’s tight shorts and suggestive dance routines gave the movie an unintentionally campy vibe, earning scathing reviews. Variety even called it “an embarrassment.”

Curtis, who trained rigorously for her role, lost 10 pounds of muscle filming the lengthy aerobic sequences. However, she later admitted disappointment, feeling the scenes were too provocative. “They’re supposed to be substitute love scenes,” she said, but found them “almost more pornographic than if I were naked.”

Travolta, despite the setback, had no regrets, valuing his experience with director James Bridges. Meanwhile, Rolling Stone co-founder Jann Wenner played his editor in a rare acting turn.

Though widely panned, Perfect has since developed a cult following. Quentin Tarantino even called it “greatly underappreciated.” Decades later, Curtis humorously recreated the infamous aerobic scene with Jimmy Fallon, proving its lasting impact.

Is Perfect a misunderstood gem or just a campy mess? Either way, it remains a fascinating snapshot of ‘80s excess, fitness culture, and Hollywood’s missteps…Check video below