10 Movies That Were RUINED by Rotten Tomatoes Reviews

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the great movies that were negatively affected by low Rotten Tomatoes scores.

#10: “Top Gun” (1986)

Tony Scott’s 80s flick may be a cult favorite now, but it didn't impress critics at first. Earning just 58 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, they dismissed it as a flashy military recruitment ad with no substance. Yet, it crushed it at the box office. And Tom Cruise totally nailed it as the cocky Maverick while the film gave us a rare glimpse into the world of fighter pilots. Sure, the plot’s thin, but the movie’s packed with thrilling dogfights, cool characters and a killer soundtrack. Today, this beloved pop culture icon is celebrated for its high-energy sequences, memorable lines, and launching Cruise to superstardom. It may be overly cool, but that’s precisely what makes it charming – and why it deserves way more credit.

#9: “Legend” (1985)

The 80s delivered some seriously bizarre movies and this dark fantasy is no exception. A young Tom Cruise plays Jack, a peasant trying to stop the Lord of Darkness from taking over the world. Sounds like a fantasy lover’s dream, right? Well, critics didn’t think so. Despite Ridley Scott’s direction and stunning special effects, it only pulled a mere 42 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. But now, it’s hailed as a hidden gem – way ahead of its time and proof of Scott’s genius. There’s no defending the plot’s shallowness, yet this whimsical, visually striking film deserves more love. Whether it’s the director’s cut or theatrical release, it’s a true legend, especially with Tim Curry’s scene-stealing performance.

#8: “Blade II” (2002)

Guillermo del Toro’s comic book film is finally receiving the recognition it deserves as a game-changer in the superhero genre. But initially, critics panned it as awful, predictable, and pointless. This gruesome Marvel film, which pits a half-vampire against vampires, has just 57 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Why? Some argue it’s too much of a bloodbath and CGI overload. Of course, it has its flaws, but it’s undeniably cool. It takes everything fans love about the first film and cranks it up. It’s dark, gritty, and feels straight out of a comic. What more could you want? Plus, “Blade II” isn’t just a superhero flick – it’s horror too, thanks to del Toro’s brilliant touch. And Wesley Snipes? He was born to play Blade!

#7: “Wet Hot American Summer” (2001)

We owe Netflix’s TV franchise for reminding everyone just how wonderful this almost forgotten gem really is. Set in an 80s summer camp and featuring a cast of truly funny actors, David Wain’s satirical comedy flopped both critically and commercially. Despite its fun factor, critics slammed it as silly and tacky, resulting in a measly 38 percent on the Tomatometer. But over the years, this nostalgic comedy found its groove and blossomed into a cult classic, with moviegoers finally embracing its wonky world and bizarrely fun premise. It turns out critics missed the movie’s point (not everyone gets it). It wasn’t silly, it was cleverly designed to subvert expectations and it did so in its own unique way.

#6: “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1992)

Creating a follow-up to an instant classic is no easy feat, and this Christmas sequel faced a ton of flak for being a carbon copy of the original. This time, Kevin McCallister is lost in New York, and the film dials up the violence as he battles the unrepentant burglars again. Yeah, it might feel like deja vu, but that’s what makes it so good. It knows exactly why people loved the first film and doubles down on those elements, making them even bigger. The pranks are still clever and way more brutal and there’s also plenty of heart. Honestly, it deserves far better than Rotten Tomatoes’ 35 percent score.

#5: “Man of Steel” (2013)

After “Superman Returns” fumbled at the box office, expectations soared for the next movie. Enter Zack Snyder and Christopher Nolan to create this phenomenal comic book flick. But when “Man of Steel” finally hit theaters, critics mauled it for straying too far from classic Superman movies. Starring Henry Cavill, the film offers a fresh take on Clark Kent’s origin story, but it’s often criticized for being too depressing and illogical. While there are some valid complaints about this reboot, does it deserve all the backlash just for defying people’s expectations? Truth is, “Man of Steel” stands tall among superhero movies, with stunning special effects, a fantastic musical score, intense action, and a stellar cast. Honestly, this spectacular film is way too underrated.

#4: “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” (2006)

The third film in the “Fast and Furious” franchise wasn’t received with open arms. It took a Paul Walker- and Vin Diesel-driven movie into the streets of Tokyo, leaving fans dismayed. In fact, it stands as one of the most maligned movies in the franchise, still holding a low 37 percent on the Tomatometer. Apparently, many failed to see that being different isn’t such a bad thing. More than the films that followed, this divisive entry stuck to its racing roots, even if most of the Fast Family was MIA. Now, as the franchise has spiraled into over-the-top stunts and mindless action, fans are beginning to appreciate “Tokyo Drift” for its fresh and surprisingly decent story.

#3: “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” (2014)

After “Spider-Man 4” was canceled, Sony rebooted the series with a fresh cast and director – a move that many fans didn’t like. While the first installment found some acceptance, the second was unfairly bashed. In it, Peter Parker juggles a lot – protecting his girlfriend, investigating his parents’ deaths, and battling sinister villains. With so much happening, the film felt disjointed, leaving fans and critics frustrated. But while Mark Webb’s “Spider-Man” sequel may not be the best superhero movie, thanks partly to Rotten Tomatoes, its bad reputation has kept many from enjoying this genuinely amazing film. Throw in Jamie Foxx’s awesome Electro, impressive swinging effects, and the electrifying chemistry between Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield, and you’ll see it isn’t all that bad.

#2: “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” (2007)

This rollercoaster of a movie has it all: a high-stakes plot, great character arcs, bigger special effects, and amazing fight scenes. So, why was it hated by some fans and critics? Picking up a few months after “Dead Man's Chest,” it follows Will, Elizabeth, and Captain Barbossa as they try to rescue Jack Sparrow. Truthfully, the plot isn’t the easiest to follow and that’s the film’s biggest problem. But a little complexity shouldn’t be enough to warrant the hate and paltry 48 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. We dare say this is a fitting conclusion to the first two films and far better than other follow-up installments.

#1: “Jennifer’s Body” (2009)

Initially perceived as just a sexy horror flick with high school besties sharing a passionate kiss, Karyn Kusama and Diablo Cody’s film was hugely misjudged upon arrival. It quickly became an easy-to-hate flop centered around a possessed cheerleader, with nothing creative to offer – or so critics thought. Earning a dismal 46 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and under-performing at the box office, it seemed doomed. Fast forward a few years though, and it’s now a cult classic, with many finally realizing that it offers much more than meets the eye. Its clever take on teen horror tropes proves it didn’t deserve all the criticisms. And let’s be honest, Megan Fox was nothing short of mesmerizing!

Which movies do you think the critics got wrong? Let us know in the comment section.