Top 10 Times the Critics Were Wrong About Movies

Geared towards kids, this animated adventure is only interested in giving viewers a good time. Critics were left unsatisfied by its rudimentary story and it’s only fair to assume that a sequel will flesh out much more. Some reviews didn’t find much to latch onto in any meaningful way beyond advertising for Nintendo. While it’s not necessary to have played the games before watching, it does help to bring some knowledge about the series to enjoy some easter eggs. There’s also an argument to be made that it’s too sweet for its own good. One thing is for sure, the film is a runaway success that’s connected with viewers and generated positive audience scores.

Based on a recurring sketch from “Saturday Night Live,” this outrageous comedy is anything but subtle. “MacGruber” did not make many best-of lists in 2010 as critics thought that the jokes missed the mark. One thing is for sure, the action parody features a comedic voice that will be off-putting to some people. Will Forte’s dedicated performance in a “MacGyver” homage gradually earned a cult following in the decade since. Some of the film’s fans include acclaimed directors such as Christopher Nolan, who shamelessly loves the over-the-top adventure. The groundswell of support will only grow as people come around to its unique charms.

Let’s do the “Time Warp” back to an era where this wasn’t a classic musical. In its release year, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” did not inspire confidence in critics. The concept was considered a forgettable piece of genre exploitation. They didn’t consider that the movie would find a devoted fanbase, failing to realize its potential life in revival houses as a “midnight movie.” Over the next several decades, the film became one of the most unexpected and successful stories in theatrical history. Audiences still show up to screenings dressed as their favorite characters as they sing along with Dr. Frank-N-Furter.

Representing one of John Carpenter’s strongest visions as a director, “The Thing” is easily one of the best efforts of the 1980s. You wouldn’t know that from reading about the first reactions to the film. Rather than appreciating it as a suspenseful ride, critics weren’t entirely ready for its deliberate pace or gory effects. It opened around the release of juggernaut “E.T.” and had an uphill battle to capture audiences during its initial release. Carpenter felt the release was a misstep that marked a dark chapter in his career. Little did he realize that people would come around. The movie about a mysterious host terrorizing a research base now ranks highly among horror fans.

By the mid-1990s, the Coen brothers had become a critical darling with their own unique brand of dark comedies and period films. People weren’t quite ready for their follow-up to the Oscar-winner “Fargo.” Receiving a subdued response from critics and limited commercial success, “The Big Lebowski” confused audiences with its laidback style and confusing plot. Few people realized that the movie was more about the characters like the Dude and Walter than the ridiculous story. The years have been kind to this comedy with a rabid fanbase developing around its quotable lines. Putting other movies to shame, it has since spawned its own festival and even a religion called “Dudeism.”

Taking a dark look at the comic-book villain, Todd Phillip’s “Joker” gave the character a volatile origin story. Reviews were divided between praising the deliberate tone and feeling that it was just a pastiche of Martin Scorsese’s work. A vocal minority of critics felt that the subject matter could even inspire a violent attack, pointing out the apparent parallels between Arthur Fleck and the incel community. This division couldn’t stop the drama from becoming a pop culture giant. Despite some bad press, the film went on to become one of the most profitable R-rated releases ever. Phoenix went on to win the Oscar for his performance and the movie’s success inspired a sequel.

Considered a milestone in sci-fi filmmaking, “2001: A Space Odyssey” boggles the mind to this day. The film came out in 1968, stunning viewers with its innovative visuals and big ideas. It provides challenging questions about concepts such as artificial intelligence. Not all critics felt it was worth the hype however, with some feeling that the experience was too slow for its own good. The movie even had people walking out during early screenings. Audiences didn’t pay attention to these early reactions, instead flocking in droves to see the cerebral space adventure. Stanley Kubrick’s vision of the future is now known as a juggernaut in its respective genre.

Alfred Hitchcock’s slasher picture inspired a legion of movies with its striking images. Some critics didn’t recognize its power, believing it was a step back for the director and a lackluster B-movie. Others objected to its content with some censors hoping to cut down the film’s graphic subject matter. With some slick advertising, Hitchcock’s production lured audiences into a memorable experience full of violent surprises. It’s now considered a massively influential project in terms of its willingness to kill off a major character. The painstaking direction also ranks highly among contemporary critics that recognize the shower scene as the pinnacle of cinematic techniques.

This Frank Capra project wasn’t always a staple of holiday viewing. Released in the post-WWII era, “It’s a Wonderful Life” was considered a critical and commercial flop. Even the presence of Jimmy Stewart couldn't save this movie at the time. The copyright wasn’t renewed, which allowed the film rights to drift into the public domain. Television executives were able to show the drama for no extra money as a result. After it reappeared on the small screen, the work slowly built up a following for its heart and inspiring plot. It’s now considered one of the most famous Christmas movies ever made.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Hocus Pocus” (1993)
Reviews Weren’t Initially Impressed With This Halloween Film, but Now It’s a Holiday Classic

“Venom” (2018)
Tom Hardy’s Irreverent Turn as the Marvel Villain Drew Critical Ire Despite Massive Box Office

“Jennifer’s Body” (2009)
An Underrated Horror Film That Boasts Megan Fox’s Finest Performance

“Man on Fire” (2004)
Denzel Brings the Pain in a Stylish Revenge Film That Wins Over Audiences

“Babylon” (2022)
Some Call It a Chaotic Mess, but This Wild Ride Is Destined to Become a Cult Classic

Often considered one of the greatest horror films ever, “The Shining” didn’t exactly enter the world as a beloved classic. The Stanley Kubrick movie was met with a tepid response at the time and only modest box-office returns. Critics were undecided on Kubrick’s cold direction, unsure whether or not the entire production deserved any significant praise. The most bizarre occurrence from the initial release was the director receiving a Razzie nomination for Worst Director. To top it all off, Stephen King felt largely disappointed by the filmmaker’s adaptation. The overall interpretation of the material has changed since 1980. For the most part, audiences have come to regard this as a masterful genre piece.