Top 25 Movies that are IMPOSSIBLE to HATE

Hating this movie takes more effort than the Dude puts into anything. Practically every scene of “The Big Lebowski” is packed with quotable lines of dialogue and memorable, over-the-top side characters. Despite how bizarre and hilarious most of it is, “The Big Lebowski” is really just a chill hang-out movie that we all adore more than Walter loves talking about Vietnam. The film has become a literal cult classic – as in, they made a religion out of it. And people don’t create entire religions around movies they hate. But that’s just like… our opinion, man.

Given how inexorably tied to baseball it is, we can see how you might think that some people could dislike this movie. But even if you prefer another sport or don’t like sports at all, “Field of Dreams” still stirs something in everyone. The story of a man who builds a baseball diamond in his cornfield, attracting the ghosts of baseball legends, feels super specific. And yet, it touches on so many universal themes – following your dreams, trust in yourself and others, fatherhood, nostalgia, and the joy in a game. It’s practically a dream come true.

Doing a sequel decades after the original usually ends in disaster, but everyone was pleasantly surprised by how great “Top Gun: Maverick” is. As usual, Maverick pushes his luck once too often, and has to teach a group of cocky young pilots how to run a seemingly impossible mission. Tom Cruise delivers a great performance and the supporting cast are excellent too. The aerial action sequences are basically unmatched. “Top Gun: Maverick” surpasses its predecessor in nearly every way (with the exception of Goose) and is just a fun blockbuster all around.

Much like its kind-hearted and simple protagonist, it’s impossible for anyone to hate the film that bears his name. “Forrest Gump” tells the title character’s life story, detailing his unexpected involvement in many pivotal moments in 20th century American history. And while knowledge of the events in question certainly adds a level of humor, at its core, the movie can be enjoyed by anyone. It’s loaded with iconic quotes, carried by a lovable hero, and rife with whimsy and heart. You could even say you never know what you’re gonna get out of it.

1980s teen movies are a dime a dozen, but few are as universally beloved as “The Breakfast Club.” The film follows a group of five teenagers in detention. Their clash of personalities and assumptions about each other gradually gives way to understanding, the beginnings of friendship, and more. While there are a ton of great moments that have left their mark on pop culture, the central theme of family expectations is one almost everyone can relate to. Not only is “The Breakfast Club” impossible to dislike, it’s also impossible to forget.

Here they are: the guys you call when there’s something strange in your neighborhood. Starring comedy geniuses Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and Harold Ramis, this 80s supernatural comedy of oddball ghost-hunters made us look at ghouls and monsters in a whole new, more comical light. With its marvelous blend of exceptional storytelling, stunning visuals, quirky characters, and unforgettable dialogue such as this. It’s truly no wonder that the film has been consistently considered one of the most original, unique, and hilarious takes on its genre. After a highly demanded re-release only one year after its initial theatrical run, “Ghostbusters” went on to become the most financially successful comedy of the decade.

Cinema is rife with creature features, but there’s something special about “Jurassic Park.” Cloned dinosaurs escaping their enclosure and running amok feels like a simple premise, but the film executes it absolutely flawlessly. The ensemble are loveable and feel more 3-dimensional than most disaster movie characters. The themes, such as humankind’s reach often exceeding its grasp, remain timely. The special effects were groundbreaking, yet still somehow hold up today! “Jurassic Park” captures the majesty and wonder in not just dinosaurs, but nature in general. But its enduring reputation is hardly surprising – this is Steven Spielberg at the height of his powers.

While a few Grinches may dispute whether or not it’s a Christmas movie (it is), nobody’s disputing whether “Die Hard” is a great movie. One of the all-time classic action films, “Die Hard” popularized the “one cop against a ton of bad guys in a single location” plot. And while others have followed in its wake, it remains the best. The one-liners are iconic. The set-pieces are action-packed. The characters are rich and complex. “Die Hard” is like action movie comfort viewing – we’d all jump at the chance to watch it again faster than you can say “Yippee-ki-yay!”

There are spoof movies, and then there’s “Airplane!” Although broadly a parody of airport disaster films, “Airplane!” can be, and is, enjoyed by basically everyone. The sheer number of jokes per minute is astonishing, as is the variety, with everything from pop culture references to wordplay to slapstick comedy being thrown at the screen in rapid succession. While not every joke lands well – or has aged well – “Airplane!” is still one of the funniest and most popular comedy films ever made for good reason. Surely you’ll find plenty to laugh at – whether you’re called Shirley or not.

A highwater mark for not only its franchise, but also for movie sequels in general, “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” is bigger and better than its predecessor in just about every way. A battle between killer robots from the future over the fate of humanity results in some of the most iconic action scenes of all time. And sure, “T2” has all the expected one-liners of an Arnold Schwarzenegger flick. But it also has some unexpected depth and heart to it. That helps make its reputation basically untouchable – among action aficionados and casual fans alike.

No list of impossible to hate films would be complete without this one. Starring Matthew Broderick as the titular teen, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” shadows a trio of high school seniors playing hooky in the streets of Chicago all while comically evading their pursuing dean, parents, and siblings. Superbly capturing the free and smart-alecky spirit of youth, this is the movie that all our teenage selves can relate to, regardless of whether or not we were bold enough to take our own days off. Timelessly funny and accessible, this classic comedy is unquestionably every adolescent and adolescent-at-heart’s movie textbook.

For a time, the highest-rated film on internet review site Rotten Tomatoes was “Paddington 2.” Now that might seem strange, when there are so many acclaimed masterpieces to choose from. But “Paddington 2,” much like the whimsical bear its title refers to, is just impossible to dislike! It’s so charming and wholesome. Its cast is a who’s who of great British actors, even in minor roles. It’s beautifully shot and experiments with different mediums. “Paddington 2” even has action setpieces, like prison escapes and train chases. Seriously, what’s not to love?

Here’s the film that had everyone cheering for the bad guys. One of Martin Scorsese’s greatest masterpieces, “Goodfellas” captivated moviegoers by providing them a bloody, at-times comical, and overall powerful in-depth peek at life in the mob. Inspired by true events, the film recounts gangster Henry Hill’s three-decades long involvement with the Lucchese family, detailing numerous major felonies, including the Lufthansa Heist, the largest American robbery at the time. Putting less emphasis on narrative, “Goodfellas”’s core shines with its strangely relatable characters, exquisite performances, and catchy dialogue – in other words, a perfect stage-worthy drama made for the silver screen.

There are a lot of rom-coms out there, but there’s only one “When Harry Met Sally…” The naturalistic dialogue, charismatic leads, and great supporting cast all help create one of the gold standards for romantic comedies. The story of the two title characters’ friendship/romance has been influential not only on the rom-coms that followed, but also on the terminology of relationships. Concepts like “high maintenance” can trace their origins here. Much like the old woman in Katz’s Deli, this movie should have everyone curious about what they’re missing out on.

Making a sequel or prequel that’s as good as the original is impressive enough, but “The Godfather Part II” is one of the few that may surpass its predecessor. And it even manages to be both a prequel and a sequel at the same time. The film details the parallel stories of Vito Corleone’s rise in the past, and his son Michael’s descent into darkness in the present. The contrasting narratives, iconic scenes, powerful performances, and gripping story all create an unforgettable film. Even if you prefer the original, there’s no denying the quality of “Part II.”

Given that it’s basically “Die Hard” for children, it’s no surprise that everyone loves “Home Alone.” However, it’s much more than a more family friendly version of another film. “Home Alone” follows Kevin McCallister defending his house from two bumbling burglars after being left behind by his family. The holly jolly atmosphere and heartwarming moments have made it a staple of holiday viewing for many. Perhaps it’s that familiarity that has helped make this movie feel as much a part of the holiday season as trees and lights. But whether it’s part of your annual tradition or not, “Home Alone” leaves nearly everyone “thirsty for more!”

Yeah, yeah, fake shark. Despite what anyone says about that animatronic great white, there’s no denying the brilliance of its immortalized terror tale on the town of Amity. As the first major release that paved the way for Steven Spielberg to become one of Hollywood’s most successful directors, “Jaws” was the frenzy-inducing nightmare of a film that sailors, surfers, and beach-goers everywhere hated to love. Beautifully paced, shot, and edited, it’s one of the few movies in the world that most will have trouble finding genuine criticism for. Also, who can forget that absolutely perfect musical tie-in?

“Fear can hold you prisoner… hope can set you free” - the most fitting tagline for a movie if ever there was one. Based on a novella by Stephen King, “The Shawshank Redemption” is the twenty-year-long narrative of a man wrongly convicted for the murder of his wife and the inmate he develops a strong bond with. Despite disappointing box office receipts, Red and Andy’s lifelong story was far from underwhelming for those who have been bold enough to brave it. Garnering universal praise for its dramatic story, astonishing atmosphere, and inspirational performances, the drama has been heralded as one of the greatest films of all time and it’s not hard to see why.

Perhaps the quintessential movie musical, “Singin’ in the Rain” depicts the transition between silent films and those with sound. Lighthearted and boundlessly entertaining, the movie features some of the most famous musical numbers ever put on screen. Even if you’ve never seen the film, you know these songs. Its spectacular cast all have marvelous chemistry together, and the amount of love for the film and the art of filmmaking positively leaps off the screen. And even if “Singin’ in the Rain” doesn’t drive you to belt showtunes in a storm, it still leaves everyone anything but low.

After taking us on several hyperspace jumps on the Millennium Falcon, Lucasfilm and Harrison Ford, along with director Steven Spielberg, decided to bring us back to a long time ago – to 1930s Earth. An action-packed adventure flick that introduced us to everyone’s favorite archaeologist, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” was an uber-success with audiences and critics during its theater run, bringing home four of its nine Oscar nominations – plus a Special Achievement award. It’s considered by many to be the quintessential film of its genre as well as one of the greatest movies ever made, with the iconic and adventure appropriate music merely being the cherry on top.

To hate Monty Python is basically to hate comedy for the last half a century. The troupe’s influence on humor has reverberated throughout pop culture to an incredible degree, and “Holy Grail” is among their most popular creations. While nominally about King Arthur and his knights’ quest for the Holy Grail, the movie really revolves around its creators’ hilarious stream of consciousness approach to comedy. Each silly scene flows beautifully from one to the next. Practically every line is iconic and hysterical in its own right. Hating “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”? You might as well try to cut down the mightiest tree in the forest with a herring!

Starring the vocally inspiring Judy Garland, Dorothy Gale’s wondrous journey down the yellow brick road has enchanted millions for decades – many of whom were happy to make it television’s most-viewed syndicated feature. Noted for its fantasy aesthetics, bizarre and vivid characters, easy-to-follow narrative, and, of course, its timeless music, this child-friendly acid trip stands as one of pop culture’s most memorable and quotable masterworks. As one of the first films to be preserved by the U.S.’s National Film Registry, it’s clear that Oz has found a place in the hearts of numerous generations, continually reminding us that there is no place like home.

While all “Star Wars” fans will have a special place in their hearts for the original 1977 masterpiece, its majestic follow-up wears the crown as the saga’s most loved segment. As a heart-racing sequel that amped-up the effects and narrative, “The Empire Strikes Back” beautifully expanded the immensity of George Lucas’ galaxy far, far away. Loaded with many of cinema’s most triumphant scenes, including the ever-alluring Battle of Hoth, Luke’s Jedi training with Master Yoda, and, oh yeah, the biggest twist in movie history – there’s no denying that the force is strong with – alright, we’ll stop using that line (maybe).

Some movies are just so lovable because they have a little bit of everything, and “The Princess Bride” has it all. Romance, comedy, action – you name it, this film’s got it. Though it didn’t make much of a bang at the box office, “The Princess Bride” has become the ultimate comfort movie for millions of fans. Every line of dialogue is quotable. The performances and chemistry from the cast are immaculate. It has one of the greatest sword fights in movie history. “The Princess Bride” is as true a love as any of us could wish for – and we’re “prepared to die” on this hill!

Here’s a bizarre question for the ages: how awkward would it be to meet and mingle with your teenage parents? Heavy, isn’t it? Well, in “Back to the Future,” that’s precisely the pickle that Marty McFly finds himself in when he inadvertently travels thirty years into the past. Filled with well-crafted, four-dimensional characters, historical gags, and awkward moment after awkward moment, this film is precious sci-fi comedy gold. Top it off with Hollywood’s most recognized movie car and perhaps the most stylish time machine ever put on film, and you’ve got arguably the best time travel movie in history.

Which movie do you think it’s impossible to hate? Tell us in the comments - “ya’ filthy animals!”