Have you ever watched a movie everyone else loved, but you couldn't stand? Just because a movie is popular doesn't mean everyone has to love it. A recent online discussion covered some fan-favorite films that people hate, or that people love to hate. Here are some of the top responses.
1- Jerry Maguire (1996)
In the late 90s, everyone shouted, “Show me the money!” at the top of their lungs.
Directed by Cameron Crowe and starring Tom Cruise, critics argue that Jerry Maguire was too long and filled with unrealistic caricatures instead of actual people. The kid did a great job, though.
2- Dunkirk (2017)
Fresh off the success of his Dark Knight trilogy and beloved films like Interstellar and Inception, many people were excited for the next movie from Christopher Nolan.
Unfortunately, fans feel that Dunkirk missed the mark. Based on true events, the movie makes a massive rescue mission look like a small-scale operation.
3- American Sniper (2014)
Based on the life of U.S. Soldier Chris Kyle, the Clint Eastwood film examines the struggles Kyle endured while overseas and his issues with adjusting to civilian life.
Critics argue, however, that the movie glorifies Kyle. In reality, many view him as a complicated person that's not always deserving of praise.
4- Avatar (2009)
The highest-grossing film of all time until Avengers: Endgame surpassed it in 2019, Avatar was widely acclaimed for its stunning visuals and unique storyline about a paraplegic Marine sent to a distant planet to infiltrate the native humanoid species.
However, some viewers now find the film's use of the “white savior” trope and portrayal of the native species as primitive and needing saving to be problematic and offensive. Some call it “Pocahontas in space.” It's an elementary plot with blue people.
5- The Greatest Showman (2017)
A musical biopic about the life of P.T. Barnum, The Greatest Showman was praised for its catchy soundtrack and uplifting message of inclusion and acceptance. However, some viewers have criticized the film for glossing over Barnum's problematic treatment of his performers and the exploitation of marginalized people.
6- Pocahontas (1995)
A Disney classic, Pocahontas tells the story of a Native American princess who falls in love with an English explorer. While the film was once praised for its beautiful animation and romantic storyline, it's now viewed by some as a gross misrepresentation of history that perpetuates harmful stereotypes and a romanticized view of colonialism, considering how the real story went down.
7- A Clockwork Orange (1971)
A controversial film directed by Stanley Kubrick, A Clockwork Orange tells the story of a violent and sociopathic young man who undergoes experimental aversion therapy to curb his criminal behavior. Often hailed as a groundbreaking work of art, many find the film vile to the point of unwatchable. This is, of course, on purpose and in the pursuit of making an artistic statement. However, many viewers reject the film as being indulgently exploitative.
8- Saw (2004)
A horror film about a sadistic killer who forces his victims to play deadly games to escape, Saw was praised for its inventive and suspenseful plot and created a successful franchise that inspired countless other gory movies. While Saw is a commentary on the human condition, it can be difficult for the squeamish to look past the gratuitous gore and violence.
9- Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
This romantic comedy starring Audrey Hepburn is about a young woman who falls in love with a struggling writer. Breakfast at Tiffany's was once considered a classic of the genre. However, the film's use of yellowface to portray a Japanese character has been criticized by modern viewers. Countless spectators find the movie to be overhyped with a terrible ending inferior to that of the novel.
10- Joker (2019)
A dark and gritty origin story of the iconic Batman villain, Joker, won critical acclaim for Joaquin Phoenix's performance and its exploration of mental illness and societal decay. Some viewers point out that despite being well acted, at the end of the day, it's two Scorsese films squished together, parading as something original, not to mention it created an entire generation of cringe LARPers.
11- Pretty Woman (1990)
A romantic comedy about a wealthy businessman who falls in love with a sex worker, Pretty Woman was once praised for its charming and funny portrayal of the couple's relationship. However, some viewers now see the film's glamorization of sex work and simplistic portrayal of class differences as glaringly tone-deaf and unrealistic.
12- Requiem for a Dream (2000)
A dark and disturbing film about addiction and the destruction it causes, Requiem For a Dream was once hailed as a powerful and emotional work of art. However, some viewers now find the film's graphic depictions of substance abuse and its bleak and hopeless outlook too intense and depressing.
13- Forrest Gump (1994)
A heartwarming and uplifting film about a simple-minded man who unwittingly becomes a part of historical events, Forrest Gump won critical and popular acclaim for its charming portrayal of the main character and its nostalgic depiction of American history.
However, some viewers now view the film as simplistic and an idealized view of the past. As one film buff summarizes it, it's just boomer nostalgia. Everyone loved Forrest Gump at some point in their life, but as you get older, it feels pretty cringy, despite having redeeming qualities.
14- American Beauty (1999)
A drama about the lives of a dysfunctional family in suburban America, American Beauty was once praised for its insightful critique of American culture and its powerful performances, including Kevin Spacey's Oscar-winning turn as the lead character.
While we as the audience are not supposed to sympathize with Spacey's character, a Hollywood film about a middle-aged man going through a midlife crisis where he becomes infatuated with a teenager earning Best Picture at the Oscars hasn't aged well, especially after the turn Spacey's career has taken after countless allegations.
15- Gone With The Wind (1939)
A classic Hollywood epic set during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras, Gone With the Wind is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.
The film's romanticized view of slavery and the Confederacy and its stereotypical portrayal of Black characters have led to calls for it to be removed from streaming services and educational programs. Of course, the film is supposed to be filmed in context.
Source: (Reddit).
Jaimee Marshall is a writer who hails from the suburbs of Philadelphia but has spent the past few years living abroad in Australia. She considers herself a bit of a movie buff with a knack for horror and clever sci-fi flicks. When she isn't watching or writing about movies, she's probably either posting political memes, cooking vegan food, or being active. She covers entertainment news, and reviews films and television for Wealth of Geeks. You can also catch her deep dives on sociopolitical issues at Evie Magazine, Katie Couric Media, and Her Campus or watch her appearance on Popcorned Planet, where she discusses heated issues like due process in our current social climate.