Infamous Movies That Don’t Deserve the Hate They Got
Some movies are instant hits. They get great reviews and make a lot of money. Other movies are not so lucky. They are hated by critics and ignored by audiences. These films are often called “flops” or “bombs.” But sometimes, a movie’s reputation can change over time. A film that was once hated can find a new audience and become a beloved classic.
This can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, a movie is ahead of its time. Its ideas are too new or different for people to understand at first. Other times, a film is misunderstood. Its message or tone is not clear to viewers. And sometimes, a movie is just a victim of bad marketing or a competitive release date. Whatever the reason, these films show that the first opinion is not always the right one.
The Shining (1980)
Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel was met with a mixed response when it was released. Critics were divided, and the film even received two Razzie nominations, for Worst Director and Worst Actress. Author Stephen King also famously disliked Kubrick’s changes to his story. The slow pace and unsettling tone were not what audiences expected from a horror movie at the time.
Over the years, however, “The Shining” has been re-evaluated and is now considered one of the greatest horror films ever made. Its complex themes, stunning visuals, and iconic performances are now widely praised. The film’s ability to create a sense of dread and psychological horror has influenced countless other movies in the genre.
Blade Runner (1982)
When “Blade Runner” first came out, it was a commercial and critical disappointment. Its slow pace, complex plot, and dark, rainy atmosphere were not popular with audiences who were used to more action-packed science fiction. The film was overshadowed by the more optimistic and family-friendly “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” which was released the same year.
Today, “Blade Runner” is hailed as a sci-fi masterpiece. Its stunning visual style has had a huge impact on the look of future cities in movies. The film’s deep questions about what it means to be human have also made it a subject of academic study and discussion. Its initial failure has been forgotten, and it is now seen as a highly influential film.
The Thing (1982)
John Carpenter’s “The Thing” was another sci-fi horror film that was not appreciated in its time. Critics called it “grotesque” and “gory,” and audiences stayed away. The film’s bleak, paranoid tone and graphic special effects were too much for many viewers in 1982. The movie was a box office failure and was seen as a step down for the director after the success of “Halloween.”
Like “Blade Runner,” “The Thing” found a second life on home video. Its practical effects are still praised today for their creativity and effectiveness. The film’s story of a shape-shifting alien that creates an atmosphere of intense paranoia among a group of researchers is now seen as a classic of the genre.
Scarface (1983)
Brian De Palma’s “Scarface” was heavily criticized for its violence, profanity, and depiction of Cuban immigrants. The film was controversial from the start, and many critics found it to be excessive and over-the-top. Al Pacino’s performance as Tony Montana was seen by some as too exaggerated.
Despite the initial backlash, “Scarface” became a cultural phenomenon. It has been embraced by audiences for its larger-than-life story and quotable lines. The film’s style and themes have had a significant influence on pop culture, especially in the world of hip-hop.
Labyrinth (1986)
Jim Henson, the creator of The Muppets, was heartbroken by the failure of his fantasy film “Labyrinth.” The movie, which starred David Bowie and a young Jennifer Connelly, was a box office bomb. Critics were not kind to its mix of puppetry, musical numbers, and dark fantasy elements. The story of a teenage girl who must navigate a magical maze to save her baby brother was not a hit with audiences.
After Henson’s death, “Labyrinth” began to gain a cult following. It is now celebrated for its imaginative world, memorable songs, and Bowie’s charismatic performance as the Goblin King. The film’s puppetry and practical effects are also appreciated as a form of artistry that is rarely seen in modern movies.
The Last Action Hero (1993)
This Arnold Schwarzenegger action-comedy was released in the shadow of the massive hit “Jurassic Park.” Audiences at the time were not ready for a film that made fun of the action movie genre. The movie’s self-aware humor and fourth-wall-breaking gags were seen as confusing rather than clever.
Decades later, “Last Action Hero” is viewed as a film that was ahead of its time. Its satirical take on action movie clichés is now seen as smart and funny. In a world where meta-humor is common in movies like “Deadpool,” this film is now appreciated for its clever and playful approach to the genre.
Showgirls (1995)
“Showgirls” is one of the most famous flops of the 1990s. The film was widely ridiculed for its over-the-top acting, wooden dialogue, and gratuitous nudity. It was a critical and commercial disaster and was seen as a trashy and exploitative movie.
Over time, the perception of “Showgirls” has changed. It is now viewed by many as a campy satire of the dark side of show business. The film’s exaggerated style is seen as a deliberate choice to comment on exploitation and the pursuit of fame. It has become a cult classic, enjoyed for its unintentional humor and biting social commentary.
Fight Club (1999)
David Fincher’s “Fight Club” was a controversial film that sparked backlash from critics for its dark tone and violent content. Some viewers were turned off by what they saw as a promotion of toxic masculinity and pointless violence. The film was a box office disappointment.
However, “Fight Club” found a massive audience on home video. It is now regarded as one of the best films of the 1990s. Its critique of consumer culture and its exploration of modern male identity have been the subject of much analysis. The film’s shocking twist ending is also considered one of the most memorable in modern cinema.
Office Space (1999)
Mike Judge’s satire of white-collar office life was a commercial failure when it was released. The film’s quiet humor and relatable characters did not attract a large audience at the box office.
“Office Space” gained a cult following after it began airing on television and was released on video. The film’s depiction of the mundane and frustrating aspects of office work struck a chord with viewers. It is now a beloved comedy, with its characters and jokes becoming a part of popular culture.
Jennifer’s Body (2009)
This horror-comedy was mismarketed as a standard teen horror film meant to appeal to a male audience. Critics gave it bad reviews, and it failed at the box office. The film’s blend of horror, comedy, and feminist themes was not understood at the time.
“Jennifer’s Body” has since been re-evaluated and is now hailed as a feminist cult classic. The film’s sharp dialogue, written by Diablo Cody, is now praised. Its story of a possessed cheerleader who takes revenge on her male classmates is seen as a smart commentary on female rage and toxic friendships.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
It may be hard to believe, but this Christmas classic was a box office flop when it was first released. The film, directed by Frank Capra, received lukewarm reviews and failed to make a profit. It was only through repeated television broadcasts in the 1970s that the film found its audience.
Today, “It’s a Wonderful Life” is considered one of the most beloved films ever made. Its heartwarming story of a man who gets to see what life would be like if he had never been born has become a holiday tradition for many families.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
This iconic family film was not a huge hit when it first opened in 1939. While not a complete failure, it did not become the cultural phenomenon it is today until it was shown on television years later.
Now, “The Wizard of Oz” is regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. Its use of color, memorable songs, and enchanting story have captured the imaginations of generations of viewers. It has become a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.
Citizen Kane (1941)
Often cited as the greatest film ever made, “Citizen Kane” was a box office failure in its time. The film’s real-life inspiration, newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst, used his power to ban any mention of the movie in his media empire. This resulted in the film being seen by very few people upon its initial release.
Despite the initial setbacks, “Citizen Kane” was praised by critics for its innovative filmmaking techniques. Its use of deep focus, non-linear storytelling, and complex narrative structure was revolutionary for its time. It is now studied in film schools around the world.
The Big Lebowski (1998)
The Coen Brothers’ quirky crime comedy initially received mixed reviews. The film’s strange dialogue, passive main character, and meandering plot confused some critics and audiences. It was not a major box office success.
Over the years, “The Big Lebowski” has become a massive cult classic. The film’s laid-back hero, “The Dude,” has become an iconic character. Its quotable lines and unique sense of humor have inspired festivals and a dedicated fan base.
Donnie Darko (2001)
Richard Kelly’s “Donnie Darko” was a box office flop that baffled critics with its surreal plot and ambiguous ending. The film’s story, which involves time travel, a giant rabbit, and existential angst, was released shortly after the 9/11 attacks, which may have affected its reception.
“Donnie Darko” found its audience on DVD and became a cult sensation. Its complex themes and moody atmosphere resonated with younger viewers. The film is now dissected and debated by fans who are drawn to its mysterious and thought-provoking story.
Psycho (1960)
Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” is now considered a landmark in the horror genre, but it was not universally praised upon its release. Some critics were shocked by the film’s violence, particularly the infamous shower scene. One prominent critic even walked out of the film, calling it “disgusting.”
Despite some initial negative reactions, “Psycho” was a huge box office success and changed the horror genre forever. Its suspenseful storytelling and shocking twists have been imitated countless times. The film proved that a low-budget, black-and-white thriller could be a major cinematic event.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
This Disney Halloween movie was a critical and commercial failure when it was released in the summer of 1993. Critics found it to be campy and silly, and it did not attract a large audience in theaters.
Thanks to yearly airings on television during the Halloween season, “Hocus Pocus” has become a beloved cult classic. The film’s trio of witch sisters, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, are now iconic characters. It has become a nostalgic favorite for the millennial generation.
Jumanji (1995)
The film was criticized for its use of CGI, which was still in its early stages, and for being too scary for young children. Famed critic Roger Ebert called the film full of “grotesque images, generating fear and despair.”
Despite the criticism, “Jumanji” went on to become a popular children’s movie. Its imaginative story and the charismatic performance of Robin Williams have made it a favorite for many. The film’s success has led to a successful franchise with recent sequels.
Road House (1989)
“Road House” was not a critical darling upon its release. The film, starring Patrick Swayze as a philosophical bouncer, was criticized for its over-the-top violence and cheesy dialogue.
Over time, “Road House” has gained a reputation as a beloved “so bad it’s good” movie. Its ridiculous fight scenes and memorable one-liners have made it a cult favorite. The film is now appreciated for its earnest and unironic embrace of action movie tropes.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
This classic family film was not a big success when it was first released. While critics were generally kind, audiences were not interested, and it failed to make back its budget at the box office.
“Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” became a beloved classic through television showings and home video. Gene Wilder’s performance as the eccentric candy maker is now considered iconic. The film’s imaginative world and memorable songs have made it a timeless favorite for generations of children and adults.
Waterworld (1995)
This post-apocalyptic action film was the most expensive movie ever made at the time of its release. The story follows a mutated mariner who sails a flooded Earth and reluctantly helps a woman and a young girl search for dry land. Plagued by a troubled production and a ballooning budget that reached a then-record $175 million, the film was dubbed “Kevin’s Gate” and “Fishtar” by the press before it even opened. The movie received mixed reviews, with many critics finding fault with the script and performances.
Despite the negative buzz and a domestic box office that didn’t cover its costs, Waterworld was not the colossal bomb it was made out to be. The film performed well internationally and eventually became profitable through home video sales, television rights, and even a popular theme park stunt show. Over time, it has developed a cult following, with many appreciating its ambitious practical sets, unique world-building, and impressive action sequences.
Speed Racer (2008)
Based on a classic 1960s anime, this film tells the story of a young driver, Speed Racer, as he takes on a corrupt and powerful corporation that controls the world of professional racing. The Wachowskis, famous for The Matrix, wrote and directed this vibrant, high-energy movie. It stars Emile Hirsch in the title role, alongside a cast that includes Christina Ricci, John Goodman, and Susan Sarandon. The film is known for its hyper-stylized, candy-colored visuals that aimed to bring a real-life anime to the screen.
Upon its release, Speed Racer was met with divisive reviews from critics and was a commercial failure, grossing only $93.9 million worldwide against a $120 million budget. Many critics were put off by the film’s heavy use of CGI and what they saw as a childish tone. However, in the years since, the movie has undergone a significant critical re-evaluation. It is now celebrated by many as a visual masterpiece that was ahead of its time and has gained a dedicated cult following for its unique aesthetic and heartfelt story.
John Carter (2012)
A Civil War veteran is mysteriously transported to Mars, called Barsoom by its inhabitants, where he becomes embroiled in a conflict between the planet’s warring nations. Based on the classic sci-fi novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, this film was a passion project that spent decades in development. The movie was intended to launch a new blockbuster franchise, mixing elements of science fiction, action, and adventure on a grand scale.
Before it was even released, the film was plagued by negative press regarding its massive budget and marketing struggles. It became one of the biggest box office bombs in history, with critics offering mixed to negative reviews. Many found the story confusing and the characters underdeveloped. Despite its financial failure, the film has since found an audience that appreciates its stunning visuals, imaginative world-building, and old-fashioned sense of adventure. A dedicated fanbase has even campaigned for a sequel.
Jupiter Ascending (2015)
This science fiction epic from the Wachowskis tells the story of a young woman who discovers she is the heir to an intergalactic dynasty and must fight to protect the inhabitants of Earth from a destructive industry. The film features a complex and imaginative universe filled with genetically engineered beings, advanced technology, and warring alien families. It is a visually ambitious film with elaborate costumes, intricate set designs, and large-scale action sequences.
Jupiter Ascending was met with largely negative reviews and was a box office disappointment. Critics and audiences found its plot convoluted and its tone inconsistent. However, the film has since attracted a cult following that embraces its originality, over-the-top melodrama, and unique visual style. Fans appreciate its unabashed weirdness and the sheer ambition of its world-building, seeing it as a misunderstood and unfairly maligned piece of science fiction.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)
In the 28th century, two special operatives are tasked with maintaining order throughout the human territories. They embark on a mission to the breathtaking intergalactic city of Alpha, a vast metropolis where species from all over the universe have converged to share knowledge and culture. The film, directed by Luc Besson, is based on a long-running French comic book series and is known for its stunning and imaginative visual effects.
Despite being the most expensive European film ever made, Valerian was a box office bomb and received mixed reviews from critics. Many praised its incredible visuals but criticized the plot and the casting of the two leads. However, the film has found its defenders, who argue that its visual splendor and creative world-building are more than enough to make up for its narrative shortcomings. They see it as a beautiful and unique sci-fi adventure that offers a welcome alternative to more generic blockbusters.
The Room (2003)
The story centers on a successful banker named Johnny, whose fiancée, Lisa, grows bored with him and begins an affair with his best friend, Mark. The film, written, directed, produced by, and starring the enigmatic Tommy Wiseau, was intended to be a serious, heartfelt drama about love and betrayal. It was reportedly financed by Wiseau himself to the tune of $6 million.
Universally panned upon its limited release, The Room quickly gained a reputation as one of the worst films ever made. Its bizarre dialogue, nonsensical plot, and wooden performances have become legendary. However, this “so bad it’s good” quality has also made it a massive cult phenomenon. Midnight screenings of the film are interactive events, with audiences shouting lines, throwing plastic spoons, and celebrating its unintentional comedy. Often called “the Citizen Kane of bad movies,” The Room is a testament to how a film can fail on every conventional level yet succeed as a unique and beloved piece of entertainment.
Troll 2 (1990)
A family on a small-town vacation discovers that their new neighbors are vegetarian goblins who want to turn them into plants and eat them. Despite its title, the film has no connection to the original Troll and features no trolls, only goblins. It was made by an Italian film crew who spoke little English, leading to communication issues that contributed to the film’s stilted dialogue and bizarre performances.
Troll 2 is widely regarded as one of the worst movies ever made, but it has also become a celebrated cult classic. Its charm lies in its utter incompetence, from the nonsensical plot and terrible acting to the cheap costumes and ludicrous special effects. The film’s journey from a forgotten, direct-to-video flop to a beloved midnight movie was chronicled in the acclaimed documentary Best Worst Movie, directed by its former child star. Fans celebrate the film for its unintentional hilarity and sincere, if misguided, efforts.
Batman & Robin (1997)
Batman and his sidekick Robin must stop the villainous Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy from taking over Gotham City. The film introduced Batgirl to the franchise and featured George Clooney as the new Batman. It was the fourth installment in the initial Batman film series and was a big-budget production with elaborate sets and costumes. The movie was intended to be a more family-friendly and lighthearted take on the Dark Knight.
The film was a critical and commercial failure, with many lambasting its campy tone, cheesy dialogue, and over-the-top performances. It is often cited as one of the worst superhero movies ever made and effectively killed the Batman film franchise for nearly a decade. However, in recent years, some have come to appreciate the film for its unabashedly campy style. They argue that it is a fun, colorful, and entertaining comic book movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that its colorful, toy-friendly aesthetic has its own unique appeal.
Street Fighter (1994)
Based on the popular video game, this film follows a multinational military force as they go after a power-mad dictator. The movie features an ensemble cast of international actors playing the game’s iconic characters. It attempted to capture the action and adventure of the video game with large-scale fight scenes and a globe-trotting plot.
Upon its release, Street Fighter was met with overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics, who cited its cheesy dialogue, convoluted plot, and poor character development. Despite the bad reviews, the film was a financial success. Over the years, it has gained a cult following for its campy tone and the wildly over-the-top performance of Raul Julia as the villain, M. Bison, which was his final film role. Many now enjoy the movie as a fun, if silly, adaptation of the beloved game.
Super Mario Bros. (1993)
Two Brooklyn plumbers, Mario and Luigi, are transported to a strange parallel dimension ruled by a tyrannical lizard-king. They must rescue a princess and save both their worlds from merging. This was the first live-action feature film based on a video game and it took a much darker, grittier approach to the source material than fans were expecting. The film’s production was notoriously troubled, with constant script rewrites and creative clashes.
The movie was a critical and commercial disaster, with many criticizing its bizarre tone, confusing plot, and unfaithfulness to the beloved video games. It has since, however, developed a significant cult following. Fans have come to appreciate its unique and ambitious production design, which created a grimy, dystopian version of the Mushroom Kingdom. Its strange, cyberpunk-inspired vision and committed performances have made it a one-of-a-kind cinematic curiosity.
Dune (1984)
In a distant future, a noble family is sent to rule over a desert planet that is the only source of a priceless spice, the most valuable substance in the universe. They are soon betrayed, and the young heir must lead a rebellion to reclaim his family’s honor. Directed by the renowned and unconventional filmmaker David Lynch, this adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic science fiction novel was a massive and ambitious undertaking.
The film was a critical and commercial failure at the time of its release, with many finding its complex plot incomprehensible and its strange visuals off-putting. Director David Lynch even disowned the theatrical version due to studio interference. Over the years, however, Dune has been re-evaluated and has garnered a strong cult following. Many now praise its stunning visuals, unique atmosphere, and ambitious attempt to bring a notoriously difficult book to the screen. Different cuts of the film have since been released, allowing viewers to better appreciate its artistic vision.
Howard the Duck (1986)
A sarcastic, cigar-chomping duck from another dimension is accidentally transported to Earth, where he befriends a struggling rock singer and must help save the planet from an alien invasion. Based on a satirical Marvel comic book character, the film was a big-budget production from executive producer George Lucas. It was a strange mix of comedy, action, science fiction, and even romance.
Howard the Duck was a notorious critical and commercial flop, widely considered one of the worst films ever made. Critics and audiences were baffled by its inconsistent tone, the unconvincing animatronic duck suit, and some of the more bizarre story choices. Despite its reputation, the movie has developed a cult following over the years. Some viewers have come to appreciate its quirky charm, cheesy music, and the sheer weirdness of the entire production, enjoying it as a unique and entertaining product of its time.
Last Action Hero (1993)
A young boy who is obsessed with action movies is magically transported into the world of his favorite film hero. At first, he is thrilled to be living out his fantasy, but he soon discovers that the world of an action movie is far more dangerous and complicated than he ever imagined. The film was intended to be both a blockbuster action movie and a satirical deconstruction of the genre.
The movie was a major box office disappointment and received mixed reviews from critics. Many felt that its satirical elements were at odds with its action-movie ambitions, and that it failed to satisfy on either level. In the years since its release, however, Last Action Hero has been reassessed. Many now see it as a clever and ahead-of-its-time satire of action movie tropes. Its self-aware humor and playful deconstruction of genre conventions have earned it a loyal cult following.
Gods of Egypt (2016)
In a mythical version of ancient Egypt where gods live among mortals, a young thief teams up with the god Horus to stop the tyrannical god of darkness, Set, from destroying the world. The film is a fantasy-adventure with a heavy emphasis on large-scale battles, elaborate special effects, and a grand, mythological story. It features a world of towering gods, mythical beasts, and epic landscapes.
Gods of Egypt was a critical and commercial failure, with much of the criticism aimed at its casting of white actors in Egyptian roles and its over-the-top, CGI-heavy visuals. However, some viewers have found a great deal of entertainment value in the film’s unapologetic excess. They enjoy its wild, imaginative action sequences, its goofy sense of fun, and its willingness to embrace the more absurd elements of its mythological source material. For these fans, it is a big, loud, and ridiculously entertaining fantasy flick.
The Postman (1997)
In a post-apocalyptic future, a lone wanderer stumbles upon a mail carrier’s uniform and begins to deliver mail, inspiring hope and rebellion in a world ruled by a ruthless warlord. This was Kevin Costner’s second foray into post-apocalyptic storytelling after Waterworld, and like that film, it was a grand, ambitious, and lengthy epic. Costner both directed and starred in the movie, which was based on a novel of the same name.
The film was a massive box office bomb and was savaged by critics, who found it to be self-indulgent, overly long, and unintentionally humorous. It swept the Razzie Awards and is often cited as one of the biggest flops of its decade. Despite this, the film has its defenders who appreciate its earnestness, its beautiful cinematography, and its old-fashioned, optimistic story. They see it as a well-intentioned and often moving film that was unfairly maligned upon its release.
Town & Country (2001)
An affluent New York architect is facing a mid-life crisis and a crumbling marriage. He and his best friend, who is also having marital problems, embark on a series of romantic misadventures. The film featured an all-star cast of veteran actors and was intended to be a sophisticated, witty comedy for an adult audience.
The production of Town & Country was notoriously troubled, with a spiraling budget, extensive reshoots, and years of delays. When it was finally released, it was a colossal box office bomb and was almost universally panned by critics. It is considered one of the biggest financial disasters in film history. However, its very status as a legendary flop has given it a certain cult appeal. Some now watch it out of morbid curiosity, while others find genuine humor in its awkward comedy and the spectacle of so many talented actors trapped in a misbegotten film.
The Lone Ranger (2013)
A young lawyer, the lone survivor of an ambush, is brought back from the dead and becomes a masked hero fighting for justice in the Old West. He is joined by a mysterious and eccentric Native American warrior named Tonto. This big-budget film aimed to reboot the classic character for a modern audience with a mix of action, comedy, and adventure, in the vein of the Pirates of the Caribbean series.
The film was a major box office failure and received largely negative reviews from critics. Many took issue with its bloated runtime, uneven tone, and the controversial casting of Johnny Depp as Tonto. However, the film has since found an appreciative audience that praises its stunning visuals, thrilling action sequences, and its deconstruction of the Lone Ranger myth. Some now view it as an ambitious and misunderstood Western that was unfairly judged at the time of its release.
The Iron Giant (1999)
In the 1950s, a young boy discovers a giant robot from outer space and they form an unlikely friendship. He must then protect his new friend from a paranoid government agent who sees the giant as a threat. This animated film was the directorial debut of Brad Bird, who would go on to direct The Incredibles and Ratatouille.
Despite receiving widespread critical acclaim, The Iron Giant was a major box office flop due to poor marketing. Warner Bros. reportedly had little faith in the film and failed to promote it effectively. However, it found a second life on home video and television, where it was discovered by a much larger audience. It is now considered an animated masterpiece, beloved for its beautiful animation, touching story, and powerful anti-war message. It has a massive and devoted cult following and is often cited as one of the greatest animated films ever made.
Hot Rod (2007)
An amateur stuntman who dreams of following in his late father’s footsteps decides to perform a death-defying jump to raise money for his abusive stepfather’s life-saving surgery, so he can finally beat him in a fight and earn his respect. This quirky comedy stars Andy Samberg and the rest of the Lonely Island comedy troupe. The film is known for its absurd and often surreal sense of humor.
Upon its release, Hot Rod was met with mixed reviews and was a box office disappointment. Many critics didn’t connect with its offbeat comedic style. Over time, however, the film has become a massive cult classic. Its relentlessly silly and quotable humor has resonated with a younger audience, and it has found a new life through streaming and home video. It is now celebrated for its unique brand of absurdist comedy and is considered a modern comedy classic by its many fans.
