10 Movies With Terrible Reviews That Audiences Still Adore

10 Movies With Terrible Reviews That Audiences Still Adore

Sometimes, the critics just get it wrong. While professional reviewers might dismiss a film for clumsy scripts or messy plots, everyday moviegoers often spot something special that the experts miss. Based on real Rotten Tomatoes scores, these movies defied terrible reviews to become audience favorites—proof that heart, fun, and pure entertainment can matter more than critical perfection.

1. Super Troopers (2001): 36% critics, 90% audience

This lowbrow cop comedy became an instant cult classic despite critics trashing it for thin plotting and crude humor. The Broken Lizard comedy troupe created something wonderfully absurd that connected with audiences who just wanted to laugh.

Fans embraced the ridiculous pranks, memorable one-liners, and the laid-back vibe of state troopers goofing off on the job. Critics saw lazy writing, but audiences saw quotable gold. The film’s relaxed “goof-off” energy felt refreshing rather than unambitious.

Sometimes movies don’t need complex narratives to succeed. Super Troopers proved that pure comedic chemistry and fearless silliness can create something audiences return to again and again, turning box office disappointment into home video triumph.

2. Venom (2018): 31% critics, 80% audience

Critics absolutely hammered this superhero flick for its messy tone and underdeveloped character arcs. They complained about the weak script and inconsistent pacing throughout. Yet moviegoers flocked to theaters and came away entertained.

What won audiences over was the bizarre buddy-comedy dynamic between journalist Eddie Brock and his alien parasite roommate. Their bickering, chaotic relationship brought unexpected humor to a dark premise. Tom Hardy’s committed performance added layers of weirdness that fans adored.

The movie chose spectacle over substance, and casual viewers were perfectly fine with that trade-off. Big action sequences, body-horror transformations, and surprisingly funny moments created an experience that felt fresh despite its flaws.

3. Dolittle (2020): 15% critics, 76% audience

Few movies have earned such brutal critical beatings as this reimagining of the classic tale. Reviewers called out its jumbled direction, over-reliance on CGI, and humor that tested everyone’s patience. The production troubles showed in every frame, critics argued.

Yet families looking for lighthearted entertainment found plenty to enjoy. Kids loved the talking animals and fantastical adventures, while parents appreciated the whimsical tone. The visual effects, though criticized, still created an imaginative world worth exploring.

Not every movie needs to be a masterpiece. Dolittle delivered exactly what many casual viewers wanted: escapist fun with colorful characters and gentle humor perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

4. Bad Boys II (2003): 23% critics, 78% audience

Michael Bay went full throttle with this sequel, and critics absolutely hated it. They complained about the excessive runtime, overblown action sequences, and lack of meaningful stakes. Professional reviewers saw it as style without substance, noise without nuance.

Audiences disagreed completely. The electric chemistry between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence kept viewers hooked through every explosion and car chase. Fans loved the “more is more” philosophy that packed the screen with spectacular mayhem.

Sometimes you just want nonstop entertainment, and Bad Boys II delivered exactly that. The buddy-cop banter, outrageous set pieces, and pure adrenaline rush made it a crowd-pleaser that critics simply couldn’t appreciate.

5. Black Adam (2022): 39% critics, 87% audience

Dwayne Johnson finally brought this DC antihero to life, but critics weren’t impressed. They pointed out the formulaic plot, underdeveloped villain, and tonal inconsistencies between dramatic moments and action spectacle. The movie seemed to struggle with its own identity, reviewers claimed.

But audiences came for The Rock’s charisma and stayed for the explosive fight scenes. Johnson’s commanding presence elevated every scene he dominated. Fans appreciated the willingness to embrace cinematic excess rather than apologize for it.

The hierarchy of power in the DC universe may have changed, as the tagline promised. More importantly, the movie proved that star power and entertaining action can overcome narrative weaknesses when audiences just want fun.

6. Uncharted (2022): 41% critics, 89% audience

Video game adaptations rarely satisfy critics, and this treasure-hunting adventure was no exception. Reviewers dismissed it as derivative of better films, predictable in its plotting, and shallow in character development. They wanted something deeper than a popcorn thrill ride.

Gamers and adventure movie fans saw it differently. The globe-trotting action sequences delivered exactly the excitement they craved. Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg’s chemistry brought energy to familiar territory, making the journey enjoyable despite its predictability.

Not every adaptation needs to reinvent the wheel. Uncharted succeeded by delivering slick action, exotic locations, and charismatic performances that kept audiences entertained from start to finish, even if critics wanted more originality.

7. Red One (2024): 30% critics, 89% audience

Critics found this holiday action flick formulaic and lacking in fresh ideas. They criticized the thin character development and predictable plot beats. Professional reviewers saw it as another generic blockbuster wearing a Santa hat, nothing more.

Viewers embraced the festive fun regardless of critical complaints. The combination of Christmas cheer and explosive action created something entertaining for audiences seeking escapism. Star power from the leads added extra appeal to the high-concept premise.

Holiday movies don’t always need depth to succeed. Red One proved that sometimes audiences just want entertaining spectacle with seasonal flavor, and they’re willing to overlook conventional storytelling when the fun factor delivers exactly what’s promised.

8. Grown Ups (2010): 10% critics, 62% audience

With a devastating 10% critical rating, this comedy earned some of the harshest reviews of the decade. Critics hammered its lazy jokes, nonexistent plot structure, and reliance on celebrity cameos over actual humor. They called it an expensive vacation disguised as a movie.

Yet many viewers found genuine comfort in watching old friends reconnect. The easy chemistry between Adam Sandler and his comedy buddies felt natural and warm. Audiences appreciated the low-stakes summer fun and nostalgic vibes about childhood friendships.

Not everyone needs sophisticated comedy. Grown Ups offered simple pleasures: familiar faces having fun together, creating exactly the kind of comfort-food entertainment that connects with audiences seeking easy laughs.

9. Shaft (2019): 34% critics, 94% audience

This legacy sequel brought back the iconic private detective, but critics found it outdated and uneven in execution. They complained about embarrassing humor and tonal problems throughout. Reviewers questioned whether the character’s swagger still worked in modern times.

Audiences absolutely loved it, giving it a stunning 94% rating. The multigenerational banter between three Shaft family members created comedy gold. Fans appreciated the unapologetic style and refusal to tone down the character’s classic personality.

Sometimes reviving beloved characters means staying true to their essence. Shaft succeeded with audiences by embracing rather than apologizing for its legacy, delivering the confident swagger and sharp dialogue fans wanted from this franchise.

10. Harold and the Purple Crayon (2024): 27% critics, 89% audience

Adapting a beloved children’s book is always risky, and critics felt this version missed the mark. They criticized it for being emotionally flat and tonally unbalanced. The magic of the simple original story seemed lost in translation, reviewers argued.

Families and book fans saw something completely different. Many viewers found the film imaginative, emotionally resonant, and genuinely charming. Parents appreciated sharing the beloved story with their children in a new format, even if imperfect.

Childhood nostalgia creates powerful connections. Harold and the Purple Crayon succeeded with audiences by capturing enough of the original’s wonder to satisfy fans who grew up with the book and wanted to share that magic.