Let’s be realistic: no film is beloved by all. For each fan who deems The Godfather a work of genius, another is declaring it “the most inexplicably overrated piece of trash” (no joke, someone wrote that). The reality is that even the widest releases and Oscar favorites have their detractors—and occasionally, those criticisms aren’t entirely unfounded. So here are ten movies that are widely beloved, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find plenty of folks who think they’re not all they’re cracked up to be.
The Shawshank Redemption
It’s usually at the top of “greatest films ever” lists and comfortably at number one on IMDb’s Top 250. Not everyone’s convinced, though. Some critics argue that it relies too heavily on tropes and that its emotional tone is manufactured. For some, those who can’t get on with the pace or the prison drama conventions, it’s a long, foregone conclusion.
Joker
Joaquin Phoenix received an Oscar, and the film broke its silence for months. Yet despite its success, Joker polarized audiences and critics. Some interpreted it as a daring, unsettling portrait of a fractured man, but others viewed it as style over substance and accused it of being try-hard and too edgy.
Venom
Tom Hardy’s hammy performance made this one a blockbuster with audiences, even when critics savaged it. The plot is a mess, the jokes are hit-or-miss, and the tone swings wildly everywhere—but for lots of viewers, that randomness is part of its appeal. It’s a mess, but strangely endearing.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Nostalgia will get a film only so far. While critics were fairly lenient, the public was much less so. From the hated “nuke the fridge” scene to jungle shenanigans courtesy of CGI, even hardcore Indiana Jones fans agree that this one fell short.
Grown Ups
Adam Sandler and his cast seemed to be having a great time on vacation, and many fans enjoyed the ride. But critics weren’t nearly as entertained, labeling it lazy and uninspired. It’s the type of humor that’s simple to watch—but just as simple to forget.
Twilight
This romance vampire film turned into a cultural phenomenon, yet it’s also one of the most controversial franchises around. While there were people who loved the melodrama and romance, there were those who couldn’t move past the cringeworthy dialogue, wooden acting, and sparkly vampires.
Hotel Transylvania
Families loved this animated monster comedy, but some critics weren’t as impressed. Sure, it’s packed with colorful visuals and silly gags, but others found it loud, repetitive, and lacking in substance. Still, if you’re a kid—or a kid at heart—it might be just what you’re looking for.
Transformers
Michael Bay’s bombastic robot-filled extravaganza was a box office bonanza and a treat for action enthusiasts. However, some critics cited the thin plot, inflated length, and cheesy dialogue. Every audience member who enjoyed the blasts, there was one more eye-roll over the excess.
Sausage Party
This cartoon comedy pushed adult humor to extremes. While some appreciated its boldness and originality, many viewers weren’t amused. The off-color jokes, strange animation technique, and that notorious ending left people wondering who exactly this movie was meant for.
Warcraft
Based on the popular video game, Warcraft attracted a massive following, but not everyone was impressed. The critics were bewildered by the rich lore and inconsistent storytelling, while the fans appreciated it as a pretty, enjoyable adaptation of something they had grown fond of.
So the next time you have someone tell you that a film is “universally beloved,” keep this in mind: there’s always somebody out there who hates it with a vengeance. And really, that’s some of the fun of discussing movies.