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25 Movies That Critics Panned But Audiences Loved

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Some films defy critical consensus, thriving at the box office even as reviewers give them negative marks.

These movies, despite their harsh critiques, managed to resonate with audiences, turning into unexpected financial successes. The appeal of these films often lies in their spectacle or fanbase, rather than their storytelling.

Exploring these box office anomalies reveals how popular taste can sometimes be a shocking difference from critical opinion.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End

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Critics found Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End to be overly long and cluttered with too many subplots, but the film still managed to gross $961 million globally.

Fans were eager to see the conclusion of the epic trilogy, drawn in by the film’s spectacle and Johnny Depp’s charismatic portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow. The movie’s success kept the franchise alive with additional sequels.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

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Despite receiving mixed reviews for its predictable plot and lack of originality, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom earned over $1.3 billion at the box office. The allure of dinosaurs and the nostalgia factor were strong enough to bring audiences back to theaters. The film’s financial success cemented the Jurassic World series as a box office juggernaut.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

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Critics were harsh on Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, citing its bloated runtime and incoherent story, but that didn’t stop it from raking in $836 million at the box office. The film’s explosive action sequences and special effects attracted audiences in droves. Its commercial performance ensured the continuation of the lucrative Transformers franchise.

Maleficent

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Maleficent received mixed reviews, with some critics praising Angelina Jolie’s performance while others criticized the film’s uneven tone. Nevertheless, it grossed over $758 million worldwide, driven by Jolie’s star power and the film’s reimagining of a classic Disney villain. The film’s success led to a sequel, further exploring the dark fantasy genre.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

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Despite being panned by critics for its convoluted plot and dour tone, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice managed to pull in over $870 million worldwide.

Fans flocked to theaters to see the iconic clash between two of DC’s biggest superheroes, proving that star power and fan anticipation can outweigh critical reception. The film’s commercial success paved the way for the continuation of the DC Extended Universe.

Venom

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Venom was met with lukewarm reviews, with critics pointing out its inconsistent tone and lack of cohesion. However, the film defied expectations by grossing over $850 million globally. The combination of Tom Hardy’s performance and the character’s popularity within the Marvel universe played a significant role in its commercial success.

The Da Vinci Code

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The Da Vinci Code received mixed to negative reviews, with critics taking issue with its pacing and deviations from the source material. Nonetheless, the film grossed an impressive $758 million worldwide, thanks in part to the popularity of Dan Brown’s novel and Tom Hanks’ star power. Its box office success led to the production of two more films in the franchise.

Fifty Shades of Grey

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Despite scathing reviews that criticized its dialogue and pacing, Fifty Shades of Grey became a box office phenomenon, earning over $570 million globally. The film tapped into the massive fanbase of the best-selling novel and intrigued audiences with its controversial subject matter. Its financial success resulted in two sequels, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon.

Twilight

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Twilight was often ridiculed for its melodramatic tone and wooden performances, yet it grossed over $400 million worldwide. The film’s appeal to a dedicated fanbase of readers and young adults ensured its success, regardless of critical opinion. This success spawned a multi-film franchise that dominated box offices for years.

Alice in Wonderland (2010)

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Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland was criticized for its visual overload and thin storyline, yet it grossed over $1 billion worldwide. The film’s imaginative visuals and 3D effects captured the attention of audiences, especially fans of Burton’s unique style. Despite the poor reviews, its success led to a sequel and influenced the trend of live-action adaptations of classic Disney films.

The Hangover Part II

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The Hangover Part II was dismissed by critics as a lazy rehash of the first film, but it still brought in $586 million globally. The film’s familiar formula and the return of the original cast were enough to draw in audiences. Its box office performance demonstrated the franchise’s strong fanbase, even in the face of negative reviews.

Armageddon

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Armageddon was widely criticized for its implausible plot and over-the-top action, yet it became a blockbuster hit, grossing over $553 million worldwide. Audiences were drawn to its all-star cast and the spectacle of Michael Bay’s direction. Despite its flaws, the film remains a memorable example of 1990s disaster movies.

Terminator Salvation

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Terminator Salvation failed to impress critics, who took issue with its bleak tone and lack of character development, but it still grossed $371 million at the box office.

The film’s connection to the beloved Terminator franchise and its action-packed sequences were enough to pull in a substantial audience. Its commercial success, however, did not prevent the franchise from taking a hiatus.

Independence Day: Resurgence

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Independence Day: Resurgence was panned for lacking the charm and originality of the first film, but it still managed to gross $389 million worldwide. Nostalgia for the original 1996 hit and the promise of large-scale destruction brought audiences to theaters. The film’s success, though modest compared to the original, showed the enduring appeal of the franchise.

The Mummy (2017)

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Critics slammed The Mummy for its weak plot and mishandling of its tone, yet it grossed over $410 million globally. Tom Cruise’s star power and the film’s connection to Universal’s classic monster movies drew in a significant audience.

Despite the poor reviews, the film’s box office performance showed the potential for franchise reboots, even if it didn’t lead to the Dark Universe as planned.

Catwoman

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Catwoman was widely regarded as one of the worst superhero movies ever made, yet it grossed $82 million against a $100 million budget.

Halle Berry’s portrayal and the film’s association with the Batman universe helped it draw in a curious audience. Though it was a commercial disappointment relative to its budget, its box office intake was surprising, given the harsh reviews.

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra

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G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra was criticized for its cartoonish plot and excessive use of CGI, but it still managed to earn $302 million globally. The film’s appeal to fans of the original toy line and its action-packed sequences helped it find a substantial audience. The box office success led to a sequel, despite the film’s poor critical reception.

Clash of the Titans (2010)

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Clash of the Titans received poor reviews for its weak storyline and overreliance on CGI, but it still grossed over $493 million globally. The film’s epic scope and 3D effects captured the interest of audiences, particularly fans of the original 1981 film. Despite the criticism, the movie’s success led to the sequel Wrath of the Titans.

Resident Evil: Afterlife

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Resident Evil: Afterlife was not well-received by critics, who cited its thin plot and reliance on action over story, but it still grossed $300 million worldwide. The film’s loyal fanbase and 3D effects contributed to its box-office success. Its performance ensured the continuation of the Resident Evil film series.

The Smurfs (2011)

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The Smurfs was criticized for its lackluster humor and formulaic plot, but it still grossed over $563 million globally. The film’s appeal to children and nostalgic adults helped it overcome its poor reviews. Its box office success led to a sequel, proving that brand recognition can often outweigh critical reception.

Ghost Rider

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Ghost Rider received negative reviews for its campy tone and weak script, yet it grossed over $228 million at the box office. Nicolas Cage’s performance and the film’s appeal to fans of the Marvel character helped it attract a significant audience. The movie’s success led to a sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.

Suicide Squad

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Suicide Squad was lambasted by critics for its disjointed narrative and uneven pacing, yet it still grossed over $746 million globally. Audiences were drawn in by the star-studded cast and the promise of a grittier, darker take on the superhero genre. The film’s financial success led to spin-offs and a sequel, despite its poor critical reception.

Fast & Furious 8 (The Fate of the Furious)

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Critics noted that The Fate of the Furious lacked the freshness of its predecessors, but the film still managed to gross over $1.2 billion worldwide. The franchise’s loyal fanbase, combined with its high-octane action scenes, ensured its box-office success. The film’s performance reinforced the Fast & Furious franchise as one of the most profitable in cinema history.

The Meg

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Critics found The Meg to be predictable and lacking in substance, yet the film grossed over $530 million worldwide. The movie’s giant-shark premise and Jason Statham’s action-hero appeal drew large crowds looking for mindless summer fun. The surprising success of The Meg even led to talks of a sequel.

Battleship

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Battleship was widely panned for its thin plot and reliance on special effects, but it still grossed $303 million globally. The film’s connection to the classic board game and its blockbuster action sequences drew audiences looking for summer.

Joe Frankel

Joe Frankel is a seasoned writer with a degree in Philosophy who enjoys covering entertainment and money topics. He's a coffee aficionado who enjoys roasting his own beans and making cold brew at home.