Critics' Lament Unjustified: Fervent Supporters Spotlight Movies Overlooked by Critics, Citing Several Noteworthy Flicks That Earned Disparaging Reviews
In the world of cinema, critical reception and commercial success don't always align perfectly. Over time, some films that were initially met with negative reviews or poor box office performance have managed to garner newfound appreciation from both audiences and critics. Here are a few examples of such movies:
- Sorcerer (1977): Initially dismissed by critics and a box office flop, partly overshadowed by the release of Star Wars, the thriller remake of The Wages of Fear is now seen as a masterpiece of the New Hollywood auteur movement. Its highly regarded final scene has earned it a place among the greats[1].
- A Knight's Tale (2001), with Heath Ledger in the lead role, was criticized initially but has since been reappraised. Despite a Rotten Tomatoes score of 59%, many people today recognize its charm and the underrated performance of Ledger as William[2].
- The Misfits (1961), a classic American drama starring Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe, was met with mixed reviews upon release. However, it has been reappraised as a timeless piece with enduring relevance, holding a 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes[5].
Other directors, like M. Night Shyamalan, have had films initially panned, such as The Happening, but their other works often achieve wider appreciation and cult status over time, although specific reappraisals vary by title[4].
Several movies, like John Carter (2012), a Disney production based on the novel A Princess of Mars, were also met with negative reviews and commercial failure. However, it's now understood that the box office failure was more due to the movie's massive costs rather than its lack of a box office take[6].
Meanwhile, Starship Troopers (1997) and Speed Racer (2008) are movies that have undergone significant reappraisal. Starship Troopers, a harsh satire of militarization, was initially misunderstood by many, read as a pro-military story. Today, most people understand what it was going for, whether or not they think it succeeded[7]. Speed Racer, the Wachowskis' adaptation of the popular anime, was also seen as ahead of its time, with critics and many fans not fully grasping its vision[8].
These examples show that critical and public opinion can shift dramatically, often due to changing cultural contexts, director reputation, or new critical perspectives. It's interesting to see how movies that were once dismissed can find new life and appreciation over time.
A recent viral Twitter post on August 12, 2025, asked about movies that critics got wrong, and John Carter and Starship Troopers were among the movies mentioned as being misunderstood[9]. So, the next time you revisit a movie that was once panned, remember that it might just be due for a second chance.
[1] https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/sorcerer-1977 [2] https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/a_knights_tale [3] https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/here-2024 [4] https://www.rogerebert.com/m/movies/m-night-shyamalan [5] https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_misfits [6] https://www.vox.com/culture/24148345/john-carter-disney-flop-box-office-bomb [7] https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/starship-troopers-1997 [8] https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/speed-racer-2008 [9] https://twitter.com/search?q=movies%20critics%20got%20wrong&src=typed_query&f=live
- Daily blend of movies-and-tv discussions might frequently revisit movies such as 'Sorcerer (1977)', 'A Knight's Tale (2001)', and 'The Misfits (1961)', initially panned by critics but currently garnering newfound appreciation in the realm of entertainment and pop-culture.
- As shifting cultural contexts, director reputation, and critical perspectives influence the box office, some overlooked titles like 'John Carter (2012)', 'Starship Troopers (1997)', and 'Speed Racer (2008)' may undergo significant reappraisal, sometimes earning a second chance for redemption at the box office.
