19 Box office hits with unfavorable critic’s review

What happens when the storyline is not that good, but viewers waited for the release for too long? Well, most likely, that movie is going to be a box office hit, earning more than the actual budget. In many instances, we have experienced movies that were not up to the mark. Sometimes, it’s the acting, maybe the direction, or perhaps the storyline. But we, fans, just can’t resist seeing our favorite star or franchise on the big screen. Pity the critics don’t feel that way, and they are bound to give an honest review. So here is a list of 19 movies that are box office hits even though the critics had to say otherwise.

1. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Directed by Zack Snyder and released in 2016, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was the showdown fans waited decades for—but critics didn’t hold back. They slammed its messy story, gloomy tone, and a certain “Martha” moment that left everyone scratching their heads. Still, superheroes battling it out on screen was too big to ignore, and the epic action and star power of Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill made it a spectacle. With a $250M budget, it grossed over $873M worldwide.

2. Suicide Squad

With a $175M budget and a whopping $746M box office haul, Suicide Squad proved chaos sells. Critics, though, had a field day tearing apart its choppy editing, thin plot, and over-the-top antics. Jared Leto’s Joker didn’t quite land, but Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn and Will Smith’s Deadshot stole the show with their charm. Directed by David Ayer and released in 2016, it’s the movie you love to hate but can’t stop watching.

3. Sex and the City

Critics weren’t exactly in love, calling it a stretched-out episode with too much drama and not enough spark. But hey, who cares? Sex and the City strutted into theatres with designer heels, raking in $418M worldwide on a $65M budget. Fans adored the fabulous wardrobes, juicy relationship chaos, and, of course, Sarah Jessica Parker’s iconic Carrie Bradshaw. Directed by Michael Patrick King and released in 2008, it was a guilty pleasure hit for fashion lovers everywhere.

4. Bad Boys II

With a budget of $130M, Bad Boys II blew up the box office, earning a whopping $273M worldwide. Critics weren’t too thrilled, calling it over-the-top, too long, and more about explosions than the story. But fans didn’t care. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s hilarious bromance, flashy action, and wild chases made it a guilty pleasure sequel to the 1995 hit Bad Boys. Directed by Michael Bay, it brought the chaos to theatres in 2003 with unapologetic flair.

5. Fifty Shades Darker

Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey returned with more steamy drama in Fifty Shades Darker, much to fans’ excitement. Despite a lukewarm reception from critics who called it shallow and poorly written, the film still raked in $381M globally on a $55M budget, proof that guilty pleasures sell. Based on the best-selling novels, this sequel to Fifty Shades of Grey catered to its loyal audience with its blend of romance and intrigue. Directed by James Foley, it hit theatres in 2017.

6. Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2

Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 cruised to a surprising $108M global gross on a $30M budget, proving slapstick comedy still draws crowds. Critics, however, weren’t amused, calling it flat and repetitive compared to the first film. Kevin James returned as the lovable mall cop, delivering goofy antics and Segway stunts, while the Las Vegas setting added some glitz. Fans of the 2009 prequel enjoyed the harmless fun. Directed by Andy Fickman, it hit screens in 2015.

7. The Devil Inside

Directed by William Brent Bell in 2012, The Devil Inside had critics rolling their eyes with its shaky camera work and an ending that left viewers scratching their heads or just annoyed. While it lacked scares and logic, its clever marketing made it irresistible for horror fans looking for a thrill. Despite the bad reviews, it haunted the box office, earning $101M on a shoestring $1M budget. Turns out curiosity pays the bills.

8. Grown Ups 2

With a budget of $80M and a whopping $247M in box office earnings, Grown Ups 2 proved that star power sells even if the jokes didn’t land for critics. While Adam Sandler and his crew (Kevin James, Chris Rock, and David Spade) brought their goofy charm, the film leaned heavily on slapstick over the story. Critics called it lazy, but audiences loved the nostalgic humor carried over from the first movie. Directed by Dennis Dugan in 2013, it’s a crowd-pleaser, not a masterpiece.

9. Christmas with the Kranks

Critics weren’t exactly jingling bells for Christmas with the Kranks, calling it cheesy and predictable. But audiences clearly had holiday spirit, helping the movie rake in $96.6M against a $60M budget. Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis bring their comedic chops to this festive tale of a couple ditching Christmas traditions only to face hilarious neighborhood drama. While it’s no cinematic masterpiece, it’s a warm, goofy watch for holiday lovers. Directed by Joe Roth in 2004, it’s pure seasonal fun.

10. The Village

M. Night Shyamalan’s 2004 thriller The Village had critics rolling their eyes at its overly dramatic twists and slow pace. Some even said the big reveal felt like a prank gone too far. But audiences couldn’t resist the eerie vibes, star-studded cast, and Shyamalan’s knack for suspense. Love it or hate it, it’s a movie people talked about. With a $60M budget, it scared up an impressive $256M worldwide, proof that curiosity can pay off big time.

11. Constantine

Constantine earned $230 million worldwide on a $100 million budget despite critics not being too impressed. The film’s mix of dark magic, demons, and Keanu Reeves in a trench coat seemed like it had potential, but the dialogue and pacing felt more “meh” than mesmerizing. Still, audiences loved its gothic vibe, and Reeves' portrayal of the reluctant demon hunter had a certain cool factor. Directed by Francis Lawrence in 2005, it’s the kind of film you either love or roll your eyes at.

12. The Break-Up

The Break-Up, directed by Peyton Reed in 2006, was a hit with a $118 million gross on a $52 million budget. While the movie was full of rom-com charm, critics weren’t fans of its lack of romantic payoff, so it's not exactly a "feel-good" flick. Still, the chemistry between Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn kept audiences intrigued, making it a guilty pleasure for many. It’s the kind of movie you’ll watch once but probably not twice.

13. Ride Along 2

Ride Along 2 wasn’t exactly winning any awards for originality, but it had the right mix of comedy and action to entertain. Critics might say it’s a predictable buddy cop flick with jokes that fall flat, but audiences ate it up. Grossing $124 million against a $40 million budget, it proved that Kevin Hart and Ice Cube's chemistry still worked. Directed by Tim Story in 2016, it wasn’t as much of a surprise hit as the first Ride Along, but it still managed to pack in the laughs.

14. I Know What You Did Last Summer

Directed by Jim Gillespie in 1997, I Know What You Did Last Summer is a slasher flick that, despite its predictability, became a guilty pleasure for many. While critics dismissed it as a by-the-book horror movie with cliché characters, audiences flocked to see the scares and drama. With a box office haul of $125 million against a $17 million budget, it hit big even if it’s not winning any awards for originality.

15. Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

Critics weren’t exactly rolling out the red carpet for Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, calling it stretched and absurd. Yet, audiences couldn’t resist Jim Carrey’s slapstick genius and wild antics, making the movie a comedy classic. With a $107 million gross from a modest $15 million budget, it became a box office sensation. Directed by Tom Shadyac in 1994, Ace Ventura proved that sometimes, sheer ridiculousness and Carrey’s comedic timing are all you need for a hit.

16. Saw

Directed by James Wan in 2004, Saw is a thriller that critics labeled as too gory and unsettling for its own good. But audiences couldn’t get enough of its twisted plot and the iconic Jigsaw character, turning it into a major box office hit. Despite its low-budget origins, it earned a whopping $103 million worldwide, proving that sometimes, shocking horror and creative storytelling trump critical acclaim. With a budget of just $1.2 million, Saw definitely carved its own niche.

17. The Meg

The Meg grossed $530 million worldwide against a budget of $130 million, proving that audiences love a big, hungry shark. Critics, however, found it over-the-top with cheesy dialogue and unrealistic action. But who needs logic when you’ve got Jason Statham fighting a prehistoric megashark? With its over-the-top thrills, it was a fun ride for those craving mindless entertainment. Directed by Jon Turteltaub in 2018, The Meg was an unashamed popcorn flick that made a splash at the box office.

18. The Number 23

The Number 23 may have confused critics with its bizarre plot and overly dramatic twists, but audiences were still intrigued by its mind-bending mystery. Despite its mixed reception, the film grossed $77 million against a budget of $35 million, likely thanks to Jim Carrey’s unexpected dive into psychological thrillers. Critics thought it lacked depth, but its appeal to fans of quirky thrillers couldn’t be ignored. Directed by Joel Schumacher in 2007, it kept viewers guessing, even if they weren’t always sure why.

19. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Michael Bay’s Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009) was a visual spectacle packed with explosions and giant robots, which is exactly what fans loved, but critics weren't impressed. Despite a convoluted plot and underwhelming dialogue, the movie grossed $836 million against a budget of $200 million. With returning stars like Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox, plus the success of its prequel, it was a blockbuster in terms of action—though not so much in story. Still, audiences couldn’t resist the robot mayhem.