19 movies that divided audiences and critics

Cinema often seems to demand a unique perspective and interpretation from everyone. However, it is the collective opinion that ultimately determines whether we stand on this side or on that side of the horizon. Similarly, there are many films that have divided the audiences and the critics over time, owing to their conflicting feedback. The viewers may be raving about a movie's surprising plot twist, or its abstract climax, whereas the critics might be giving it a really hard time, or vice versa. Thus, here are 19 movies that garnered different opinions from critics and audiences, for better or for worse. Please note, this is entirely based on the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

1) Joker

The world was mesmerized by Todd Phillips’ bold take on the infamous Batman villain, Joker (2019), but it also sparked widespread discussion and controversy. Although Joaquin Phoenix and his Oscar-winning performance were loved by all, the critics were torn between two kinds of opinion. While some praised it as a groundbreaking exploration of human anguish and societal collapse, others condemned it as irresponsible, and violent and suggested it may encourage copycat behavior. However, the audience was simply awestruck, calling it a masterpiece.

2) Passengers

Directed by Morten Tyldum, Passengers (2016) is romantic sci-fi that had the critics and audience stand-in polar opposite directions. The critics weren't quite a fan of the film for its somewhat slow-moving narrative and the abrupt shift from a space thriller to a romance, even though most of the audience seemed to enjoy it. Whether it was because of Lawrence and Pratt’s on-screen chemistry or the film’s glossy sci-fi aesthetic, the fans shared a different opinion than the critics.

3) The Blair Witch Project

The Blair Witch Project (1999) is an American psychological horror that became a seminal work in the found-footage genre. Although the audience was disappointed in the film because they thought it lacked a well-defined storyline, a structured plot, and the essential fear factor to pass it off as a horror movie, the critics seemed pretty impressed with its creative narrative, minimalist production, and artful use of implied horror.

4) Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

An adaptation of the Roald Dahl novel, Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) was a sweet-and-sour stir; some loved it, and others discarded it. The critics were split in half. Some admired Burton’s twisted version of Willy Wonka's character played by Johnny Depp, while others found it outrageous and freaky. Most audiences, however, struggled to accept this reboot as their nostalgia for the 1971 adaptation, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and the original novel, ran deep.

5) The Greatest Showman

With a star-studded cast and extravagant production, The Greatest Showman (2017) recounted the life story of the historical figure, P.T. Barnum. Critics were highly disapproving of Hugh Jackman’s whitewashed portrayal of Barnum’s controversial past, claiming that it prioritized aesthetics over authenticity. They also regarded the storyline as too predictable and unfulfilling. The audience, on the other hand, greatly enjoyed the colorful production, the breathtaking choreographies, the celebrity lineup like Zac Efron, Hugh Jackman, and Zendaya, and of course the catchy soundtrack.

6) The Lion King

Walt Disney released a photorealistic CGI remake of The Lion King in 2019 that stirred roaring debates among critics and audiences. Though the audience was sold by the movie's nostalgic focus and, of course, James Earl Jones’s stunning voice as Mufasa, the critics railed at the overly realistic approach that robbed the characters of their emotional quotient, leaving behind a visually impressive but emotionally hollow experience.

7) La La Land

A Damien Chazelle film, La La Land (2016), starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, is an ode to the genre of musicals that bagged the Oscars and a few polarized opinions. While the critics and one-half of the audience were in awe of the film's cinematic color grading, magical romance, and soul-soothing musical numbers, the other half of the audience was displeased with its heartbreaking ending, calling it simply overhyped. We also can't ignore the fact that though it celebrated jazz, it overlooked the contribution of Black artists.

8) Eyes Wide Shut

The psychosexual mystery drama, Eyes Wide Shut (1999), was Stanley Kubrick's final creation. The film was subjected to censorship and controversy due to its explicit sexual content, and the audience also complained about the slow pace and complex themes. However, the critics loved the innovative approach to a mysterious narrative technique and also praised the bold, intellectual storyline.

9) The Gray Man

The Gray Man (2022), starring Chris Evans and Ryan Gosling, is a suspense thriller that received mixed reviews from critics and audiences upon its release. The fans surely couldn't get enough of Ryan Gosling's undeniable charm, the action-packed sequences, and the heart-pounding chase scenes; but the critics seemed to be bored by the predictable storyline, full script, and cardboard-cutout villains.

10) King Kong

This visually appealing adventure film, King Kong (2005) is a Peter Jackson creation. However, it caused a significant rift in opinion between the audiences and critics. Some viewers were mesmerized by the aesthetics, emotional resonance, and storyline, while others were displeased with the slow pace and extended runtime of the film. The critics praised the movie for its visual effects and the way Jackson convincingly portrayed the giant ape, making it so deeply moving, but again others felt exhausted by its three-hour time duration and lagging effect.

11) Midsommar

This psychological thriller by Ari Aster is a riveting horror tale, intensified by Florence Pugh’s chilling performance. The critics were delighted by the unnerving suspense, thorough storytelling, and blindingly bright visuals. On top of that, Pugh's performance was applauded by all. Audiences, however, were divided amongst themselves. While some were in high opinion of it, others disapproved of the harrowing climax, disturbing content, and slow tempo.

12) Hotel Transylvania

The horror comedy animation film, Hotel Transylvania (2012) was a classic reunion of monsters on television. The kids (and adults) were all in for the laughs, the quirky monsters, and the simple yet entertaining plot, rendering it the ideal pick for a family movie night. However, the critics thought the storyline was mostly leaning on slapstick comedy, a bit dull and predictable, and offered no depth compared to other animated movies that stand out.

13) The Fountain

The Fountain (2006) is a Darren Aronofsky film, starring Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz, that sparked widespread controversies over its unique narrative approach. Critics were all singing praises of its breathtaking cinematography, poignant metaphors, and emotional depth, portraying stories told from three different time frames. While some audiences were in favor of the critics, others simply called it pretentious and overly abstract, leaving the story and its characters somewhat adrift.

14) Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) had the critics and audiences on opposite ends of the rope. The critics seemed pretty content and praised it for the bold visuals, engaging characters, and Johnson’s groundbreaking directorial choices that challenged the Star Wars franchise conventions. But there was a major dissatisfaction amongst the audience who thought the humor fell flat and the narrative lost its focus. They disliked the misrepresentation of the legacy characters and felt the entire storyline with Finn and Rose was unnecessarily prolonged.

15) Ad Astra

A James Gray direction, Ad Astra (2019) is a Sci-fi starring Brad Pitt and explores deep, introspective themes through its unique storytelling. Critics showered it with praises for Pitt’s outstanding performance, thought-provoking plot, and stunning cinematography. Well, audiences did not receive it so well. They found it slow-paced, underwhelming, and lacking that overall punch in comparison with space blockbusters like Gravity and Interstellar.

16) Birdman

Birdman (2014) is a comedy-drama about an aging film star who wants to reclaim his former glory. The critics applauded it wholeheartedly for the impressive technical execution making it look like a one, continuous shot. They also admired Michael Keaton’s powerful acting and the taut storytelling in the film. It snatched away the 2015 Academy Award for Best Picture. However, the fast-moving narrative and chaotic sequences did not sit well with the audience. They thought it was vain and trying too hard.

17) Mother!

Mother! (2017) is a haunting tale of creation and destruction by Darren Aronofsky, that has allegorical depth and biblical imagery embedded in the narrative. With Jennifer Lawrence in the role of the protagonist, the critics acknowledged the film's bold narrative, rich symbolism, and powerful visuals. On the flip side, it did not appeal much to the audience. They criticized its ambiguous climax, and the odd, unsettling plot. In any way, it got everyone talking about it for days.

18) Venom

The release of Venom in 2018 stirred up a strong debate between the critics and the audience. The viewers couldn't stop drooling over Tom Hardy. They liked the film for its entertaining plot, subtle humor, and overall funky vibe. But the movie received some serious backlash from the critics. They criticized the movie for its uninspired storyline, weak dialogues, and lack of any depth as such. Some even felt Hardy’s portrayal of Venom was a bit too much.

19) Sausage Party

This 2016 adult animated comedy film drew conflicting responses from both critics and the crowd. Critics spoke highly of the film, Sausage Party, for its delightful mix of wit and wisdom, and the uniquely bold storytelling. The audience on the contrary seemed offended by the explicit sexual innuendos. They deemed it shallow and meaningless, and not nearly as fun as the audience had expected it to be.