4 Critically Misunderstood Movies That Will Blow Your Mind

We've all been there, scrolling through reviews, seeing a film get absolutely destroyed by critics, and wondering if it's really that terrible. And we are here to tell you that the movies you are advised to stay away from can actually be hidden gems that could even possibly become one of your favorite movies.

Of course, we're not talking about all the movies that received harsh reviews, but there are plenty of really good movies that are hiding under low ratings or box office flops.

That's why today we want to dive into 4 films that got more hate than they deserved. Trust me, these might just become your next favorite guilty pleasures (though, we think that you shouldn't feel guilty about enjoying them at all).

Speed Racer (2008): A Vibrant Adventure From the Directors of The Matrix

The Wachowskis perfectly embodied the feeling of pure joy of watching Saturday morning cartoons with this one.

In this dynamic adventure, we follow Speed (Emile Hirsch), a young racing prodigy born into a family where racing is their whole world. When he uncovers a dark conspiracy in the racing industry, Speed must choose between selling out to corporate interests or staying true to his family's legacy.

Why do we love this movie? Because it's bold, unapologetic, and feels like your favorite anime came to life in the most spectacular way possible. The Wachowskis created something that was living in 3008 while we were stuck in 2008.

"An incredibly forward-looking and downright gorgeous movie in every respect. The editing and shots are so dynamic and totally elevate the story and character acting, there are so many moments that give me goosebumps every time I watch it," Redditor frdfg rightfully noted.

Speed Racer nailed it, and those goosebumps are real, especially during that final race sequence.

If you want to see this underrated gem, head to Fandango at home, Amazon Prime or Apple TV+.

Last Action Hero (1993): The Satire That Came Too Early

Last Action Hero was poking fun at Hollywood's biggest tropes before it became popular.

Danny Madigan escapes his troubled life through action movies (can't blame him), He loves movies that star his hero Jack Slater (Arnold Schwarzenegger). Through a magical ticket (just go with it), Danny ends up inside his favorite movie world, only to learn that real life and movie logic don't always mix well.

This film was marketed all wrong back in '93. Something that could have been labeled as a clever satire on action movies was instead sold as another movie blockbuster with Schwarzenegger. But looking at it today, it's fascinating that it manages to both celebrate and critique the genre it loves.

Critics completely missed the point with this one. Marc Savlov wrote:

"The film tries so very hard to be The Movie of Summer '93 that it almost makes you sick for what could have been, what should have been, and, in the end, what it is: soulless sound and fury — action in a vacuum."

But the movie isn't trying to be a summer blockbuster, it's trying to show us why we love them, flaws and all.

To form your own opinion head to Fandango at home, Amazon Prime or Apple TV+.

Cloud Atlas (2012): Tom Hanks' Epic That Deserved Better

Despite its failure at the box office, Tom Hanks admitted that this is one of his top three movies he's been in:

"We shot on a hope and a dream and nothing but a circle of love…that whole movie was such a deep throw that making it was magical."

Cloud Atlas weaves together six different stories from different time periods, with actors playing multiple roles to highlight how souls are reborn.

This movie sticks with you because it's ambitious in a way few films dare to be. The visuals are stunning, the score will give you chills, and watching Tom Hanks and Halle Berry play multiple roles across centuries is simply fascinating.

Watch Cloud Atlas now on Fandango at home, Amazon Prime or Apple TV+.

Hook (1991): A Magical Return to Childhood

Sometimes critics just get it wrong, and Hook is the perfect example of that. This reimagining of Peter Pan follows a grown-up Peter (Robin Williams) who has forgotten his magical past. When Captain Hook kidnaps his children, Peter must return to Neverland and remember who he truly is.

The movie stands at 29% Tomatometer and 76% Popcornmeter. Who to trust, you may ask. Well, we advise you to fully trust the audience. The movie became a cult classic and is widely appreciated among fans.

Redditor pauldec80 summed it up perfectly:

"Magical movie that was harshly criticised upon release. Didn't deserve it. It's such a warm hearted movie. Probably my favourite Peter Pan telling."

And that's the thing about Hook, it understands that growing up doesn't mean leaving magic behind. The critics bashing this film probably needed to spend some time with the Lost Boys themselves, they clearly forgot how to believe in magic.

Experience the magic for yourself. Watch Hook on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+.