7 Controversial Movies That Sparked Heated Debates Between Fans and Critics
The fact that We're the Millers only received a 49% rating from critics must be considered a crime.
In the world of cinema, some movies manage to spark fierce debates and divide audiences and critics with their opinions.
Here are 7 films that have stirred up significant controversy and led to passionate disagreements between two sides.
7. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
Critics: 83%
Audience: 51%
The clash between fans of the 1971 book adaptation and Tim Burton's fresh take led to mixed reactions from critics and audiences. While audiences attached to the previous version found the darker themes of the 2005 version unsettling, we stand by the critics' belief that Tim Burton's artistic touch combined with Roald Dahl's imaginative world created one of the greatest book adaptations.
6. The Little Mermaid (2023)
Critics: 67%
Audience: 94%
Both critics and audiences are usually hard on live-action Disney remakes, so a 67% rating was no slap in the face. However, since the film faced a huge backlash even before its premiere, the 94% rating from audiences came as the biggest surprise. Apparently, Halle Bailey's brilliant performance could change even the most stubborn viewers' minds.
5. We're The Millers (2013)
Critics: 48%
Audience: 72%
This comedy gem, starring Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis, Emma Roberts, and Will Poulter as a fake family on a criminal adventure, deserves 100% from both sides and not a point less. With a talented cast and a clever script, it's a fun and silly comedy that will cheer you up no matter what stage of sadness you're at.
4. Hulk (2003)
Critics: 61%
Audience: 29%
While critics praised Ang Lee's Hulk for trying something new in the genre, audiences were less forgiving. They felt disconnected from the characters and style and criticized Eric Bana's Bruce Banner for not sticking to the familiar formula of successful comic book movies at the time.
3. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
Critics: 91%
Audience: 42%
While visually successful, the eighth installment in the Star Wars saga polarized fans and critics by subverting established franchise tropes. While some praised its bold approach, others were disappointed by its narrative choices, character arcs, and treatment of beloved legacy characters. In the case of Luke Skywalker, for example, the film drastically disregarded previous character development.
2. Venom ( 2018)
Critics: 30%
Audience: 81%
Venom may not have been the most popular adaptation for comic book fans, but it was an entertaining take on the superhero, with Tom Hardy shining in the role. The plot was simple, and while Venom's offspring, Riot, wasn't the best villain to imprint on our memories, let's not forget that this is just a superhero movie that shouldn't require high expectations.
1. Fast X (2023)
Critics: 57%
Audience: 84%
The Fast and Furious franchise seemed to have lost the respect of critics a long time ago, so such low scores from that side of the fence come as no big surprise. While praising the action-packed formula, critics' views on the sequel drastically differed from the die-hard fans of the series who have come to identify themselves as part of the Toretto family throughout the more than decade-long franchise run.