Critics Gave This Fantasy Epic a Harsh 29% on RT – But Audiences Made It a Netflix Top 10 Hit

Video game adaptations are notoriously difficult, but Warcraft is a unique exception.

Though panned by critics for its inability to explain the world's structure and receiving a 29% score on Rotten Tomatoes, fans loved the movie. It recently climbed into the Netflix top 10, which is entirely deserved.

What Is 'Warcraft' About?

The orcish world is dying. Led by the sorcerer Gul'dan, the orcs are gathering to form the Horde. They plan to enter the human-inhabited world of Azeroth through a portal.

The king has tasked Alliance commander Anduin Lothar with dealing with the small groups of orcs crossing the border who are wreaking havoc in Azeroth's forests.

Neither world knows that the portal connecting them is powered by a third force intent on destroying both races.

'Warcraft' Was Totally Unfairly Panned by Critics, but It's a Perfectly Decent Game Adaptation

Director Duncan Jones, an avid fan of the game himself, made a movie for fans. It was made for people passionate about Warcraft who understand the central conflict without explanation – this approach was destined for low ratings, but Jones deserves credit for it.

Unlike other attempts to bring games to the screen, Warcraft doesn't try to have it both ways by trying to please fans and attract new audiences simultaneously. The movie resonates with those who were most eagerly awaiting it, and the warm reception is therefore entirely justified.

Critics panned Warcraft for its confusion and inability to explain the world's structure, but fans don't see this as a problem. They don't need explanations about the Dark Portal or Gul'dan. They came to see epic battles, and the battles are spectacular.

'Warcraft' Is a Large-Scale Action Movie That Works Flawlessly

As a large-scale action movie, Warcraft works flawlessly. The orcs appear menacing and realistic, the product of years of motion capture and CGI work. The movie's magic is vibrant and spectacular, and the battles are epic. Despite its age, Warcraft still looks magnificent.

Jones created a believable world – Azeroth comes alive on screen, Stormwind Keep is majestic, and the swamps are dark and dangerous. Even those unfamiliar with the game can appreciate the artists' and set designers' work.

Warcraft's greatest strength is its honesty – it's not a cynical, cookie-cutter blockbuster. It's a film made with a love for the game, and that love is evident in every frame.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Warcraft'?

• Warcraft has 29% from critics and 76% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 6.7/10.

• On Letterboxd, Warcraft scored 2.5/5.0.