It happens to all of us at some point: you watch a movie that everyone seems to love, but you can’t see the appeal. This doesn’t make you a lousy movie-goer; it simply means your tastes differ from the crowd. Here are 22 widely acclaimed films that are unenjoyable to more people than you’d think.
American Sniper
Telling the complex story of Chris Kyle, a Navy SEAL, American Sniper has been praised for its intense action sequences and Bradley Cooper’s performance. Critics, however, argue that it glosses over the complexities of war and paints a one-sided picture. This makes it a difficult watch for those looking for a nuanced war film and to experience different points of view.
The Greatest Showman
This quirky musical biopic about P.T. Barnum, played by Hugh Jackman, was a commercial success and loved for its catchy soundtrack. However, despite its loveable eccentricities, its historical inaccuracies and the portrayal of Barnum as a hero can be problematic for those familiar with the true story behind the man.
Pocahontas
Disney’s Pocahontas is often remembered for its timelessly beautiful animation and memorable songs. Yet, its romanticized and inaccurate portrayal of historical events has led to criticism. If you value historical accuracy and want to avoid racial stereotypes, this movie might not be for you.
A Clockwork Orange
Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange is a classic known for its disturbing and violent content. While some hail it as a masterpiece of cinema, others find it unwatchable due to its graphic nature. Its harrowing scenes are definitely not for the faint-hearted.
Saw
Another gut-wrenching film in more ways than one, the original Saw movie kicked off a highly successful horror franchise known for its gory and gruesome traps. For some, the extreme violence and torture elements are too much to handle. If you’re not into horror that relies on shock value, you might want to skip this one.
Joker
Joaquin Phoenix might have won an Oscar for his performance in the Joker, but this hasn’t stopped people from airing their criticism. Some viewers criticize the film for its bleak and nihilistic tone. If you prefer uplifting or positive stories, Joker may not be the best choice.
Pretty Woman
Pretty Woman, a romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, was a massive hit in the year of its release and beyond. But its portrayal of a romance between a wealthy businessman and a prostitute has been critiqued for glamorizing and oversimplifying complex social issues.
Requiem for a Dream
Requiem for a Dream is a harrowing tale of addiction, known for its powerful performances and unflinching portrayal of its subject matter. It’s also known for its relentless bleakness, which can be overwhelming and make it a tough watch for more sensitive viewers.
Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump is an iconic film that won numerous awards and is often considered a feel-good classic. Yet, some find its simplistic take on historical events and the portrayal of the titular character as overly sentimental and manipulative.
American Beauty
American Beauty was critically acclaimed and won several Oscars, but its dark and controversial themes and portrayal of suburban malaise can be off-putting. Some viewers find its narrative pretentious and its characters unlikeable.
Gone with the Wind
Gone with the Wind is a historical epic often regarded as one of the greatest films ever. However, its romanticized view of the antebellum South and its portrayal of slavery is deeply problematic for many modern viewers.
The English Patient
The English Patient is a sweeping romantic drama that won multiple Academy Awards. Some viewers, though, find its slow pacing and complex narrative structure challenging. This one might not be for you if you’re not into long, drawn-out dramas.
A Clockwork Orange
Stanley Kubrick’s controversial film is revered by some for its artistic vision but reviled by others for its explicit content. If you’re uncomfortable with violence and dystopian themes, this classic might be hard to appreciate.
The Notebook
The Notebook is a popular romantic drama that many adore for its heartfelt story. However, its melodramatic approach and clichéd plot can be grating for those who prefer more nuanced romances.
Twilight
The Twilight series has a massive fan base, but it’s also met with substantial criticism. Some find the story’s portrayal of romance unhealthy and the characters poorly developed.
2001: A Space Odyssey
Stanley Kubrick’s sci-fi epic is hailed as a masterpiece. However, its slow pace and abstract narrative make it difficult for some to connect with. If you prefer straightforward storytelling, this film might be a tough watch.
Bird Box
Bird Box was a sensation when it premiered on Netflix, but not everyone was impressed. Critics argue that the film relies too heavily on jump scares, leaves too many questions unanswered, and paints an overly harrowing picture of mental health issues.
The Blair Witch Project
This pioneering found-footage horror film received widespread acclaim but can be polarizing. Some viewers find its shaky camera work and ambiguous ending frustrating rather than frightening.
Elf
It might be a beloved holiday comedy, but not everyone finds Will Ferrell’s over-the-top performance endearing. If you’re not a fan of slapstick humor or saccharine holiday cheer, Elf might not be for you.
The Passion of the Christ
Mel Gibson’s depiction of the last hours of Jesus Christ is powerful yet controversial. Its graphic violence and intense subject matter can be difficult for some viewers to watch.
The Human Centipede
Infamous for its grotesque concept, The Human Centipede has attracted criticism since its controversial release. While some appreciate its shock value, many find it unwatchable due to its extreme content.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Like any popular franchise with a cult following, Star Wars: The Last Jedi would always divide fans and critics. Some appreciate its bold choices, while others feel it strays too far from what they love about the franchise.
