Some films garner fantastic reviews from critics but are met with severe criticism from audiences. Here, we will look at 30 films that received great accolades from critics but eventually failed to win over the general public. Make sure you do not miss number 18, that one had us divided ourselves.
1. The Outwaters (2022)
Found footage is a popular but occasionally contentious subgenre of horror in which the film is presented as if it is a true incident that has been filmed. Robbie Banfitch, the director, writer, and lead actor, takes the approach to the extreme in “The Outwaters,” which follows a group of friends who travel to the desert to record a music video only to encounter incomprehensible events.
2. Sator (2019)
“Sator” is a highly personal picture for writer-director Jordan Graham, who produced, shot, and edited it while also casting his grandmother, June Peterson, as Nani, the protagonist’s grandma. The concept for the film arose from Peterson’s dementia, and the premise of the story came from Nani, who began to experience visions of a mystery and potentially harmful spirit watching over their cabin.
3. She Dies Tomorrow (2020)
The idea of “She Dies Tomorrow” is unique, as it follows a pandemic in which each infected individual believes they will die within the next 24 hours. At first, this is demonstrated on a micro level, as an infected Amy (Kate Lyn Sheil) seeks solace from her best friend Jane (Jane Adams), but each figure they encounter succumbs to this unknown and incurable sickness.
4. Black Is King (2020)
Beyoncé is no stranger to the visual album, having released “Beyoncé” (also known as “Self-Titled”) in 2013, “Lemonade” in 2016, and her most recent project, “Black Is King,” on Disney+. This movie was inspired by the artist’s voice acting as Nala in Disney’s 2019 version of “The Lion King,” and it features 85 minutes of colorful images to accompany songs from the photorealistic CGI film.
5. Lucky (2020)
“Lucky” is an unabashedly feminist horror film, with the protagonist a self-help author writing on female independence, and the horror element being a man repeatedly breaking into her home. The film was written by lead performer Brea Grant and directed by Natasha Kermani.
6. We’re All Going to the World’s Fair (2021)
Jane Schoenbrun’s “We’re All Going to the World’s Fair” is unlike any other horror film, a slow burn focused on the internet’s obsession with terrifying stuff. After completing the viral World’s Fair Challenge, protagonist Casey (Anna Cobb) becomes increasingly unstable as she posts a series of YouTube videos and vlogs about it.
7. An Easy Girl (2019)
Rebecca Zlotowski’s comedy-drama “An Easy Girl” delves into subjects such as riches and temptation, all of which are heightened by a particular tone reminiscent of reality TV. Naïma’s (Mina Farid) vacation is upended when her older, richer, and more free-spirited cousin Sofia (Zahia Dehar) pays her a visit and exposes her to a different lifestyle.
8. Holiday (2018)
“Holiday” is the breakout first film of Swedish director Isabella Eklöf, whose unwavering approach to depicting contentious issues has garnered her parallels to Michael Haneke and Gaspar Noé. Eklöf immerses audiences in a world of problematic behaviors and apathy through protagonist Sascha (Vic Carmen Sonne), an unstable trafficker’s girlfriend who falls in love with an attractive stranger while on vacation in Turkey.
9. Starfish (2018)
Despite its title, “Starfish” has nothing to do with the beloved underwater creature. Instead, it’s a sci-fi drama about teenager Aubrey (Virginia Gardner), who mourns the murder of her best friend while the world appears to crumble around her.
10. Enys Men (2022)
The term “Enys Men” translates to “Stone Island” in Cornish, which perfectly describes the little island in Cornwall where this disturbing narrative takes place. Mark Jenkin wrote and directed this folk horror film, which follows an unidentified volunteer exploring a mysterious flower that grows on the site, but she quickly discovers that the bloom has the potential to distort reality for anyone who touches it.
11. See You Yesterday (2019)
Stefon Bristol’s “See You Yesterday” is a teen adventure film that uses science fiction to address racial issues, as bright African American student C.J. (Eden Duncan-Smith) strives to create a time machine to save her brother, who was murdered by a racist cop. The characters are complex, and important plot topics are handled with sensitivity, yet some critics argue that the film lacks a defined audience because it alternates between “childish” and obscene content.
12. Walking Out (2017)
“Walking Out” is an intimate picture of a parent-child bond, albeit a father-son relationship located in the vast wilderness. Matt Bomer and Josh Wiggins star as the principal couple, who travel on an annual nature expedition despite their estrangement, and the trip is derailed by a fatal accident.
13. The Eternal Daughter (2022)
Joanna Hogg, known for the critically praised films “The Souvenir” and “The Souvenir: Part II,” explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships in her film “The Eternal Daughter.” The plot follows the couple as they return to the now-run-down mansion they used to call home, with Tilda Swinton giving a magnificent performance as both mother and daughter.
14. The Loneliest Planet (2011)
Julia Loktev’s drama-thriller “The Loneliest Planet” is aptly described as intimate, atmospheric, and genuine. The film stars Golden Globe winner Gael García Bernal and Israeli actress Hani Furstenberg as an engaged American couple on a hiking trip in Georgia, whose romance is upended following a violent encounter with anti-American locals.
15. God’s Country (2022)
“God’s Country” has nothing to do with the Blake Shelton song of the same name; instead, Julian Higgins wrote and directed this Western thriller. Based on a James Lee Burke short tale, “God’s Country” features Sandra (Thandiwe Newton), a retired officer who is forced to confront dangerous trespassers at her Montana house.
16. Flux Gourmet (2022)
Peter Strickland knew his horror comedy “Flux Gourmet” would have to live up to his 2019 A24 film “In Fabric,” which Vulture described as the year’s “weirdest movie.” And, in terms of oddity, it definitely lives up to the expectations. “Flux Gourmet” follows Stones (Makis Papadimitriou), a reporter who covers a trio of culinary-themed performance artists at the Sonic Catering Institute.
17. High Life (2018)
Similar to “Let the Sunshine In,” “High Life” is another collaboration between filmmaker Claire Denis and performer Juliette Binoche, but this time they are joined by Robert Pattinson, Mia Goth, and André 3000. “High Life” is an outlier in Denis’ filmography, as it is a science-fiction mystery about a gang of criminals attempting to survive in space until only Monte (Pattinson) and a newborn remain.
18. A Wounded Fawn (2022)
Travis Stevens is a well-known name in the contemporary horror film industry, having produced films such as 2014’s “Starry Eyes” and 2015’s “We Are Still Here,” before shifting to writing-directing with 2021’s “Jakob’s Wife” and the most recent “A Wounded Fawn.” His latest film merges horror and art history, as serial killer Bruce (Josh Ruben) becomes obsessed with an antique Greek sculpture while on a romantic weekend getaway with his fiancée.
19. Free Willy (1993)
Franchises are common today, but one often-overlooked series is “Free Willy,” which has four films, the most recent of which was produced in 2010. The original 1993 film is by far the most popular, following orphan Jesse (Jason James Richter) on his journey to escape a trapped and abused orca from an amusement park. “Free Willy” strikes a mix between pure family entertainment with a progressive message (Save the Whales!).
20. Let the Sunshine In (2017)
“Let the Sunshine In” is the first collaboration between two French cinematic giants: renowned director Claire Denis and Oscar-winning actress Juliette Binoche. Denis’ film revolves around Isabelle, a fiercely independent painter who searches for love as she navigates the Paris dating scene.
21. Mother! (2017)
Darren Aronofsky’s psychological horror film gained great acclaim for its striking, metaphorical themes. However, many viewers were turned off by the vivid, unsettling images and ambiguous plot.
22. The Tree of Life (2011)
Terrence Malick’s introspective look at life, the world, and existence received high praise for its visual poetry and intellectual depth. Audiences found the picture too slow and obscure, and they struggled to connect with its abstract plot.
23. Cloud Atlas (2012)
This grandiose sci-fi epic was praised for its scale and unique narrative structure. Nevertheless, the film’s complicated, nonlinear plot perplexed many viewers, who struggled to understand its conceptual coherence.
24. The Neon Demon (2016)
Nicolas Winding Refn’s sophisticated, visually arresting thriller was lauded for its daring take on terror and beauty. The unpleasant content and slow pacing, however, turned off many audience members who expected a more traditional story.
25. A Ghost Story (2017)
Critics praised this quiet, minimalist film for its exploration of time, loss, and existence. Audiences, on the other hand, felt it too slow and the topics difficult to connect with on an emotional level.
26. Upstream Color (2013)
Shane Carruth’s dense, thought-provoking science fiction picture was praised by critics for its inventiveness and visually compelling storyline. Audiences were left angry and perplexed by the esoteric narrative and tough pacing.
27. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
While the sequel to Ridley Scott’s sci-fi classic received worldwide critical acclaim for its magnificent sights and philosophical underpinnings, many viewers considered it to be too long, slow, and lacking in action when compared to the original.
28. The Master (2012)
Paul Thomas Anderson’s dramatic character study of a cult leader and his disciple received plaudits for its performances, particularly those of Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Nonetheless, spectators were dissatisfied with the slow pace and lack of clear narrative direction.
29. Synecdoche, New York (2008)
Charlie Kaufman’s existential drama was hailed for its rich storytelling and profound insights on life and death. Audiences found it overwhelmingly dark, perplexing, and emotionally difficult to connect with.
30. Only God Forgives (2013)
Another Nicolas Winding Refn film, this ultra-stylized criminal drama was praised for its spectacular graphics and meditative atmosphere. However, the film’s slow pace, lack of dialogue, and severe violence left many viewers dissatisfied.
