Fans loved these ’90s films critics didn’t

’90s films fans loved that critics didn’t

In the 1990s, some films received harsh critical reviews yet became beloved by audiences for their unique appeal. Starship Troopers (1997), initially criticized for its perceived glorification of militarism, later gained a cult following for its satirical take on fascism.

Similarly, Fight Club (1999) was commercially unsuccessful and divisive among critics but found resonance with audiences through its themes of identity and consumerism, ultimately becoming a cultural phenomenon. These films show how audience perspectives can uncover layers critics miss.

Back To The Future Part II

Due in part to its future-setting decision, Back to the Future Part II was viewed as a degradation from the first and had mixed reviews upon release. But as time went on, it became more and more appreciated, particularly when considered as a component of the entire trilogy.

The first film’s emphasis on Marty’s beginnings is complemented by its concerns regarding his legacy.

The film’s peculiar outlook on 2015, which includes some strangely true forecasts, lends a nostalgic beauty to the present day. The Back to the Future series has maintained a devoted following despite early criticism.

Harlem Nights (1989)

Harlem Nights, a 1930s crime noir set in Harlem, was written, directed, and starred Eddie Murphy at the height of his stardom. The movie, which starred Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx, portrayed a nightclub owner as he battled crooked police officers and rival gangsters.

Despite its popularity, it received harsh criticism from critics, including Siskel and Ebert, who ranked it among the worst movies of 1989. It currently has an 80% acceptance rating from the audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Hook (1991)

Only 29% of critics gave Steven Spielberg’s Hook (1991), which starred Robin Williams as an adult Peter Pan, a favorable review on Rotten Tomatoes. It was criticized by Roger Ebert for not offering a novel interpretation of the Peter Pan tale.

Over time, though, audiences have welcomed it, complimenting Dante Basco’s Rufio, John Williams’ captivating score, and Williams’ passionate acting. It received a solid A on CinemaScore despite negative reviews, demonstrating its ongoing appeal among fans.

Armageddon (1998)

Fans love Michael Bay’s Armageddon for its irrational plot and chaotic action, which opponents find annoying. Despite having several plot problems, the film’s exciting idea revolves around oil drillers ordered by NASA to stop an asteroid.

Its popularity becoming the highest-grossing movie of 1998 demonstrates that, despite defying reason and critical consensus, Bay’s lavish aesthetic attracts to a broad audience. It’s traditional, thoughtless Bay-style amusement.

But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)

In the satirical comedy But I’m a Cheerleader, Natasha Lyonne plays a cheerleader whose parents send her to conversion treatment. Despite early criticism, The Los Angeles Times labeled its humor “superficial,” and Variety branded it “shallow,” the movie eventually became a cult favorite.

Curve called it “incredible” in 2003, and AfterEllen named it “one of the best lesbian movies ever made” in 2015. It was praised for its hilarious and sympathetic portrayal of youthful queerness.

The Thing (1982)

Although it was not well received when it was first released, John Carpenter’s 1982 thriller The Thing is today regarded as a classic. Alan Spencer described it as “sterile,” while critics such as Linda Gross referred to it as “nihilistic.”

It was a box office failure as well because audiences avoided it. But after being released on home video, it developed a cult following of fans who valued its gripping narrative and avant-garde effects. The Thing is now hailed as one of the greatest movies of the 1980s and a horror masterpiece.

Space Jam (1996)

The popular 1990s movie Space Jam, which combines Michael Jordan and the Looney Tunes in a fun and original way, is renowned for its nostalgic appeal. Because of its humor, cameos, and cartoon antics, it became a cult favorite in 1996 despite receiving mixed reviews.

Its persistent appeal stands in stark contrast to the 2021 sequel, A New Legacy, which was badly reviewed and lacked the original’s enduring charm. Because of its nostalgic appeal and fun blend of sports and animation, the original movie is still well-liked.

Big Daddy (1999)

Big Daddy (1999) stars Adam Sandler as a 32-year-old slacker who illegally adopts his roommate’s son to impress his girlfriend. Though critics, including Roger Ebert, panned it, Ebert gave it just 1.5 stars, it was a hit with audiences.

The film balances adult humor with family-friendly themes. Notably, director Paul Thomas Anderson, who later worked with Sandler on Punch-Drunk Love (2002), praised the film in a 2018 interview, highlighting its lasting appeal despite its rocky critical reception.

Tommy Boy (1995)

Tommy Boy (1995), a buddy comedy spin-off of Saturday Night Live with Chris Farley and David Spade, was directed by Peter Segal. Farley portrays Tommy, a well-intentioned but awkward character who works with Spade’s stiff Richard to salvage his late father’s car parts company.

Despite being rejected by reviewers at first, the movie gained enduring appeal thanks to repeated cable repeats. With a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, it has subsequently become a cult classic.

Idle Hands (1999)

The 1999 horror-comedy Idle Hands tells the story of Anton (Devon Sawa), a slothful teenager whose right hand gets demonically possessed.

In addition to killing his friends, who reappear as sardonic zombies, the deadly hand jeopardizes his relationship with his neighbor Molly (Jessica Alba).

The picture, which combined slapstick humor and gore, garnered a cult following despite receiving only 15% of the reviewers’ vote on Rotten Tomatoes. A higher audience score of 60% indicates that fans enjoy its gory, playful style and 90s atmosphere.

Troy (2004)

Homer’s Iliad was transformed into the 2004 Wolfgang Petersen picture Troy, which starred Brad Pitt as Achilles and Eric Bana as Hector. The film’s poor plot was lambasted by critics despite its powerful ensemble and thrilling action sequences.

Nonetheless, viewers enjoyed the dramatic love tales, big battles, and gripping performances. Despite its narrative flaws, it was a popular triumph because spectators were enthralled by the majesty and emotional intensity, but critics were disappointed.

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)

After killing a fisherman by mistake and disposing of his body in the water, four friends are haunted for a year in I Know What You Did Last Summer. A hook-handed killer soon starts pursuing them when they get a terrifying letter from someone aware of their secret.

Thanks to its all-star cast from the 1990s, which included Jennifer Love Hewitt, Freddie Prinze Jr., and Sarah Michelle Gellar, the movie became popular among teenagers despite receiving negative reviews from critics. It is still a well-known and fun teen slasher.

Hocus Pocus (1993)

Critics criticized Hocus Pocus for being excessively campy and extravagant when it was first released in 1993. Despite this, the movie has become a Halloween classic, starring Kathy Najimy, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Bette Midler as the naughty Sanderson sisters.

Its distinctive comedy, catchy sayings, and joyous atmosphere have made it a cherished yearly custom, and fans continue to appreciate it each October, solidifying its status as a holiday film classic.

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Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)

Jim Carrey’s career peaked in the 1990s, when he starred in popular films like The Mask and Dumb and Dumber. However, the excessive humor and obscene antics in his 1994 feature Ace Ventura: Pet Detective drew scathing condemnation.

Carrey’s unusual persona as a quirky pet detective turned off critics. Despite this, viewers enjoyed the ridiculous humor in the movie, particularly Carrey’s iconic butt-talking moment, and it eventually became a cult favorite.

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Which of these misunderstood ’90s classics is your favorite, and why? Comment your fave pick!

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.