10 Movies With Way Higher Audience Scores Than Critic Scores on Rotten Tomatoes

Now, it’s rarely surprising to see critics and audiences respond very differently to films, as seen in the inconsistent scores on sites like Rotten tomatoes. Although audiences are left scratching their heads most of the time at the considerably large amount of praise given to films that are supposed to be mediocre, there are times when the roles are reversed. Audiences are quick to respond positively to films that leave critics feeling unsatisfied. None of the selected films were panned by critics, but those few redeeming qualities are still not enough to earn a fresh score.

There are many explanations for why critics and audiences evaluate and score films differently, but the most logical explanation comes down to the role of the viewer. When you watch a film as a critic, factors in the film are expected to be graded, such as the strength of a script and the originality of a concept. however, Audiences are given the freedom to ignore such techniques, allowing for an easier viewing experience. Therefore, audiences are more able to enjoy an imperfect but entertaining film that critics find fault with.

10

Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)

Critics Score: 36% / Audience Score: 83%

A few years after the critically acclaimed Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Memoirs of a Geisha Saw the reunion of Zhang Ziyi and Michelle Yeoh on the screen. Based on Arthur Golden’s novel of the same name, Memoirs of a Geisha Watch the difficult journey of their character as she becomes a geisha in the midst of World War II. Both critics and audiences agreed that Memoirs of a Geisha Has some of the most historically accurate costuming in film and the sets in the film successfully pull audiences into its setting.

However, critics felt that there was little in it Memoirs of a Geisha For a compelling story beyond its aesthetic. The performances of the film’s leading cast and John Williams’ affecting score did much of the heavy lifting, according to many critics, who stated that Memoirs of a Geisha Prioritize its style over the moving narrative needed in the period drama. yet, Memoirs of a Geisha Managed to find success at the Academy Awards, winning three awards, including Best Costume Design.

9

Step Up (2006)

Critics Score: 21% / Audience Score: 83%

Helping launch Channing Tatum’s career, Step up Holds a special place in the hearts of the audience but left critics unimpressed. Starring Tatum and Jenna Dewan as his romantic leads, Step up Follows the love story of these two characters as they grow closer through their dance partnership. Step ups leading performances, especially those of Tatum, who also starred in She is the man In the same year, captivated audiences and the dance numbers in the film made for a fun, easy viewing experience.

However, critics were harsher on the film, disapproving of its lack of originality. Although Dewan and Tatum’s performances weren’t entirely disfavored, critics also didn’t feel they were enough to save the film from its predictable romance story. Seen many times before in the genre. despite this, Step up Was just the first film in what would eventually become a franchise. The answer to the question Step upEach of the sequel films received a similar breakdown in scored responses.

8

The Boondock Saints (1999)

Critics Score: 26% / Audience Score: 91%

Starring Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus as vigilante twin brothers, The Boondock Saints Follow the two as they rid their city of crime. A limited release of The Boondock Saints led to failure at the box office, but the action film would eventually grow a cult following its DVD release. Audience appreciated The Boondock Saints‘ unique tone with its balance of dark humor and gritty action scenes. The film and its 2009 sequel have continued to entertain audiences over the years, leading to high levels of anticipation for The Boondock Saints 3.

Critics, however, felt differently. too many, The Boondock Saints Felt like an unsuccessful Quentin Tarantino copycat. The consensus among critics on Rotten Tomatoes is that The Boondock SaintsBloody action scenes serve no purpose in its overall narrative. In other words, the film is more concerned with brutal action than creating an interesting story. Despite this, the performances of the cast, specifically David Della Rocco and Willem Dafoe, were still given praise.

7

Tommy Boy (1995)

Critics Score: 40% / Audience Score: 90%

Featuring the comedy duo of former Saturday Night Live Cast members Chris Farley and David Spade, Tommy Boy is a lighthearted film that many comedy fans have enjoyed over the years. The on-screen pairing of Spade and Farley is wildly entertaining and the latter actor’s performance in particular has been fondly looked back on. Both audience and Saturday Night Live Alumni point out Farley’s ability to tap into a vulnerable side hasn’t been shown often throughout his career.

Critics also noted Spade and Farley’s well-honed comedic charm in the film, saying that fans of the two are guaranteed to enjoy it. however, Critics also suggest that there was little substance Tommy Boy To raise it to the quality of other comedy films at the time. The laughs are consistent, but there are points in it Tommy Boy Where it appears its premise is best suited for a short life sketch rather than its hour-and-a-half runtime.

6

Hook (1991)

Critics Score: 29% / Audience Score: 76%

Set in the modern day and acting as a sequel to JM Barrie’s Peter and Wendy, Hook Sees an adult version of Peter Pan – referred to as Peter Banning – returning to Neverland to rescue his kidnapped children from the titular antagonist. The production design of the fictional setting is eye-catching and Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman’s performances as Peter and Captain Hook, respectively, highlight the best of the actors’ abilities. The elements and the overall nostalgia in the film have made Hook A success with audiences.

on the other hand, Critics are to blame Hook For its lack of magic and imaginationWhich are crucial to Peter’s journey in the film. moreover, Director Steven Spielberg was also critical of the film. Talk to Empire In 2018, Spielberg said, “I didn’t have any confidence in the body of it… I didn’t quite know what I was doing and I tried to paint over my insecurity with production value.” (by Dean of Geek).

5

Harlem Nights (1989)

Critics Score: 26% / Audience Score 80%

By the end of the 80s, Eddie Murphy had already proven that he was a strong comic actor, and with Harlem NightsMurphy decided it was time to try his hand at directing. Harlem NightsWhich details two nightclub owners’ encounters with local gangs and police officers, is the only film that Murphy has directed, and this may be due to the critical response to the film. Audiences appreciate the humor as a result of Harlem NightsComedy talent, including Murphy, Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx.

Written by Murphy, Reviews on rotten tomatoes say Harlem Nights‘ History is largely boring. Contradicting the consensus of audiences, many critics find that Harlem Nights Is not as fun as it should be, and it does not manage to mix the comedy genre with its dramatic elements.

4

Where the Crawdads Sing (2022)

Critics Score: 34% / Audience Score: 96%

Based on Delia Owens’ novel of the same name, Where the crowd sings Found success in theaters and with audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, undeterred by negative reviews from critics. Where the crowd sings is led by Daisy Edgar-Jones, who plays Kia, an isolated girl who is suspected of murder when her ex-boyfriend’s dead body is found. Many fans of Owens’ novel eagerly went to theaters to see the familiar story on the big screen and appreciated the positive changes Where the crowd sings Made to the book.

Critics, on the other hand, are not happy with the lack of stakes and mystery In the story of the film. The harsh conditions of Kya’s life, as a result of her physical environment and the company she keeps, are not depicted as effectively on screen as they are in the original text. An element of Where the crowd sings What critics and audiences could agree on was Edgar-Jones’ strong performance.

3

Man on Fire (2004)

Critics Score: 39% / Audience Score 89%

There’s no denying Denzel Washington’s star power Man on fire. Washington portrays a former C.I.I. Operator, John Creasy, who is driven by revenge after the young girl (Dakota Fanning) he was assigned to protect is kidnapped. Washington and Fanning have a believable connection, which leaves audiences conflicted about how they feel about John’s actions. His many kills are brutal, but the harm is not inflicted on just anyone. His mission to take out the kidnappers makes him a hero in some audiences’ eyes, placing John among Washington’s best action characters.

More so, the audience enjoyed all the action Man on fire Delivers, but critics are exhausted by it. Give Man on fire A rotten critical point, Many negative reviews deemed the film to be more violent than necessary. According to some reviews, the story is grim and there is little payoff Man on fires end to justify its repeated use of violence.

2

Grown Ups (2010)

Critics Score: 10% / Audience Score: 62%

Co-written and produced by Adam Sandler, Grow Ups Has a stacked cast full of comedic talent. Grow Ups Sees the reunion of childhood friends after the death of their old basketball coach and what happens next are days full of fun as the grown friends return to their childish shenanigans. Sandler is supported by comedians like Chris Rock and Rob Schneider, and the energy bouncing off one another is infectious, making the audience laugh out loud and have a good time.

However, the critics look differently on their performance. Rotten Tomatoes reviews shared disappointment in the film as they expected more from the seasoned comedian. Many critics conclude that the immature jokes, although suitable for Grow Ups‘ Letters, quickly become tiresome. Regardless, Grow Ups was a success at the box office and a sequel film was released a few years later, this time earning rave scores from critics and audiences.

1

Venom (2018)

Critics Score: 30% / Audience Score: 80%

Kicking off Sony’s Spider-Man Universe is PoisonStarring Tom Hardy as the titular Marvel character. Poison Follows journalist Eddie Brock as he mixes with an alien symbiote that gives him superhuman abilities. Hardy earned praise from both critics and audiences for his performance, however Poison is otherwise reviewed negatively. yet, Poison Holds the title of the highest-grossing film in Sony’s Spider-Man universe as of now.

Audience continued to enjoy Poison For its normal fun that is expected from a superhero film, and because of how Hardy handles the two characters, especially when portraying their relationship to one another. But for critics, Poison was just another formulaic superhero film In a line of conventional releases at the time. to critics, PoisonIts poor pacing, restrictive PG-13 rating and uninspired script are enough to discredit the film in its entirety.