Movies With Terrible Rotten Tomatoes Scores That Are Actually Awesome

For many cinephiles, Rotten Tomatoes is the first stop on the way to deciding what to watch, and the film industry has taken notice. New releases tout their high "Tomatometer" scores in promotional material. "Review bombing" releases has become such an issue, the site has had to institute new policies to combat aggressive campaigns for or against certain films. Fans refresh the site obsessively as anticipated films draw nearer to their release date, eager to see where the score will land. Love it or hate it, Rotten Tomatoes is an inescapable fixture of film criticism, and it doesn't show signs of lessening in importance any time soon.

That said, Rotten Tomatoes isn't always perfect. Sometimes critics get it wrong. Maybe the source material is obscure. Maybe the film is ahead of its time. Maybe its release is overshadowed by scandal. Whatever the reason, certain movies end up tarred with a terrible Tomatometer score they do not deserve.

We're here to celebrate those critically derided films. Each of these entries bears the bright green splat of a low Tomatometer rating, yet every single one is worth watching. Some are inventive fantasy sagas, laid low by weird effects. Some are pulpy thrillers, aimed at a market too niche to be widely understood. Some are daring dramas, years ahead of their time. All of them are awesome, no matter what Rotten Tomatoes has to say.

2000's "Pitch Black" is an impressive bit of sci-fi horror that gave the world Richard B. Riddick, one of Vin Diesel's first major roles. It did quite well on a relatively low budget of $23 million, earning a $53 million gross and a solid fanbase. Diesel is a particular highlight of the film: As Riddick, a notorious criminal with sci-fi super-vision, he's a charismatic anti-hero whose martial skill is matched only by his ironclad determination. "Pitch Black" turned a profit, Diesel wowed audiences, and thus, a sequel was ensured: 2004's "The Chronicles of Riddick."

The budget of "Chronicles" grew by leaps and bounds, ultimately landing at $105 million — a far cry from the modest cost of "Pitch Black." This turned out to be a grave mistake. Critics savaged the film as a limp disappointment, all the more lackluster following the surprising success of its predecessor. In the end, "Chronicles" brought in only $115 million. How, then, did the series garner a third installment in 2013's "Riddick," a direct-to-DVD animated feature, and a couple of video games?

In short, it's because "Chronicles" is wildly misunderstood. Unlike "Pitch Black," the focus here is entirely on Riddick, who explores a setting that leans far more towards science fiction than horror. It's sweeping, strange, and an enormous amount of fun, once one takes it on its own merits. Plus, it was on this set that Vin Diesel taught Judi Dench how to play Dungeons and Dragons.

The dismal reception to "Godzilla: King of the Monsters" isn't a mystery — it's not a film interested in conventional storytelling. If you want to care about characters (especially human ones) with nuanced struggles and conflicting choices, this ain't the movie for you. If, on the other hand, you want to see Godzilla, Mothra, Rodan, King Ghidorah and about 300 other classic kaiju duke it out across the planet? Then you've come to the right place. This is the big-budget Godzilla movie you've always wanted to see, full of action, superpowers, and utterly wanton destruction.

Now, in fairness, the story does fall apart if you look at it for too long. There are plenty of strong actors working to keep it together: Ken Watanabe, Millie Bobby Brown, and Bradley Whitford are all here, doing their best with a threadbare plot. But be honest: You come to "Godzilla" for Godzilla, not "Godzilla's friend who is a human," and "King of the Monsters" delivers on that front. Sit back, relax, and enjoy watching giant monsters duke it out.

It's hard to believe that "Hocus Pocus" got trashed so badly by critics, considering how beloved it has become. Part of it is the nostalgia factor. A lot of people who champion "Hocus Pocus" today probably watched it as kids, and have fond memories of it as a result. Kids don't have the most critical eye in the world, and by the time you're grown up, ripping apart the things that brought you joy isn't exactly a high priority. One revisits a movie like "Hocus Pocus" as a stroll down memory lane, not as an opportunity for film criticism.

But still, "Hocus Pocus" fever isn't all nostalgia: It's a genuinely delightful movie, and a showcase for its trio of powerhouse actresses. I mean, you put Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy in a movie, and you're going to end up entertained. The main reason we think this movie did so poorly among critics is because of when it was released: July 1993. What the heck was "Hocus Pocus" doing in the middle of summer? A family-friendly movie with a great cast and gentle thrills could have cleaned up around Halloween. Instead, it had to compete with "Jurassic Park." Do yourself a favor: Save this one for October.

"Tokyo Drift" is the ugly duckling of the "Fast and the Furious" franchise. It's caught somewhere between the series' grounded beginnings and the total insanity that has powered more recent entries. What is unquestionable, however, is how entertaining it is — and how it opened the franchise up to international audiences, who ensured the success of later movies.

"Tokyo Drift" is quite the departure from the first two films. There's no Paul Walker or Vin Diesel in sight (well, until the final shot), and we leave the American muscle car scene behind for the neon-drenched glitz of Tokyo. "Tokyo Drift" has some of the coolest driving sequences in the entire franchise, and also marks a distinct shift towards a more self-aware tone. Ultimately, that change was for the best, as it has allowed "The Fast and the Furious" to become about something more than the relatively niche world of underground street racing. There is also a wonderful simplicity to "Tokyo Drift": It's cool, it's fast, and it's not too hung up on plot. It aims to impress, and in sleek Tokyo fashion, it does.

It's tough to match the pedigree of "Legend": It's a Ridley Scott-directed dark fantasy, starring a fresh-faced Tom Cruise as the Robin Hood-esque Jack and Tim Curry, decked out in devilish makeup, as the Lord of Darkness. "Legend" might be eclipsed by contemporaries like "Labyrinth" and "The Dark Crystal," but it's a remarkably well-made film with some serious darkness at its heart.

"Legend" is an unquestionably beautiful watch, absolutely brimming with elegantly realized worlds, costumes, and creatures. Tom Cruise can be polarizing now, but few actors commanded the screen quite like he did throughout the 1980s. Tim Curry is always a joy, especially when he gets to lap up the scenery as a villain like the Lord of Darkness. Mia Sara, best known as Sloane Peterson from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," is wonderful as the impetuous, good-hearted Princess Lili. Add in an intriguingly dark tone, and you've got an absolute classic of a movie. Whether you're a starry-eyed kid or a savvy adult, "Legend" is one fairy tale you can believe in.

"The Boondock Saints" is certainly a product of its time. Released in 1999, it won't take you long to figure out what influences director Troy Duffy was operating under in making this movie. Quentin Tarantino, Guy Ritchie, Martin Scorsese and Hong Kong action movies like "Hard Target" — they're all present in "The Boondock Saints" at their absolute bloodiest. It's lurid, violent, and extreme, just as the critics said. But its action scenes are genuinely innovative, and for all its blood, it's a whole lot more fun than it's ever given credit for.

"The Boondock Saints" follows brothers Connor and Murphy MacManus who, after getting in a bar fight, are targeted by mobsters. They are soon caught up in a series of violent gunfights, culminating in an assault on the heart of the Russian mob. It's a less self-aware "John Wick," essentially.

What really makes "The Boondock Saints" work is its impressive cast: Willem Dafoe, Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, and Billy Connolly all feature here at their absolute best. It's an indulgent, violent fantasy, sure — but it's a good one. There's also a sequel but ... the less said about that one, the better.

Critics hated "Grandma's Boy," while audiences loved it: That's what happens when a dumb stoner comedy hits the silver screen. Why the gulf in opinion? Well, for one thing, "Grandma's Boy" is a Happy Madison Productions film, the company that gave us "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" and "You Don't Mess With the Zohan." Yet "Grandma's Boy" is, unlike those films, actually sort of good. For fans of crass stoner comedy, it brings some genuinely fresh humor, plus acting of a quality far superior to what you would expect.

"Grandma's Boy" is about a video game tester, played by frequent Adam Sandler collaborator Allen Covert. He is working on his own game after getting home from his day job, and ... well, let's just say that hijinks ensue. It's essentially a sketch comedy held together by a thin plot and a prayer, but the cast is game for its silly raunchiness, and it all somehow works. It helps that the cast is truly talented, boasting the likes of Linda Cardellini, Doris Roberts, Shirley Knight, and Jonah Hill. With clever writing, charming performances, and a willingness to get weird, "Grandma's Boy" is a stoner comedy even the soberest person can enjoy.

Teen horror doesn't tend to hit home with critics. It's a genre that prioritizes pretty faces and high body counts over skillful execution, often employing questionable logic to get its stars to their bloody ends. Some of them deserve better than the "teen slasher" label they are assigned, however, chief among them the critically derided "Final Destination."

The first film in the five-film series (with a sixth reportedly on the way), "Final Destination" has a killer premise: Once Death has chosen you, there is no escape. A high school student named Alex boards a plane with several classmates, then foresees the plane exploding, killing everyone on board. After several people exit the plane, including Alex, his premonition comes true. Soon, all those who got off the plane start dying in a series of elaborate ways, and the survivors determine that they did not cheat Death — they only delayed it.

"Final Destination" features some truly creative death sequences, making good on its attention-grabbing premise. It's definitely not arthouse horror, but it's impossible to watch it and not be entertained. Save "Midsommar" and "The Witch" for when you're feeling highbrow, and watch "Final Destination" with good friends, a few drinks, and a laid-back attitude.

For a few years, the "Saw" franchise ran like clockwork. You could expect a new film every year, each complete with intricately designed traps and fiendish plot twists. The series definitely went downhill after the first two movies, but they continued to entertain even as the quality degraded. 

The first film, 2004's "Saw," continues to reign supreme as the progenitor of the series and its best outing. "Saw" is the film that got director James Wan and writer Leigh Whannell started, as the pair wrote the movie after meeting in film school. Nowadays, they're involved in everything from the "Conjuring" series to 2020's "The Invisible Man." "Saw" made over $100 million on a tiny budget of just $1.2 million. It's no wonder the film spawned so many sequels, despite critics' tepid response. 

"Saw" is about a serial killer who traps his victims inside elaborate puzzles, in an effort to test their will to live. There are a few great kills and a jaw-dropping twist, all brought to life by the likes of Cary Elwes, Ken Leung, and Danny Glover. It's bloody, disgusting, and twisted — and that's why fans love it.

"Fallen" has a great cast, an awesome premise and a plot that keeps you guessing. It combines psychological horror with a police procedural plot, and manages to pull off a wonderful, impactful ending. We aren't really sure why the critical reception to this one was as bad as it was, but boy, were the critics unimpressed.

The premise of "Fallen" seems simple: Police catch a serial killer, then have to deal with a copycat. Things start going sideways when demonic imagery starts to appear, suggesting that there is a lot more going on with the original killer than what the police initially thought.

"Fallen" is anchored by an awesome cast: Denzel Washington, John Goodman, and Donald Sutherland star, all at their steely best. It's a testament to their skill that they pull the story off, which combines street-level action with forces of literally Biblical proportion. "Fallen" might have seemed flat to critics, but revisited today, one is struck by the film's confidence. It is unique, self-assured, and just the tiniest bit weird — a difficult combination, pulled off with aplomb.

Based on the Chris Van Allsburg novel of the same name, "Jumanji" met with a mixed reception when it hit cinema screens in 1995. That might surprise many people, as the movie is often regarded as a classic of the 1990s and the franchise has continued to grow with two recent sequels starring the likes of Dwayne Johnson and Jack Black. This original story finds Robin Williams caught up in a mystical board game, which brings hazards from the jungle world into real life.

In many ways, "Jumanji" is the ultimate comfort movie, one that can be watched over and over again without losing any of the magic. It even stands the test of time, if you can look past the dated special effects, and can keep kids and adults entertained in equal measure.

That is partly due to the brilliant performances of the cast. Everyone in "Jumanji" is working at an impressive level, from the villainous poacher Van Pelt (Jonathan Hyde) to the two child actors, including a young Kirsten Dunst. Williams fires on all cylinders, demonstrating his undeniable comedic chops with an ability to play a flawed swashbuckling hero. They are helped along by a great musical score and a script that keeps the action focused and the tension always building.

Unlike typical Disney princess movies that are fully animated, "The Princess Diaries" is a coming-of-age comedy that is entirely live-action. Featuring the talents of Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews, it is based on Meg Cabot's novel of the same name and follows a young girl living in the U.S. who suddenly discovers that she is the heir to a European kingdom. Tutored in how to act as a royal by her grandmother, she must ultimately decide whether she wants to become a queen or renounce the throne.

Critics were initially underwhelmed with the 2001 film, feeling it was lacking in story and trying to be too many things at once. But there's a good selection of genuinely funny moments and the film is constantly endearing, with standout performances from both Andrews and Hathaway. "The Princess Diaries" never comes across as overly preachy either. Yes, it's full of moral lessons but it doesn't shove them in your face, letting them come out naturally as the action unfolds. As a clean and harmless film, it makes great family viewing and shouldn't be immediately discounted by those just looking at its dismal review scores.

Taking inspiration from a 1960s television series, "Wild Wild West" was Will Smith's first flop. The 1999 movie revolves around two secret agents working to stop a plot hatched by ex-Confederates General 'Bloodbath' McGrath and Dr. Arliss Loveless to kill President Ulysses S. Grant. Smith has since admitted that he views "Wild Wild West" as his worst-ever movie (via People). In fact, he even turned down the role of Neo in "The Matrix" in favor of essentially becoming a cowboy James Bond (via The Wrap).

While "Wild Wild West" gets plenty of hate, is it really all that bad? Roger Ebert went so far as to call it a "comedy dead zone" and it's true that many of the jokes are duds, with the funny moments simply failing to land. But there are some scenes that will make the audience laugh, even if they are not quite as frequent as you might have hoped. Where "Wild Wild West" does stand out, though, is with its steampunk aesthetics. This gives everything within the film a distinctive look and allows for some impressive action sequences that keep you on the edge of your seat. Plus, there's that amazing song Smith did for the film.

The first "Sister Act" won widespread praise from critics and proved to be a financial hit, making a sequel a foregone conclusion. However, when "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit" arrived a year later, it didn't make anywhere near as good an impression as its predecessor despite the fact that it involved much of the same cast, including Whoopi Goldberg. Despite being a modest financial success, the sequel was largely lambasted upon release and received almost universal negative reviews.

Perhaps the major problem for "Sister Act 2" is that it largely abandons everything that made the first film such a surprise hit. The focus is switched away from Goldberg and the jeopardy is far less intense. Rather than going into witness protection to avoid a violent mob boss, Sister Mary Clarence returns to help stop a school from shutting down by winning a singing contest.

While critics may not have enjoyed the shift to focus on the vocal talents of the young school kids rather than Goldberg, it is a decision that ensures this film is full of energy. There are a number of great musical performances and, although the plot is fairly run-of-the-mill, it serves as a decent vehicle for the songs and comedy stylings of the cast — which is likely what most people would want from such a film.

Like many sequels, "Rush Hour 2" didn't quite hit the highs of the first film. It can't be said that the 2001 movie was panned across the board, but there were a significant number of negative reviews, many of which focused on the formulaic story and the lack of originality.

That's a fair accusation in many ways. After all, "Rush Hour 2" preserves almost every element from its predecessor that worked. This included the two stars, the basic story beats, and even the crew responsible for putting together the entire experience.

Sticking with what works was probably for the best, and even the original "Rush Hour" was not exactly a smash hit in terms of its critical reception. If you loved that one, then "Rush Hour 2" should hit all the same notes, from the chemistry between Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker to the juxtaposition of funny comedy and intense action sequences.

"Equilibrium" has one of the biggest gaps in audience and critic scores on Rotten Tomatoes, with its poor review ratings in direct opposition to the high marks given by viewers. Many reviews were scathing of the 2002 film, suggesting it was derivative and void of any originality. Nevertheless, the high audience score would point to the fact that many people actually enjoyed this Christian Bale-led dystopian sci-fi adventure.

In a world scarred by a nuclear World War III, the human population in Libria is kept under control by a totalitarian government and a drug that suppresses emotion. Bale portrays Preston, a cleric tasked with executing those who show emotion. He slowly begins to rebel against the government as the film progresses, and his journey from hard-line enforcer to revolutionary is a joy to see unfold. Meanwhile, the gun kata combat, a sort of mix of close-quarters gunplay and martial arts, is exciting enough to warrant a film of its own. "Equilibrium" ends up being a sort of mixture of "The Matrix" and "Fahrenheit 451," which should be enough to interest any sci-fi fans.

It might be hard to find people who are willing to admit they don't like "Hook" but that wasn't always the case. What is now considered a classic adventure film for the whole family was once lambasted by critics and seen as something of a financial failure despite bringing in more than $300 million at the box office. Even director Steven Spielberg has expressed his disappointment with the film.

Most of the criticism was concentrated on the lack of original ideas to differentiate this from a standard re-telling of the "Peter Pan" story. Others were of the opinion that the plot was weak, with the script not structured in a balanced way as the middle act saw almost nothing important happen.

Yet there is so much to like about "Hook." Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman, and Bob Hoskins all put in excellent performances and the film looks great on a technical level, with impressive sets and special effects. John Williams' score for the 1991 film is often considered to be some of his best work as well. Overall, there's much more "Hook" gets right than it gets wrong and it is always worth a watch.

There are hundreds of medieval movies but few actually manage to be all that good. Of course, there are older classics such as "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," but it is difficult to think of a modern movie set in medieval times that is either not a fantasy film or universally admired. Released in 2001, this Brian Helgeland film features Heath Ledger as a peasant squire who seizes an opportunity to compete as a knight in a series of jousting tournaments. Along with his friends Roland and Wat, played by Mark Addy and Alan Tudyk, he impersonates a noble in an effort to win the world championship.

At its heart, "A Knight's Tale" follows the formula laid down by "Rocky," with a lowly underdog rising from humble beginnings to take on the world, win the girl, and get the fame and fortune he desires. So it's easy to see why some critics might not have been totally enamored with it when it was first released. The anachronistic soundtrack might put some people off as well, although the song choices work perfectly to complement the on-screen action. The interactions between the main characters are natural and funny, while Paul Bettany steals the show with his hilarious antics and rants.

Sappy comedy-dramas are not exactly the type of films that inspire a great deal of critical acclaim. So few people were likely expecting this 1988 adaptation of Iris Rainer Dart's novel to set the world on fire, although its dreary critical rating suggests it is much worse than it really is. Contrast that with its high audience score of 88% and it quickly becomes clear that viewers found a lot more to like about "Beaches" than critics did.

Driving the plot are Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey, who play two friends as they grow up and face everything life has to throw at them. The rest of the cast is just as impressive in their roles as the two stars, and it is very easy to get invested in their journeys as tragedy strikes. With its fantastic musical score and lovely vocals from Midler, there are numerous moments that can send a tingle down the spine. "Beaches" is a movie that will make even the most cold-hearted of viewers reach for the tissues, as it is a genuine tearjerker that will evoke genuine emotional responses from anyone watching.

Ask any fan of "Die Hard" to rank every film in the series and "Die Hard with a Vengeance" is unlikely to be anywhere near the bottom. In fact, the general consensus puts the third film right at the top of the pile, beaten out only by the original 1988 movie. Yet, it is weirdly one of the worst-reviewed entries of the franchise.

In many ways, this third film is completely different to what came before it. John McClane has seen a dramatic fall from grace: kicked off the police force, he is now living a disgraced life as an alcoholic. "Die Hard with a Vengeance" even sees the former detective team up with a reluctant partner, so it is somewhat understandable that it might be viewed more negatively by some people.

All in all, though, these changes are undoubtedly for the better. The banter and chemistry between Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson is second to none and results in some perfect comedy moments. Jeremy Irons' villainous character Simon is another highlight, as is the bizarre "Simon Says" game he plays that has McClane going all over New York to stop bombs from exploding in the city.