1. Avatar 2009，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 1396974, ID: 0499549 Photo by yam-mag.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ dazzles with groundbreaking visual effects, yet it often faces backlash for its underwhelming storyline and shallow characters. Although the film’s environmental themes are impactful, many viewers feel they take a backseat to its visual spectacle, leaving ‘Avatar’ as a stunning but narratively lacking experience.
2. The Notebook 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 628550, ID: 0332280 Photo by jinypro.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘The Notebook’ is a romance that elicits both love and critique, with Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams delivering heartfelt performances. However, some viewers argue that the film leans too heavily on manipulative storytelling and melodrama, especially in its portrayal of Alzheimer’s disease, which some see as merely a plot device designed to evoke tears, yet it still holds a special place in the hearts of romantic drama enthusiasts.
3. Black Panther 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 846075, ID: 1825683 Photo by scribblesofstageandscreen.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Ryan Coogler’s ‘Black Panther’ is celebrated for its cultural significance and representation, but some critics argue that it is overrated. The film’s Afro-futuristic setting and strong performances, particularly by Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan, are highlights. However, the plot is seen as formulaic, and the CGI in the final battle has been criticized. Despite these criticisms, ‘Black Panther’ remains a landmark film in the superhero genre.
4. Shakespeare in Love 1998，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 235459, ID: 0138097 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ‘Shakespeare in Love’ is a charming romantic comedy that imagines a fictional love affair between William Shakespeare and Viola de Lesseps. The film’s witty script and strong performances by Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes are praised, but its Best Picture win over ‘Saving Private Ryan’ remains controversial. Some viewers find the film overrated, arguing that it is a lightweight compared to its competitors. Nevertheless, it is an enjoyable and well-crafted film.
5. Forrest Gump 1994，IMDB Rating: 8.8, IMDB Votes: 2286032, ID: 0109830 Photo by meneame.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Robert Zemeckis’ ‘Forrest Gump’ is a cherished classic, yet it has faced scrutiny for its simplistic representation of historical events. While Tom Hanks’ portrayal of the title character is celebrated, critics argue that the film’s passive depiction of significant moments in American history lacks depth, making it overly sentimental, but despite these critiques, ‘Forrest Gump’ continues to be a cultural landmark.
6. Jurassic World 2015，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 685260, ID: 0369610 Photo by gameblast.com.br, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Jurassic World (2015) is a visually stunning yet ultimately hollow revival of the beloved dinosaur franchise. While it delivers on the spectacle of dinosaur mayhem, it lacks the depth and character development that made the original Jurassic Park a classic. The film’s reliance on nostalgia and marketing, rather than a compelling story, has led many to label it as overrated. Despite its box office success, Jurassic World fails to capture the magic of its predecessor, making it a prime example of style over substance.
7. La La Land 2016，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 683708, ID: 3783958 Photo by hackingchristianity.net, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 La La Land (2016) pays tribute to Hollywood’s golden age with stunning visuals and captivating performances, yet its perceived superficiality has ignited debate. Critics often claim it lacks the emotional depth necessary to justify its accolades, leading to discussions about its place among overrated films, despite the numerous awards it has won and the adoration it receives from many viewers.
8. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 2012，IMDB Rating: 5.5, IMDB Votes: 264818, ID: 1673434 Photo by letterstotwilight.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 (2012) concludes the vampire romance saga with a mix of impressive special effects and a polarizing storyline. While fans of the series may appreciate the dramatic finale, critics have often dismissed it as an underwhelming and overrated conclusion. The film’s reliance on melodrama and its divisive reception highlight its place among controversial and overrated movies.
9. The Marvels 2023，IMDB Rating: 5.5, IMDB Votes: 132938, ID: 10676048 Photo by wikipedia.org, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Marvels (2023) showcases the strengths and weaknesses of the MCU, with strong performances and sisterhood energy but struggles with narrative cohesion and character depth. Despite its hype, the film’s perceived lack of boldness and complexity has led to mixed reviews. Its inclusion in discussions of overrated movies reflects the ongoing debate about the MCU’s impact on cinema.
10. Titanic 1997，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 1296767, ID: 0120338 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Titanic is a cinematic marvel with its grand scale and emotional depth, yet it has faced criticism for its melodramatic romance and historical inaccuracies. While some see it as an overrated epic, its technical achievements and the timeless love story between Jack and Rose continue to captivate audiences.
11. The Blair Witch Project 1999，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 289473, ID: 0185937 Photo by gwigwi.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The Blair Witch Project revolutionized the horror genre with its found-footage style, but its minimalistic approach and lack of clear resolution have led some to label it as overrated. Despite this, its ability to evoke fear through suggestion and atmosphere remains a significant achievement.
12. The English Patient 1996，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 203342, ID: 0116209 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 The English Patient enchants with its grand romance and layered narrative, although it has polarized opinions on its pacing and complexity. Some viewers find its slow tempo tedious, while others revel in its poetic storytelling and emotional richness, creating a film that is as striking visually as it is narratively memorable.
13. Crash 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 450696, ID: 0375679 Photo by Wikipedia, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Crash dives into the intricate issues of race and prejudice in Los Angeles, but its heavy-handed narrative has earned it a reputation for being overrated. While it did win the Best Picture Oscar, many argue it oversimplifies its serious themes, even as it showcases notable performances and ambition that shouldn’t be overlooked.
14. The Shape of Water 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 450724, ID: 5580390 Photo by oldaintdead.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Guillermo del Toro’s ‘The Shape of Water’ is a visually stunning film that tells the story of a mute woman who falls in love with an amphibian creature. While the film’s romanticism and fairy tale elements are captivating, some critics argue that its heavy-handed symbolism and use of real-life events as atmosphere make it overrated. Despite its flaws, the film’s unique premise and strong performances, particularly by Sally Hawkins, make it an intriguing watch.
15. Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) 2014，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 670391, ID: 2562232 Photo by blogspot.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Alejandro González Iñárritu’s ‘Birdman’ is an ambitious film that captures the struggles of a faded actor seeking redemption on Broadway. Featuring a remarkable one-take style and an outstanding performance by Michael Keaton, some audiences find its self-referential critique of Hollywood to be overhyped, yet ‘Birdman’ remains a thoughtful exploration of identity and artistic purpose.
15 Iconic Movies That Stirred Up Controversies You Didn’t Know About
