Movies that Defied Negative Reviews to Become Box-Office Successes

The world of films is often accused of being too critical, yet several movies have managed to become box-office successes despite receiving negative reviews from critics. This article delves into some of these remarkable instances, tracing their journey from critical derision to commercial triumph.

Twilight Saga: A Love Triangle and a Box-Office Hit

genres“Fantasy, Romance, Horror” year2008

Natalie Portman in a scene from 'Twilight' (2008)

The Twilight saga, based on the books by Stephenie Meyer, follows the story of a human, a werewolf, and a vampire all stuck in a love triangle. Despite the fact that critics panned the films for their often formulaic storytelling and characters, the franchise proved to be a commercial powerhouse. The sagas, as they were known, grossed over 1.86 billion worldwide, proving that often, movies that receive negative reviews can still captivate audiences and achieve significant financial success. The success of these films can be attributed to a combination of the existing fanbase of the book series and the ability of the casting to bring these characters to life, even if the execution was not always perfect.

Suicide Squad: A Misunderstood Gem

starringWill Smith, Margot Robbie, Scott Eastwood, Cara Delevigne, Viola Davis release year2016

Will Smith and Viola Davis in a scene from 'Suicide Squad' (2016)

Suicide Squad was a film that initially received a mixed reception, with both critics and fans expressing their opinions. Personally, despite not being a huge fan of the ending, the overall experience was enjoyable. Released in 2016, this film grossed over 733.5 million at the box office. However, the critics’ perspectives were quite different, with many voicing their disapproval of the film. Despite the divide in opinions, the film managed to resonate with audiences, thus making it a surprisingly successful film that defied its critics. Indeed, this example showcases that a film’s critical reception does not always align with audience preferences or financial outcomes.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice - A Disappointing Blockbuster

release year2016 directorZack SnyderstarringBateman, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Henry Cavill, Jesse Eisenberg

Zack Snyder and Ben Affleck on the red carpet for 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice' (2016)

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was a highly anticipated films within the DC Extended Universe. It opened in theaters with a lot of hype and was set to be a blockbuster hit. However, its financial success did not bode well with critics. Despite grossing over 860 million at the box office, the film was harshly criticized for its narrative and lack of character development. For Warner Bros., which was banking on this movie as a major contributor to the DC Universe, the film was a bit of a letdown. The movie did remarkably well at the box office, but its lack of critical acclaim highlights the disconnect between commercial success and critical reception in the film industry.

These examples offer insight into the complex relationship between a movie’s critical reception and its commercial success. The twists and turns in these stories serve as a reminder that box-office success is more than just a reflection of a film's quality, but also a product of audience preferences, marketing, and Hollywood dynamics. These films did incredibly well at the box office, and their stories serve as an interesting case study for aspiring filmmakers and industry professionals.

It is noteworthy that while the movies above did become successful at the box office, it is not uncommon for all movies to experience a wide range of reviews. Some films can achieve commercial success despite being critically panned, while others fall flat even with positive reviews. The takeaway from these stories is that the relationship between a film’s quality and its success is nuanced and multifaceted.