Over the decades, the world has witnessed the rise of some great movies, but most of them burned out even before getting a chance to shine while others made viewers’ list of overrated movies.
The hype before the actual release of a long-anticipated movie is often the most intriguing phase as one struggles to overcome the temptation of turning to spoilers.
However, when it comes time to see the production, some blockbusters end up falling short of viewers’ expectations for some reason.
While some of these reasons stem from less-than-impressive production qualities, others simply end up being merely a glorified version of a previous hit movie, or a celebrity-influenced hype.
That said, here are eight blockbuster movies which turned out to be overrated after all – at least according to viewers’ opinion.
1. “The Matrix”
The science fiction, “The Matrix” first hit the movie screens in 1999, becoming an instant hit, so much that it made everyone’s must-watch list.
While the storyline and creativity were indeed mind-blowing, viewers were confronted with the reality that the movie was a case of quality over satisfaction.
That might have been great in the 90s, where movies like “Ready Player One,” and “Space Jam,” set in a false reality were uncommon.
Hence, viewers were more captivated by the idea of out-of-this-world graphics, than the actual dialogues or character build.
Fast-forward two decades later, the once iconic sci-fi seems like one more experimental film from the noughties. That would have been fine, except that the three sequels introduced have managed to do what the original couldn’t.
That’s a problem because while the original earned its hype and even exceeded expectations at the time, the sequels have only built on the nostalgia factor and popularity of the first.
In the end, aside from the better quality, top-of-the-art graphics, and more technologically-advanced inclusions the sequels boast of, the franchise is now better considered a victim of its own success.
2. “2001: A Space Odyssey”
There is something about technologically oriented movies that makes it entrancing even with the worst storyline right? Wrong. At least when considering the 1968 sci-fi/adventure flick, “2001: A Space Odyssey.”
Now regarded as one of the greatest and most influential films ever made, the Stanley Kubric produced film certainly had all the makings of a classic.
From its exploration of human evolution and existentialism to its diversified take on technology and artificial intelligence, every moment was worth its win. But outside the appreciative world of science and art, it just doesn’t cut it entertainment-wise.
3. “Skyfall”
The all-time favorite action flick character, James Bond was first introduced to viewers in the 1962 film, “Dr. No.” The American secret agent became an instant favorite, giving rise to more James Bond movies featuring different actors under the same code name, 007.
With so much hype built around the character, it came as no surprise that each release became a back-to-back hit. That included the 2012 James bond movie, “Skyfall,” where Sam Mendes assumed the beloved character.
Many spent months anticipating the release of the 23rd production in the James Bond series. Upon its release, it grossed over $1.09 billion in the box office, the only film in the series to have done so to date.
However, many suspect the movie’s success stemmed from the built-up anticipation due to the 4-year interval between the previous, “Quantum Of Solace,” 2008, and the 2012 release.
It turned out to be the same cool story of Bond saving the day, something anyone could have predicted from previous storylines. At the end that’s all it was, a blast from the past.
4. “Magic Mike XXL”
The 2015 reboot of the 2012 comedy-drama “Magic Mike” seemed like a mockery of its 2012 version inspired by Channing Tatum’s real-life experiences as a male stripper at eighteen.
Returning for one last performance three years after saying goodbye to the exquisite world of stripping? Really? That was so not like Mike.
Aside from the storyline seeming kind of forced, users looking to experience the same thrill they enjoyed in the first admittedly left disappointed. But for some reason, it earned impressive acclaim from critics despite making most viewers’ list of overrated movies.
5. “Godzilla Vs. King Kong“
Not-so-surprisingly, “Godzilla Vs. King Kong” became one of the highest-grossing movies of all time, a feat most suspected resulted from their go-all-out marketing strategy.
The movie’s plot fed off viewers’ insistence to see the two great human-friendly monsters face off at some point. But the millions of viewers who held their breaths in anticipation deserved a better cinematic experience.
To be fair, the graphics deserved the thumbs up, but the audience never got the expected climax.
6. “Zack Snyder’s Justice League”
Following the release of the 2017 hit movie, “Justice League,” fans were so eager for an alternate cut, that they kicked off a Twitter campaign to produce a reboot.
Fans got their wish when the Disney superheroes returned to the big screen in 2021’s “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” a release more faithful to Zack Snyder’s idea.
Sure enough, they were on hand to make this sequel an instant hit, making it the fourth most-streamed film debut of 2021 on HBO Max. While it corrected the mistakes of the 2017 version, many believe it the same plain old joke. Perhaps they should have let Snyder make his film at his own time.
7. “Red Notice”
The duo of Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds gave viewers the most pleasing adventure in their criminal pursuit in 2021’s “Red Notice.”
However, the movie’s plot didn’t quite appeal to many, who believed it only ranked among 2021 blockbuster movies because of its star-studded cast.
One critic described the film as bland and disappointing, with one-liners that felt inorganic. Such opinions did not stop the movie from basking in the fortune that came with hitting big. Still, wondering why Netflix has two more sequels in the works?
8. “Inception”
A great synopsis, a whopping budget of $160 million, an epic trailer, and the Leonardo DiCaprio effect. This 2010 movie, “Inception,” had all it took to become a hit at its disposal – And it did.
However, the Chris Nolan production failed to live up to the expectation of such a great storyline in terms of visuals. While the special effects, graphics, and plot were undeniably great, one has a better chance of loving it on the pages of a book than on the big screen.
There you have it, eight of the most criticized blockbuster movies on Reddit and other reviewing platforms, which viewers agree were uh… overrated.
