Top 10 Movies That Went From Being Hated to Loved
#10: “Predator” (1987)
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What’s not to love about a squadron of beefed up mercenaries fending off an ultra-dangerous intergalactic hunter in the jungle? Especially when that squadron features not one, but two future US governors in Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jesse “The Body” Ventura. Well, according to critics of the time, many took issue with the threadbare nature of its plot, which cares little as each underdeveloped character is picked off one-by-one. Yet, that’s exactly what we love about it today, pitting the best of both worlds in an amplified version of the most-dangerous game. Between this, “Die Hard,” and “The Hunt for Red October,” John McTiernan was at the top of his game, as the viscerally stylized third-act showdown between Arnold and the Predator is absolute perfection.
#9: “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
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How could anyone get this wrong? It’s practically right there in the title. While “It’s a Wonderful Life” did go on to garner six Oscar nominations, it wasn’t without its detractors in 1946. Also, let’s face it, we can think of more than a few Oscar-winners we’d rather be stricken from the record. Though it’s considered a Christmas classic today, if not the definitive one, the film’s more heartfelt moments were seen as saccharine rather than sincere. Maybe the old-timey feel it’s since grown into makes that aspect more palatable today, but we have a tough time believing anyone could not shed a tear of joy when George finally gets his happy ending. It truly is a wonderful film.
#8: “The Third Man” (1949)
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“The Third Man” probably isn’t the first film you think of when you think of Orson Welles, but it’s an absolute must-see if you’re a film buff. Atmospheric, tense, and full of intrigue, it remains one of the best film noirs to come out of the classic period, rightly winning the Oscar for Best Cinematography. Though it was positively received in English-speaking countries, the country in which it was filmed, Austria, had a much more negative reaction. Depicting the realities of post-WWII Vienna and then-current Cold War cynicism, the film was viewed as too much of a downer for Viennese people, being released so relatively soon in the city after the war. An understandable gripe, to be sure.
#7: “The Thing” (1982)
Top 10 Movies That Went From Being Loved to Hated
The only thing colder than “The Thing”'s Antarctic setting was its critical reception. While it’s regarded now as a staple of both the horror and sci-fi genres, not to mention quite possibly John Carpenter’s best feature, many initially couldn’t get past the rampant bloodiness, drenched in an unappetizing nihilism. Fortunately, some were able to recognize the genius in its practical effects, but that’s about where the compliments ended. We can see how difficult it would be to compete with 1982’s other sci-fi classics like “E.T.,” “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” or another initially overlooked gem we’ll be talking about soon.
#6: “Wet Hot American Summer” (2001)
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This movie was simply way ahead of its time, as evidenced by its nascently star-studded cast. Indeed, before any of them were famous, “Wet Hot American Summer” included the likes of Amy Poehler, Bradley Cooper, Paul Rudd and Elizabeth Banks, just to name a few. But far be it from critics to have recognized their talents, who deemed the film a scattershot mess that doesn’t focus long enough to tell a single joke. Really? Because these days we’re pretty much laughing every minute at this incredibly silly, yet somehow endearing film. The cult following became so strong, in fact, that Netflix developed two seasons that took the forms of a prequel and sequel series. We’re definitely writing home to our parents about this one.
#5: “Blade Runner” (1982)
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Released the same day as “The Thing” in June 1982, “Blade Runner” was similarly unsuccessful at the box office, with Ridley Scott unable to generate the same kind of buzz he did with “Alien.” Even though it featured a megastar in Harrison Ford, many simply could not get past the pacing criticized as being languid. Granted, the film is a slow burn, it’s awesome, and packed to the gills with some of the most philosophical themes in a sci-fi movie this side of “Solaris.” Fortunately, we’ve since been graced with alternate cuts that entirely remove Rick Deckard’s narration, which must have been a hindrance for moviegoers of the time. Its subsequent popularity spawned a sequel, which was better received, if also financially not particularly successful.
#4: “Fight Club” (1999)
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People just didn’t get this movie when it came out, and frankly, some still don’t. Regardless, it’s developed a fervent cult following that can’t help trying to unpack the myriad of themes of disorder and toxic masculinity underlining the surface. While “Fight Club” did have plenty of defenders and fans upon release, there was a louder majority that lambasted it for its glorification of violence and anarchy. However, the fact that we’re still talking about it today, about how those supposed negatives factor in with the concept of an unreliable narrator — or, perhaps, an ignorant one — proves that there’s more going on than just punch-y punch-y.
#3: “Godzilla” (1954)
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These days, because of its pretty cheesy special effects, it's easy to forget just how jam-packed the original Godzilla film was with allegories of war and nuclear devastation. And when it was released, audiences in its origin country of Japan found it exploitative of such traumas, not to mention the suspension of disbelief was too great a task at the time when it came to a kaiju attacking Tokyo. However, subsequent praise in international markets, particularly the United States, sparked a critical reappraisal that eventually led it to becoming one of the most prolific movie franchises of all time. Long live the king.
#2: “The Shining” (1980)
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We can understand Stephen King’s dissatisfaction with the film, which greatly deviated from his novel, but it’s almost baffling to know that contemporary moviegoers were not so much mesmerized by the movie but more… well… baffled. Granted, at this point in his career, people knew anything Stanley Kubrick did was bound to be idiosyncratically Kubrickian, but even critics weren’t prepared for the fever dream-slash-descent into madness that is “The Shining.” Though the film’s technical achievements were on full display, many had trouble qualifying those against any sense of thematic purpose. Which is kinda funny, seeing as how a whole documentary was made on the possible hidden meanings of “The Shining.” Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me” (1992) We Never Really Deserved “Twin Peaks,” Did We? “Equilibrium” (2002) There Are Some Surprisingly Thoughtful Themes Explored Here “Miami Vice” (2006) Michael Mann’s Reboot Ought to Be Considered Separately from the ‘80s TV Show “Jennifer’s Body” (2009) People Have Rediscovered it as Being a Hidden Feminist Gem “Starship Troopers” (1997) The Satirization of Wartime Fascism Was Lost on Us for Many Years
#1: “Psycho” (1960)
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It’s difficult to imagine the horror genre as we know it today without the progenitor that is Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho.” However, that evolution was almost stunted, if you’re going by contemporary reviews of the film. We all know it was shocking, especially at the time, but many found the subject matter and themes absolutely abhorrent, with some viewers even walking out of screenings. Thankfully, the response from many average moviegoers was so lucratively strong that eventually it sparked a wholesale reevaluation of the film, which eventually led to it being deemed a classic, and easily Hitchock’s most recognizable film.
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