Comedy Movies With Terrible Rotten Tomatoes Scores That Are Actually Hilarious

Evaluating any film is largely a matter of personal taste, however comedies may be particularly prone to being influenced by individual opinions. While there is often agreement on elements like thrilling action sequences or intriguing mysteries, humor can vary greatly from person to person. For instance, some people might appreciate dry wit, while others might enjoy slapstick humor.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve often found myself at odds with critics when it comes to comedies. Despite audiences rolling on the floor with laughter, some films can receive harsh reviews. This is especially true for certain comedy flicks on Rotten Tomatoes, where they get a big “Rotten” label.

The issue lies in the fact that professional reviewers, who are more inclined towards sophisticated wit and clever humor, tend to overlook slapstick or physical comedy. On the other hand, some critics might not be fans of darker or more adult-oriented humor. But let’s not let the critics dictate our fun: Here’s a list of 13 movies that may have gotten poor scores on Rotten Tomatoes, but are still side-splittingly hilarious!

Freddy Got Fingered

2001’s film “Freddy Got Fingered,” initially released, has improved not only with the passage of time but also as societal perspectives have evolved. This is a classic example of a movie that matures gracefully. The slapstick comedy was penned and acted by Tom Green, who was once a trendy comedian, yet his fame proved to be more of a fleeting fad. The story revolves around Freddy (Green), an unintelligent, bumbling character with a strange disposition, who embarks on a quest to become a successful artist. Amusing incidents unfold when he receives $1 million to create his own cartoon.

Back in the ’90s, I was immersed in a world where lowbrow laughter ruled supreme. At that time, the absurdity of those over-the-top antics might have seemed hilarious to everyone, but looking back now, there’s an underlying narrative that becomes apparent: As some have suggested, Freddy’s quest to create a cartoon after receiving a massive budget from blinded studio executives seems like a reflection on the film industry itself. The humor in many instances appears to be a satire of Hollywood clichés and the absurdity of giving a director like Green such a huge budget without any supervision.

The film might not seem very humorous if watched just as a conventional comedy, given its low initial rating of 12% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, when viewed from another perspective, it could be interpreted as a satire commenting on Hollywood and the questionable choices that lead to movie-making.

Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead

In the 1980s, Christina Applegate became a prominent TV personality primarily due to “Married … with Children,” and in the early ’90s she transitioned into films. One of her film roles was in the 1991 movie “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead,” which was a dark teen comedy that offered a unique twist on the traditional teen heist story of the ’80s. The plot revolves around a group of children whose babysitter unfortunately passed away while their parents were on vacation, leading to some unconventional events.

In a different phrasing, Applegate portrays Sue Ellen Crandell, a 17-year-old high school student who has three younger brothers and a sister. She looks forward to assuming responsibility over the summer as her mother embarks on a lengthy business trip; however, she is dismayed when her mother employs a live-in caregiver – an unpleasant, cruel old woman named Mrs. Sturak (Eda Reiss Merin) – to monitor Sue Ellen and her siblings. To her disappointment, the babysitter passes away. In an attempt to maintain their freedom over the summer, Sue Ellen chooses to conceal this fact.

This film may not be sophisticated when it comes to humor, but it truly excels with its dark undertones. Critics sometimes struggle with black comedy, as indicated by its 35% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. If you’re looking for a twisted comedy within the teen caper genre, this movie won’t disappoint.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

The iconic movie ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,’ directed by Terry Gilliam who was once with Monty Python, is an adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson’s book-cum-memoir of the same title. An earlier attempt at adapting the author’s adventures starring Bill Murray in 1980 (‘Where the Buffalo Roam’) may now seem insignificant compared to Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Thompson. In this film, Depp effectively embodies the writer in a way that few others could, and his performance has left an indelible mark on Depp himself.

Fear and Loathing” is a blend of fact and fiction, focusing on character Raoul Duke (similar to Thompson himself) and his companion Dr. Gonzo (portrayed by Benicio del Toro), a lawyer with a drug habit. They embark on a journey to Las Vegas, disguised as covering a motorcycle race. Instead of a conventional narrative, the story unfolds into a string of outrageous adventures and drug-induced escapades, providing continuous humor not from planned jokes, but from the sheer madness that unfolds. The film often reflects the characters’ hallucinations, offering a unique and unpredictable perspective.

Today, the 1998 film might be cherished by many fans, but it only managed a 51% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, and it was also not well-received by a larger audience. However, if you relax, lighten up, and take it easy, you’ll discover more laughs than you can keep track of.

See No Evil, Hear No Evil

The comedy duo of Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder may not receive the recognition it should, despite being entertaining figures in film and television for many years. Their friendship was unexpected, but it thrived on screen for decades. Together, they worked on four projects, with “Stir Crazy” and “Silver Streak” frequently mentioned, yet their 1989 film, “See No Evil, Hear no Evil,” often goes unnoticed. This underrated movie only garnered a 27% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

In this movie, I find myself forming an unexpected bond with two extraordinary characters: Wally Carew, a man without sight, and Dave Lyons, a deaf individual. Our initial encounter is awkward, but destiny has other plans for us. Unknowingly, we stumble upon a murder scene, which puts us squarely in the sights of Eve (Joan Severance) and Kirgo (Kevin Spacey), a ruthless duo of criminals who will stop at nothing to obtain a valuable coin.

As a fan, I believe that the films “Stir Crazy” and “Silver Streak” are superior, but the hilarious slapstick humor in “See No Evil, Hear No Evil” truly shines. It leaves one wondering why critics didn’t appreciate it as much. Perhaps it was evaluated based on the standards of ’80s comedy, whereas in truth, it embodies the spirit of classic Hollywood farce. If you’re a fan of witty and clownish comedies, I promise you won’t be let down.

So I Married an Axe Murderer

In discussions about Mike Myers, people typically bring up “Austin Powers” or “Wayne’s World.” However, his 1993 comedy “So I Married an Axe Murderer,” a darkly humorous film featuring Nancy Travis, Phil Hartman, Anthony LaPaglia, and Amanda Plummer, is often overlooked in these conversations.

In this movie, the protagonist is Charlie MacKenzie (Myers), who’s often single and flits from one romance to another while also being a poet with a strong desire to demonstrate his ability to remain committed to a woman. When he encounters Harriet (Travis), a butcher in his town, he feels the urge to settle down for good. However, things take a turn when they get married, and MacKenzie becomes increasingly suspicious that Harriet might be hiding a sinister side – possibly even an axe-wielding serial killer.

It appears the film received mixed reviews, with only 55% approval from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie is indeed dark and deals with gruesome subjects, but it maintains Myers’ distinctive slapstick humor. Given that it was released between two popular “Wayne’s World” films, it may have been overlooked by many viewers. Fortunately, unlike a specific other film, this one didn’t seem to significantly impact his career negatively.

The ‘Burbs

Prior to Tom Hanks earning Oscars for serious and dramatic performances, he gained fame in the ’80s for a string of comedies such as “Big,” “Turner and Hooch,” and “Splash.” Notably, his 1989 film “The ‘Burbs” was met with a relatively poor Rotten Tomatoes rating of 56%. Other films from this period that are less recognized yet worthy of attention include “Joe Versus the Volcano.

Initially, the story might seem like an ordinary family comedy, focusing on Ray and Carol Peterson, who are typical suburban residents portrayed by Hanks and Carrie Fisher. However, things take a mysterious turn when an eccentric family moves into a spooky house in their neighborhood. Their unusual behavior and secretive lifestyle make Ray suspect that they might be hiding something more than what meets the eye.

As a fan, I must say that this storyline is reminiscent of a popular prime-time sitcom, but it’s the unsettling atmosphere and hints of the supernatural that truly elevate it. Director Joe Dante doesn’t shy away from adding an unusual touch, making it a blend of “Beetlejuice” and “The Twilight Zone,” as Roger Ebert described it. Although Ebert didn’t appreciate the movie, which may have influenced its negative rating, it has matured into a sharp satire criticizing suburban monotony and ’80s materialism. Today, I find it even funnier than when it first came out.

Weekend At Bernie’s

It might shock you, but some of the most popular and adored ’80s comedies didn’t receive positive reviews initially and aren’t highly rated by critics even today. One such example is “Weekend at Bernie’s,” a hit from 1989 that was particularly enjoyed during summertime by teenagers. However, it wasn’t the most original concept, nor did it feature a sharp, witty script. Nevertheless, when it comes to caper comedies of that time, “Weekend at Bernie’s” stands out as the best, even with its 54% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

You’re likely familiar with the plot: Two bumbling corporate buddies, Larry Wilson (Andrew McCarthy) and Richard Parker (Jonathan Silverman), have a boss named Bernie Lomax (Terry Kiser). Invited to a beach house party by Bernie, he unfortunately meets an untimely end at the hands of the Mafia. Despite this, our hapless heroes decide not to let him spoil their fun and attempt to deceive the other guests into believing that Bernie is still among us. Meanwhile, a pair of assassins are lurking about, trying to carry out their orders to eliminate Bernie while also targeting our clueless duo.

Weekend at Bernie’s” is a continuous stream of silly, over-the-top actions that might not be intellectually stimulating, but it could be the best example of mindless humor. If you appreciate Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, or Jim Carrey, this movie will definitely appeal to you, regardless of what critics say.

Argylle

The movie titled “Argylle” is steered by Matthew Vaughn, renowned for his work on “X-Men: First Class,” “Kick-Ass,” and the “Kingsman” series. In this production, Henry Cavill takes the lead, accompanied by a stellar cast that includes Bryce Dallas Howard, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O’Hara, Sam Rockwell, John Cena, and Samuel L. Jackson. However, despite the impressive ensemble, the film has received harsh criticism with a 33% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, as critics have lambasted it for its complex plotline and extended duration, labeling it as convoluted and overlong.

Nevertheless, the movie is a slick and exciting one, not to mention legitimately funny at times. Cavill plays a fictional super-spy, the lead character in a series of novels by author Elly Conway (Howard). While working on her latest book in the “Argylle” series, however, a real-life spy (Sam Rockwell) asks for her help to stop a diabolical terrorist organization that seems patterned after the baddies in her books. She soon learns, though, that the criminal syndicate in her novels — and Argylle himself — may be more than mere fiction.

The movie “Argylle” didn’t exactly receive inaccurate reviews – it does have a complex plot and tends to drag on at times due to its lengthy runtime. However, it remains incredibly humorous, maintaining a witty tone throughout. It manages to make insightful comments about the genre of spy stories without ever becoming clichéd or redundant, instead offering fresh twists on familiar themes.

Kids in the Hall: Brain Candy

During the late ’80s and early ’90s, The Kids in the Hall transitioned from a lesser-known Canadian comedy troupe specializing in sketches to beloved comedians, following the granting of their own series by “Saturday Night Live” producer Lorne Michaels. Post the show’s conclusion in 1993, these performers regrouped for the 1996 film titled “Kids in the Hall: Brain Candy.

Similar to Monty Python, the Kids in the Hall construct a movie by linking various sketches together, this time focusing on a novel pharmaceutical drug called Gleemonex, an antidepressant that’s released without fully understanding its potential impacts. Predictably, Gleemonex exhibits some potent side effects, and the film explores the consequences for those who consume it.

It’s not unexpected at this stage that “Brain Candy,” being another dark comedy, hasn’t been well-received or understood by critics, with its 44% Rotten Tomatoes score confirming this. The film tackles the grim reality of mental health issues and takes a sharp jab at the pharmaceutical industry. Although it may not have matched the original series in terms of strength due to various production issues, it’s a hilariously dark movie that should be considered among the greatest Python films.

Dirty Work

1998 saw Norm Macdonald continuously making witty, controversial jokes about O.J. Simpson, which some believe led to his departure from “Saturday Night Live.” Simultaneously, he was working on his debut major film, “Dirty Work,” alongside frequent guest of the “Howard Stern Show,” Artie Lange, and fellow “SNL” alum Chevy Chase. Despite its vulgar humor, the movie garnered only a 14% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it’s clear now that the critics underestimated Norm Macdonald’s comedic talent, much like they did with many of his other works.

In this scenario, McDonald and Lange portray Mitch and Sam, two close friends who are struggling financially due to an expensive medical procedure needed for Sam’s father. They stumble upon a clever plan to launch a business that specializes in revenge services, aiming to help the wronged and vengeful take retribution on unsuspecting individuals.

Similar to how Norm Macdonald’s tenure on “SNL” was, the movie was extremely popular among a specific group of fans who valued its dark humor. However, it’s only in recent times – and even more so after Macdonald’s passing in 2021 – that “Dirty Work” has been recognized for being a hilarious production from two comedic minds often overlooked.

Grown Ups

1990s saw a revival of physical comedy with an edge, often laced with adult humor. Movies such as “There’s Something About Mary”, “Billy Madison”, and “Dumb and Dumber” became massive successes, featuring crude comedians engaging in almost X-rated antics. Fast forward to 2010, some of the era’s top stars reunited to examine what life would be like for such characters as they entered middle age. The outcome was “Grown Ups”, a film starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, David Spade, Chris Rock, and Rob Schneider.

Back in our junior high school days, we were a tight-knit quintet on the basketball team. We went on to win a state championship together. Thirty years later, during a holiday weekend reunion, the laughter never stopped as we found ourselves entangled in a string of absurd escapades. It’s reminiscent of the movies they made back in the early ’90s, but this time, it’s for us, the fans who have grown older but still hold that youthful spirit close to our hearts.

Critics harshly criticized the movie, assigning it a mere 10% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, however, viewers grasped what they failed to see: “Grown-Ups” is essentially five crude comedians from the ’90s performing at their peak. Despite its shortcomings, which are typical of the best ’90s comedies – lame humor, a lackluster script, and mediocre production – that’s not what draws audiences to it, and evidently, it managed to do something right enough to warrant a sequel.

Death to Smoochy

As a gamer, I’d rephrase that as: You might be surprised to learn that Robin Williams has more movies considered “rotten” than one might expect. Films like “Hook” and “Toys”, which are often criticized, don’t quite live up to the negative hype in my opinion. However, there’s a lesser-known gem in his collection that deserves more attention – “Death to Smoochy”, released in 2002. During this time, Williams was experimenting with darker narratives, such as the thrillers “One Hour Photo” and “The Final Cut”.

As a devoted admirer, I’d say that “Death to Smoochy” is a captivating black comedy where the charismatic Williams embodies Rainbow Randolph, a TV mascot with a colorful costume whose career crumbles after he’s ensnared in scandal. Enter Smoochy, a fresh character played by Norton, who quickly becomes the talk of the town, leaving me fuming as Randolph. With revenge in my heart, this once-adored TV figure embarks on a destructive rampage, determined to eliminate Smoochy and reclaim my lost position.

Critics found “Death to Smoochy” to be too dark and humorously morbid, as indicated by its 42% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, average moviegoers seemed to enjoy it, indicating that black comedy often fails to impress professional critics.

Kung Pow: Enter the Fist

In terms of parodies, you often find two main categories: Those that are widely acknowledged as timeless classics (such as “Airplane!” and “The Naked Gun”), and ones that most people consider the lowest quality. However, one of the exceptional parody films that falls between these extremes is the 2002 release, “Kung Pow: Enter the Fist.” This movie made it onto our list of the greatest spoof movies ever, but it only managed a dismal 13% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The film titled “Kung Pow” playfully satirizes Hong Kong cinema, going beyond mere parody; it’s a sophisticated production that might have been too complex or self-referential for some critics and reviewers to grasp. Written, directed, and starring Steve Oedekerk, the movie was based on the 1976 martial arts film “The Savage Killers,” which originally featured Cantonese dialogue about a duo of warriors combating a villain named Lu Ting Chu. Utilizing special effects and fresh content, Oedekerk acquired the rights to this film and inserted himself into the lead role, adopting a style reminiscent of “Forrest Gump.

Despite “Kung Pow: Enter the Fist” not being a cinematic masterpiece on its own merits, many of its jokes can be seen coming from miles away and appear somewhat lackluster, we cannot help but appreciate its ingenious premise. This is a film that intentionally employs poor dubbing and jarring editing techniques, creating an unintentional hilarity that’s hard to resist.

2025-02-28 15:32