10 ’90s Movies Fans Loved but Critics Hated (and Vice Versa!)

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Movie critics play a significant role in the film industry, particularly on platforms such as Rotten Tomatoes. Their reviews serve as valuable guides for audiences, functioning as a trusted source of information that helps viewers decide which films are worth watching and investing their time and money in. Positive critical appraisal can generate interest in a movie, positioning it as a must-see cinematic experience. Conversely, unfavorable reviews might lead to a film’s poor performance at the box office. Even if a movie is eagerly awaited, negative reviews can dissuade viewers from seeing it immediately, either delaying their viewing until the film becomes available for streaming or renting at home, or possibly choosing not to watch it at all.

As a passionate cinephile, I’ve observed that the line between what critics acclaim as a great film and what audiences enjoy isn’t always clearly drawn, especially when it comes to these timeless gems from the ’90s. For viewers, a movie might serve as pure, escapist entertainment or a potent dose of nostalgia. In such cases, the divide between audience appreciation and critical response can be quite significant for the same film.

10 films from the 1990s with significant disagreement between critics and viewers, listed according to the difference in their Rotten Tomatoes scores.

10
‘Home Alone 2: Lost in New York’ (1992)

27% Difference

Home Alone 2: A New York Adventure

The film revolves around the clever Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), who winds up in New York City instead of being with his family, and must deal with a fresh set of crooks. This is the cherished sequel to the 1990 holiday favorite, Home Alone. Despite its popularity, it has garnered an audience score of 62% on Rotten Tomatoes, lower than the 80% score of its original film.

According to some people, the sequel movie “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” surpasses the original film. However, critics often have a different opinion on this. Critics generally felt that the holiday spirit wasn’t well-represented in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” resulting in a low rating of 35% on Rotten Tomatoes.

9
‘The Indian in the Cupboard’ (1995)

29% Difference

In “The Indian in the Cupboard,” nine-year-old Omri (played by Hal Scardino) obtains a magical cabinet which brings his toy figures to life. Specifically, it transforms the Native American figurine known as Little Bear (also called Litefoot), making him a tiny, living being.

The movie “The Indian in the Cupboard” was generally lauded by critics for its impressive visual effects, thought-provoking themes, and top-notch acting. It boasts a 70% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. However, its somber and mature style didn’t resonate with many viewers, possibly accounting for its 41% audience score on the same platform. Interestingly, some critics shared this sentiment with the viewers. Legendary critic Roger Ebert, for instance, felt that the film was quite different from the whimsical “E.T.”, and he thought that kids might find the narrative rather disheartening.

8
‘Billy Madson’ (1995)

38% Difference

In the movie, Billy Madison, we follow the character Billy Madison (played by Adam Sandler) who, in a bid to take over his father’s company, absurdly re-enrolls in school from grade one through twelve, skipping ahead at an incredible pace.

Critics found little enjoyment from the immature humor in the movie “Billy Madison,” but for many viewers, it stands as one of Adam Sandler’s most memorable comedies. It appears that critics and audiences often differ significantly on their opinions regarding Sandler’s classic films. Titles like “The Waterboy,” “Big Daddy,” and “Happy Gilmore” have significant disparities between their ratings by critics and audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. Among these, it seems that “Billy Madison” has the widest gap – an obvious 38% difference.

7
‘Armageddon’ (1998)

30% Difference

In a reimagined scenario, a group of makeshift astronauts specializing in deep-space drilling are sent on a mission to detonate a colossal asteroid hurtling towards Earth, with catastrophic consequences if it were to collide. The high-profile ensemble includes Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, and Steve Buscemi.

Viewers enjoyed the rollercoaster ride of Armageddon, finding it both humorous and emotionally stirring. The movie garnered a 73% rating from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. Conversely, critics seemed to treat this film as if it were an incoming asteroid threatening Earth’s existence. On the same platform, Armageddon received a 43% score from critics, primarily due to its seemingly implausible plotline, although it appears that such a scenario could be feasible in reality.

6
‘Hook’ (1991)

47% Difference

In the eyes of many enthusiasts, the movie “Hook” offers a new perspective on the timeless story of Peter Pan: what transpires when the boy who refuses to age finally does grow up? Once a man who has forgotten his remarkable past, Peter Pan is drawn back to the magical realm of Neverland after his longtime adversary, Captain Hook, captures his own children. Audiences, particularly children, were spellbound by the thrilling journey and enchantment of “Hook”. Additionally, it boasts memorable performances, such as Robin Williams’ portrayal of a youthful Peter Pan and Dustin Hoffman’s chilling performance as Captain Hook.

The movie’s audience rating soared high at 76% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, not even the acclaimed director Steven Spielberg could save Hook from being criticized harshly by critics. It currently holds a disappointing 29% rating among critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Yet, those who grew up in the ’90s and fell in love with this movie still hold it in high regard. To them, this nostalgic gem continues to shine brightly with fairy dust, making it an iconic childhood film for the Millennial generation.

5
‘The Little Rascals’ (1994)

49% Difference

As a movie enthusiast, I can tell you that the film titled “The Little Rascals,” which hit screens in 1994, was inspired by the long-running TV series with the same name, famously known as “Our Gang.” This classic show had its debut in the 1920s and ran through the 1940s. In this new adaptation, we were reintroduced to some of the franchise’s most memorable characters such as Alfalfa, Spanky, Darla, and Buckwheat, all given a fresh take for contemporary audiences. The film carried a nostalgic atmosphere, was filled with youthful humor, and showcased a cast of inexperienced young actors. Unfortunately, critics didn’t find it as charming as we did, giving the movie a rather low score of 21% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The classic series “The Little Rascals” is particularly appealing to children, and ’90s kids held it dear. This affection likely contributes to its 70% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. With its timeless charm, the show has won over a new wave of admirers who will undoubtedly share it with their offspring in the future, ensuring these cherished characters continue to captivate another generation.

4
‘Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls’ (1995)

51% Difference

As a movie critic, I’d say: “In ‘Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls,’ I found myself revisiting the wild and wacky world of everyone’s favorite eccentric detective, Ace Ventura. This time around, our beloved Jim Carrey takes us on another hilarious journey, this time deep into the heart of Africa in search of a rare bat that sends chills down even Ace Ventura’s spine!

Fans adored the follow-up movie, Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, more than the initial film, as indicated by Rotten Tomatoes ratings. Specifically, the sequel received a 72% audience score, whereas the original, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, had a 57%. However, critics weren’t as fond of the sequel, giving it a mere 21%, compared to the 47% they awarded to the first film.

3
‘Patch Adams’ (1998)

52% Difference

The movie titled “Patch Adams” is a biographical drama, somewhat inspired by the true story of Dr. Hunter “Patch” Adams, portrayed by the iconic comedian Robin Williams. In this film, humor and medicine go hand in hand as the protagonist aims to bring joy to his pediatric patients who are unwell. However, the movie received widespread criticism for its overly sentimental approach and poor direction, earning a dismal 21% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Even the actual Dr. Adams disapproved of this film adaptation.

As a cinephile, I was pleasantly surprised by the box office triumph of “Patch Adams,” despite the mixed critical reception. Interestingly, it boasts an impressive 71% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating that the general public found this film captivating for reasons that critics seemed to dislike. The emotional, tear-jerking narrative of the movie appears to have resonated deeply with viewers.

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2
‘Half Baked’ (1998)

53% Difference

Prior to gaining widespread fame through “The Chappelle Show”, Dave Chappelle appeared in the 1998 comedy movie, “Half Baked”. In this film, three potheads devise an unrefined scheme to free their friend from jail, who was accused of killing a police horse using junk food.

It’s not surprising that critics found little enjoyment in the movie “Half Baked”. On Rotten Tomatoes, it only has a 28%, with the critics’ consensus being: “To appreciate Half Baked, you’d need to be high, as its production and humor are rather haphazard. However, this may have been the intention behind Dave Chapelle’s lead role in this film.” And indeed, that was the intention, a fact which critics apparently overlooked. Contrarily, viewers seemed to enjoy the film’s simplistic, humorous approach, leading to it achieving an impressive 81% on Rotten Tomatoes.

1
‘The Boondock Saints’ (1999)

65% Difference

Two Irish brothers based in Boston transform into unofficial avengers when they confront the Russian mafia. The film, titled “The Boondock Saints,” initially went unnoticed upon its release in cinemas. It was primarily appreciated by critics who rated it a disappointing 26% on Rotten Tomatoes. They criticized the acting of the main actors, Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus, as lackluster in a film that they deemed immature, unsightly, and a poor reflection of directors attempting to emulate Tarantino’s style, showcasing the worst aspects of such creative influence.

Despite some mixed reviews from critics, fans have relished the film’s intense action, tough-as-nails characters, and straightforward plot. Over time, “The Boondock Saints” has earned the title of a cult classic, boasting an impressive 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – a significant 65% gap compared to some initial scores, one of the largest differences recorded on the site. This cult following resulted in a sequel, “The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day,” released in 2009. At present, a third installment is in development, with Flanery and Reedus anticipated to return to their roles.

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2025-05-01 04:07