7 Controversial Movies That Sparked Heated Debates Between Fans And Critics

In the world of cinema, some films manage to spark heated debates and divide audiences and critics with their opinions.

Here are 7 films that sparked great controversy and led to emotional differences between the two sides.

7. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

Critics: 83%
Audience: 51%

The clash between fans of the 1971 book adaptation and Tim Burton’s fresh take led to a mixed reaction from critics and audiences. While audiences attached to the earlier version found the 2005 version’s darker themes unsettling, we stand by the critics’ belief that Tim Burton’s artistic touch combined with Roald Dahl’s fantasy world created one of the greatest book adaptations.

6. The Little Mermaid (2023)

Critics: 67%
Audience: 94%

Both critics and audiences are usually tough on Disney live-action remakes, so the 67% rating wasn’t a slap in the face. However, since the film faced so much backlash even before its premiere, the biggest surprise was the 94% audience rating. Apparently, the brilliant performance of Halle Bailey can change the minds of even the most stubborn viewers.

5. We Are The Millers (2013)

Critics: 48%
Audience: 72%

This comedy gem, starring Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis, Emma Roberts, and Will Poulter as a fake family in a crime adventure, deserves 100% on both sides and no less than a point. With a talented cast and a clever script, it’s a hilarious and silly comedy that will cheer you up no matter what stage of grief you’re in.

4 – Hulk (2003)

Critics: 61%
Audience: 29%

While critics praised Ang Lee’s Hulk for trying something new in the genre, audiences were less forgiving. They felt disconnected from the characters and style and criticized Eric Bana’s Bruce Banner for not sticking to the familiar formula of successful comic book films at the time.

3. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

Critics: 91%
Audience: 42%

Although visually successful, the eighth installment in the Star Wars saga polarized fans and critics by subverting established franchise archetypes. While some praised its gritty approach, others were disappointed with its narrative choices, character arcs, and treatment of likable legacy characters. In the case of Luke Skywalker, for example, the film radically ignored previous character development.

2. Venom (2018)

Critics: 30%
Audience: 81%

Venom may not have been the most popular adaptation for comic book fans, but it was a fun take on the superhero, with Tom Hardy shining in the role. The plot was simple, and while Venom’s offspring, Riot, wasn’t the best villain to imprint our memories, let’s not forget that this is just a superhero movie that shouldn’t command high expectations.

1. Fast X (2023)

Critics: 57%
Audience: 84%

The Fast and Furious franchise seems to have lost respect from critics a long time ago, so such low scores on this side of the fence didn’t come as a huge surprise. While praising the action-packed formula, critics’ opinions of the sequel differed radically from the die-hard fans of the series who have come to identify themselves as part of the Toretto family throughout the franchise’s decade-plus run.