I’ve never really understood why critics give some movies high ratings and others low ones. Frequently, I don’t like movies that critics love and enjoy ones they pan. Today, I’d like to share ten movies that fit into the second category. All of these movies received low ratings from critics, but I found them entertaining and still have them on my shelf today.
1. Sahara
In college, one of my best friends introduced me to Sahara, and I enjoyed it immensely. We quoted it often after that, and occasionally, we still do. For me, Sahara has a little bit of everything: action, humor, romance, and even some interesting historical facts. I’m not sure what critics disliked about it because I have found it to be a great movie than I can watch again and again.
2. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
For whatever reason, many people don’t seem to like Disney’s live-action, family-friendly movies. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is one of those, and in my opinion, it’s highly underrated. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is a fun, magical adventure that I’ve watched so many times I know half of the lines by heart. If you enjoy fantasy adventure movies and have never seen The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, you might want to give it a try.
3. Thunderbirds
For me, this is one of the most underappreciated movies of all time. Yes, Thunderbirds has action and humor, but what makes it stand out most to me is that it has heart. The bond between the main character, Alan, and his best friend is truly touching. When Alan does something that hurts his friend, he straight up apologizes, rather than beating around the bush with his feelings. That is so rare in movies these days. I still enjoy Thunderbirds every time I take it off the shelf.
4. Prince of Persia
From the sarcastic humor to the heart-pounding action, Prince of Persia is an amazing movie that my husband and I enjoy watching together. The protagonist, Dastan, is a character you can’t help but root for as he strives to clear his good name and save the Persian Empire. Regardless of what the critics say, I give it two thumb up!
5. TMNT (2007)
I have been a fan of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for as long as I can remember. My older brother liked them first, and as I watched the movies with him, I came to love Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael. TMNT (2007) picks up where the three movies from the early 90s left off. Though it was animated, rather than live-action, I liked this installment a lot better than the remakes that came out a few years later.
6. Thomas and the Magic Railroad
Before Thomas and Friends became popular, there was a show called Shining Time Station that first introduced Thomas and the other trains from the Island of Sodor. When I was young, it was one of my favorite shows. Near the end of Shining Time’s Station’s time on the air, they made a movie called Thomas and the Magic Railroad that had a surprising amount of depth for a movie aimed at children. Though I only watch it when I’m feeling nostalgic, it’s still a great movie where the beloved characters have a fun but suspenseful adventure.
7. The Next Karate Kid
I like all of the original Karate Kid movies with Daniel as the protagonist, but I’m also a fan of The Next Karate Kid, which features Julie as the main character. Hilary Swank does a great job of playing Julie, a teenage girl who recently lost her parents. Watching Mr. Miyagi train Julie and help her let go of her anger is great, and I’m not sure why a lot people seem to think otherwise.
8. Race to Witch Mountain
Growing up, I enjoyed watching Escape to Witch Mountain and its sequel, Return from Witch Mountain, so I was excited in 2009 when Disney decided to release another Witch Mountain movie. When I saw first saw Race to Witch Mountain, I knew I wanted to own it. From beginning to end, the movie is action-packed, and it tugs on the heartstrings. It even features cameos from the actors that played the kids in the original movies. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who hasn’t seen it.
9. Three Ninjas: Knuckle Up
Growing up, I enjoyed all of the Three Ninjas movies, but my favorite was the second film, Three Ninjas: Knuckle Up. These movies focus on three brothers: Rocky, Colt, and Tum Tum. Together, the three of them learn martial arts from their grandfather and use their skills to thwart bad guys. The Three Ninjas movies are definitely intended for kids, but I still enjoy watching them when I’m feeling nostalgic. Interesting fact: these movies are one of the things that inspired me to take martial arts classes
10. Push
Starring Chris Evans and Dakota Fanning, Push is a suspenseful movie that keeps me riveted every time I watch it. Push has a complex plot, so be prepared to pay close attention if you decide to watch it. This film does a great job of focusing on individuals with superhuman abilities in a different way than many other movies. My favorite part of Push is the sibling-like bond that develops between the two main characters.
So, those are the top ten movies that I enjoyed but critics hated. Do you like any of these movies? Do you have other movies you like that were panned by critics? Let me know in the comments.
If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to see more like it.
