Great ’90s Movies That Got Bad Reviews

It’s rare for any piece of art to be universally adored; even the most well-received and successful works will inevitably have their critics.

Or, in the case of the movies we’re looking at today, a lot of naysayers.

The following list includes 13 movies that, in the view of at least one particularly discerning individual, are incredibly enjoyable. A few of these, in my opinion, even stand out as timeless classics within their genre and time period. Interestingly, each of them received a mix of mediocre to downright negative reviews from critics.

Indeed, none of them were universally loathed; even films that have been harshly criticized usually find a few supporters. For instance, you may come across glowing reviews for the movie “Gigli” on Letterboxd. As for these movies, they all have a “rotten” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, except one – and we’ll clarify why it qualifies below, despite the fact that it does.

Here are some ’90s films that received negative reviews, yet garnered some positive responses – ranked from those with the most favorable feedback (which can be considered mixed) to the ones that were heavily panned by critics at the time, but turned out to be surprisingly well-received.

90s Movies That Got Bad Reviews That Are Actually Good

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992)

The Rotten Tomatoes rating for David Lynch’s ‘Twin Peaks’ prequel, ‘Fire Walk With Me’, is only marginally fresh at 65%. However, this doesn’t accurately reflect its initial reception. Upon its release in 1992, it was met with widespread criticism, boos at the Cannes Film Festival premiere, poor box office performance, and dismissal by many critics as a misstep following the success of ‘Twin Peaks’ first season. Over time, though, David Lynch enthusiasts have reevaluated the film, appreciating its dark portrayal of Laura Palmer’s final days as crucial to understanding the TV series and perhaps even Lynch’s entire career. In 1992, many found it simply too strange.

The Naked Gun 2 1/2 and Naked Gun 33 1/3 (1991, 1994)

The initial “The Naked Gun” film received moderate approval, considering the general treatment of broad, humorous movies by critics. However, both sequels garnered mixed to unfavorable reviews. Interestingly, critics seem to be particularly lenient with the originality of comedies but less so with their follow-ups. So, do “The Smell of Fear” or “The Final Insult” match the hilarity of the first “The Naked Gun”? No, they don’t. But that doesn’t make them poor films. In fact, “The Naked Gun” franchise might be unparalleled in its consistency when it comes to comedy series. It seems that the adage holds true; humor and film critics seldom blend well, much like consuming Drano – it may clean you out, but it leaves an empty feeling inside.

The Quick and the Dead (1995)

Title Score: 55 (Rotten Tomatoes)

In the early 90s, Sam Raimi was often criticized for being more style than substance. This viewpoint led to films like his Western parody, “The Quick and the Dead,” being underappreciated. However, it could be argued that this film is as visually captivating as any Western since the era of Sergio Leone, and boasts an impressive ensemble cast. Notable actors include Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Pat Hingle, Keith David, Lance Henriksen, Tobin Bell, Gary Sinise, Russell Crowe (before his rise to stardom), and a pre-fame Leonardo DiCaprio.

In this period, Sharon Stone was also not well-received by critics.

G.I. Jane (1997)

G.I. Jane’s Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 53

G.I. Jane, with Demi Moore shaving her head and playing a soldier, was once a popular cultural joke. Even Chris Rock used it in his Oscar joke, which led to the infamous Will Smith slap incident. However, this military drama directed by Ridley Scott is more acclaimed than its past and present reputation suggests. Essentially, it serves as Ridley’s response to his brother’s most iconic film; like Top Gun, G.I. Jane explores themes of camaraderie and mystery within a ruthless military academy. Despite the unusual hairstyles, Moore delivers a powerful, believable performance in a film that seems to have been ahead of its time.

Sudden Death (1995)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 51

In the ’90s, there were numerous movies that imitated “Die Hard.” It’s natural for critics to dismiss such films as unoriginal when they are blatant copies of other movies. However, sometimes a movie can be so skillfully made that it surpasses its generic origins. This is true for the film “Sudden Death,” starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, where he tries to emulate John McClane in a “Die Hard” clone set during an NHL playoff game. The movie is intentionally humorous, has excellent action scenes, and it’s titled “Sudden Death.” In this film, a hockey match goes into sudden death, and characters use the phrase “sudden death,” while everyone in attendance could potentially meet their end abruptly. This alone earns my approval.

MouseHunt (1997)

In the 2010s, director Gore Verbinski built a dedicated fanbase among film connoisseurs who appreciated his diverse blockbuster hits such as “The Ring”, “Rango”, and the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series. However, unlike these critically acclaimed films, Verbinski’s initial directorial work, “MouseHunt”, has not received the same level of praise. Perhaps this is due to its comedic style reminiscent of “The Naked Gun”. The movie revolves around two brothers (portrayed by Nathan Lane and Lee Evans) who are on a mission to capture a mischievous mouse that’s causing chaos in their ancestral home. With hilarious physical gags and advanced special effects, the film feels like a live-action Looney Tunes cartoon. Verbinski maintains his signature technical finesse throughout the movie. If you haven’t seen it yet, give “MouseHunt” a watch.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 44 (This is the rating given by the website Rotten Tomatoes, indicating that not all critics were fond of the film)

Alien 3 (1992)

Despite Poor Reviews from Its Director, Alien 3 Remains Notable:

David Fincher, the director of Alien 3, expressed dissatisfaction with the filmmaking process and vowed to distance himself from the franchise after its release. He has declined opportunities to create a director’s cut and refused to participate in documentaries about the movie or the series as a whole. However, even in its compromised form (or as an “assembly cut” that Fox produced without Fincher’s input), Alien 3 remains … surprisingly good? Although Fincher was unhappy with the end result, his distinct artistic touch can still be seen in its portrayal of a woman trapped within a rigid corporate structure, battling against a deadly alien creature.

Tommy Boy (1995)

In the ’90s, Saturday Night Live received mixed reviews from TV critics and even harsher criticism from film critics when its stars transitioned to the big screen. While it’s true that some films starring ’90s SNL cast members were less than impressive, there were also quite a few funny ones. For instance, “Tommy Boy,” which showcased Chris Farley as an heir to a brake-pad manufacturer who embarks on a sales trip to save his family’s business alongside a slick coworker (David Spade). It’s challenging to write a negative review for such a film, especially when the audience is shouting “Tommy want wingy!” I just can’t fathom it.

Last Action Hero (1993)

Title Score: 42 (Rotten Tomatoes)

Initially overshadowed by “Jurassic Park” at the box office, releasing a week prior and becoming the top film of 1993, “Last Action Hero” soon slipped into obscurity. Yet, it’s worth revisiting. Not many blockbusters offer the self-deprecating humor found in this film. Writer Shane Black pokes fun at the action movies that made him wealthy, while Schwarzenegger explores his own image, portraying both fictional character Jack Slater and himself as Arnold Schwarzenegger, the actor who plays Slater. In one captivating scene, he even encounters his own on-screen doppelganger.

While the child sidekick in “Last Action Hero” may not be as compelling as the one in “Terminator 2,” the satire and fake trailers are spot-on.

Guilty as Sin (1993)

Title Score: 38

Sidney Lumet, renowned for his gritty New York crime dramas and socially aware movies, and Larry Cohen, master of exploitation films, might seem like an unusual pair. Yet, they managed to create a unique blend in the movie “Guilty as Sin”. Cohen crafts an intriguing concept – a twist on “Basic Instinct”, where a female lawyer becomes infatuated with the prime suspect in the murder of his wife. Lumet predominantly maintains a straightforward approach, allowing his actors to shine, particularly Don Johnson, who steals the show as the ultimate charmer in this film. Johnson’s character is nothing short of hilarious, embodying one of the most detestable characters ever seen on screen. (In one scene, a woman offers to buy him a drink at a bar. He refuses her offer, telling her she can pay for the drink he’s already drinking, then promptly leaves her with his empty glass and the bill.) The 90s’ era of erotic thrillers was often met with criticism, and rightfully so. However, “Guilty as Sin” is a delightful exception, a sneaky little gem with a biting edge.)

Congo (1995)

The movie “Congo” received a score of 23 on Rotten Tomatoes. I have extensively discussed this film, which tried unsuccessfully to replicate the success of “Jurassic Park” by adapting another Michael Crichton novel, featuring intelligent apes instead of dinosaurs. The screenplay, penned by John Patrick Shanley, lacks seriousness, leading to a deliberately absurd thriller that includes a hippo attack sequence and moments of genuine emotion. (For instance, when Tim Curry gazes at the Lost City of Zinj, it’s hard not to roll your eyes!) Essentially, “Congo” is a cheesy film – but it’s also genuinely cheesy.

In this version, I have tried to simplify and make the text more conversational while maintaining the original meaning.

Dirty Work (1998)

Title Score: 14 (Rotten Tomatoes)

Despite the fact that Norm Macdonald didn’t receive the recognition he deserved during his lifetime, he consistently delivered high-quality work across various platforms until his passing in 2021. Unfortunately, much of this work was met with criticism. For instance, his sole attempt at becoming a leading man in cinema, “Dirty Work,” holds a low rating of 14 on Rotten Tomatoes. In this film, Norm stars as a man who establishes a revenge-for-hire business with his friend (Artie Lange). Directed by another undervalued ’90s star, Bob Saget, “Dirty Work” lacks a compelling narrative and contains some questionable humor. However, it is often uproariously funny – funnier than most critically acclaimed comedies of the decade. Norm’s performance is exceptional, though his wardrobe choices are peculiar – the shirts he wears seem unusually large. Reminder to self: Re-watch “Dirty Work” this weekend.

Underrated ’90s Movies That Received Mixed Reviews: Days of Thunder, Kindergarten Cop, Lionheart, Mallrats, Predator 2, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Timecop“.

10 VHS Tapes You Totally Owned As A ’90s Kid

1. Home Alone (1990)

During the 1990s holiday season, few homes lacked the popular video tape of “Home Alone” at their disposal. Fox Video sold an astounding 11 million copies, making it the best-selling video of all time at that moment. Macaulay Culkin played the lead role as Kevin McAllister, a young boy who is left home alone when his family accidentally goes on a trip without him, only to find himself fending off burglars. The convenience of having “Home Alone” on VHS allowed for its enjoyment not just during December, but all year round.

2. Aladdin (1992)

Bursting with catchy tunes and a generous helping of Disney Renaissance enchantment, the movie Aladdin was incredibly sought-after on VHS. In fact, an astounding 10.8 million copies were sold within the first three days of its release. Given that VHS players were rapidly gaining popularity, it’s no surprise that Disney enthusiasts were eager to own the recently released film. Children, in particular, seemed drawn to watching the same movie repeatedly, and Aladdin had plenty to offer: Stunning visuals, endearing, humorous characters, and “A Whole New World”. What more could one ask for?

3. Babe (1995)

As someone who grew up in the ’90s, there’s a high chance you remember watching the heartwarming film “Babe” on a gloomy school day in your classroom. With its slightly unsettling yet irresistibly cute blend of real farm animals and animatronic puppets, “Babe” was a box office hit when it debuted. When it hit VHS shelves in 1996, it sold an astounding 10 million copies. Just like many others, I found solace in the gentle, huggable vibe of this children’s movie as I grew up, making it a staple in my childhood viewing.

4. The Land Before Time (1988)

Tucked among your stash of Disney VHS tapes was likely “The Land Before Time,” an animated movie about a band of young dinosaurs embarking on various journeys. This production was executive produced by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, with Don Bluth at the helm, known for his work on darker animations like “The Secret of NIMH” and “All Dogs Go To Heaven.” While “The Land Before Time” had its share of somber moments, such as a heart-wrenching scene involving Littlefoot’s mother that left ’90s children in tears, it was a staple in many homes by the turn of the millennium. The film inspired 13 direct-to-video musical sequels throughout the 2000s, but none quite matched the magic of the original.

5. Titanic (1997)

In 1998, Paramount pulled out all the stops when they released Titanic on VHS. They invested a whopping $50 million in marketing the home version of the film. The movie was available in both widescreen and pan and scan formats, and since it was quite lengthy, it came as two separate tapes. To add to the excitement, there were also deluxe boxed gift sets that included film strips and lithographs from the movie. With over 59 million copies of Titanic sold on VHS, this home media release proved to be one of the most successful ever made. The fact that so many viewers were willing to rewind both tapes for a second viewing speaks volumes about just how timeless and classic this film has become.

6. Some Bizarre Workout Video

The ’90s featured an abundance of peculiar workout videos, fronted by instructors dressed in neon attire and sporting impeccably styled hairdos. Ranging from Paula Abdul’s forerunner of Zumba, “Get Up and Dance”, to Cindy Crawford’s demanding “Shape Your Body”, there was a vast selection of exercise videos to pick from. Chances are, you or your family members had one of these tapes tucked away somewhere. They were significantly more accessible than a gym membership, requiring only a spare room and the motivation to perspire.

7. Cats (1998)

It appears that many households had a version of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s musical “Cats” on their home video collection. Unlike the 2019 film adaptation by Tom Hooper, this version is a recording of the live stage production in London. When it was first released on VHS, it climbed to No. 6 on the Billboard Top Video Sales chart. Regardless of whether people had attended the stage show, they now had an opportunity to enjoy it at home. Advertisements for “Cats” were frequently shown before other children’s films such as “Barney’s Great Adventure” and “The Borrowers,” leaving a generation of ’90s kids either intrigued, puzzled, or scared by the surreal depiction of dancing cats.

8. Independence Day (1996)

In this rendition, the film “Independence Day,” starring Will Smith as a military captain battling an aggressive alien species, enjoyed great success at the box office. Capitalizing on its triumph, 20th Century Fox initiated a $30 million marketing campaign for home releases. This strategy proved fruitful, with “Independence Day” being hailed as the top-selling VHS at the time of release. Despite having a simple plot and underdeveloped characters, the movie can be classified as a relaxing action flick – if such a genre truly exists. It’s easy to slip it into your VHS player and simply hit play because it doesn’t require much mental effort.

9. Jurassic Park (1993)

It’s not surprising that Jurassic Park found its way into many people’s VHS collections as a timeless movie you could watch repeatedly. Even though it was released in the early ’90s, the animatronic dinosaurs still look impressive today. In fact, Jurassic Park is the fifth-best selling VHS tape of all time, and if you had a passion for dinosaurs as a child, it likely held a special place in your heart. Although there are instances of violence, the film has an inherently family-friendly feel that makes it popular among families of all ages.

10. The Lion King (1994)

Here it is – the all-time best-selling VHS tape. More than 32 million copies of “The Lion King” were sold following its home media release in 1995, under Disney’s “Masterpiece Collection.” It seemed like almost everyone had a copy of “The Lion King” as part of their video collection. Who wouldn’t? From the fantastic musical numbers to the captivating animation to the engaging cast of characters, “The Lion King” is the kind of movie that most people can appreciate something from. It’s essentially the epitome of a Disney film for ’90s kids to own on VHS.

2025-05-05 18:56