15 Classic Movies with Minor Controversies

1. Avatar 2009，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 1396974, ID: 0499549
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James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ is often criticized for its lackluster storyline despite its groundbreaking visual effects. While the film’s technical achievements are undeniable, many viewers find the plot forgettable and the characters underdeveloped. The movie’s environmental and anti-war messages are commendable, but they are overshadowed by the film’s reliance on visual spectacle. Overall, ‘Avatar’ is a visually stunning film that falls short in terms of storytelling.
2. The Notebook 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 628550, ID: 0332280
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‘The Notebook’ is a sentimental romance that has garnered both praise and criticism. While the performances by Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams are heartfelt, some viewers find the plot manipulative and overly melodramatic. The film’s depiction of Alzheimer’s disease is touching, but it has been accused of using the illness as a plot device to evoke tears. Despite its flaws, ‘The Notebook’ remains a beloved film for many fans of romantic dramas.
3. Black Panther 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 846075, ID: 1825683
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Ryan Coogler’s ‘Black Panther’ is celebrated for its cultural significance and representation, but some critics argue that it is overrated. The film’s Afro-futuristic setting and strong performances, particularly by Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan, are highlights. However, the plot is seen as formulaic, and the CGI in the final battle has been criticized. Despite these criticisms, ‘Black Panther’ remains a landmark film in the superhero genre.
4. Shakespeare in Love 1998，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 235459, ID: 0138097
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‘Shakespeare in Love’ is a charming romantic comedy that imagines a fictional love affair between William Shakespeare and Viola de Lesseps. The film’s witty script and strong performances by Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes are praised, but its Best Picture win over ‘Saving Private Ryan’ remains controversial. Some viewers find the film overrated, arguing that it is a lightweight compared to its competitors. Nevertheless, it is an enjoyable and well-crafted film.
5. Forrest Gump 1994，IMDB Rating: 8.8, IMDB Votes: 2286032, ID: 0109830
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Robert Zemeckis’ ‘Forrest Gump’ is a beloved film that has also faced criticism for its simplistic portrayal of historical events. Tom Hanks’ performance as the titular character is widely praised, but some viewers find the film’s message problematic. The movie’s depiction of a man who passively experiences significant moments in American history has been seen as overly sentimental and lacking in depth. Despite these criticisms, ‘Forrest Gump’ remains a cultural touchstone.
6. Jurassic World 2015，IMDB Rating: 6.9, IMDB Votes: 685260, ID: 0369610
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Jurassic World (2015) is a visually stunning yet ultimately hollow revival of the beloved dinosaur franchise. While it delivers on the spectacle of dinosaur mayhem, it lacks the depth and character development that made the original Jurassic Park a classic. The film’s reliance on nostalgia and marketing, rather than a compelling story, has led many to label it as overrated. Despite its box office success, Jurassic World fails to capture the magic of its predecessor, making it a prime example of style over substance.
7. La La Land 2016，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 683708, ID: 3783958
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La La Land (2016) is a beautifully crafted musical that pays homage to Hollywood’s golden age, but its perceived superficiality and pretentiousness have sparked controversy. While the film’s visuals and performances are undeniably captivating, some critics argue that it lacks the emotional depth and originality to justify its acclaim. The film’s style-over-substance approach has led to its inclusion in discussions of overrated movies, despite its numerous awards and accolades.
8. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 2012，IMDB Rating: 5.5, IMDB Votes: 264818, ID: 1673434
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The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 (2012) concludes the vampire romance saga with a mix of impressive special effects and a polarizing storyline. While fans of the series may appreciate the dramatic finale, critics have often dismissed it as an underwhelming and overrated conclusion. The film’s reliance on melodrama and its divisive reception highlight its place among controversial and overrated movies.
9. The Marvels 2023，IMDB Rating: 5.5, IMDB Votes: 132938, ID: 10676048
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The Marvels (2023) showcases the strengths and weaknesses of the MCU, with strong performances and sisterhood energy but struggles with narrative cohesion and character depth. Despite its hype, the film’s perceived lack of boldness and complexity has led to mixed reviews. Its inclusion in discussions of overrated movies reflects the ongoing debate about the MCU’s impact on cinema.
10. Titanic 1997，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 1296767, ID: 0120338
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Titanic is a cinematic marvel with its grand scale and emotional depth, yet it has faced criticism for its melodramatic romance and historical inaccuracies. While some see it as an overrated epic, its technical achievements and the timeless love story between Jack and Rose continue to captivate audiences.
11. The Blair Witch Project 1999，IMDB Rating: 6.5, IMDB Votes: 289473, ID: 0185937
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The Blair Witch Project revolutionized the horror genre with its found-footage style, but its minimalistic approach and lack of clear resolution have led some to label it as overrated. Despite this, its ability to evoke fear through suggestion and atmosphere remains a significant achievement.
12. The English Patient 1996，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 203342, ID: 0116209
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The English Patient, with its sweeping romance and intricate narrative, has been both lauded and criticized. Some find its slow pace and complex structure overrated, while others appreciate its poetic storytelling and emotional depth. Its visual beauty and strong performances make it a memorable film.
13. Crash 2004，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 450696, ID: 0375679
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Crash tackles the complex issues of race and prejudice in Los Angeles, but its heavy-handed approach and contrived plot have led to its reputation as an overrated film. Despite winning the Best Picture Oscar, many feel it oversimplifies its themes, though its ambition and strong performances are noteworthy.
14. The Shape of Water 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 450724, ID: 5580390
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Guillermo del Toro’s ‘The Shape of Water’ is a visually stunning film that tells the story of a mute woman who falls in love with an amphibian creature. While the film’s romanticism and fairy tale elements are captivating, some critics argue that its heavy-handed symbolism and use of real-life events as atmosphere make it overrated. Despite its flaws, the film’s unique premise and strong performances, particularly by Sally Hawkins, make it an intriguing watch.
15. Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) 2014，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 670391, ID: 2562232
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Alejandro González Iñárritu’s ‘Birdman’ is a technically ambitious film that follows a washed-up actor trying to revive his career on Broadway. The film’s one-take style and Michael Keaton’s performance are impressive, but some viewers find its self-referential nature and critique of Hollywood to be overrated. Nevertheless, ‘Birdman’ is a thought-provoking film that explores themes of identity and artistic integrity.