15 Controversial Movies That Are Still Highly Rated

1. The Hurt Locker 2008，IMDB Rating: 7.5, IMDB Votes: 476492, ID: 0887912
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Kathryn Bigelow’s ‘The Hurt Locker’ is praised for its intense depiction of bomb disposal units in Iraq, but some view it as overrated due to perceived inaccuracies and a lack of character development. Despite this, the film’s tension-filled scenes and Jeremy Renner’s performance as a reckless bomb technician are undeniably gripping, offering a raw look at the psychological toll of war.
2. Slumdog Millionaire 2008，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 882091, ID: 1010048
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Danny Boyle’s ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ is celebrated for its rags-to-riches story and vibrant portrayal of Mumbai, yet some critics find it overrated due to its melodramatic elements and simplistic narrative. Despite this, the film’s energetic direction, compelling performances, and uplifting message about destiny and perseverance make it an engaging and emotionally resonant experience.
3. The Tree of Life 2011，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 185054, ID: 0478304
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Terrence Malick’s ‘The Tree of Life’ is a visually stunning and philosophically ambitious film, but its abstract narrative and slow pacing have led some to label it as overrated. While the film’s exploration of life’s origins and the human experience can be polarizing, its breathtaking cinematography and profound themes offer a unique and contemplative cinematic journey.
4. The Master 2012，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 187573, ID: 1560747
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Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘The Master’ is a polarizing film that delves into the complexities of human nature and the allure of cults. Despite its masterful performances by Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman, the film’s ambiguous narrative and slow pacing have led some to label it as overrated. However, its exploration of post-war trauma and the search for meaning in a chaotic world make it a thought-provoking watch.
5. Her 2013，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 678157, ID: 1798709
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Spike Jonze’s ‘Her’ presents a unique love story between a man and an AI, raising questions about the nature of relationships in a digital age. While praised for its originality and emotional depth, some critics argue that its futuristic premise and sentimental tone make it overrated. Nonetheless, the film’s exploration of loneliness and human connection remains deeply resonant.
6. Boyhood 2014，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 369101, ID: 1065073
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Richard Linklater’s ‘Boyhood’ is an ambitious project that captures the essence of growing up over 12 years. Despite its critical acclaim, some viewers find its lack of a traditional plot and slow pace overrated. However, its realistic portrayal of life’s mundane moments and the passage of time offers a unique cinematic experience.
7. Moonlight 2016，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 334582, ID: 4975722
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Barry Jenkins’ ‘Moonlight’ is a poignant exploration of identity, sexuality, and masculinity. While it received widespread acclaim and won the Best Picture Oscar, some detractors consider it overrated due to its slow pace and heavy themes. Nevertheless, its powerful storytelling and emotional depth make it a significant film in contemporary cinema.
8. Lady Bird 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 336026, ID: 4925292
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Greta Gerwig’s ‘Lady Bird’ is a heartfelt coming-of-age story that resonates with many viewers. Despite its critical success, some argue that its portrayal of teenage angst and familial conflict is overrated. However, the film’s authentic characters and relatable themes make it a charming and insightful watch.
9. Call Me by Your Name 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 322318, ID: 5726616
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While ‘Call Me by Your Name’ is often praised for its lush cinematography and heartfelt performances, some critics argue that it is overrated due to its slow pacing and lack of substantial plot development. The film’s portrayal of a summer romance in 1980s Italy is undeniably beautiful, but its leisurely pace and focus on aesthetics over narrative depth may not resonate with all viewers. Despite its acclaim, the film’s appeal largely hinges on its visual and emotional allure rather than a compelling storyline.
10. Roma 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 170880, ID: 6155172
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Alfonso Cuarón’s ‘Roma’ is celebrated for its stunning black-and-white cinematography and intimate portrayal of a domestic worker’s life in 1970s Mexico City. However, some viewers find it overrated due to its slow pace and lack of a traditional plot. While the film’s visual beauty and emotional depth are undeniable, its meandering narrative and focus on mundane details may not captivate all audiences. Despite its critical acclaim, ‘Roma’ may not be as universally appealing as its accolades suggest.
11. Gisaengchung 2019，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 981002, ID: 6751668
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Bong Joon-ho’s ‘Gisaengchung’ (Parasite) is widely regarded as a masterpiece for its sharp social commentary and genre-blending storytelling. Yet, some critics argue that it is overrated, citing its heavy-handed approach to class conflict and its abrupt tonal shifts. While the film’s exploration of social inequality is powerful and thought-provoking, its exaggerated characters and dramatic plot twists may not appeal to everyone. Despite its numerous awards, ‘Gisaengchung’ may not live up to the hype for all viewers.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.