15 Most Review-Bombed Movies of All Time
Some films don’t just divide audiences—they spark full-blown online battles. Review bombing happens when people flood platforms like Rotten Tomatoes with negative ratings, often for reasons beyond the movie itself, like cultural or political gripes. In this article, I’ve listed the 15 most review-bombed films, diving into what fueled the backlash and how each movie held up.
These movies, crossing genres and eras, became targets for coordinated negativity. Whether it was casting choices, bold storytelling, or social themes, each faced a unique wave of criticism that shaped their legacy. Let’s explore what made these films lightning rods, starting from the bottom and climbing to the top.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
J.J. Abrams closed out the Star Wars sequel trilogy with this film, bringing back Daisy Ridley and John Boyega. It aimed to wrap up decades of storytelling with emotional weight.
Many felt it crammed too much into one movie, leaning hard on nostalgia, which led to a flood of low ratings online. Still, it pulled in over $1 billion at the box office, proving its draw despite the hate.
Eternals (2021)
Directed by Chloé Zhao, this Marvel epic starred Angelina Jolie and Richard Madden, introducing a cosmic team to the MCU. It pushed boundaries with its diverse cast and slower pace.
Pre-release backlash over casting and pacing sparked negative reviews from some who hadn’t even watched it. It still grossed $402 million and won praise for its bold visuals.
The Promise (2016)
This drama, starring Oscar Isaac and Christian Bale, tackled the Armenian Genocide with a heartfelt narrative. It aimed to shine a light on a dark historical chapter.
Political campaigns, reportedly tied to denying the genocide, led to thousands of one-star reviews before release. Though it struggled commercially, its performances and intent earned respect.
Aladdin (2019)
Guy Ritchie’s live-action remake of the Disney classic starred Will Smith as the Genie and Mena Massoud as Aladdin. It brought vibrant energy to a beloved story.
Early fears of cultural misrepresentation and casting debates fueled a wave of negative ratings. The film still charmed audiences, earning $1 billion globally.
The Great Wall (2016)
Matt Damon starred in this fantasy epic, directed by Zhang Yimou, blending Chinese mythology with Hollywood flair. It focused on defending the Great Wall from monsters.
Accusations of whitewashing Damon’s role triggered a flood of low scores online. Despite the controversy, it grossed $334 million and was lauded for its stunning visuals.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
J.J. Abrams rebooted the Star Wars saga, introducing Rey, played by Daisy Ridley, alongside classic characters. It aimed to recapture the original trilogy’s spirit.
Some fans called it too similar to ‘A New Hope,’ sparking negative reviews from those resistant to change. It still grossed over $2 billion, becoming a massive hit.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
Rian Johnson’s daring Star Wars entry, starring Carrie Fisher and Adam Driver, took bold narrative risks. It split fans with its fresh take on the saga.
Upset over character arcs and plot twists, some fans review-bombed it heavily. It still earned $1.3 billion and critical praise for its bold direction.
Lightyear (2022)
This Pixar spin-off, with Chris Evans voicing Buzz Lightyear, reimagined the ‘Toy Story’ hero as a sci-fi adventurer. It aimed for a fresh, standalone story.
A same-sex kiss sparked outrage among some, leading to targeted low ratings. It grossed $226 million but found a strong audience on streaming platforms.
The Witcher: Blood Origin (2022)
This prequel to ‘The Witcher,’ starring Michelle Yeoh, explored the origins of the fantasy world. It aimed to expand the universe with new characters.
Fans of the original series, upset over changes to the lore, flooded review sites with low scores. It still drew viewers on Netflix, though opinions stayed divided.
The Last Airbender (2010)
M. Night Shyamalan’s live-action take on the beloved animated series starred Noah Ringer as Aang. It aimed to bring the epic tale to new audiences.
Casting choices and whitewashing accusations led to a pre-release review bombing. It earned $319 million but was criticized for straying from the source material.
Ghostbusters (2016)
Paul Feig’s all-female reboot, starring Melissa McCarthy and Kate McKinnon, reimagined the comedy classic. It aimed for fresh laughs with a new crew.
The gender-swapped cast sparked sexist backlash and a flood of negative reviews before release. It grossed $229 million and won fans for its humor despite the hate.
Peter Pan & Wendy (2023)
Disney’s live-action retelling, starring Ever Anderson and Alexander Molony, reimagined the classic tale with a diverse cast. It aimed to update the story for modern viewers.
Criticism of its diverse casting, especially a Black Tinker Bell, led to waves of low ratings. It found a home on Disney+ and resonated with younger audiences.
Black Panther (2018)
Ryan Coogler’s Marvel hit, starring Chadwick Boseman and Letitia Wright, celebrated African culture in a superhero epic. It broke new ground for representation.
Some targeted it with low scores over its focus on Black identity, calling it ‘overrated.’ It grossed $1.3 billion and became a cultural phenomenon.
Bros (2022)
This romantic comedy, starring Billy Eichner and Luke Macfarlane, was a milestone for LGBTQ+ storytelling. It blended humor with heartfelt moments.
Homophobic campaigns led to a flood of one-star reviews before release, tanking its ratings. Despite critical praise, it struggled with $14 million at the box office.
Captain Marvel (2019)
Brie Larson starred as Carol Danvers in this MCU origin story, directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. It introduced a powerful new hero to the franchise.
Misogynistic backlash and rumors about Larson’s views fueled massive review bombing. It still soared to $1.1 billion and became a beloved entry.
Which of these films do you think got unfair hate, or is there another movie that deserves a spot on this list? Share your take in the comments!