Not all movies are created equal, but an overrated few end up with reputations far better than they deserve.
A while back, we covered our 8 most overrated actors. Well, just like actors sometimes possess unearned reputations, so too do some of their film’s. However, a film’s reputation becoming so overblown is rarely down to its actors – the blame lies squarely with critics and audiences guilty of giving the titles more attention than they ever should have been afforded.
Whether they were critically lauded but disappointed audiences, award-winning snoozefests, or simply given far too much credit, each of these films is seriously overrated for one reason or another. That isn’t to say that any of the following films aren’t good – in fact, in most cases, quite the opposite – just that they aren’t entirely deserving of the praise heaped upon them.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at 10 of the most overrated films, and the potential reasons behind their undeserved reputations.
10. The Notebook (2004)
After it featured on our list of films that gloss over predatory behaviors, it probably doesn’t come as a surprise that The Notebook isn’t likely to be inducted into Corner of Film’s Hall of Fame any time soon.
However, the 2004 adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ novel is widely celebrated as one of the most romantic films of all time, mostly due to Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams’ electric performances.
Still, The Notebook glorifies more than a few troubling behaviors on Noah’s part, including his steadfast refusal to accept any form of rejection. As society has moved on, The Notebook has become uncomfortable viewing for many, although its reputation as the quintessential romance-drama film somehow endures.
While the movie itself isn’t necessarily bad, it’s fast becoming a relic of a bygone era. It might still be clinging to its romantic reputation, but The Notebook simply isn’t as great a film as it’s thought to be.