Why critics and audiences see movies differently

Professional reviewers examine film artistry while audiences judge entertainment value.

“Critics examine a film closely to identify flaws in its fabric. Meanwhile, moviegoers let a film wash over them and react based on the feeling they have leaving the theater.”

But I'm A Cheerleader (1999)

Critics gave it 43% on Rotten Tomatoes while audiences scored 75%.

“I would have preferred to know more in documentary terms about the actual reality of these terrible camps, rather than sit through this heavy-handed and oddly lenient comedy.”

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

Critics gave it 58% while audiences scored 95% on Rotten Tomatoes.

“A checklist of fan expectations.”

Uncharted (2022)

Critics rated it 41% while audiences gave it 89% on Rotten Tomatoes.

“Fun joyride and global treasure hunt with an engaging cast. Critics are overthinking this one.”

Venom (2018)

Critics gave it 31% while audiences scored 80% on Rotten Tomatoes.

“An occasionally entertaining misfire that only scratches the surface of what a Venom movie could truly be.”

Five Nights at Freddy's (2023)

Critics rated it 33% while audiences gave it 85% on Rotten Tom.atoes.

“Unfortunately, this adaptation of the popular 2014 video game fails at delivering scares or cheeky laughs, resulting in a tedious experience that relies heavily on horror’s most cliched trope s.”

Harlem Nights (1989)

Critics gave it 28% while audiences scored 80% on Rotten Tomatoes.

“Harlem Nights, it's worth remembering, is a comedy, though as the body count piles up and entire reels go by without a joke in sight, it's also easy to forget.”

Super Troopers (2001)

Critics rated it 37% while audiences gave it 90% on Rotten Tomatoes.

“There's nothing super about Super Troopers except for those deep into the low end of the frat-house mentality that equates smart-alecky with hilarity.”

Five Nights at Freddy's 2 (2025)

Critics gave it 17% while audiences scored 82% on Rotten Tomatoes.

“A laughably cheesy, empty-headed follow-up that makes the mediocre prior film shine in comparison.”

Where the Crawdads Sing (2022)

Critics rated it 34% while audiences gave it 96% on Rotten Tomatoes.

“Daisy Edgar-Jones’ central performance is among the film’s greatest strengths.”

The Boondock Saints (1999)

Critics gave it 26% while audiences scored 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.

“A macho bloodbath with a lot of juvenile humor and fake Catholic mysticism...”

Why audiences love these films

Viewers enjoy the films for their fun, nostalgia, and strong performances despite critical flaws.

“They consider Venom a fun ride despite narrative bumps.”

The Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel

The film earned a 2026 sequel due to strong audience reception.

“We’re really focused on making these films on the fan base and the audience that we knew were going to want to come out and see it.”

Five Nights at Freddy's sequel

The franchise earned a 2025 sequel and upcoming third installment due to audience love.

“We’re really focused on making these films on the fan base and the audience that we knew were going to want to come out and see it.”

What happens next

More films with critical and audience divides will follow as audiences continue to outperform critics.