In the history of cinema, we have had many movies that are so good they are considered classics.
For a movie to be considered a classic, it has to hold up even after repeated screenings. In other words, people don’t get tired of watching a classic. This could be due to its emotional resonance with the viewers.
Think about it: We still groove when watching the dancing scene in The Breakfast Club or Footloose, or feel a tug of happiness when watching Pretty Woman. That’s why these movies are considered classics.
Another reason is that a movie is iconic for a certain technique or genre, or talks about certain new values that are groundbreaking for the film industry. How Avatar was the first 3D movie, and Night of the Living Dead was the first zombie horror movie, for example.
But there are movies that are branded “iconic” yet do not hold up the same everlasting values. So here are 15 classic movies that are very much overrated.
#1 Avatar
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The first 3D movie and also one of the biggest blockbusters ever made, Avatar is a masterpiece to many. But not all, some people find the “white savior” and conservation theme of the movie repetitive. And also, it seems to drag on. But at least the movie is a visual treat to the eyes.
#2 Pulp Fiction
Source: Jersey Films / Alamy
Violent noir movies like Pulp Fiction aren’t for everyone. Quentin Tarantino is a great filmmaker, with classic after classic under his belt. Among these, Pulp Fiction, starring Samual Jackson, Uma Thurman, and John Travolta is one of the most famous.
#3 The Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise
Source: Walt Disney Company / Alamy
The most successful live-action movie from the Disney studio, you’d be surprised that movies about pirates searching for cursed treasures are boring. Well, to be fair, Johnny Depp and his co-stars Keira Knightley and Legolas… I mean Orlando Bloom does all the heavy lifting for the boring scripts.
#4 Casablanca
Source: Warner Bros. Production / Alamy
The parting scene where Rick makes Lisa, the woman he loves, depart for America with her husband for her own safety and happiness makes us all tear up. Or bored to tear, depending on who you ask. The movie might be fresh when it was first released, but now, with countless movies that follow the same narrative, people just find the movie…. somewhat boring.
#5 Citizen Kane
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Ranked as one of the best pictures ever made, it’s surprising that some people find the film boring. While the movie is exceptional in its storytelling and innovation in filmmaking, it was a box office flop.
#6 Forrest Gump
Source: Paramount Pictures / Alamy
Another classic that gets a lot of flogging is Forrest Gump. While many find his story inspirational, and Tom Hank’s acting was fantastic in the movie, some feel that the movie gets too long. (Well, it does cover’s Gump’s whole life. And I’m sensing a theme here.)
#7 Suicide Squad
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures / Alamy
Undoubtedly an enjoyable experience to watch, but solely because Suicide Squad has an amazing cast of Will Smith, Margot Robbie, and Viola Davis. For an action movie about a sorceress trying take over Earth, the script was as bland as water. But it does give DC a very hot
Harley Quinn, so that’s a win.
#8 The Harry Potter Franchise
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures / Alamy
One of the most popular book series of all time, fans universally agree that the Harry Potter movies feel pretty meh compared to the books. Probably because so many materials are cut when adapting the 7 books to the silver screen.
#9 Eat Pray Love
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While the spiritual and culinary journey in Eat Pray Love resonates with many, it also alienates people who haven’t gone through the same experience that the protagonist Elizabeth Gilbert has. So, understandable, the movie doesn’t touch them but instead feels out of touch.
#10 The Shining
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures / Alamy
The film that brought us the iconic “Here’s Johnny” line is boring? Well, if you are looking for a gory slasher with a psychotic axe-swinging murderer, then the iconic psychological horror movie is definitely not for you. I mean, the movie’s bloodiest scene is a blood-filled elevator.
#11 The Lord of the Rings
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The fantasy trilogy is precious to so many, but for straight-laced mortals, watching the mystical war in Middle Earth just feels like a snoozefest. Which is dragged out for 3 movies.
#12 2001: A Space Odyssey
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Upon release, 2001: A Space Odyssey is lauded for its accurate depiction of space, not to mention beautiful cinematography, but might feel a little too philosophical for a space movie for some.
#13 The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
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Seems like chronicle movies are just not that good! The Curious Case of Benjamin Button recorded the life of a man that looks younger with age. While it is a good movie, it also requires massive patience to get through.
#14 Dunkirk
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures / Alamy
A beautifully made movie, and is atmospherically intense, you feel the urge from every character to go back to their homeland. But… it also drags out! War movies are not usually made for entertainment values, so it misses the mark for people who just want an entertaining viewing.
#15 Boyhood
Source: Cinetic Media / Alamy
A movie that tools 12 years to finish, because they want to use the same child actor from age 6 to adulthood, Boyhood is a very touching coming-of-age film. And it deserves every bit of critical acclaim it receives. But watching a chronicle of somebody growing up can be super boring.