8 Cult Classic Movies That Roger Ebert Hated, but Audiences Loved

As a lifelong movie fan, I still find myself thinking about what Roger Ebert would’ve thought of films, even though he passed away back in 2013. He was famous for being brutally honest – if he didn’t like a movie, he really let you know! That’s what made him such a powerful voice. Honestly, filmmakers used to dread getting a bad review from him. And while he was usually spot-on, he wasn’t perfect, and sometimes, I think, he missed the mark.

It’s interesting how many movies now considered cult classics were originally disliked by Roger Ebert. While some weren’t among his absolute worst films, it was clear he didn’t enjoy them. He wasn’t afraid to criticize these movies, even calling them some of the worst ever made, but over time, audiences grew to love them, flaws and all.

‘Spice World’ (1997)

PolyGram Filmed Entertainment

In his review of Spice World, Roger Ebert primarily discussed the Spice Girls themselves, noting that their main difference seemed to be simply their names. While he found them lacking in distinct personalities, this critique feels a bit strange given that the film heavily emphasizes their established personas – Baby, Posh, Scary, Ginger, and Sporty – and is generally a lighthearted, over-the-top movie.

Most people recognize that Spice World isn’t a cinematic masterpiece, and that was never the point. The film is intentionally over-the-top, and its silliness is actually what makes it enjoyable. For those who grew up in the ’90s, Spice World is a nostalgic favorite, perfectly capturing the spirit of the time with its fun, lighthearted energy and memorable moments from the iconic Spice Girls.

‘Fight Club’ (1999)

20th Century Fox

When Fight Club first came out, Roger Ebert’s reaction wasn’t surprising, but many people now see the film differently than he did. While Ebert liked the beginning, he found the rest of the movie overly violent, calling it “brutal, unremitting, and nonstop.” He also felt the characters weren’t well-developed, suggesting the film relied too much on the physical fighting between Brad Pitt and Edward Norton.

Roger Ebert worried people might miss the deeper meaning of Fight Club. But now, 27 years later, that’s actually a major reason why the film is so popular. Beyond the fantastic acting and memorable characters, Fight Club sparks important moral questions that continue to be debated and explored by film students and audiences alike.

‘Flashdance’ (1983)

Paramount Pictures

While Flashdance remains a hugely popular and iconic 1980s film, its memorable music and impressive dance sequences weren’t enough to impress critic Roger Ebert. He found the story itself to be unoriginal, feeling it borrowed too much from other movies. In fact, he described it as being overburdened with predictable plot devices and showy musical numbers, ultimately making it feel weighed down.

Though Flashdance relies heavily on familiar tropes and stereotypes, it remains a beloved film. While critics like Ebert pointed this out when it came out in 1983, audiences have grown to appreciate its lighthearted story, catchy music, and even its silly plot points. Despite being compared to Saturday Night Fever, Flashdance continues to be a fan favorite.

‘Beetlejuice’ (1988)

Warner Bros.

It’s really strange reading Roger Ebert’s original review of the first Beetlejuice now. Considering how beloved both that movie and the new Beetlejuice Beetlejuice are – they’re both total classics of gothic horror! He did say the beginning was ‘charming,’ but he ultimately thought it fell flat, calling the story too much like a sitcom. He even criticized Michael Keaton’s performance and said the movie relied too much on just…gimmicks. It’s a surprising take, especially looking back!

Although Roger Ebert disliked other films even more than Beetlejuice, he clearly didn’t enjoy it, giving it only two out of four stars. He primarily praised the film for its strong beginning and creative set design. Despite his review, Beetlejuice has become a beloved movie worldwide, with audiences charmed by its wild energy, the quirky Deetz family, and its consistently bizarre and funny style.

‘The Hitcher’ (1986)

Tri-Star Pictures

While not on Roger Ebert’s worst films list, many viewers recall his strong dislike of the 1986 movie The Hitcher. Ebert heavily criticized the film, describing it as deeply flawed and poorly written. He specifically pointed out that the villain lacked a clear reason for his actions or any developed background. He even publicly denounced the movie on The Tonight Show alongside his colleague, Gene Siskel.

Though it wasn’t immediately popular, The Hitcher has become a cult classic. Recently, the film has gained even more fans who praise its intense violence, beautiful visuals, and thrilling car chases. The movie’s villain, John Ryder, is now considered one of the greatest in film history, and influential directors like Christopher Nolan have spoken about how much The Hitcher inspired them.

‘Wet Hot American Summer’ (2001)

USA Films

Roger Ebert didn’t quite understand what made Wet Hot American Summer funny. Many of the things he criticized – like its over-the-top characters and silliness – were exactly what fans enjoyed then and still enjoy today. Instead of offering real criticism, his review mostly just described the characters and their familiar tropes, though he did call it “comedic torture.”

“Wet Hot American Summer” is intentionally absurd and doesn’t really follow a logical plot, but that’s exactly what makes it funny. The movie playfully exaggerates common teen comedy tropes and stereotypes, pointing out how silly the genre can be. Thanks to fantastic performances from many comedians early in their careers, and the successful follow-up series on Netflix, “Wet Hot American Summer” has become a cult classic – proving film critic Roger Ebert wrong about his initial assessment.

‘Stargate’ (1994)

MGM/UA Distribution Co.

As a big sci-fi fan, I have to admit Stargate has really become a classic over the years. It all started with that first movie in 1994, which unexpectedly launched this huge franchise – and now there’s even a new Stargate show coming to Amazon! It’s funny, because when it first came out, Roger Ebert wasn’t a fan at all. He only gave it one out of four stars, and he wasn’t shy about saying why. He thought the story was weak, the action wasn’t very exciting, and honestly, he just didn’t connect with the actors or the way the sci-fi world was put together. It’s amazing how things change, isn’t it?

I’ll admit, Stargate wasn’t perfect – it could have been something truly amazing. But honestly, that doesn’t matter anymore! It’s become a real cult favorite, and people adore it, even with its imperfections. I think the Stargate TV series really helped build on that, too. Looking back, it was a pretty ambitious film for 1994, but you can definitely see hints of what the franchise would become – it was exciting to see those early seeds of greatness!

‘Armageddon’ (1998)

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Despite being the top-grossing film of 1998, Armageddon received harsh criticism from Roger Ebert. He described its 150-minute length as feeling like a lengthy trailer, edited together as a series of quick cuts, and an overwhelming experience for the senses. While audiences now generally acknowledge that Armageddon isn’t a cinematic masterpiece, its cultural impact and influence on filmmaking remain undeniable.

Armageddon is a classic Michael Bay film, and many of Roger Ebert’s criticisms of it were tied to his strong feelings about the rise of independent American cinema. While the characters are exaggerated and the plot is somewhat ridiculous, these elements actually contribute to the film’s energetic and enjoyable quality, even if it’s not a perfect movie.

2026-03-14 23:13