12 Box Office Hits with Zero Ratings on Rotten Tomatoes
In an intriguing twist of fate, several films have managed to achieve significant box office success despite receiving a complete lack of acclaim from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. This list showcases the twelve highest-grossing movies that hold a zero rating on the platform, illustrating that commercial success can sometimes diverge sharply from critical approval.
Understanding Rotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes operates by aggregating reviews from critics to generate a numerical score that reflects a film’s reception. A film is deemed “Certified Fresh” if it achieves a Tomatometer score of 75% or higher, based on a minimum of 80 reviews from qualified critics, including a specified number from Top Critics. However, many cinephiles argue that this numerical system oversimplifies the complexity of film critique. Despite the controversy, the Certified Fresh label has become a modern equivalent of the classic “thumbs up” from critics Siskel & Ebert.
The Phenomenon of Zero Ratings
The topic of films receiving a zero rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a unanimous negative reception, gained renewed attention following Eli Roth’s recent film, Borderlands, which narrowly avoided this distinction. Currently, there are only 40 films that have achieved a zero rating, yet some of these have still found financial success. Below is a countdown of the top-grossing films that have received this dubious honor.
12 – Bolero (1984)
Directed by John Derek and featuring Bo Derek, Bolero is often dismissed as lowbrow entertainment. Despite this, the film grossed $8.9 million at the box office. Critics have likened its content to that of late-night cable programming, with Roger Ebert humorously suggesting it was better suited for home viewing where viewers could fast forward through its less savory moments.
11 – Look Who’s Talking Now! (1993)
The original Look Who’s Talking, released in 1989, was a box office sensation, capitalizing on the whimsical concept of hearing a baby’s thoughts, voiced by Bruce Willis. While the sequel Look Who’s Talking Too received mixed reviews, it still performed well. The third installment, Look Who’s Talking Now!, however, was poorly received and only managed to earn $10.3 million, a significant drop from its predecessors, yet it still stands out as one of the highest-grossing films with a zero rating.
10 – Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever (2002)
With a hefty production budget of $70 million, Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever is notorious for its lack of critical acclaim, earning a mere $20.2 million at the box office. It holds the record for the most negative reviews—119—among films with a zero rating, leading many to consider it one of the worst films ever made.
9 – The Nutcracker in 3D (2010)
Attempting to bring a classic ballet to life in 3D, The Nutcracker in 3D starred Elle Fanning and John Turturro. Despite its ambitious concept, the film flopped with critics, earning just $20.5 million against a staggering budget of $90 million.
8 – A Thousand Words (2012)
Eddie Murphy starred in this comedy, which ultimately grossed $22 million on a $40 million budget. Following this film, Murphy took a hiatus from acting until his return in 2019, demonstrating the impact of a zero rating on even the most successful actors’ careers.
7 – Left Behind (2014)
Based on a popular Christian novel, Left Behind featured Nicolas Cage but failed to resonate with audiences, making only $27.4 million. Despite its built-in fanbase, the film’s execution was criticized, securing its place on this list.
6 – The Queen’s Corgi (2019)
This animated feature, centered around Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved corgis, surprisingly grossed $31.4 million. The film’s premise and notable voice cast couldn’t save it from critical dismissal, yet it still managed to draw in a notable audience.
5 – Pinocchio (2002)
Roberto Benigni’s adaptation of Pinocchio saw the acclaimed actor both direct and star in the titular role. While it earned $41.3 million globally, most of its financial success came from Italy, as it barely made a dent at the U.S. box office with only $3.67 million.
4 – One Missed Call (2008)
An American remake of a Japanese horror film, One Missed Call made $45.8 million but was met with scathing reviews from critics. This contrast highlighted the challenges of adapting successful foreign films for American audiences.
3 – Problem Child (1990)
Despite receiving no positive reviews, Problem Child grossed a substantial $72.2 million, largely due to nostalgia for star John Ritter. The film’s reception underscores the subjective nature of film critique and audience enjoyment.
2 – Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol (1987)
This installment stands out as the only Police Academy film to receive a zero rating. Despite the negative critical response, it managed to pull in $76.8 million at the box office, demonstrating the franchise’s enduring appeal.
1 – Staying Alive (1983)
As a sequel to the iconic Saturday Night Fever, Staying Alive saw John Travolta reprise his role, with Sylvester Stallone at the helm as co-writer and director. The film garnered a disappointing reception from critics but still raked in an impressive $127 million, solidifying its status as the highest-grossing film with a zero rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This success showcases the complex relationship between box office performance and critical reception in Hollywood.
