Why Panned Movies Have Grown in Legacy Over Time

Over the decades, certain films that were panned at the time of their release have garnered a reputation for aging like fine whiskey. These movies, once dismissed or even reviled, have earned a place in cinema history for their unique qualities or cultural insights.

Case Study: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

One such example is The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This film, released in 1975, faced a box office failure and critical backlash. However, it quickly gained a cult following through midnight screenings, which became a staple of midnight movie culture. Today, The Rocky Horror Picture Show has become a cultural phenomenon, earning nearly 200 million dollars and generating an enduring legacy as a beloved piece of pop culture.

A Masterpiece in Disguise: William Friedkin’s Sorcerer (1977)

Another movie that has aged exceedingly well is William Friedkin’s Sorcerer, released in 1977. Despite being trashed upon its release, Sorcerer is now considered a cinematic masterpiece. This film is a haunting and grueling experience, offering a tense and ominous atmosphere that has stood the test of time. It's a work of art that continues to captivate audiences with its raw, unfiltered grit.

A Cheesy yet Timeless Romance: “Coyote Ugly” (2000)

“Coyote Ugly,” released in 2000, was another film that critics skewered, but it has aged impressively. The movie features a small-town girl with big city dreams who lands a job at a rough New York City bar where she performs impromptu twirls and songs. Director Pat Soveren was criticized for using recycled talent and clichéd plotlines, and critics suggested he should stay away from the kitchen. However, to fans, the film has aged like a fine Johnny Walker Blue, becoming a cultural icon symbolizing female friendship, dreams, and empowerment in generationally impactful ways.

The Much-Reviled Starship Troopers (1997)

Another film that was initially panned and is now a cult classic is Starship Troopers, released in 1997. This movie has a mixed reception on Rotten Tomatoes (64%), with critics focusing on excessive gore and wooden acting. However, it is cherished by a die-hard fanbase who appreciate the movie's satirical undertones and unintended effectiveness. Director Paul Verhoeven and writer Ed Neumeier took a pro-war story by Robert Heinlein and turned it into a cartoonish, over-the-top satire, which has only grown in relevance in the current political climate. Verhoeven acknowledged the film's effectiveness by noting its satirical intent and how it critically serves its purpose of poking fun at fascist ideals. The movie's depiction of a perfect fascist state is spot-on, making it eerily prescient and a prime example of a movie that got under the skin of its detractors and resonated with those who understood its core satirical message.

These examples illustrate how films that were initially panned have gone on to become celebrated works and cultural touchstones. Each of these movies, while dismissed at the time of their release, has grown in stature and appreciation over time, much like a fine whiskey that improves with age.

In conclusion, these movies serve as testament to the enduring nature of quality storytelling. They remind us that sometimes, it takes time for a film's true worth to be recognized and appreciated.