Have you ever watched a movie that's revered by critics and praised by your pals, only to realize that you don't understand all the fuss? Just because something is highly acclaimed doesn't mean it's not overrated. Here's our list of popular and profitable movies that don't live up to the hype.


Ferris Bueller's Day Off

John Hughes wrote and directed this 1986 comedy starring Matthew Broderick, and it's still considered by many to be a classic. As much a tribute to the city of Chicago as it is to the life of the suburban American teenager of the '80s, the film seems a fantastic escape for anyone who has ever dreamed about ditching school for a day and pulling one over on both parents and teachers. But the wealthy, bratty main character is less than relatable to most teens, and also a bit of a jerk to his friend, his sister and his girlfriend.

The Notebook

The 2004 romantic drama based on the book by Nicholas Sparks is often regarded as one of the best love stories on film. Certainly the chemistry of actors Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling burns up the screen, but the sentimental nature of the movie—which portrays passion as the only thing necessary for lifelong commitment—is simplistic and a disservice to characters who should be more than romantic tropes. A few plot holes and that all-too-common but no less annoying thing where men are portrayed as charming for refusing to accept it when a woman says no add up to an overrated flick.