Action movies are highly divisive forms of entertainment. Sometimes, critics and audiences agree on an action movie's quality, and that movie enjoys both critical adoration and widespread recognition.
But, let's be honest - most of the time the critics couldn't care less about an action movie. Action movies are typically seen as "lesser" movies (at least compared to prestigious dramas), and it's incredibly rare to find an action movie that received widespread critical acclaim.
The '90s were either a great or a bad time for action films, depending on who you ask. These are ten action movies from the '90s that critics hated (but audiences loved).
Armageddon (1998)
Armageddon is a bit of an anomaly - people generally agree that it's a silly film, but people are willing to look past its obvious flaws. It made over $550 million at the worldwide box office, it received an A- CinemaScore, and it holds a rather respectable 6.7/10 on IMDb. Critics weren't nearly as kind. It currently stands at just 38% on Rotten Tomatoes with an average rating of 5.2/10. Critics generally agreed that it was a fun movie but fiercely criticized its relentless pace, weak writing/countless plot holes, and the movie's general silliness.
The Last Boy Scout (1991)
If the '90s proved anything, it's that Bruce Willis is more of an "audience" actor than a critical darling. 1991 saw the release of The Last Boy Scout, a buddy action comedy in which Willis stars alongside Damon Wayans. It was not a hit with the critics, scoring 46% on Rotten Tomatoes and 52 on Metacritic. General audiences (and Roger Ebert!) were a bit more forgiving. The Last Boy Scout earned a B+ CinemaScore, a 7.0/10 rating on IMDb, and $114 million at the worldwide box office.
Blade (1998)
Ask anyone what the greatest vampire movie of all time is, and some may answer Blade. Blade is an iconic vampire flick starring Wesley Snipes as the titular vampire hunter. It is arguably Snipes' signature role, it has generated a strong cult following in recent years, and it's known as a violent and dark outlier within the Marvel canon. This is notable through its A- CinemaScore and 7.1/10 rating on IMDb. And then there's the lukewarm critical evaluation, resulting in a 55% on Rotten Tomatoes and 45 Metascore.
Con Air (1997)
Con Air, much like Armageddon, wonderfully represents the Jerry Bruckheimer-era of action filmmaking. This era is notable for its critical division - some love the bombast and general silliness, others hate it. This division is evident in the audience and critical split.
Con Air grossed over $220 million, received a B+ CinemaScore, and stands at 6.9/10 on IMDb. And while critics generally enjoyed the stunts and John Malkovich's performance as Cyrus the Virus, they nevertheless reacted in a lukewarm manner, resulting in a 55% on RT and 52 on Metacritic.
Bad Boys (1995)
Bad Boys is one of Jerry Bruckheimer and Michael Bay's more subdued creative outputs. Nevertheless, critics were none too keen. Bad Boys was quite negatively received in 1995, resulting in a 43% Rotten Tomatoes score and a pitiful 41 on Metacritic. Not surprisingly, general audiences were far more kind. The movie generated $141 million (on a $20 million budget!), a rare A CinemaScore, a 6.9/10 on IMDb, and two very successful sequels.
The Boondock Saints (1999)
When it comes to critical division between professional critics and mainstream audiences, it doesn't get much more divisive than The Boondock Saints. The movie has generated a strong cult following through DVD sales and TV airings, and it stands at a very respectable 7.8/10 on IMDb. If you went by audience reaction, you'd think The Boondock Saints was an action masterpiece. Critics think otherwise. The movie sits at just 25% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics agreeing that it is a "juvenile [and] ugly movie."
Demolition Man (1993)
Critics aren't sure how to feel about Sylvester Stallone. Some of these movies (even the action ones) have been very well received. Others have essentially been cast from film existence. Demolition Man is one of the latter.
The movie has a horrible score of 34 on Metacritic. Right next to it is the user score... of 8.8. This is also reflected in the IMDb score - a rather respectable 6.7/10. Maybe it's not Rocky or First Blood, but Demolition Man is surely better than a 34?
Lethal Weapon 4 (1998)
By 1998, Lethal Weapon fatigue was starting to set in for the critics. While they agreed that Jet Li's presence proved favorable and entertaining, they nonetheless lambasted the rest of the movie, resulting in a horrid score of 37 on Metacritic. Joe Pesci was even nominated for a Razzie Award for Worst Supporting Actor! On the other hand, the movie grossed nearly $300 million, scored a very respectable A- on CinemaScore, and sits at 6.6/10 on IMDb.
Starship Troopers (1997)
Starship Troopers has enjoyed a bit of a critical re-evaluation throughout the years. But it was widely condemned in 1997. Upon release, the movie was criticized for its excessive gore, silly story, and bad acting. The movie has a lukewarm 51 on Metacritic and received a C+ CinemaScore. But, exactly like Demolition Man, the 8.8 user score on Metacritic paints a clearer picture of its critical re-evaluation, as does its 7.2/10 rating on IMDb. It's often condescending to say "You just didn't get it!," but in this case, we just didn't get it.
Last Action Hero (1993)
Arnold Schwarzenegger was a bonafide action legend by 1993, so it was very disappointing to see him in a movie like Last Action Hero. Despite its intriguing premise, the movie was critically lambasted for its uneven tone and confusing structure, resulting in a 36% on Rotten Tomatoes and 44 on Metacritic. And while the movie received a C+ CinemaScore, it has since become a cult favorite, as evident by its 8.6 user score on Metacritic and 6.4/10 rating on IMDb.