20 2000s Movies Audiences Loved, But Critics Hated

7. Without A Paddle

The noughties were a great time for comedies that would become either instant classics or iconic over time. The likes of Anchorman, Dodgeball, Superbad, and The Hangover are arguably the best examples of such films, while Without a Paddle is unfortunately not.

Though unable to boast a truly classic character like a Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) or a White Goodman (Ben Stiller), the movie relied heavily on strong chemistry between its three leads of Dax Shepard, Seth Green, and Matthew Lillard. This, and a very goofy comedy style largely propped up by bear attacks and the American Deep South, made this something of a hit-or-miss.

Without a Paddle was largely a hit with audiences, who were able to enjoy the relationship between the threesome, not dissimilar to the key dynamic in The Hangover five years later, and the jokes.

Critics, however, absolutely blasted Without a Paddle, condemning what was perceived to be an unfunny slog, with a formulaic plot and little redemption coming from Shepard, Green, or even Lillard. This represents the biggest RT differential between audience and critics on this list (68% vs 15%), which does offer up the question of whether the latter can often be robbed of just having some easy-going fun.