20 Movies Critics HATE But Audiences LOVE

6. The Life of David Gale

Critics are also far less likely to be bowled over by a shocking plot twist than general audiences, for better or worse.

Case in point, we have 2003's crime thriller The Life of David Gale, in which an activist against capital punishment (Kevin Spacey) is sentenced to death for apparently murdering a colleague (Laura Linney).

The reviews were absolutely scathing for this, with critics lambasting the film for its laughably convoluted narrative, which ties itself up in knots trying to surprise the audience, in turn actively working against its own anti-death penalty message.

Though it has only 19% from critics, The Life of David Gale enjoyed a much warmer reception from viewers, where it sits at 81%. 

Between the starry ensemble cast, its thorny and ever-topical themes, and a bonkers final plot twist, the film was a palatable Message Movie for middle-America even if it doesn't hold up to much internal scrutiny at all.