10 Horror Movies Hated By Critics But Audiences Loved
6. House Of Wax (2005)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 27%
Horror remakes by their nature immediately invite low expectations from critics, which combined with the stunt casting of Paris Hilton in a major role likely ensured they couldn't muster much love for 2005's remake of the 1953 horror classic House of Wax.
If reviewers rather flippantly dismissed it as yet another generic slasher remake amid a growing pile of them, it actually stands out as one of the creepier and more atmospheric.
Between its grimy visuals, solid cast, and genuinely unnerving kills, there's a lot to like here, enough that House of Wax is generally held up today as one of the stronger remakes of its period, and one that actually justifies its own existence.
In his directorial debut, Jaume Collet-Serra (Orphan, Black Adam) delivers a stylish exercise in mood that's just campy enough without ever devolving into pure schlock.
Though few critics have revisited the film in recent years, those who have tend to skew more positive, suggesting that the tide has finally turned in its favour.