10 Iconic Movies That Were Initially Critical Flops

As the rumbling Rotten Tomatoes debate seems to prove increasingly, film critics are a rather easy breed to hate. They have the power to make or break careers and traditionally functioned as a marketing tool for films - until the critics/fans split manifested so furiously. It doesn't help the cause at all that some seem to revel in snobbishness - sneeringly questioning the IQ of anyone who would rather go see a blockbuster with lots of explosions over an independent film with subtitles.

And, of course, their industry is a subjective one. What one person might think is the greatest cinematic achievement of all-time, somebody else may consider worthy only of a garbage heap. It's part of the beauty of art.

So it should come as no surprise that if you take pretty much any classic movie, you'll probably find somebody out there that despises it. In hindsight, they can end up looking foolish when the tide of opinion contradicts them, but it's important to remember that reviewers are only human. Hilariously wrong, misguided humans, but human all the same.

In retrospect, it can be quite remarkable when so many critics of the time are so out of step with the critics of the years that would follow.

After trips to Wally World and Europe, the third adventure featuring the Griswolds had them staying at home and letting their quirky relatives come to them. As expected, many hijinks ensue when both sides of the family are put together in one house for an extended amount of time. Much of it is quite entertaining, though the attitude towards animal welfare leaves a lot to be desired.

Now generally considered to be a Christmas favorite, upon its opening in 1989, the critical response was not very enthusiastic. Critiques included that the jokes were becoming redundant the third time around and that the family wasn't so easy to like anymore.

Over time, and many airings on television, perceptions of the film began to change. And it's also noted for the quality of its cast, with Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo and Randy Quaid joined by a supporting cast including Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki, Doris Roberts and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.