10 Movies That Ruin The Credibility Of The IMDb Top 250

9. Braveheart (1995)

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2 Voldemort
Paramount/20th Century Fox

What is it about Braveheart, exactly, that has allowed it a place in the IMDb Top 250? It's hardly a classic in the same terms as its fellows.

Listen, movies are entitled to a fair amount of creative embellishment, but Braveheart takes things way, way too far. Almost none of it happened in the ways depicted in Gibson's film and it's more worthy considering its plot points as historical sins it commits in the name of extending its frankly yawn-worthy runtime.

But historical gaffs aren't enough to disqualify Braveheart of its place on the IMDb Top 250; who cares about a little inaccuracy, right? Fair enough. What cannot be excused is the sheer amount of xenophobia apparent in every frame: the Scots are depicted as humble, peaceful country folk, whilst the English are cruel and dishonest. How did such bizarre, one-sided characters make it into a Best Picture winner?

It is a terrible discredit to the IMDb, and its users, that this schlock beat out ten dozen more worthwhile candidates.

Contributor

Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.