In the world of cinema, certain films face a barrage of negative feedback before their release, often leading to a phenomenon known as review bombing. This coordinated effort involves groups of individuals deliberately submitting numerous low-star reviews, often without having seen the film itself. Such actions can severely damage a movie’s reputation and box office viability, as it creates an overwhelming wave of negativity based on speculation rather than actual viewing experiences.
While every viewer is entitled to their opinion, the practice of review bombing raises ethical concerns, particularly when many criticisms stem from unfounded assumptions or personal biases against the film’s themes or messages. This can be disheartening for filmmakers who pour their passion and creativity into their projects, only to see them judged harshly and prematurely.
Movies That Were Unfairly Review Bombed
1 Snow White (2025)
The 2025 adaptation of Snow White has faced significant backlash, primarily due to its casting choices and the lead actress, Rachel Zegler, making bold political statements surrounding the classic fairy tale. Despite these controversies, the film deserves recognition for its exceptional music and vibrant visuals, with Zegler’s captivating voice shining throughout the soundtrack.
2 Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi
Part of a beloved franchise, The Last Jedi encountered heavy criticism from dedicated fans who felt it strayed too far from the traditional narratives. While critical reviews praised the film, its divisive reception indicated the struggle between creative exploration and fan expectations, ultimately leading to a wave of negative online reviews that overshadowed its artistic merits.
3 Captain Marvel
In 2019, Captain Marvel became a focal point for gender-related controversies in the MCU, with lead actress Brie Larson receiving backlash that seemed exaggerated when considering the film’s box office success. The tension illustrated a larger cultural shift and resistance to change within the fandom, despite the film’s ability to earn over $1 billion globally.
4 Lightyear
Lightyear, a spinoff from the iconic Toy Story franchise, sparked controversy due to its representation of a same-sex couple. This inclusion led some viewers to wage an aggressive campaign of discontent against the film, despite the LGBTQ+ elements being subtle and non-central to the plot. The negative reviews reflected a broader discomfort with progressivism in children’s media.
5 Bros
Launching in 2022, Bros faced substantial review bombing primarily due to its focus on a gay romantic storyline. Paradoxically, this backlash arose during a time when acceptance for such narratives appeared to be growing, thereby spotlighting the disconnect between societal progress and audience reception.
6 Ghostbusters (2016)
The 2016 reboot of Ghostbusters stirred controversy by featuring an all-female lead cast, displeasing segments of the fan community who felt the change was unnecessary. While the film may not achieve the same acclaim as its predecessors, it presented a fresh and comedic take that received an often disproportionate amount of disdain.
7 The Suicide Squad
The Suicide Squad, directed by James Gunn, faced an uphill battle due to the contrasting expectations from fans of the original film. Despite its creative storytelling and dark humor, the film’s reception was marred by prior franchise baggage and the rampant confusion surrounding its continuity.
8 Black Panther
Released in 2018, Black Panther was notable for its celebration of African culture and prominence of Black actors. Unfortunately, its groundbreaking nature was met with both acclaim and backlash from audiences who resented its themes of representation and social relevance, which some labeled as “too woke.”
9 Eternals
Another Marvel entry, Eternals faced scrutiny for its narrative choices and diverse cast. Despite its potential for compelling storytelling, the film was unfairly dismissed, correlating with a surge of progressive content that appeared contrary to segments of the fanbase’s traditional views.
10 The Promise
The 2016 film The Promise dealt with historical events during the Ottoman Empire, and its serious subject matter led to immediate backlash. Despite the talent involved, including Oscar Isaac, the film suffered from review bombing, illustrating how preconceived notions of a movie’s content can distort public reception and impact its success.
In conclusion, the trend of review bombing remains a major challenge for filmmakers as it does not reflect actual quality but rather a lens of bias. Movies deserve to be evaluated on their artistic merit and the substance of their narratives, rather than being victims of unwarranted criticism driven by ideology.