In the world of cinema, there truly is no accounting for taste. Some people love slapstick comedies while others relish slasher films – the gorier the better. Critically reviled movies may turn a huge profit or become cult classics. On the other hand, movies that receive overwhelmingly positive reviews may still end up as box office bombs that fade into obscurity.
To determine the directors who make the most polarizing movies, 24/7 Tempo reviewed data on audience and critic reception from Rotten Tomatoes. Directors were ranked based on the number of movies for which the Rotten Tomatoes audience score and Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score differ by at least 25 percentage points. Tyler Perry’s “Diary of a Mad Black Woman,” for example, has one of the largest differentials of any movie, with an audience score of 86% and a Tomatometer score of 16% – a difference of 70 percentage points – and counts towards the director’s total tally. Only directors with at least seven feature films who have released at least one movie since 1985 were considered. Audience and Tomatometer scores used to calculate average career-long audience scores and Tomatometer scores were weighted by number of audience votes and critics reviews.
Some of these directors specialize in genre films, B-movies, kung-fu, horror, or absurd comedies – admittedly not everyone’s cup of tea. Others are responsible for huge blockbusters or have catalogs of dozens of movies spanning decades. It’s no surprise that prolific filmmakers may produce some content that either audiences or critics don’t appreciate.
A few of the directors who make the most polarizing movies, including Tyler Perry, Ron Howard, and Garry Marshall, are also accomplished actors, producers, or screenwriters. (These are the best movies directed by actors.)
45. Paul W.S. Anderson
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (41.7% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 52% (1,835,570 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 31% (1,256 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Resident Evil (2002), Event Horizon (1997), Soldier (1998)
Famous for directing “Mortal Kombat” and many films in the “Resident Evil” franchise, Paul W.S. Anderson has had his hands in numerous sci-fi movies and video game adaptations that have dedicated followings despite being loathed by critics.
44. Alan Rudolph
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (41.7% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 50% (28,589 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 63% (346 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Roadie (1980), Made in Heaven (1987), Afterglow (1997)
A protege of Robert Altman, Alan Rudolph is known for his comedies and dramas centered around eccentric characters. His films often strike a deep chord with certain individuals, but are rarely enjoyed by critics or audiences as a whole.
43. Bob Clark
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (41.7% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 68% (470,450 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 32% (271 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: It Runs in the Family (1994), From the Hip (1987), Turk 182 (1985)
The director of the family classic “A Christmas Story,” Bob Clark is also remembered for his b movies and low budget horror and slasher films, as well as comedy bombs like “Baby Geniuses.”
42. Randal Kleiser
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (45.5% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 75% (1,571,386 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 54% (227 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: The Blue Lagoon (1980), Grandview, U.S.A. (1984), Lovewrecked (2005)
Best known as the director of the hit movies “Grease” and “Flight of the Navigator,” Randal Kleiser also had his hand in some unpopular movie sequels like “Big Top Pee Wee” and “Honey I Blew Up the Kid,” as well as “Blue Lagoon,” a movie from 1980 that has only become more polarizing as the years go by.
41. Mel Brooks
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (45.5% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 83% (1,405,848 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 69% (439 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993), Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995), The Twelve Chairs (1970)
Highly successful for his farcical comedies and satires, the director of the politically incorrect hit “Blazing Saddles” produces a brand of slapstick humor that definitely rubs many people the wrong way.
40. Luc Besson
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (50.0% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 77% (1,300,431 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 49% (1,092 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Anna (2019), Arthur and the Invisibles (2006), Le grand bleu (1988)
Admired in the U.S. for hit films like “The Fifth Element,” and “The Professional,” this French filmmaker is nevertheless seen by many French critics and cinephiles as an unwelcome purveyor of modern action crowd-pleasers.
39. Adam Shankman
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (55.6% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 77% (34,413,679 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 40% (1,294 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: A Walk to Remember (2002), Cheaper by the Dozen 2 (2005), The Wedding Planner (2001)
Perhaps better known as a choreographer who served as a judge on the reality show “So You Think You Can Dance,” Adam Shankman is also a director who has filmed numerous romantic comedies. His debut, “The Wedding Planner,” opened at number one at the box office, but was panned by critics.
38. John Singleton
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (55.6% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 51% (33,567,826 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 52% (810 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Poetic Justice (1993), Abduction (2011), Higher Learning (1995)
The creative force behind the salient coming-of-age drama “Boyz n the Hood,” John Singleton went on to direct other acclaimed films highlighting the Black experience, including “Rosewood” and “Baby Boy,” as well as some movies that failed to strike a chord with critics, despite being loved by audiences.
37. Daniel Petrie
HOLLYWOOD, CA - JANUARY 27: Director Daniel Petrie and his son director Donald Petrie attend the premiere of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days at the Cinerama Dome and after-party at the Sunset Room on January 27, 2003 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (55.6% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 54% (72,309 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 62% (87 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Resurrection (1980), Six Pack (1982), Rocket Gibraltar (1988)
Prolific television and film director Daniel Petrie broke into the film world with the screen adaptation of “A Raisin in the Sun.” With over 60 feature films and television series of numerous genres under his belt, it’s no shock that some of them struck out with the critics.
36. Steven Brill
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (55.6% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 59% (1,769,897 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 24% (699 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Without a Paddle (2004), Heavyweights (1995), Mr. Deeds (2002)
Comedic writer and director Steven Brill is known for writing the “Mighty Ducks” trilogy as well as for directing several movies starring the famously polarizing actor Adam Sandler, including “Little Nicky” and “Mr. Deeds.”
35. Kevin Reynolds
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (55.6% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 69% (1,044,452 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 51% (547 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: The Beast of War (1988), Rapa Nui (1994), Tristan + Isolde (2006)
The director of several Kevin Costner films including “Waterworld” and “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” Kevin Reynolds has been involved with a few troubled productions, but has also helmed some crowd pleasers including the cult classic “Fandango,” which he made while in film school.
34. Frank Coraci
zinemaldi.dvdenlared.com/
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (62.5% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 68% (2,956,688 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 29% (848 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Blended (2014), The Waterboy (1998), The Ridiculous 6 (2015)
Another director known for his work with Adam Sandler, Frank Coraci directed “The Wedding Singer,” “The Waterboy,” and “Click.” Despite many negative reviews, “The Waterboy” is one of the highest grossing sports comedies ever.
33. Christopher Cain
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (62.5% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 53% (193,172 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 22% (193 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: That Was Then… This Is Now (1985), Pure Country (1992), Young Guns (1988)
Best known for his ’80s dramas “The Stone Boy,” and “Where the River Runs Black,” Christopher Cain has also directed a few Westerns, including “Pure Country,” that audiences loved despite mixed critical reviews.
32. Charles Band
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (62.5% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 37% (19,542 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 22% (32 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Blood Dolls (1999), Evil Bong (2006), Head of the Family (1996)
Producer and director Charles Band has made his career by pumping out low budget genre films, including raucous straight to video comedy horrors like “The Gingerdead Man,” and the “Evil Bong” franchise.
31. Les Mayfield
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (71.4% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 44% (1,173,869 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 19% (462 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: American Outlaws (2001), Encino Man (1992), Code Name: The Cleaner (2007)
Although Les Mayfield got his start making well-liked documentaries with Steven Spielberg, he moved on to direct ’90s hits like “Encino Man,” “Miracle on 34th Street,” and “Flubber,” some of which received poor reviews but did well at the box office.
30. Robert Luketic
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (71.4% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 62% (3,410,484 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 31% (1,028 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: The Ugly Truth (2009), Monster-in-Law (2005), Killers (2010)
Australian director Robert Luketic was still in his 20s when he directed his debut feature, the wildly successful comedy “Legally Blonde.” Although none of his subsequent films have garnered quite as much acclaim, he’s still made some audience favorites including the heist film “21.”
29. Randall Miller
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (71.4% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 57% (58,115 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 30% (340 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Class Act (1992), Houseguest (1995), Marilyn Hotchkiss’ Ballroom Dancing & Charm School (2005)
Randall Miller got his start in television, both acting and directing series episodes. As he moved into film, he directed some commercially successful comedies including “Class Act” and “Houseguest,” as well as some straight to television comedies.
28. Deon Taylor
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (71.4% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 75% (20,668 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 39% (333 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Supremacy (2014), Meet the Blacks (2016), Fatale (2020)
Horror and thriller director Deon Taylor has put out numerous films with high audience scores but low critical ratings. Taylor’s non-horror offerings, including the psychological thriller “The Intruder” and the action thriller “Black and Blue” remain some of his most successful films.
27. Andy Fickman
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (71.4% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 65% (1,526,451 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 29% (699 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Playing with Fire (2019), Parental Guidance (2012), The Game Plan (2007)
After getting his start with a straight to video teen sex comedy, Andy Fickman moved up the ranks to direct some big-budget comedies like “Parental Guidance” that were both commercially successful and, in some cases, loved by audiences.
26. Abel Ferrara
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 6 (42.9% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 60% (76,817 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 66% (330 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: The Blackout (1997), The Driller Killer (1979), Body Snatchers (1993)
Known for his gritty thrillers set in New York City, including “Bad Lieutenant” and “King of New York,” Abel Ferrara has made a name for himself with his neo-noir style and controversial depictions of sex and graphic violence.
25. Michael Winner
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 6 (54.5% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 59% (54,307 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 47% (133 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Hannibal Brooks (1969), Chato’s Land (1972), Death Wish 3 (1985)
Best remembered for his films starring Charles Bronson and Oliver Reed, prolific English director Michael Winner saw commercial success with many of his projects, including the first films in the “Death Wish” series.
24. Howard Deutch
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 6 (60.0% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 65% (720,596 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 32% (494 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Grumpier Old Men (1995), The Whole Ten Yards (2004), My Best Friend’s Girl (2008)
Howard Deutch got his start by directing some of John Hughes’s most well-known screenplays, including “Pretty in Pink” and “Some Kind of Wonderful.” His later films, which include some sequels to movies he didn’t direct, generally haven’t received the critical acclaim of his earlier works.
23. Joseph Ruben
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 6 (60.0% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 43% (374,745 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 43% (435 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Sleeping with the Enemy (1991), The Ottoman Lieutenant (2017), True Believer (1989)
Specializing in dramas and psychological thrillers, Joseph Ruben has directed both low budget cult classics like “The Stepfather,” and popular box office hits like the highly controversial film “The Good Son.”
22. Andy Tennant
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Director Andy Tennant and guest attend the UK film premiere of The Bounty Hunter at Vue West End on March 11, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 6 (66.7% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 62% (34,773,418 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 39% (916 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: It Takes Two (1995), The Secret: Dare to Dream (2020), Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
After entering the industry as a dancer, Andy Tennant went on to direct a string of romantic comedies and dramas including “Fools Rush In,” “Ever After,” and “Hitch,” which had the biggest opening weekend of any romantic comedy ever.
21. Hal Needham
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 6 (75.0% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 63% (182,657 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 41% (137 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Rad (1986), The Villain (1979), Cannonball Run II (1984)
After working as a successful stuntman, Hal Needham turned to directing action comedies like “Smokey and the Bandit.” Although some of his films were seen as low-brow, they were nevertheless wildly entertaining.
20. Jay Chandrasekhar
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 6 (85.7% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 66% (884,849 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 28% (589 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Super Troopers (2001), Puddle Cruiser (1996), Beerfest (2006)
Known for his work with the sketch comedy troupe Broken Lizard, Jay Chandrasekhar is the director of the cult favorite crime comedy “Super Troopers,” which has a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes despite receiving largely negative reviews.
19. Sam Firstenberg
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 6 (85.7% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 51% (32,904 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 19% (32 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Revenge of the Ninja (1983), Avenging Force (1986), American Warrior (1985)
A prolific director of low budget B-movies, Sam Firstenberg has worked on numerous martial arts and action films, as well as horror, comedy, drama, and even a dance musical.
18. Rowdy Herrington
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 6 (85.7% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 57% (108,956 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 30% (172 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: A Murder of Crows (1998), Gladiator (1992), Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius (2004)
Known for his action thriller “Striking Distance,” Rowdy Herrington also directed Patrick Swayze in “Road House,” a successful film that got mixed reviews, and James Spader in “Jack’s Back,” which critics seem to appreciate much more than general audiences.
17. Aaron Norris
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 6 (85.7% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 39% (43,633 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 15% (46 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Forest Warrior (1996), Braddock: Missing in Action III (1988), Hellbound (1994)
Starting his career as a stuntman, Aaron Norris also served as a martial arts choreographer and stunt coordinator before breaking into directing. His work has primarily been in low budget action films, many starring his brother, Chuck Norris.
16. Ron Howard
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 7 (25.9% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 68% (4,810,360 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 58% (3,698 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Hillbilly Elegy (2020), The Missing (2003), Edtv (1999)
An incredibly versatile and prolific actor, director, and producer, Ron Howard has consistently directed highly acclaimed films including “Apollo 13,” and “Frost/Nixon.” Some of his films, including “Hillbilly Elegy,” didn’t impress critics but were still lauded by viewers.
15. Arthur Hiller
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 7 (35.0% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 65% (157,220 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 49% (348 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Penelope (1966), Tobruk (1967), Author! Author! (1982)
Canadian director Arthur Hiller is most famous for his film “Love Story,” which was nominated for seven Oscars. Of the dozens of films he directed from the 1950s to the 2000s, one of the most contentious was “Penelope,” a comedy caper starring Natalie Wood.
14. Richard Fleischer
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 7 (36.8% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 56% (319,052 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 56% (347 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Between Heaven and Hell (1956), The Jazz Singer (1980), The Spikes Gang (1974)
Over four decades, Richard Fleischer directed more than 50 films of various genres, including B-movies. He is best remembered for his big budget films like “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” and his noir masterpiece “The Narrow Margin.”
13. Bruce Beresford
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 7 (43.8% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 62% (311,142 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 48% (621 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Mr. Church (2016), Double Jeopardy (1999), Paradise Road (1997)
This Australian-born director is most famous for “Driving Miss Daisy,” which won four Oscars. He got his start, however, with a pair of comedy films that were so critically reviled that Beresford feared he’d never get work again.
12. Donald Petrie
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 7 (53.8% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 62% (2,925,126 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 27% (839 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Little Italy (2018), How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days (2003), Opportunity Knocks (1990)
The director of crowd pleasers like “Mystic Pizza,” “Grumpy Old Men,” and “Miss Congeniality,” Donald Petrie has some solid comedies under his belt – even if critics would beg to differ.
11. Sidney J. Furie
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 7 (70.0% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 36% (139,603 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 24% (110 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: The Boys in Company C (1978), Hollow Point (1996), The Appaloosa (1966)
Having directed films that were influential to Martin Scorsese and Stanley Kubrick, this auteur has thrived in the industry and made a name for himself despite a lack of critical acclaim for many of his dozens of films.
10. Tim Story
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 7 (70.0% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 52% (2,746,943 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 33% (1,315 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Shaft (2019), Tom and Jerry (2021), Ride Along (2014)
Best known for his breakout comedy “Barbershop” as well as his work with the “Fantastic Four” franchise, Tim Story has also recently directed a slasher comedy and a film in the “Shaft” franchise that audiences loved.
9. Brian Robbins
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 7 (77.8% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 51% (1,399,484 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 23% (778 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: A Thousand Words (2012), Norbit (2007), Varsity Blues (1999)
Well-known as a producer, Brian Robbins has also seen success directing some beloved movies that have been poorly received by critics, including the teen comedy “Good Burger,” which is based on a sketch from a television show that Robbins co-created, Nickelodeon’s “All That,”
8. Roger Kumble
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 7 (100.0% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 68% (1,338,465 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 31% (538 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: After We Collided (2020), The Sweetest Thing (2002), College Road Trip (2008)
Roger Kumble made a splash with his directorial debut, the teen sex drama “Cruel Intentions.” Since then, he has directed a number of successful comedies and romantic dramas that have seen mixed reviews from critics.
7. Larry Cohen
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 8 (57.1% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 41% (38,016 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 59% (153 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: The Ambulance (1990), It’s Alive III: Island of the Alive (1987), Full Moon High (1981)
Known as a master of horror and sci-fi, Larry Cohen has written, directed, and produced dozens of low budget genre films since the ’60s, including a series of early ’70s blaxploitation films.
6. Joel Schumacher
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 9 (40.9% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 54% (3,419,683 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 39% (1,649 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: The Phantom of the Opera (2004), The Number 23 (2007), Dying Young (1991)
Joel Schumacher made his breakthrough in the ’80s with memorable films including “St. Elmo’s Fire” and “The Lost Boys,” before directing the hit ’90s legal films “The Client” and “A Time to Kill.” He also divided viewers with his take on Gotham’s masked vigilante in “Batman Forever” and “Batman and Robin.”
5. Michael Bay
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 9 (60.0% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 68% (10,769,166 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 38% (2,815 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Bad Boys II (2003), Pearl Harbor (2001), Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)
Known for making fast-paced action films with big budgets and lots of explosions, Michael Bay delivers blockbusters that drive audiences wild, even while critics find fault with his two-dimensional characters and busy camerawork.
4. Michael Schultz
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 10: Jonathan Schultz during the Haute Living Celebrates Michael Chow With The Macallan at Mr Chow on November 10, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Haute Living)
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 9 (90.0% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 72% (54,196 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 49% (108 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Scavenger Hunt (1979), Which Way Is Up? (1977), Disorderlies (1987)
With extensive work in film and television, Michael Schultz has specialized in comedies of all flavors including some early works of lowbrow humor wrapped up with profound social commentary.
3. Garry Marshall
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 10 (55.6% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 67% (35,564,851 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 28% (1,397 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Beaches (1988), The Other Sister (1999), New Year’s Eve (2011)
Garry Marshall was an Emmy-nominated screenwriter before turning to directing, where he helmed some wildly popular films including “Pretty Woman,” “Runaway Bride,” and “The Princess Diaries,” as well as some films that critics bashed.
2. Dennis Dugan
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 12 (85.7% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 67% (5,293,909 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 20% (1,373 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007), Grown Ups (2010), The Benchwarmers (2006)
A comedic actor and director known for his work with Adam Sandler, Dennis Dugan has directed a slew of successful but polarizing comedies including “Problem Child,” “Happy Gilmore,” and “Beverly Hills Ninja.”
1. Tyler Perry
- Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 14 (82.4% of filmography)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 76% (936,863 votes)
- Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 29% (729 reviews)
- Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor (2013), Madea Goes to Jail (2009), Madea’s Family Reunion (2006)
Actor-director Tyler Perry is the brains behind the wildly successful “Madea” franchise in which Perry, dressed in drag, plays a tough elderly woman. His films don’t always strike a chord with critics, but audiences keep coming back for more.