The Polarizing Directors Behind Modern Media’s Most Divisive Films

Filmmaking, like all art, is deeply subjective. What one viewer calls a masterpiece, another might dismiss as unwatchable. In such a diverse cinematic landscape, it's no wonder that directors often find themselves praised by one group and panned by another, creating a polarized industry.

Some films that critics despise end up becoming box office hits or cult classics. Others earn glowing reviews but fail to find an audience, disappearing into obscurity despite their artistic merit. This divide between critical and popular opinion can be especially stark when it comes to certain filmmakers. Regardless of the reasoning, some filmmakers consistently spark strong reactions.

To identify the most polarizing directors in filmmaking history, 24/7 Tempo analyzed data from Rotten Tomatoes, focusing on movies where the critic score (Tomatometer) and audience score differ by at least 25 percentage points. Only directors with at least seven feature films, including at least one released since 1985, were considered. Let's take a closer look.

This post was updated July 7th, 2025, to reflect additional information.

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 52% (1,835,570 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 31% (1,256 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (41.7% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Resident Evil (2002), Event Horizon (1997), Soldier (1998)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 50% (28,589 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 63% (346 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (41.7% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Roadie (1980), Made in Heaven (1987), Afterglow (1997)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 68% (470,450 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 32% (271 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (41.7% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: It Runs in the Family (1994), From the Hip (1987), Turk 182 (1985)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 75% (1,571,386 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 54% (227 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (45.5% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: The Blue Lagoon (1980), Grandview, U.S.A. (1984), Lovewrecked (2005)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 83% (1,405,848 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 69% (439 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (45.5% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993), Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995), The Twelve Chairs (1970)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 77% (1,300,431 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 49% (1,092 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (50.0% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Anna (2019), Arthur and the Invisibles (2006), The Big Blue (Le Grand Bleu) (1988)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 77% (34,413,679 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 40% (1,294 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (55.6% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: A Walk to Remember (2002), Cheaper by the Dozen 2 (2005), The Wedding Planner (2001)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 51% (33,567,826 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 52% (810 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (55.6% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Poetic Justice (1993), Abduction (2011), Higher Learning (1995)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 54% (72,309 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 62% (87 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (55.6% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Resurrection (1980), Six Pack (1982), Rocket Gibraltar (1988)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 59% (1,769,897 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 24% (699 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (55.6% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Without a Paddle (2004), Heavyweights (1995), Mr. Deeds (2002)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 69% (1,044,452 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 51% (547 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (55.6% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: The Beast of War (1988), Rapa Nui (1994), Tristan + Isolde (2006)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 68% (2,956,688 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 29% (848 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (62.5% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Blended (2014), The Waterboy (1998), The Ridiculous 6 (2015)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 53% (193,172 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 22% (193 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (62.5% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: That Was Then… This Is Now (1985), Pure Country (1992), Young Guns (1988)

• 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)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (62.5% of filmography)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 44% (1,173,869 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 19% (462 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (71.4% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: American Outlaws (2001), Encino Man (1992), Code Name: The Cleaner (2007)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 62% (3,410,484 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 31% (1,028 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (71.4% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: The Ugly Truth (2009), Monster-in-Law (2005), Killers (2010)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 57% (58,115 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 30% (340 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (71.4% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Class Act (1992), Houseguest (1995), Marilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Dancing & Charm School (2005)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 75% (20,668 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 39% (333 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (71.4% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Supremacy (2014), Meet the Blacks (2016), Fatale (2020)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 65% (1,526,451 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 29% (699 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 5 (71.4% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Playing with Fire (2019), Parental Guidance (2012), The Game Plan (2007)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 60% (76,817 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 66% (330 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 6 (42.9% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: The Blackout (1997), The Driller Killer (1979), Body Snatchers (1993)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 59% (54,307 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 47% (133 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 6 (54.5% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Hannibal Brooks (1969), Chato's Land (1972), Death Wish 3 (1985)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 65% (720,596 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 32% (494 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 6 (60.0% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Grumpier Old Men (1995), The Whole Ten Yards (2004), My Best Friend's Girl (2008)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 43% (374,745 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 43% (435 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 6 (60.0% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Sleeping with the Enemy (1991), The Ottoman Lieutenant (2017), True Believer (1989)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 62% (34,773,418 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 39% (916 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 6 (66.7% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: It Takes Two (1995), The Secret: Dare to Dream (2020), Sweet Home Alabama (2002)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 63% (182,657 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 41% (137 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 6 (75.0% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Rad (1986), The Villain (1979), Cannonball Run II (1984)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 66% (884,849 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 28% (589 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 6 (85.7% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Super Troopers (2001), Puddle Cruiser (1996), Beerfest (2006)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 51% (32,904 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 19% (32 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 6 (85.7% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Revenge of the Ninja (1983), Avenging Force (1986), American Warrior (1985)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 57% (108,956 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 30% (172 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 6 (85.7% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: A Murder of Crows (1998), Gladiator (1992), Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius (2004)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 39% (43,633 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 15% (46 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 6 (85.7% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Forest Warrior (1996), Braddock: Missing in Action III (1988), Hellbound (1994)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 68% (4,810,360 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 58% (3,698 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 7 (25.9% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Hillbilly Elegy (2020), The Missing (2003), Edtv (1999)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 65% (157,220 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 49% (348 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 7 (35.0% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Penelope (1966), Tobruk (1967), Author! Author! (1982)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 56% (319,052 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 56% (347 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 7 (36.8% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Between Heaven and Hell (1956), The Jazz Singer (1980), The Spikes Gang (1974)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 62% (311,142 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 48% (621 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 7 (43.8% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Mr. Church (2016), Double Jeopardy (1999), Paradise Road (1997)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 62% (2,925,126 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 27% (839 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 7 (53.8% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Little Italy (2018), How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days (2003), Opportunity Knocks (1990)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 36% (139,603 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 24% (110 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 7 (70.0% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: The Boys in Company C (1978), Hollow Point (1996), The Appaloosa (1966)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 52% (2,746,943 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 33% (1,315 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 7 (70.0% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Shaft (2019), Tom and Jerry (2021), Ride Along (2014)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 51% (1,399,484 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 23% (778 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 7 (77.8% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: A Thousand Words (2012), Norbit (2007), Varsity Blues (1999)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 68% (1,338,465 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 31% (538 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 7 (100.0% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: After We Collided (2020), The Sweetest Thing (2002), College Road Trip (2008)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 41% (38,016 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 59% (153 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 8 (57.1% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: The Ambulance (1990), It's Alive III: Island of the Alive (1987), Full Moon High (1981)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 54% (3,419,683 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 39% (1,649 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 9 (40.9% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: The Phantom of the Opera (2004), The Number 23 (2007), Dying Young (1991)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 68% (10,769,166 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 38% (2,815 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 9 (60.0% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Bad Boys II (2003), Pearl Harbor (2001), Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 72% (54,196 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 49% (108 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 9 (90.0% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Scavenger Hunt (1979), Which Way Is Up? (1977), Disorderlies (1987)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 67% (35,564,851 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 28% (1,397 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 10 (55.6% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Beaches (1988), The Other Sister (1999), New Year's Eve (2011)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 67% (5,293,909 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 20% (1,373 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 12 (85.7% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007), Grown Ups (2010), The Benchwarmers (2006)

• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes audience score: 76% (936,863 votes)
• Avg. career Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score: 29% (729 reviews)
• Movies with audience-critic differentials of at least 25 ppts.: 14 (82.4% of filmography)
• Movies with largest audience-critic differentials: Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor (2013), Madea Goes to Jail (2009), Madea's Family Reunion (2006)