Hollywood’s hype machine often elevates films beyond their merit, leaving audiences disappointed when the credits roll. In this section, we analyze three of the most overrated films since 2015.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) was hailed as a triumphant return for the franchise. Critics and fans praised its nostalgic callbacks and new characters, but the film leans too heavily on recycling A New Hope’s plot. The story lacks originality, with a rehashed Death Star (Starkiller Base) and predictable beats that feel safe rather than innovative. Many critics felt it was too derivative, essentially rehashing the original film's story beats with new characters. George Lucas himself expressed disappointment that the film didn't take more innovative risks.
La La Land (2016) swept awards season, earning 14 Oscar nominations and a near-perfect 91% on Rotten Tomatoes. Its story is shallow, and the musical numbers lack staying power.
Joker (2019) was a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $1 billion and earning Joaquin Phoenix an Oscar. Its gritty take on the iconic villain was praised as bold, but the film’s heavy-handed mental health commentary and derivative nods to Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy make it less profound than advertised. Several reviewers found the film's attempts at social commentary to be shallow, heavy-handed, and ultimately unclear.
