The 2010s and early 2020s brought us some of the most talked-about films in recent memory, with franchises, blockbuster hits, and critical darlings dominating the cultural conversation. But sometimes, the level of hype around a film can cloud objective judgment, and what’s touted as a masterpiece can turn out to be less impressive upon closer inspection.

In this article, we’ll look at some of the most overrated movies of the decade—films that, while often beloved by fans and critics, may not live up to the inflated expectations or the universal praise they received. These films range from bloated franchises to critically acclaimed indie projects, but all share one thing in common: they’ve been elevated to a level of reverence that doesn’t necessarily align with their true merits.

1. La La Land (2016)

Director: Damien Chazelle

When La La Land hit theaters, it was hailed as a modern classic—a nostalgic throwback to the golden age of Hollywood musicals, featuring dazzling performances, catchy tunes, and visually stunning cinematography. The film was nominated for 14 Academy Awards and won six, including Best Director for Damien Chazelle. However, the film’s overwhelming praise can feel disproportionate given its lack of emotional depth and its somewhat superficial treatment of the romantic and artistic struggles it portrays.

While La La Land is undeniably stylish and the performances by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are solid, the film’s storyline ultimately offers little beyond the charm of its aesthetic. The romanticized portrayal of the relationship feels formulaic, and its narrative lacks the complexity and resonance that some of its competitors (such as Moonlight) offered. The film’s desire to be both a tribute to classic musicals and a commentary on the challenges of following dreams in modern life leaves it feeling a bit shallow.

2. Birdman (2014)

Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu

Birdman made a huge splash at the 2015 Oscars, winning Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. Its audacious “one-shot” aesthetic and darkly comedic look at the life of a washed-up actor, played by Michael Keaton, captivated critics. However, beneath the technical brilliance of its long takes and the engaging performances, the film ultimately struggles to deliver on its thematic ambitions.

Birdman is more style than substance—while it seeks to explore deep questions about ego, relevance, and artifice in Hollywood, its narrative is repetitive, and its message about artistic integrity is overly simplistic. The film’s frenetic energy can become exhausting, and many of its more profound moments feel hollow or exaggerated for effect. It may be visually captivating, but it's hard to shake the feeling that the film's hype was more about its technical audacity than its actual storytelling prowess.

3. The Greatest Showman (2017)

Director: Michael Gracey

Despite its immense popularity, especially among young audiences, The Greatest Showman has become a prime example of a film that fails to live up to its hype. While the musical numbers are undeniably catchy and visually impressive, the film’s historical inaccuracies and simplistic storytelling leave much to be desired. The movie portrays P.T. Barnum as a progressive figure, glossing over his exploitation of marginalized communities, which many critics found problematic.

The film’s appeal largely stems from its bombastic, over-the-top musical numbers and Hugh Jackman’s charisma. However, when stripped of its glitter and spectacle, The Greatest Showman offers little substance beyond a surface-level “feel-good” message. Its glorification of Barnum as a visionary leader, when in reality he was a complicated figure with morally dubious practices, weakens the overall impact. Still, the soundtrack has been a cultural phenomenon, leading some to overrate the movie's actual merit.

4. Joker (2019)

Director: Todd Phillips

Joker was one of the most controversial and polarizing films of the decade, earning Joaquin Phoenix an Oscar for his portrayal of Arthur Fleck, a man who transforms into the infamous villain. While Phoenix's performance is undeniably captivating, the film as a whole is far from revolutionary. It's often praised for its gritty, "realistic" take on the comic book character, but it frequently lapses into being a one-note, self-serious meditation on mental illness, society's failings, and the birth of a villain.

The film’s attempts to tackle serious issues—like class disparity and the treatment of mental health—feel superficial and lack nuance. Instead of offering a fresh perspective on the Joker mythos or a deeper psychological exploration, Joker takes the path of least resistance, relying on tired tropes and grim depictions of urban decay. The film's tone and themes, while striking, often come across as more exploitative than insightful. As a result, the film has been critiqued for being an overly simplistic commentary on complex social issues, despite its lofty ambitions.

5. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo

It’s hard to deny that Avengers: Endgame was a cultural phenomenon, marking the conclusion of over a decade of interconnected storytelling within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film broke box office records and received wide acclaim for its emotional weight, especially in its treatment of the characters’ arcs over the years. However, in the grand scheme of cinematic achievements, Endgame is far from a perfect film.

Though undeniably entertaining, the movie is bloated with fan service, and its two-hour runtime could have been more focused. Some of the character resolutions feel unsatisfying or rushed, while the sheer number of characters and plotlines often detracts from the emotional impact of key moments. For a film that’s meant to wrap up an entire saga, it often prioritizes spectacle over substance, leaving little room for the kind of introspection or character development that would truly elevate the story. The grand finale may have satisfied the hardcore fans, but for many, it lacked the depth that would make it a truly great cinematic work.

6. The Revenant (2015)

Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu

The Revenant garnered critical acclaim and several Academy Awards, including Best Director for Alejandro González Iñárritu. The film’s intense survival story and Leonardo DiCaprio’s grueling performance have been widely praised. Yet, despite its impressive cinematography and visceral action, the film’s overall narrative feels surprisingly thin.

The film’s plot, which revolves around Hugh Glass’s (DiCaprio) revenge quest after being left for dead, is simple to the point of being repetitive. Much of the film is spent in the wilderness, watching Glass struggle to survive, which while visually striking, grows monotonous. The film’s artfulness and technical mastery are undeniable, but in terms of storytelling, it falls into the trap of style over substance. The Revenant is beautiful to look at but lacks the emotional weight to justify its slow pacing and limited plot.

7. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

Director: J.J. Abrams

The final entry in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, The Rise of Skywalker, was heavily anticipated but ultimately failed to live up to the legacy of the franchise. While it was successful at the box office, many fans and critics were disappointed by its convoluted plot, lack of character development, and reliance on nostalgia. The film struggles with pacing, introducing several new plot points that feel rushed and unsatisfying, such as the return of Emperor Palpatine and Rey’s mysterious parentage.

The film tries to please everyone but ends up satisfying no one completely. Its reliance on fan service and plot twists undermines the emotional stakes, and its failure to address the lingering questions from The Last Jedi (2017) feels like a missed opportunity to bring the trilogy to a satisfying conclusion. While The Rise of Skywalker has its moments of spectacle, it ultimately struggles to stand as a worthy conclusion to the saga.

8. The Shape of Water (2017)

Director: Guillermo del Toro

Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water was lauded as an imaginative and original fairy tale, winning multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture. While the film's blend of fantasy and romance is charming, it falls short of being the groundbreaking masterpiece some critics have labeled it. The narrative, centered on a mute woman falling in love with an amphibious creature, is unique, but its themes of otherness and acceptance feel overly simplistic and heavy-handed.

While The Shape of Water boasts beautiful visuals and a strong performance by Sally Hawkins, the film's message can sometimes feel clichéd, and its plot somewhat predictable. The romance between the woman and the creature, though unconventional, is underdeveloped and relies on fantastical elements that make it hard to fully invest in emotionally. As a result, the film's high praise seems a bit overblown when compared to other works of cinematic fantasy that offer deeper emotional and thematic exploration.

Conclusion

While every film on this list has its merits, they also exemplify the gap between hype and actual substance. Whether driven by brilliant performances, aesthetic triumphs, or the sheer power of fan culture, these movies have been elevated beyond what they actually deliver. That’s not to say they don’t entertain or provoke thought—they do. But when judged against the broader landscape of filmmaking, they don’t quite stand as the towering achievements they’ve been made out to be. So, if you’ve ever found yourself wondering if the praise for these films was warranted, you’re not alone. Sometimes, the hype simply outshines the film itself.