The Most Divisive Movies in Recent Memory
A look at the top 10 most divisive movies released since 2016, including the reasons for their divisiveness and the impact on audiences and critics.
Introduction
In recent years, there have been numerous movies that have sparked intense debates and divided audiences and critics. The reasons for a movie's divisiveness can vary, from controversial content and graphic depictions of violence to the portrayal of beloved characters. This article explores the top 10 most divisive movies released since 2016, delving into the reasons behind their polarizing reception and the impact they have had on the film industry and audiences.
Margot Robbie crying in Babylon
Divisive movies often lead to polarizing discussions and differing opinions among viewers. The grand and ambitious works of renowned directors, coupled with committed performances by acclaimed actors, have been at the center of these controversies. From epic chronicles of Hollywood's transition to silent films to critically acclaimed historical dramas, the following movies have left a lasting impact on audiences and critics, contributing to the ongoing discourse surrounding their divisive nature.
Ikaris and Sersi in MCU Eternals
Top 10 Most Divisive Movies
These are the top 10 most divisive movies released since 2016, each of which has ignited intense debates and varying reactions from audiences and critics:
1. Babylon (2022) - Directed by Damien Chazelle
Brendan Fraser as Charlie in The Whale
2. Eternals (2021) - Directed by Chloé Zhao
Batman in his armored suit in the DCEU's Batman v Superman
3. The Whale (2022) - Directed by Darren Aronofsky
Henry Cavill as Superman in the DCEU's Batman v Superman Dawn of Justice
4. Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016) - Directed by Zack Snyder
Lex Luthor plots the creation of Doomsday in Batman v Superman
5. Mother! (2017) - Directed by Darren Aronofsky
Henry Cavill's Clark Kent speaks to Ben Affleck's Superman in Batman v Superman with A Balance of Terror Painting in Background
6. The Last Duel (2021) - Directed by Ridley Scott
Man of Steel Batman Easter Egg Image With Cavill Superman and Affleck Batman
7. Elvis (2022) - Directed by Baz Luhrmann
Jennifer Lawrence in mother! (2017)
8. The House That Jack Built (2018) - Directed by Lars Von Trier
Matt Damon and Jodie Comer in The Last Duel
9. Joker (2019) - Directed by Todd Philips
Austin Butler on stage performing a song in a musical scene from Elvis
10. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) - Directed by Rian Johnson
Elvis portrayed by Austin Butler.
Analysis of Divisive Movies
1. Babylon (2022) - Directed by Damien Chazelle
Austin Butler in a car in Elvis.
Damien Chazelle's epic chronicle of Hollywood's transition from silent to sound films in the 1920s, Babylon, was highly anticipated but deeply divided audiences upon its release. Despite a star-studded cast, the critical consensus was that it was an exhausting, polarizing film that did not resonate with a wide audience. The film's ambitious nature led to a divisive reception, impacting its overall success and reception.
Elvis hugging his mother in Elvis.
2. Eternals (2021) - Directed by Chloé Zhao
Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Park in Elvis
Eternals, a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, received both commendation and criticism for its ambitious new direction. The film's complex lore and lengthy runtime proved to be divisive among audiences, leading to uncertainty regarding a potential sequel. The divided reception to Eternals has raised questions about its impact on the future of the MCU.
A still from the 2018 avant-garde horror movie The House That Jack Built.
3. The Whale (2022) - Directed by Darren Aronofsky
Joaquin Phoenix as Joker in Joker 2019
The Whale, a deeply polarizing film, depicted themes of binge-eating, depression, and food addiction, leading to mixed reactions. Despite criticisms, Brendan Frasier's performance was widely acclaimed, highlighting the divisive nature of the film's content and its impact on audience perception.
Ahch-To Jedi Temple and Luke Skywalker in The Last Jedi.
