Is there a universally liked film?

Wacker · 05-11-2006 06:28PM #1

I remember way back there was a thread on this forum entitled "Great Films You Despise" or something to that effect. Nearly every film ever given any acclaim made its way on to that list! Also, if you look at the vote breakdown on IMDB you will see that all the top films have a huge number of people giving them 1/10. All this got me thinking; is there a universally liked film?

So, in this thread, I propose that somebody nominate a film, and you wait to see if anyone posts that they didn't like it. Once a film gets shot down, nominate another.

I'll get the ball rolling. Is The Godfather a universally liked film (I seriously doubt it, for the record)?

johnny_ultimate · 05-11-2006 06:36PM

I do not particularly like the Godfather, always thought it was overrated.
Tbh ive never come across a film that everyone I know liked. Some film some friend would find great, another would find dull etc... Personal taste will always render such a concept as a universally like film near impossible.
Of course, I'm open to being proved incorrect

projectmayhem · 05-11-2006 06:48PM

are there people who dislike the matrix?

Pigman II · 05-11-2006 06:55PM

Everyone probably likes the Big Lebowski

Lafortezza · 05-11-2006 07:00PM

E.t.

Karl Hungus · 05-11-2006 07:00PM

projectmayhem wrote:

are there people who dislike the matrix?

I'd say the people who think it's completely derivative of Dark City dislike it.

Rhyme · 05-11-2006 07:23PM

lafortezza wrote:

E.t.

Never liked that... fear turned to controlled rage over the years.

Indiana Jones, Batman Begins, Groundhog Day and most of Miyazaki's films (Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke etc...) perhaps?

plonk · 05-11-2006 07:26PM

How about return of the king, gladiator,star wars Episode V and VI

aidan_walsh · 05-11-2006 07:26PM

is there a universally liked film?

Has there ever been anything Man has universally agreed on? Same answer.

Dont be at yourself · 05-11-2006 07:39PM

Back To The Future - it's got adventure, romance, comedy, action, sci-fi...

TerrorFirmer · 05-11-2006 07:52PM

projectmayhem wrote:

are there people who dislike the matrix?

The matrix is a pile of ****. the first one was alright, but the second two were awful

billstraighten · 05-11-2006 08:06PM

maybe the shawshank redemption???

arbeitsscheuer · 05-11-2006 08:09PM

NekkidBibleMan wrote:

Back To The Future - it's got adventure, romance, comedy, action, sci-fi...

Agreed. I have yet to meet anyone or hear of anyone who dislikes that film.

Giruilla · 05-11-2006 08:29PM

Rhyme wrote:

and most of Miyazaki's films (Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke etc...) perhaps?

Just watched Spirited Away.... wow! Everyone should see this film. It gets into the action/strangeness pretty much straight away, and never relents. It were briliiant.

Giruilla · 05-11-2006 08:32PM

Oh yeah, on universally liked, agree with Shawshank Redemption and Groundhog Day, maybe also Ferris Buellers Day Off and Aliens?

is_that_so · 05-11-2006 08:42PM

It's a Wonderful Life and Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.

nando · 05-11-2006 08:43PM

There'll always be somebody who dislikes every film - or says they do just to be awkward

I'd agree on Back to the Future - not a favourite but most people I know like it. That and Babe - don't know anybody who actually dislikes it.

Definitely don't like any Star Wars, Matrix or Gladiator and Groundhog Day is possibly one of least favourite films of all time.

kaimera · 05-11-2006 08:44PM

Toy Story.

The Lion King.

The Land Before Time

quickbeam · 05-11-2006 08:46PM

E.T. & Shawshank Redemption - Well, "dislike" is too strong a word. Both are decent enough films, but very highly ovrerated.

Matrix, Godfather, Alien - I do dislike all.

Return of the King - I personally love it, but I know plenty of people who aren't in to that type of film.

Groundhog Day, Ferris Bueller, Back To The Future - yes, really like them and don't know anybody who dislikes them, so I guess they're still candidites for universally liked films.

Basq · 05-11-2006 08:46PM

Agree on Back To The Future..

On just browsing my DVD collection next to me.. what about:

Die Hard
Terminator Trilogy (with the exception of the third, or shall i say turd one)
Pulp Fiction
Shawshank Redemption
Aliens (again, with the exception of the 4th one)
Seven / Fight Club (Fincher, you genius!)
The Goonies (definitely universally liked)

abetarrush · 05-11-2006 08:49PM

Toy Story

U cant say anything bad about it!

Im not mad about Godfather, havent seen it, but dont want to

I never wanted t c the Goonies either!

DapperGent · 05-11-2006 08:50PM

I doubt there is such a thing. I for instance dislike Gladiator and loath It's a Wonderful Life. Loath it.

nando · 05-11-2006 08:50PM

Yeah the Goonies!

Vokes · 05-11-2006 08:53PM

kaimera wrote:

The Land Before Time

Heh, yeah, i think anyone that dislikes this film is dead inside

But otherwise, i would agree with others that Back to the Future is the closest you'd get to a universally liked film.

Pigman II · 05-11-2006 08:57PM

Squill wrote:

The Goonies (definitely universally liked)

Afraid not. I find every single character in that film insufferable (apart from maybe Corey Feldmen).

I guess there just is no film that everyone likes (tho BTTF definetly gets my thumbs up and could be a potential winner).

Earthhorse · 05-11-2006 09:44PM

Pigman II wrote:

Everyone probably likes the Big Lebowski

Nope. Don't like the Shawshank Redemption either.

Squill wrote:

Terminator Trilogy

I dislike T2.

Ro: maaan! · 05-11-2006 10:41PM

Some good suggestions. Can't imagine people disliking some of those mentioned. Though probably the best way to find a film no one dislikes is go for a less known film.

Blackjack · 05-11-2006 10:49PM

Indiana Jones.

Wacker · 06-11-2006 10:10AM

When I was thinking about this thread, the one film that I thought would have a decent chance of having no haters would be Goodfellas. I knew Shawshank, the Lord of the Rings, the Matrix etc would not have a chance, although I love them all. I had never considered Back to the Future.
But how 'bout it? Anyone here dislike Goodfellas?

DapperGent · 06-11-2006 10:20AM

Goodfellas is pretty much perfect. Very special. I'd say there are people who dislike it becuase it's violent or whatever though.

Wacker · 06-11-2006 10:23AM

abetarrush wrote:

Toy Story

U cant say anything bad about it!

Im not mad about Godfather, havent seen it, but dont want to

I never wanted t c the Goonies either!

The only thing in any negative one could say about Toy Story is that it isn't quite as good as the marvellous Toy Story II, in my opinion.

I find the second part of your post bizarre; how can you be 'not mad about' a movie you haven't seen when it gets nothing but fantastic reviews? IMDB's voting says it is the best movie of all time! Don't get me wrong; I have never seen Monster In Law and I hate it, but the reviews, trailer and word of mouth (and the cast) are responsible for that.

Sam Vimes · 06-11-2006 10:34AM

Ro: maaan! wrote:

Some good suggestions. Can't imagine people disliking some of those mentioned. Though probably the best way to find a film no one dislikes is go for a less known film.

well if only a few people have seen a film its not universally anything.

Sam Vimes · 06-11-2006 10:35AM

Squill wrote:

Seven / Fight Club (Fincher, you genius!)

i know people who don't like fight club. strange people

blorg · 06-11-2006 11:03AM

I saw the Godfather recently and was somewhat disappointed. Unquestionably it was a very good film but nowhere near the best of all time. Limiting to English language only I'd have several Hitchcock and Welles ahead and for the genre I'd prefer Goodfellas. I doubt the Godfather would make it into the top 10, likely not even the top 25.

Universal 'liking' is somewhat easier. Back to the Future, the Matrix, etc were certainly enjoyable if we are not having to start arguing for them as the best whatever.

Ho-Hum · 06-11-2006 11:14AM

Could be wrong about this one but most people I've met like One flew over the cuckoos nest

johnny_ultimate · 06-11-2006 11:36AM

I was talking to someone who disliked the Goonies the other day.
I was visibly shocked.

Wacker · 06-11-2006 11:52AM

blorg wrote:

I saw the Godfather recently and was somewhat disappointed. Unquestionably it was a very good film but nowhere near the best of all time. Limiting to English language only I'd have several Hitchcock and Welles ahead and for the genre I'd prefer Goodfellas. I doubt the Godfather would make it into the top 10, likely not even the top 25.

Universal 'liking' is somewhat easier. Back to the Future, the Matrix, etc were certainly enjoyable if we are not having to start arguing for them as the best whatever.

Well , on IMDB the Godfather is currently (and has been for so long that it may as well be considererd ALWAYS) the voter's pick for number 1, currently with over 181 thousand people voting. Bear in mind, it is not my favourite movie, just in case it comes across that way. I'm just a bit puzzled by the way you say "I doubt the Godfather would make it into the top 10, likely not even the top 25." I think the IMDB top 250 would be as good a candidate for the consensus for best ever movies as anything else.

NeiloMac · 06-11-2006 11:53AM

Who does not like

Forest Gump,

Wacker · 06-11-2006 11:55AM

NeiloMac wrote:

Who does not like

Forest Gump,

It is a bit too sentimental for my tastes. I wouldn't goo dso far as to say I dislike it, but I'm a far cry off loving it.

gustavo · 06-11-2006 12:00PM

If there is someone who doesnt like Anchorman , I will fight them.

NeiloMac · 06-11-2006 12:36PM

gustavo wrote:

If there is someone who doesnt like Anchorman , I will fight them.

Lets go, gloves or no gloves,

muppetkiller · 06-11-2006 12:38PM

Zoolander and BORAT ..:D
And a more serious movie mmm I would say Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark) and I've yet to meet someone who didn't like Band of Brothers ...

Wacker · 06-11-2006 12:38PM

NeiloMac wrote:

Lets go, gloves or no gloves,

Well, I have Jack Johnson and Tom O'Leary for you too!

P.s. Did I get the names right anyone? I'm not sure and not arsed checking.

Vegeta · 06-11-2006 12:43PM

I was going to say T2 but some freak said he didn't like it back there

Shawshank = most overhyped film I have ever seen.

Debbie does Dallas

06-11-2006 12:51PM

Squill wrote:

Seven

I thought Seven was meh at best. Indiana Jones (apart from the Temple of Doom, I find the kid annoying) or Back to the Future (apart from the third one) are probably the nearest you'll get.

Wacker · 06-11-2006 12:59PM

Myth wrote:

I thought Seven was meh at best. Indiana Jones (apart from the Temple of Doom, I find the kid annoying) or Back to the Future (apart from the third one) are probably the nearest you'll get.

I know a lad who waxes lyrical about how awful the third Indiana Jones movie is. I actually prefer it to Raiders OF The Last Arc, but then opinions are like a$$holes; we all have them!

Basq · 06-11-2006 01:32PM

muppetkiller wrote:

.. BORAT ..:D

One of my mates saw it and said it was crap. So that's a no!

Back To The Future is a definite winner.. and i actually liked the third one.

But the three films are essentially the funnest, most entertaining films put to screen in my mind in terms of first time enjoyment and repeated viewings..

Oh.. and did ye ever see the out-take from BTTF:Part 1 (on the Trilogy DVD) with Michael J Fox outside the classroom door with Doc? Tis hilarious!

"Hey púto... there's the BEETCH... she's cheating, man!"

Aha.. found it on YouTube

PS - never really liked Indiana Jones to be honest!

User45701 · 06-11-2006 02:16PM

I would have said the kill bills but some ppl didnt like them

....
What about "As Good as it gets"?

shane86 · 06-11-2006 02:18PM

projectmayhem wrote:

are there people who dislike the matrix?

Severely boring load of bollix. Special effects woeful.If i were in the cinema Id have left when he was being offered the pill to bring him back to normality vs the one to bring him further on his boring quest for knowledge of whatever the **** it was (its been a while)

I doubt there are many who saw Goodfellas or Trainspotting and disliked it (well, there would be people like my mother who wouldnt be too entertained by Joe Pescis langauage or Robert Carlysle glassing a cockney in a pub, but regarding people who didnt like the plots or the acting I wouldnt think there are many)

Tusky · 06-11-2006 09:31PM

Never met anyone that didnt like Indianna Jones.

...Jurrasic Park!

Kur4mA · 06-11-2006 10:29PM

Scarface! I've never met anyone who didn't like it.

Is there a universally liked film?

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