With the six-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, the recent praise that Brendan Fraser has received for his new movie The Whale brings to mind the actor’s performances in various other beloved films, most notably The Mummy. Indeed, Fraser is one of those actors who tend to appear in movies that have proven remarkably popular with audiences (even if not always with critics).
Despite the fact that audiences are often willing to heap vitriol on any number of cinematic offerings, there are precious few that nobody hates. The users of Reddit have helpfully identified a number of movies that have managed to attain the status of being almost universally beloved.
The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
Stream On Disney+
In many ways, The Emperor’s New Groove is one of Disney’s most underrated movies. It is an undeniably hilarious movie, particularly thanks to the voice talents of Eartha Kitt, David Spade, John Goodman, and Patrick Warburton.
x0Rubiex0 writes: “One of my all time favorites. I ADORE this movie.” Though it wasn’t an enormous success when it was first released, it has gone on to become a beloved classic for many Disney fans. As such, it’s a reminder that even those movies which don’t make much of an impression on initial release can go on to become very popular with later audiences.
The Iron Giant (1999)
Stream On YouTube
The Iron Giant has gone down in history as one of the best animated movies. It’s the type of movie that captures the joys and sadness of childhood, focusing as it does on a young boy who tries to protect an alien robot from the government. It is also a movie that has a rich emotional core that makes it enduringly popular for audiences.
As Blue-wanderer-quartz says: “I always tell myself I am not gonna cry when I watch this but I -always – do.” It is the type of movie that still manages to enthrall audiences, immersing them in the unique experience of youth.
Jumanji (1995)
Stream On Hulu
The late Robin Williams was one of the best actors of his generation, and Jumanji remains one of his best movies. With its story about a supernatural board game, it is very much a product of the 1990s, full of fun and joy and silliness but with a bit of emotional depth.
Redditor harceps writes: “Watched the original Jumanji on VHS tape 12-15 times in a weekend.” Though the newer entries in the franchise have done a good job of capturing something of the original’s magic, there will always be something unique about the presence of Robin Williams.
The Mummy (1999)
Stream On Peacock
Brendan Fraser is experiencing a renaissance, and many are now looking back at some of his most noted roles. One of the most notable of these is The Mummy, which is an expert blend of adventure, horror, and romance. It is an old-fashioned sort of movie that, despite being two decades old, still manages to feel as fresh as ever.
SoggyPastaPants writes: “Watched it a couple months ago and my wife and I thought ‘They just don’t make movies like this anymore.’” There is an innocence and a joy to the movie that helps to explain why it remains so popular among audiences, who watch it to recapture the unique feeling of late 1990s cinema.
Up (2009)
Stream On Disney+
Pixar has been responsible for many great movies, one of the most beloved of which is Up. With its mingling of joy and pathos, happiness and sadness, and its beloved characters, this is a movie that it is impossible to dislike. The movie’s opening, in particular, casts a very potent spell, and many Reddit users commented on this fact.
GalileoFigaro1, for example, writes: “Those first ten minutes will always soften the hardest of hearts.” As is so often the case with Pixar, it manages to explore the full range of human emotions. It is a further testament to the uniquely evocative power of animation.
Tremors (1990)
Stream On YouTube
Tremors is one of those movies that manages to be a unique mix of horror and comedy. Starring, among others, Kevin Bacon, it focuses on the residents of a small western town who have to confront the threat posed by sinister underground monsters.
It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it’s no surprise that it has become very popular among the users of Reddit. IzzyOkie puts it bluntly: “If someone hates Tremors, I don’t want to be near them.” It is precisely the type of movie that asks the audience to just turn off their brains and enjoy the ride.
Home Alone (1990)
Stream On Disney+
Home Alone has come to be seen as one of the best family movies of the 1990s. With its story about a boy who sets out to protect his home against bandits, it is peak ‘90s entertainment, filled with humor, good-nature, and warmth.
What’s more, it also has a message about the importance of family. More-Masterpiece-561 has this to say: “That movie is Die Hard for kids. I love it and I can’t count how many times I’ve watched it.” This is a very apt comparison. It’s also important to note that Macaulay Culkin’s undeniable screen charisma is easily a match for that of the much older Bruce Willis.
Jurassic Park (1993)
Stream On HBO Max
A few great science fiction movies have achieved quite the level of success as Jurassic Park. It set the standard for what the genre could achieve, and it did so while also giving audiences an entertaining story and characters that they could actually cheer for. Many Reddit fans have very fond memories of the first movie in particular.
Busy_B83, for example, writes: “I watch the first one annually and can quote the whole thing. I saw it with my dad in theaters when it first came out in the 90’s and have such good memories of that day.” Even though there have been many advances in CGI since the movie came out, it still has a unique magic to it with the breathtaking dinosaurs and adventurous park.
Stand By Me (1986)
Stream On Fubo TV
Though the adaptations of Stephen King’s work vary widely in terms of quality, one of the most well-regarded is Stand by Me. Perhaps this is because the story is primarily about the powerful bonds of friendship more than it is about horror.
Theroy12 has this to say about the movie: “Amazing movie that always makes me sad thinking about how great river phoenix could’ve been. Such a shame.” Indeed, it is precisely the presence of River Phoenix, who died so young, which grants the entire movie its faintly wistful and nostalgic tone.
A Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Stream On Disney+
There have been many notable adaptations of A Christmas Carol, but few have come to be regarded with as much affection as A Muppet Christmas Carol. Michael Caine is seen by some as the definitive Scrooge, and the presence of the Muppets helps to give the entire movie a light and joyful feeling. However, it also doesn’t shy away from the sadness inherent in the original.
Justaddpaprika writes: “YES. The best version of a Christmas Carol out there. I wish they would make more Muppets literature movies. Muppets Treasure Island is also very good.” It is another example of a movie that has only grown in popularity since it was first released.
