The on-screen rapport between Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston is undeniable. In fact, their chemistry was one of the major factors behind Murder Mystery’s success, with the first part being the fifth most-watched original film on the streaming service. The movie scored a record-breaking 30.8 million viewership when it hit the platform. True to its name, the film offered a compelling murder mystery narrative, complete with intricate plotlines and unexpected revelations, reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s classic tales.

It, however, received an underwhelming response from the critics. Despite the harsh criticism, Netflix’s Murder Mystery found favor with audiences, who crowned it one of the most underrated movies ever in a recent study. 

Fans outshined critics’ score for Murder Mystery 

As per a recent study conducted by British gaming site Amazon Slots, Murder Mystery stands tall as one of the most underrated gems in Netflix’s original lineup. Ranked 10th among the most underrated shows on Netflix, it claims the 30th spot on the list. While critics awarded the movie a lackluster 38 out of 100 points, audiences were more generous with a rating of 54 out of 100, resulting in a notable difference of minus 16 between the two scores. 

Additionally, the film garnered a disappointing critic rating of 44% on Rotten Tomatoes, with many reviewers finding it painfully average and occasionally dull, lacking the intrigue expected of a murder mystery. Despite its shortcomings, Murder Mystery found its audience among viewers seeking nothing more than a light-hearted, popcorn-worthy flick. The undervaluation of lighthearted comedy has reached such a point that even iconic shows like Friends are now subject to criticism and backlash.

Reflecting on the same trend, Jennifer Aniston once voiced her disapproval of the shift in people’s changing perceptions of comedy.

Jennifer Aniston shared her views on the woke culture

Jennifer Aniston candidly shared her views on censored comedy while promoting Murder Mystery 2. In an interview with Variety in 2023, Aniston shared, “You could joke about a bigot and have a laugh. That was hysterical”. However, she acknowledged that there is now a need to be cautious with opinions, which has made comedy more complex. According to her, comedy’s essence lay in poking fun at oneself and the quirks of life.

Alongside Jennifer Aniston, comedians and actors like Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle have also voiced concerns about progressivism and sensitivity hindering an artist’s creativity. They have criticized “woke culture” for its impact on acceptable humor, despite facing backlash for their jokes that challenge prevailing norms. That said, the future of slapstick and nonsensical comedies is uncertain as society grapples with these shifting cultural dynamics.

What do you think about the audience’s response to Murder Mystery? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!