The 1998 biographical film Patch Adams , starring Robin Williams, remains one of the most polarizing movies in modern cinema history. While critics largely panned it for its excessive sentimentality, it became a massive box-office success and remains a beloved staple for fans of Williams' heartfelt performances. Critical vs. Audience Reception The film is a classic example of a "critic-proof" movie. On Rotten Tomatoes , it holds a low 22% critic score but a much higher 73% audience score Rotten Tomatoes Critics' Take : Professional reviewers, including Roger Ebert