Wicked
When Wicked the stage play debuted in 2003, critics panned it for being colorless (ha) and derivative. But despite critical complaints that the plot was flat and predictable, the choreo uninspiring, and the songs reminiscent of normie soft rock radio ballads, audiences—largely comprised of the aforementioned and reviled normies—loved the show. It turns out most people aren't looking for an edgy, sociopolitically genius Broadway innovation. Oftentimes it's enough to tell a story that unapologetically values goodness, friendship, and the effectiveness of a well-sung power ballad.
Of course Wicked (2024) is derivative. It's a movie based on a musical based on a novel based on a children's book from over a century ago. It is not very original, nor is it thematically subtle. But it's so feel good, and the songs so catchy, that you'll find most people (myself included) won't mind. Jon Chu's fondness for exploration in the sumptuous and atmospheric paints a magically convincing Oz. The movie is visually and sonically delightful, etc etc etc... it's a genuinely good time! (If kind of a long one—definitely could've been a half hour shorter.)