* BaseBreakingCharacter: Nerv. Some people hated him for being such a clear cut KidAppealCharacter, being created for the already divisive late films, and receiving ''a lot'' of screentime that could have been better used for other characters instead (for instance, team members from the books who never got to appear in film). However, he also has some genuinely good deeds, as well as some heartwarming moments with the rest, so other people tolerated him.
* ContestedSequel: The second film avoided {{Sequelitis}}, with discussions about it being mostly about whether was mildly worse or mildly better than the first. However, from the third film onwards, the sudden GenreShift from realistic-if-wacky SportsStories to borderline UrbanFantasy became unpopular among many critics and fans. Now, this change garnered the franchise a ton of attention, won a few awards, and at the end of the day made the best numbers, so it's not like it had no success wither. Ultimately, it is a contest that will not end soon.
* CriticalDissonance: Critics panned the third, fourth and fifth films, while long time fans didn't approve of them either, but the three episodes were still hot among casual viewers. The fourth would even win the 2008 Nickelodeon Germany Kids 'Choice Award.
* CriticProof: The third film kickstarted the franchise's infamous gimmicky route and didn't endear most German critics (and fans), but it broke box office records and was the series' big breaking hit in some countries. The fourth then surpassed it by breaking them further and becoming the most economically successful of ''the entire series''.
* TheDanza: Raban was played by Raban Bieling.
* EstrogenBrigade: The movie openly makes fun of girly girls and is aimed at a male audience. However, the franchise has a huge number of fangirls who think the boys are attractive.
* GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff: Both the books and the films (and especially their cast...) used to be incredibly popular in Spain and Latin America. Also, while the third and four films disappointed many in their country, they were ironically among the most famous abroad.
* HollywoodPudgy: Der Dicke Michi (The fat Michi) is definetly not as obese as his name may hint to believe. He's a bit stout yet athletic enough to play soccer quite well and wield a chainsaw with ease.
* {{Moe}}: The bunch in the first movie: they are all elementary-school aged and downright adorable.
* {{Narm}}: Quite a lot. For example, the kiss (and especially the pre-kiss dialogue) between Leon and Vanessa in the third movie.