History YMMV / DoctorStrangeInTheMultiverseOfMadness

* BrokenBase: This MCU film's polarizing nature is enough to give ''Film/IronMan3'' a run for its money.
** Sam Raimi's direction is very divisive. For many, even some of the film's detractors, his directing style is a breath of fresh air in a franchise many consider, a few films notwithstanding, to be largely lacking in a strong visual style and auteurish direction. Praising Raimi's style of HorrorComedy, dynamic camerawork, and sincere campiness. On the other hand, just as many, especially those unfamiliar with Raimi’s previous work or films beyond his Film/SpiderManTrilogy, found his campy, over-the-top direction to be jarring, off-putting, and outdated. A third camp doesn’t mind Raimi’s style on its own and some viewers in this camp are even fans of his work, but find his style to be completely out of place in the MCU.
** The very decision to take the film in a horror-inspired direction at all is quite divisive too. Some welcomed it, and many horror fans were glad to see the MCU finally tackle the genre after many action, espionage, sci-fi, and fantasy films that filled the franchise. Others however, felt that the decision was a completely unnecessary one, and considered it a genre that didn’t fit the MCU at all. Some people in this camp aren’t completely opposed to having a horror film in the MCU, but feel like a horror direction shouldn’t have been given to a character like Doctor Strange, and instead should have been given to other Marvel characters who they feel would have better fit a horror style, like Ghost Rider, Blade, and Elsa Bloodstone.
** The post-credits scene: Many Sam Raimi fans found it to be a great tribute to the Evil Dead franchise as well as a hilarious scene overall, akin to Captain America's post-credits scene from ''Film/SpiderManHomecoming''. While those unfamiliar with the Evil Dead franchise and who Creator/BruceCampbell is, found it to be disappointing and confusing.
** Danny Elfman's score has also been divisive. For some, it's one of, if not the best soundtracks, in the entire MCU. Possessing a mystical and enthralling tone that blends well with Raimi’s horror style. While others consider it to be generic, unmemorable and are disappointed that Elfman didn't use Christopher Beck and Michael Giacchino's motifs for [[Film/DoctorStrange2016 Strange]] and [[Series/WandaVision Wanda]].
** The decision to make [[spoiler: [[FaceHeelTurn Wanda the main antagonist of the film]]]] has divided a lot of fans of the character. [[spoiler: Some fans loved the concept and thought it was the best part of the movie, since it showed just how powerful and dangerous Wanda's powers could be, as well as giving Raimi a chance to return to his horror-roots. Others were not on board with the idea at all, feeling that Wanda becoming a murderous supervillain went too far compared to her more morally-grey portrayal during the events of ''Series/WandaVision'' and pretty much made it impossible for her be seen as a hero again. Comics fans also bring up the tendency for Wanda to become an antagonist in multiple comic storylines as [[ItsTheSameSoItSucks a reason]] why they didn't like her antagonistic role here]].
** The fact that 616 is the number with which the main universe is called, many fans, especially from the comics consider it an absurd retcon because they always saw it as 19999, while other fans consider that at this point the movies and the comics are for all narrative purposes different multiverses so the fact that they share a number is not important, a third faction agrees that they are different multiverses but they think the movie would have chosen a more original number.

** Wanda herself receives [[UnintentionallySympathetic unintended sympathy]] from viewers. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCL-vukDL1Y Theater]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCL-vukDL1Y&t=741s patrons]] in some [=YouTube=] reactions taken from theaters had ''many'' audience members supporting Wanda during several lines that are supposed to establish her villainy. [[note]] One is "Then it won't be Wanda who comes for her, it will be the Scarlet Witch" and "There'll be someone left to raise them" both of which are her being outright villainous but are heavily cheered for, which can be attributed to this movie's Wanda embracing EvilIsCool.[[/note]] There's even a MisaimedFandom of people who sided with her when she said "That's what every mother does" in reference to mothers creating children with magic and found it heartwarming or even awesome. The fact that she suffers one misery after another in nearly all her appereances in the MCU (which includes Vision dying ''thrice'') so far, helps people feel sorry for her.

** Probably a homage to Raimi's horror films, but the jumpscares and the clichéd scare chords are more laughable than effective, much in part to how frequently they occur.

** A minor case, but Earth-838 designating the core MCU universe as "Earth-616" has annoyed some fans, [[AllThereInTheManual partially because it contradicts the official designation of the MCU universe in previous handbooks (it's Earth-199999)]], but especially because Earth-616 is the designation of the main Marvel Universe in the comics, causing a contradiction. While this was likely done as an attempt at nodding to the comics, it comes off as not understanding the reasoning behind these designations (so that ''every'' iteration of Marvel canon is uniquely counted as canon ''somewhere''). It also has the unintended side-effect of drawing attention to all the other cases of TheyChangedItNowItSucks in the MCU, [[AdaptationDeviation given that the MCU doesn't really resemble Earth-616 very much]], so calling it Earth-616 comes off as disingenuous. Even some MCU cast members (most notably ''Series/MsMarvel2022'' lead star Iman Vellani) who have knowledge over the source material call this out. What's worse, it retroactively makes [[Film/SpiderManFarFromHome Mysterio's claims]] of the MCU being Earth-616 an AccidentallyCorrectWriting, as he is supposed to be a fraud making things up as he goes.[[note]]In all fairness though, "199999" sounds quite a mouthful to say and it's entirely possible each person who maps the multiverse has a different designation for the MCU.[[/note]]

** Has one with ''Film/EverythingEverywhereAllAtOnce,'' as both are sci-fi films about the multiverse with surreal visuals. Fans of the former film disdain this one for being a big-budget Marvel production that gets more attention and money than an original film they think is superior. This really got started when Creator/JamieLeeCurtis jokingly took a shot at ''Multiverse of Madness'' in an Instagram post. Some have even called the film the '''true''' ''Multiverse of Madness''.[[note]]It's worth noting that the rivalry is largely one-sided. With much of the discourse coming from fans of the former film. Fans of this film, on the other hand, are much less heated in the debate. Either agreeing that [=EEAaO=] is a superior film or thinking that both films are good in their own ways.[[/note]]

** The decision to make [[spoiler: [[FaceHeelTurn Wanda the main antagonist of the film]]]] has divided a lot of fans of the character. [[spoiler: Some fans loved the concept and thought it was the best part of the movie, since it showed just how powerful and dangerous Wanda's powers could be, as well as giving Raimi a chance to return to his horror-roots. Others were not on board with the idea at all, feeling that Wanda becoming a murderous supervillain went too far compared to her more morally-grey portrayal during the events of ''Series/WandaVision'' and pretty much made it impossible for her be seen as a hero again. Comics fans also bring up the tendency for Wanda to become an antagonist in multiple comic storylines as a reason why they didn't like her antagonistic role here]].

* BrokenBase:

** Sacred Timeline-Wanda. While her actions can be brutal, her downfall to insanity can be atributed as the result of [[TraumaCongaLine living one misery after another]][[note]]Her parents dying by a missile, [[Film/AvengersAgeOfUltron her brother dying by Ultron]], [[Film/AvengersInfinityWar having to kill her lover Vision just have Thanos make that sacrifice pointless]], [[Series/WandaVision having to say goodbye to Vision for a third time and erase her sons]].[[/note]] plus the facts that the Darkhold is corruptive and that Wanda didn't seem to have ever visited a therapist clearly not helping the case at all. The fact that, from her perspective due to be Snapped, the three times she losed Vision happened in the span of a month didn't make any favor to her sanity, either. Her (apparent) suicide is clearly the result of a [[DrivenToSuicide tired, depressive woman just wanting to stop her suffering]].

** Wanda herself receives [[UnintentionallySympathetic unintended sympathy]] from viewers. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCL-vukDL1Y Theater]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCL-vukDL1Y&t=741s patrons]] in some [=YouTube=] reactions taken from theaters had ''many'' audience members supporting Wanda during several lines that are supposed to establish her villainy. [[note]] One is "Then it won't be Wanda who comes for her, it will be the Scarlet Witch" and "There'll be someone left to raise them" both of which are her being outright villainous but are heavily cheered for, which can be attributed to this movie's Wanda embracing EvilIsCool.[[/note]] There's even a MisaimedFandom of people who sided with her when she said "That's what every mother does" in reference to mothers creating children with magic and found it heartwarming or even awesome.

** Sacred Timeline-Wanda. While her actions can be brutal, her downfall to insanity can be atributed as the result of [[TraumaCongaLine living one misery after another]][[note]]Her parents dying by a missile, [[Film/AvengersAgeOfUltron her brother dying by Ultron]], [[Film/AvengersInfinityWar having to kill her lover Vision just have Thanos make that sacrifice pointless]], [[Series/WandaVision having to say goodbye to Vision for a third time and erase her sons]].[[/note]] plus the fact that the Darkhold is corruptive and that Wanda didn't seem to have ever visited a therapist clearly not helping the case at all. Her (apparent) suicide is clearly the result of a [[DrivenToSuicide tired, depressive woman just wanting to stop her suffering]].

* UncertainAudience: In a similar case to ''Film/{{Eternals}}'', many reviewers took issue with the movie’s constantly clashing tones. The film attempts to appeal fans of Sam Raimi’s work and horror fans through its brutal kills, creepy atmosphere and jump scares. But it still feels the need to add many of the classic MCU trademarks such as snarky dialogue, fan service cameos, and a heavy dose of ContinuityLockOut. MCU fans were put off by the horror elements and horror fans groaned at the many tired clichés and tropes. This left fans of both sides quite unsatisfied, or at least not satisfied enough.

** The very decision to take the film in a horror-inspired direction at all is quite divisive too. Some welcomed it, and many horror fans were glad to see the MCU finally tackle the genre after many action, espionage, sci-fi, and fantasy films that filled the franchise. Others however, felt that the decision was a completely unnecessary one, that didn’t at all for the MCU. Some people in this camp aren’t completely opposed to having a horror film in the MCU, but feel like a horror direction shouldn’t have been given to a character like Doctor Strange, and instead should have been given to other Marvel characters who they feel would have better a horror style, like Ghost Rider, Blade, and Elsa Bloodstone.

* UncertainAudience: In a similar case to ''Film/{{Eternals}}'', many reviewers took issue with the movie’s constantly clashing tones. The film attempts to appeal fans of Sam Raimi’s work and horror fans through its brutal kills, creepy atmosphere and jump scares. But it still feels the need to add many of the classic MCU trademarks such as snarky dialogue, fan service cameos, and a heavy dose of ContinuityLockOut. Leaving both MCU fans and horror/Sam Raimi fans quite unsatisfied, or at least not satisfied enough.

* UncertainAudience: In a similar case to ''Film/Eternals'', many reviewers took issue with the movie’s constantly clashing tones. The film attempts to appeal fans of Sam Raimi’s work and horror fans through its brutal kills, creepy atmosphere and jump scares. But it still feels the need to add many of the classic MCU trademarks such as snarky dialogue, fan service cameos, and a heavy dose of ContinuityLockOut. Leaving both MCU fans and horror/Sam Raimi fans quite unsatisfied, or at least not satisfied enough.

** Wanda herself receives [[UnintentionallySympathetic unintended sympathy]] from viewers. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCL-vukDL1Y Theater]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCL-vukDL1Y&t=741s patrons]] in some [=YouTube=] reactions taken from theaters had ''many'' audience members supporting Wanda during several lines that are supposed to establish her villainy. [[note]] One is "Then it won't be Wanda who comes for her, it will be the Scarlet Witch" and "There'll be someone left to raise them" both of which are her being outright villainous but are heavily cheered for, which can be attributed to this movie's Wanda embracing EvilIsCool.[/note]] There's even a MisaimedFandom of people who sided with her when she said "That's what every mother does" in reference to mothers creating children with magic and found it heartwarming or even awesome.

* MisaimedFandom: The fact that [[spoiler:a clearly corrupted Wanda's statement about how every mother creates her children with "magic" is seen as a SugarWiki/HeartwarmingMoment, if also a SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome, says a lot. This is supposed to be a sign of her losing all touch with reality, but it seems that people, maybe mothers and parents in general, are inclined to side with her on this statement.]]

* RootingForTheEmpire: This film has scenes reminiscent of a SlasherMovie, and even works to evoke common audience reactions. Specifically, slashers are infamous for having unlikeable, [[TooDumbToLive idiotic]], or bland characters that result in the audience wanting to see the slashers do their work on them all. This movie evokes this with [[spoiler:the Illuminati. Captain Carter and Captain Marvel are smug and self-righteous. Reed Richards, in an attempt to reason with Wanda, reveals Blackbolt's weakness that gets him killed. Blackbolt himself can't even talk and thus not much is learned about him. Collectively, they also disregard Doctor Strange's warnings about Wanda, and hypocritically chastise him for his own smugness. As a result, it's easy for audiences to root for Wanda as she slaughters them all, even though she's using horrific and violent methods.]]

** The decision to make [[spoiler: [[FaceHeelTurn Wanda the main antagonist of the film]]]] has divided a lot of fans of the character. [[spoiler: Some fans loved the concept and thought it was the best part of the movie, since it showed just how powerful and dangerous Wanda's powers could be, as well as giving Raimi a chance to return to his horror-roots. Others were not on board with the idea at all, feeling that Wanda becoming a murderous supervillain went too far compared to her more morally-grey portrayal during the events ''Series/WandaVision'' and pretty much made it impossible for her be seen as a hero again]].

** Sam Raimi's direction is very divisive. For many, even some of the film's detractors, his directing style is a breath of fresh air in a franchise many consider, a few films notwithstanding, to be largely lacking in a strong visual style and auteurish direction. Praising Raimi's style of HorrorComedy, dynamic camerawork, and sincere campiness. On the other hand, just as many, especially those unfamiliar with Raimi’s previous work or films beyond his Film/SpidermanTrilogy, found his campy, over-the-top direction to be jarring, off-putting, and outdated. A third camp doesn’t mind Raimi’s style on its own and some viewers in this camp are even fans of his work, but find his style to be completely out of place in the MCU.

* EsotericHappyEnding: The end of the film has [[spoiler:America staying in the Sacred Timeline and apparently studying to become a Sorcerer, tutored by Strange and Wong, which the film presents as a good ending for her to let her master her powers further and helping to defend herself in the future, before eventually setting out to find her mothers.]] However, [[spoiler:with how the Incursions are explained by Reed Richards, America's mere presence in the Sacred Timeline all-but ensures that she will inevitably cause an Incursion between the Sacred Timeline and her home universe, destroying one or both universes. ''Moreover'', it's incredibly likely that her parents, and the universe they wound up in, are [[InferredHolocause already dead]], given how much time has passed between America's OriginStory and the events of ''Multiverse Of Madness'' proper, which would make an Incursion highly likely.]]

* CanonDiscontinuity: Most comic fans prefer to ignore the claim that the main reality of the MCU is designated as Earth-616, since that's the designation of the main comic universe and the official designation for the MCU is Earth-199999. However film fans have no problem with it and usually don't understand why comic fans dislike it.

** Sam Raimi's direction is very divisive. For many, even some of the film's detractors, his directing style is a breath of fresh air in a franchise many consider, a few films notwithstanding, to be largely lacking in a strong visual style and auteurish direction. Praising Raimi's style of HorrorComedy, dynamic camerawork, and sincere campiness.

** Sacred Timeline-Wanda. While her actions can be brutal, her downfall to insanity can be contributed as the result of [[TraumaCongaLine living one misery after another]][[note]]Her parents dying by a missile, [[Film/AvengersAgeOfUltron her brother dying by Ultron]], [[Film/AvengersInfinityWar having to kill her lover Vision just have Thanos make that sacrifice pointless]], [[Series/WandaVision having to say goodbye to Vision for a third time and erase her sons]].[[/note]] plus the fact that the Darkhold is corruptive and that Wanda didn't seem to have ever visited a therapist clearly not helping the case at all. Her (apparent) suicide is clearly the result of a [[DrivenToSuicide tired, depressive woman just wanting to stop her suffering]].

** Supreme Strange using the Darkhold to find a way to stop his version of Thanos is talked about by The Illuminati as being arrogant and short-sighted. While it may have been foolish of Supreme Strange to try solve the problem by himself, he was attempting to save trillions of innocent people from being killed by Thanos, so his desperation in using the Darkhold so much does make sense and [[spoiler:his causing an Incursion that destroyed another universe was a complete accident, one which the moment he found out about caused him to renounce the Darkhold and help The Illuminati find The Book of Vishanti to stop Thanos. Considering his drive to save the universe, him owning up when he did something wrong even when it was an accident, the fact that he did find a way to save the universe, and his wilingness to give up his own life when it was decided that he might be a threat, in many ways he is exactly the hero The Illuminati told the Universe he was]]. This is only helped the fact that The Illuminati are willing to kill sacred timeline Strange not because he did anything wrong, but because he might do something wrong, despite knowing the good intentions of their Strange.
** 616-Wanda. While her actions can be brutal, some fans consider her downfall to insanity as the result of [[TraumaCongaLine living one misery after another]][[note]]Her parents dying by a missile, [[Film/AvengersAgeOfUltron her brother dying by Ultron]], [[Film/AvengersInfinityWar having to kill her lover Vision just have Thanos make that sacrifice pointless]], [[Series/WandaVision having to say goodbye to Vision for a third time and erase her sons]].[[/note]] plus the Darkhold's corruptive powers and the fact that Wanda didn't seem to have ever visited a therapist clearly not helping the case. Those fans consider that her (apparent) suicide is the result of a tired, depressive woman just wanting to stop her suffering.

** The incessant need to compare this film to ''Film/EverythingEverywhereAllAtOnce'', another 2022 multiverse movie. Some feel it’s a necessary comparison to spark discussion on how Marvel movies get more attention than independent original films like EEAAO. While others find it to be an utterly pointless comparison; how both films’ different ways of approaching the multiverse concept are equally valid; and how putting one above the other causes an unnecessary rivalry.