History Main / VindicatedByHistory

* Creator/NoahAntwiler, better known as Spoony of ''WebVideo/TheSpoonyExperiment'', also had two side series called ''Wrestle Wrestle'' and ''Counter Monkey'' where he talked about pro-wrestling shows and tabletop [=RPG=]s respectively. These side series were often criticized by Spoony's fanbase whenever they were released as many of his viewers weren't fans of pro-wrestling or tabletop [=RPG=]s and they saw them as taking away from time that he could have spent working on his main reviews. In recent years, vlogs, podcasts and edited reviews on wrestling and tabletop games have exploded in popularity, with some of said reviewers having cited Spoony as being a partial inspiration on the content they produce. Additionally, Spoony took on a more relaxed and analytical demeanor in his side shows, rather than [[CausticCritic loudly bashing and insulting]] whatever work his was talking about, making his side series somewhat similar to the video essay style of content creation that would come to dominate the internet.

* ''VisualNovel/SayaNoUta'' originally sold '''very''' poorly and since it's a messy {{Deconstruction}} of concepts like CuteMonsterGirl and MagicalGirlfriend, it got fairly bad reactions as well. Years later, people warmed up to this, it started to sell and has sold consistently ever since. Nitroplus CEO Takaki Kosaka stated it has become one of the best-selling {{Visual Novel}}s in the company's history.

* The ''Pinball/SouthPark'' pinball machine initially got a lot of complaints, both because of its offensive content and because of its layout and rules, so much so that Creator/{{SEGA}}, the company that made it, quit the pinball business. Due to changing attitudes, with the controversy over the show dying down, the ''South Park'' pinball machine now brings in good money when out in public (even where lots of kids are present), is one of the more sought-after ''South Park'' items for collectors, and is genuinely liked by pinball fans who get its numerous {{Shout Out}}s and thus why the machine plays the way it does. (It's a different story altogether for those who dislike or are indifferent to the show, however.)

A few exceptional (or lucky) works with unexceptional debuts (or possibly even held responsible for killing a [[Franchise franchise]] or an [[GenreKiller entire genre]]) will be rediscovered and reanalyzed, and in some cases may even become critical darlings or timeless classics in the eyes of the public after about 20 years, usually when their authors/producers are no longer around to bask in their belated fame. [[TrueArtIsAngsty Unconventional and gloomily-themed works]] that star little-known actors are the most prone to this.

A few exceptional (or lucky) works with unexceptional debuts will be rediscovered and reanalyzed, and in some cases may even become critical darlings or timeless classics in the eyes of the public after about 20 years, usually when their authors/producers are no longer around to bask in their belated fame. [[TrueArtIsAngsty Unconventional and gloomily-themed works]] that star little-known actors are the most prone to this.

Compare GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff (when a different country does this instead of time), CultClassic (when something gains popularity but not on a widespread/mainstream scale, although the two tropes sometimes overlap), PosthumousPopularityPotential (when the belated popularity occurs ''because'' the artist is no longer around to bask in it), RescuedFromTheScrappyHeap (when this happens to a single character) and AcclaimedFlop (when the work is a critical success but a commercial failure when it comes out). See also PopularityPolynomial. NostalgiaFilter may factor into this, although anyone that hasn't grown up with the work will still likely see it for what it is. Contrast CondemnedByHistory (when something goes from insanely popular to a popular target of mockery), AndYouThoughtItWouldFail (when a work that's expected to be a flop instead becomes a smash hit) and OnceOriginalNowCommon (when a work was beloved in its heyday, but is seen as boring or stale (at best) by history, though usually with the appreciation that the work was revolutionary at the time). See also CharacterPerceptionEvolution for when a character's reception changes over time.

This is mostly a film/literature phenomenon: TV mostly avoids this, as how great or awful a series is tends to become clear during its longer run (or at least a few years later on [[BetterOnDVD DVD]]). Video games have a different problem in that TechnologyMarchesOn, turning old titles into {{Abandonware}}. Sometimes? Works were just screwed over - by factors outside their control - Legal trouble, poor management, or simple happenstance leading to a TroubledProduction or a stay in DevelopmentHell.

This is mostly a film/literature phenomenon: TV mostly avoids this, as how great or awful a series is tends to become clear during its longer run (or at least a few years later on [[BetterOnDVD DVD]]). Video games have a different problem in that TechnologyMarchesOn, turning old titles into {{Abandonware}}.

* ''WebAnimation/StarshipRegulars'': Like ''Film/GalaxyQuest'', the show is seen as a ''Franchise/StarTrek'' parody done right. The release of ''WesternAnimation/StarTrekLowerDecks'' made the web cartoon's strengths stand out more.

* Creator/VincentVanGogh is a popular example of this, but he is actually not a great example. There was only four years between Van Gogh's visit to Paris in 1886 (when his SignatureStyle started emerging) and his early death in 1890. This is an incredibly short time by the standards of the art world, but Van Gogh was already beginning to attract serious attention before his death, and was highly regarded by influential artists such as Gauguin. Had Van Gogh lived just a few years longer, people would likely be telling the story of his meteoric rise to prominence; the fact that he was not recognized until after his death has more to do with his early death than with his reception in the contemporary art world.

Compare GermansLoveDavidHasselhoff (when a different country does this instead of time), CultClassic (when something gains popularity but not on a widespread/mainstream scale, although the two tropes sometimes overlap), PosthumousPopularityPotential (when the belated popularity occurs ''because'' the artist is no longer around to bask in it), RescuedFromTheScrappyHeap (when this happens to a single character) and AcclaimedFlop (when the work is a critical success but a commercial failure when it comes out). See also PopularityPolynomial. NostalgiaFilter may factor into this, although anyone that hasn't grown up with the work will still likely see it for what it is. Contrast CondemnedByHistory (when something goes from insanely popular to a popular target of mockery), AndYouThoughtItWouldFail (when a work that's expected to be a flop instead becomes a smash hit) and SeinfeldIsUnfunny (when a work was beloved in its heyday, but is seen as boring or stale (at best) by history, though usually with the appreciation that the work was revolutionary at the time). See also CharacterPerceptionEvolution for when a character's reception changes over time.

* The original World Trade Center in UsefulNotes/NewYorkCity was incredibly controversial when construction on it first began in the late '60s. The aesthetic of the boxy Twin Towers was compared to filing cabinets and "the boxes that the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building came in", its massive amount of office space was seen as merely compounding the problem of office vacancies that the city was facing, and its 'superblock' was criticized for bulldozing most of the still-bustling Radio Row neighborhood, disrupting traffic in Lower Manhattan, and limiting access to the waterfront. When first completed in 1973, it was regarded as a potent symbol of TheBigRottenApple, a landmark to the city's downward spiral more than anything, and many New Yorkers probably would've welcomed anyone to destroy it in a terrorist attack. But by the time [[UsefulNotes/TheWarOnTerror that indeed happened]], it had come to be recognized as a true landmark in the proper sense of the term, such that one of the most popular proposals to replace it was to just rebuild them as they were, albeit with modern construction techniques. The fact that they weren't has left a bad taste in many New Yorkers' mouths, and it doesn't help that the new set of buildings taking their place [[https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2022/march/a-generation-after-9-11--american-memorials-turn-inward.html has been the subject of much criticism.]]

* ''VideoGame/{{Roblox}}'' Youtuber [=KonekoKitten=] was heavily disliked back in the days for being sympathetic towards ''Meepcity'''s creator, Alexnewtron during a time where his game was accused of supporting Online Daters, not being helped by the fact that there was a time where [=Greenlegocats=]'s accused him of wrongfully terminating his account and claiming that ''Meepcity'' was a influence in creating the [[ScrappyMechanic widely-despised Chat Filter]]. Nowadays, with ''Meepcity'' still being popular, but no longer the massive popularity juggernaut it used to be, combined with [=KonekoKitten=] gradually building up an audience overtime thanks to his reputation being known as a reliable channel about ''Roblox'', people have gradually warmed up to him, which was helped by the fact that people eventually grew out of their hatred for ''Meepcity'', resulting in [=KonekoKitten=] rising up to over one million subscribers.

* The original World Trade Center in UsefulNotes/NewYorkCity was incredibly controversial when construction on it first began in the late '60s. The aesthetic of the boxy Twin Towers was compared to filing cabinets and "the boxes that the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building came in", its massive amount of office space was seen as merely compounding the problem of office vacancies that the city was facing, and its 'superblock' was criticized for bulldozing most of the still-bustling Radio Row neighborhood, disrupting traffic in Lower Manhattan, and limiting access to the waterfront. When first completed in 1973, it was regarded as a potent symbol of TheBigRottenApple, a landmark to the city's downward spiral more than anything, and many New Yorkers probably would've welcomed anyone to destroy it in a terrorist attack. But by the time [[UsefulNotes/TheWarOnTerror Muslim radicals did just that]], it had come to be recognized as a true landmark in the proper sense of the term, such that one of the most popular proposals to replace it was to just rebuild them as they were, albeit with modern construction techniques. The fact that they weren't has left a bad taste in many New Yorkers' mouths, and it doesn't help that the new set of buildings taking their place [[https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2022/march/a-generation-after-9-11--american-memorials-turn-inward.html has been the subject of much criticism.]]

* When Cara Cunningham's emotionally-charged "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqSTXuJeTks LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE!]]" video went viral in 2007, Cunningham quickly became the laughing stock of the internet. Twelve years later, the public became aware of the restrictive conservatorship Music/BritneySpears had been placed under after her mental breakdown, giving her next to no control over her life, finances, or music career long after making a recovery. Not only has Britney herself been vindicated by history and recognized for her performing talent, but people realized Cunningham had a point all along.

* The original World Trade Center in UsefulNotes/NewYorkCity was incredibly controversial when construction on it first began in the late '60s. The aesthetic of the boxy Twin Towers was compared to filing cabinets and "the boxes that the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building came in", its massive amount of office space was seen as merely compounding the problem of office vacancies that the city was facing, and its 'superblock' was criticized for bulldozing most of the still-bustling Radio Row neighborhood, disrupting traffic in Lower Manhattan, and limiting access to the waterfront. By the time it was completed in 1973, it was regarded as a potent symbol of TheBigRottenApple, a landmark to the city's downward spiral more than anything, and many New Yorkers probably would've welcomed anyone to destroy it in a terrorist attack. But by the time Islamic militants did just that on [[UsefulNotes/TheWarOnTerror September 11, 2001]], it had come to be recognized as a true landmark in the proper sense of the term, such that one of the most popular proposals to replace it was to just rebuild them as they were, albeit with modern construction techniques. The fact that they weren't has left a bad taste in many New Yorkers' mouths, and it doesn't help that the new set of buildings taking their place [[https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2022/march/a-generation-after-9-11--american-memorials-turn-inward.html has been the subject of much criticism.]]

* The original World Trade Center in UsefulNotes/NewYorkCity was incredibly controversial when construction on it first began in the late '60s. The aesthetic of the boxy Twin Towers was compared to filing cabinets and "the boxes that the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building came in", its massive amount of office space was seen as merely compounding the problem of office vacancies that the city was facing, and its 'superblock' was criticized for bulldozing most of the still-bustling Radio Row neighborhood, disrupting traffic in Lower Manhattan, and limiting access to the waterfront. By the time it was completed in 1973, it was regarded as a potent symbol of TheBigRottenApple, a landmark to the city's downward spiral more than anything, and many New Yorkers probably would've welcomed its destruction by terrorists. By the time that indeed happened on [[UsefulNotes/TheWarOnTerror September 11, 2001]], it had come to be recognized as a true landmark in the proper sense of the term, such that one of the most popular proposals to replace it was to just rebuild them as they were, albeit with modern construction techniques. The fact that they weren't has left a bad taste in many New Yorkers' mouths, and it doesn't help that the new set of buildings taking their place [[https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2022/march/a-generation-after-9-11--american-memorials-turn-inward.html has been the subject of much criticism.]]

** The city's other famous landmark tower, the Transamerica Pyramid, got an even more scathing [[https://ghostarchive.org/archive/AnWSX reception]] when construction started in 1969. The original design, standing over a thousand feet tall, was so derided that its height was ultimately reduced to 865 feet (which still made it the tallest building west of the Mississippi River at the time), which did nothing to assuage its critics. Assemblyman John Burton claimed that the skyscraper would "rape the skyline of San Francisco and virtually destroy the delicate beauty of Telegraph Hill and the Jackson Square area of the city," and architecture critics across America were similarly colorful in their criticisms. For many San Franciscans, it became a symbol of the city's "Manhattanization" in TheSeventies, leading to height restrictions being passed limiting the construction of such skyscrapers out of fear that they were turning the city into a concrete jungle. Years later, after seeing the finished building, many of its former critics would [[https://ghostarchive.org/archive/342LC admit]] that they were too hasty in their initial assessments, praising it as a unique structure that was ahead of its time (anticipating the throwback skyscraper styles of the '80s and '90s that eschewed flat roofs for tapered points) and blended into the San Francisco skyline far better than many of the buildings surrounding it.

** The city's other famous landmark tower, the Transamerica Pyramid, got an even more scathing [[https://ghostarchive.org/archive/AnWSX reception]] when construction started in 1969. The original design, standing over a thousand feet tall, was so derided that its height was ultimately reduced to 865 feet (which still made it the tallest building west of the Mississippi River at the time), which did nothing to assuage its critics. Assemblyman John Burton claimed that the skyscraper would "rape the skyline of San Francisco and virtually destroy the delicate beauty of Telegraph Hill and the Jackson Square area of the city," and architecture critics across America were similarly colorful in their criticisms. For many San Franciscans, it became a symbol of the city's "Manhattanization" in TheSeventies, leading to height restrictions being passed limiting the construction of such skyscrapers out of fear that they were turning the city into a concrete jungle. Years later, after seeing the finished building, many of its former critics would [[https://ghostarchive.org/archive/342LC admit]] that they were too hasty in their initial assessments, praising it as a unique structure that was ahead of its time and blended into the San Francisco skyline far better than many of the buildings surrounding it.

* When UsefulNotes/SanFrancisco built the Sutro Tower in 1973 to coordinate television reception in the city (whose many hills previously made it famously hard to pick up TV broadcast signals), many residents [[https://www.kqed.org/news/10564542/sutro-tower-the-origins-of-an-eyesore furiously protested]] the enormous 977-foot lattice tower, with local columnist Herb Caen saying that "I keep waiting for it to stalk down the hill and attack the Golden Gate Bridge." Today, it's as celebrated a San Francisco landmark as that bridge itself, especially among locals, and considered one of the quirkiest and most beautiful broadcast towers in the world. It helped that much of the acrimony had been fueled by the television stations themselves, largely because Creator/{{ABC}} (through its owned-and-operated station KGO-TV) owned the site of the tower and the other stations saw them as a rival. Once a consortium was created that would give each of San Francisco's four major TV stations an ownership stake, most of the opposition from the press (especially from the ''San Francisco Chronicle'', which owned the then-Creator/{{NBC}} station KRON-TV) evaporated.

* The original World Trade Center in UsefulNotes/NewYorkCity was incredibly controversial when construction on it first began in the late '60s. The aesthetic of the boxy Twin Towers was compared to filing cabinets and "the boxes that the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building came in", its massive amount of office space was seen as merely compounding the problem of office vacancies that the city was facing, and its 'superblock' was criticized for bulldozing most of the still-bustling Radio Row neighborhood, disrupting traffic in Lower Manhattan, and limiting access to the waterfront. By the time it was completed in 1973, it was regarded as a potent symbol of TheBigRottenApple, a landmark to the city's downward spiral more than anything, and many New Yorkers probably would've welcomed its destruction by terrorists. By the time it experienced just that on [[UsefulNotes/TheWarOnTerror September 11, 2001]], it had come to be recognized as a true landmark in the proper sense of the term, such that one of the most popular proposals to replace it was to just rebuild them as they were, albeit with modern construction techniques. The fact that they weren't has left a bad taste in many New Yorkers' mouths, and it doesn't help that the new set of buildings taking their place [[https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2022/march/a-generation-after-9-11--american-memorials-turn-inward.html has been the subject of much criticism.]]

* VindicatedByHistory/AnimatedFilms

* VindicatedByHistory/{{Literature}}

* Creator/VincentVanGogh is a popular example of this, but he is actually not a great example. There was only four years between Van Gogh's visit to Paris in 1886 (when his SignatureStyle started to emerge) and his early death in 1890. This is an incredibly short time by the standards of the art world, but Van Gogh was already beginning to attract serious attention before his death, and was highly regarded by influential artists such as Gauguin. Had Van Gogh lived just a few years longer, people would likely be telling the story of his meteoric rise to prominence; the fact that he was not recognized until after his death has more to do with his early death than with his reception in the contemporary art world.

* Creator/VincentVanGogh is a popular example of this, but he is actually not a great example. There was only four years between Van Gogh's visit to Paris in 1886 (when his signature style started to emerge) and his early death in 1890. This is an incredibly short time by the standards of the art world, but Van Gogh was already beginning to attract serious attention before his death, and was highly regarded by influential artists such as Gauguin. Had Van Gogh lived just a few years longer, people would likely be telling the story of his meteoric rise to prominence; the fact that he was not recognized until after his death has more to do with his early death than with his reception in the contemporary art world.