Many movies come with a lot of hype and get people talking about them ahead of time. Sometimes, that’s because they’re part of a major franchise, they’re notable characters, or they have A-list actors attached to them. But that’s not the case for every project, as certain films are big hits out of nowhere. They end up being the best kind of surprise, as they often have little to no expectations from people ahead of time.
Guardians of the Galaxy
Initially seen as a risky venture by Marvel, this film about a ragtag group of misfits in space turned into a massive hit. With its quirky humor, memorable characters, and killer soundtrack, it quickly became a fan favorite. But it was unexpected because these weren’t characters that mainstream audiences were initially familiar with on the levels of Spider-Man or Batman.
Paranormal Activity
Made on a shoestring budget, this horror film’s found footage style and subtle scares captivated audiences, turning it into a cultural phenomenon and spawning several sequels. The movie surprised those considering how cheaply it was made and that it was done via found footage, which wasn’t the norm then.
Slumdog Millionaire
This film, which tells the story of a young boy from the slums of Mumbai who wins a game show, wasn’t expected to make waves. But it swept the Oscars and won over audiences worldwide with its heartfelt story and vibrant depiction of India. The fact it did so well critically pushed audiences to check it out, and word of mouth only spread from that point onward.
A Quiet Place
John Krasinski directed this horror film about a world where noise attracts deadly creatures. It was a tense, innovative take on the genre. Despite the risks involved, its unique premise and strong performances made it a standout hit. This has since become a franchise, with another two movies being released, showcasing people’s hunger for stories from this world.
Shrek
Released in an era dominated by Disney, Shrek was an unlikely contender from DreamWorks. Its clever humor, engaging story, and subversion of fairy tale tropes earned it a place in animation history. Shrek has become one of the most universally beloved animated movies of all time, with several follow-up movies and spin-offs taking place. Even theme park areas and rides are dedicated to this movie, proving just how influential it became.
John Wick
Keanu Reeves’ career saw a resurgence with this action-packed film. What seemed like a standard revenge story became a stylized, intense franchise that redefined modern action movies. While the likes of James Bond and Mission Impossible had previously dominated this space, the John Wick franchise brought in something fresh, boasting some of the best action scenes in movie history.
The Artist
A black-and-white silent film in the 21st century seemed like a risky bet, but The Artist won critical acclaim and multiple Oscars for its charming, nostalgic take on Hollywood’s silent era. It proves that taking risks and going outside the box sometimes is beneficial in the long run.
The Greatest Showman
Despite mixed initial reviews, this musical about P.T. Barnum’s circus became a huge hit, thanks to its catchy songs and Hugh Jackman’s charismatic performance. Highlighting that there’s still a hunger for movie musicals when done right and on a grand scale.
Moonlight
Moonlight is an Indie film about the life of a young black man growing up in Miami was made on a modest budget but gained widespread praise and won the Best Picture Oscar for its poignant storytelling and beautiful cinematography.
District 9
This South African film blended social commentary with sci-fi action in a way that resonated deeply with audiences, earning it critical acclaim and box office success.
Superbad
Written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, this teen comedy about two high school friends trying to party before graduation exceeded expectations with heartfelt humor and relatable characters. At first glance, it seemed like just another comedy, but it became a classic due to its entertainment.
Little Miss Sunshine
Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, this quirky family road trip film charmed audiences with its heartwarming and hilarious story and became a surprise hit. Balancing real emotion with genuine humor is challenging, but the movie does it perfectly.
Get Out
Jordan Peele’s directorial debut, a horror film with sharp social commentary, was an unexpected hit that earned widespread acclaim and became a cultural touchstone.
The Lego Movie
A movie based on Lego blocks sounded like a blatant cash grab and wouldn’t be compelling to watch. But its witty script, engaging story, and visual inventiveness turned it into a beloved film for all ages, allowing for several spin-off movies to take place that followed with the same tone.
Napoleon Dynamite
This offbeat comedy about a quirky high school student in rural Idaho found an enthusiastic audience, becoming a cult favorite for its unique humor and memorable characters.
Mad Max: Fury Road
Reviving a decades-old franchise seemed like a gamble that could’ve quickly gone wrong. But this high-octane, visually stunning action film won critical praise and numerous awards, including six Oscars. Despite not being packed with dialogue, the action and intensity never let up, making it so compelling.
The Social Network
A film about the creation of Facebook could have been more thrilling. Still, David Fincher’s direction and Aaron Sorkin’s sharp script turned it into a gripping drama that resonated with audiences.
Pan’s Labyrinth
Guillermo del Toro’s dark fairy tale, set against the backdrop of post-Civil War Spain, wasn’t expected to make a considerable impact but became a beloved classic for its imaginative story and stunning visuals. Many of the characters were memorable simply because of their appearance alone, which stuck in viewers’ minds due to their vibrant nature.
