Sometimes the most you think you’d hate the most turns out to be a pleasant surprise. I guess it’s true what they say: never judge a book by its cover.
Redditor EngineeringOk3975 recently asked, “what movie did you think you’d hate but ended up loving?”
Stardust
Based on the Neil Gaiman novel of the same name, 2007’s Stardust has an impressive ensemble cast. Yet moviegoers had little to no expectations for the romantic fantasy film.
Despite a modest theatrical run, the movie has developed a cult following. Thanks to great performances, Stardust managed to win over those who dared to judge the film before seeing it. One person commented, “The only reason I saw this film was the film me and my cousins wanted to watch was sold out.” However, afterward he changed his tune. “One of the best theater experience I had. Every character felt so alive regardless of their screen time and story was so clever and engaging. I couldn’t expect where it would go, which is very rare in those films. I love this movie. My all-time favorite feel-good movie.”
Crazy Stupid Love
From one ensemble cast to another. Written by Dan Fogelman, the 2011 film transcends from a bland romantic comedy to a surprise hit with fans.
It stars Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, Marisa Tomei, and Kevin Bacon.
21 Jump Street
A remake of the 1987 television series doesn’t seem like much to excite moviegoers. Yet in 2012, the film starring Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum won over critics and fans.
Its success led to a 2014 sequel, 22 Jump Street, which was just as beloved by fans and critics. A third entry in the series was discussed, but nothing came of it.
The Lego Movie
You’d be excused for assuming that a movie about Legos would be forgettable. However, The Lego Movie is anything but.
Thanks to incredible writing, a fantastic ensemble cast, a catchy song, and a surprisingly emotional ending, The Lego Movie defied the odds and became a blockbuster hit in 2014. It stars Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Ferrell, Will Arnett, and Morgan Freeman.
How To Train Your Dragon
On the surface, 2010’s How To Train Your Dragon looks like it’s trying to be an easy cash-in on the success of films like Shrek.
A decade later, How to Train Your Dragon has become one of the most successful and popular movie franchises of all time.
National Treasure
Nicolas Cage stealing the Declaration of Independence. It’s an absolutely absurd idea that caused moviegoers to approach 2005’s National Treasure cautiously. “Looked corny AF, but ended up being really fun,” noted one user.
Despite the odds, and mixed reactions from critics, fans fell in love with the film. It grossed nearly $350 million and spawned a sequel in 2007 and television series on Disney+ in 2022.
Enchanted
2007’s Enchanted was released when people wondered if Disney was losing its magic. Enchanted brought the look and feel of animated Disney classics to the live-action movie. The move was met with widespread acclaim and positive reception.
The film, starring Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, and Timothy Spall, brought the charm of animated Disney classics to life.
Mean Girls
The 2004 comedy from Tina Fey stars Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, and Lacey Chabert.
Despite a modest performance at the box office, the film has a cult following. A common consensus from fans is that they watched it with their kid or spouse and ended up falling in love with the movie.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
The first Jumanji movie, released in 1995, adapted the children’s novel of the same film. It stars Robin Williams and Bonnie Hunt and is a beloved classic based.
Over twenty years later, a sequel was released with The Rock, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan. Despite the audience’s having no expectations coming into the movie, it made nearly $1 billion at the box office.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Since debuting in 2003, the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise has grossed over $4 billion. Five movies have been released with a sixth in development, written by Craig Mazin, co-creator and co-writer for The Last of Us.
Based on a ride at Walt Disney World, the series stars Johnny Depp, Keira Knightley, Orlando Bloom, and Geoffrey Rush.
